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Trainee Accountant to Senior: How to Progress in Practice (Quickly!)

​Throughout my career as a specialist recruiter in professional practice, I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented, ambitious accountants, and some have progressed faster than others. While every journey is unique, there are clear patterns in what helps people move from trainee roles into more senior finance jobs within professional practice. Drawing from this experience, I’ve put together a set of strategies any accountant can adopt to accelerate their career up the professional practice ladder. These tactics have proven to be highly effective for those aiming to achieve their professional goals efficiently and successfully. ​​Embrace Increasing Responsibility​As you begin your career in accountancy, the scope of your duties often starts with basic tasks such as data entry, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports. While these tasks are important for building a foundation, taking on more responsibility is key to developing the skills and experience needed for progression in practice.Start by volunteering for more complex tasks that stretch your skillset, such as handling larger client accounts, managing financial forecasting, or (if possible) participating in audits. These challenges will expose you to new aspects of accountancy and allow you to learn beyond the day-to-day duties. Another way to progress quickly is by taking on leadership roles within a team or department. Taking on the responsibility of overseeing junior staff, delegating tasks, and ensuring deadlines are met can significantly enhance your development and provide you with the invaluable ‘management experience’ which is essential for trainee accountants looking to advance to the next step in their professional practice careers. ​Continuous Learning and Self-Development​As you challenge yourself with new responsibilities, actively pursuing knowledge and development goes hand in hand with completing further qualifications. Traditionally, most accountants I work with are newly or nearly AAT qualified which is a fantastic accomplishment in itself but for those with aspirations of climbing the ladder the next step should be further studies. Qualifications such as the ACA, ACCA or CTA (depending on your chosen specialism) will allow you to strengthen your technical expertise. It’s worth mentioning here that a good training contract and mentor are invaluable for the next step in your journey and should be a big factor when deciding to look for a new role after completing your AAT. ​Finding a Mentor Another important aspect of progressing quickly in accountancy is developing relationships with more experienced colleagues, supervisors, and managers. By seeking mentorship from more experienced professionals, you can gain insights into how they managed their career progression. Also, they can guide you in taking on appropriate challenges and responsibilities and help you navigate the complexities of the profession. Many of the most successful finance professionals credit their career growth to strong mentorship relationships established early in their journey. ​Networking​Networking is one of the most underutilised tools for career progression in finance. While it might feel intimidating at first, networking allows you to connect with and learn from likeminded individuals, stay informed about trends in professional practice, and discover new opportunities. One of the primary reasons networking is important is that it helps build valuable relationships that can last your career. By connecting with colleagues, senior professionals, and other stakeholders, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, insights, and opportunities that can propel your career forward. Ultimately, networking is not just about what you can gain but also about what you can offer to others. By fostering meaningful relationships, you contribute to a collaborative and supportive community that benefits everyone involved. Here at Sharp Consultancy, we host events across the year and have a long-standing relationship with various institutions and training groups including S&DCASS (Sheffield and District Chartered Accountants Student Society), LCASS (Leeds Chartered Accountants Students Society) and First Intuition to host events that bring studiers together from various firms throughout Yorkshire. It really is a brilliant first step in your networking journey. ​Whether you're just starting out or already on your way up, accelerating your career in professional practice comes down to a mix of mindset, opportunity, and action. By embracing responsibility, committing to continuous learning, building genuine relationships, and tapping into the right support networks, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position to thrive. If you’d like to explore how to take that next step—or just want to chat through your options—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect and start shaping your future together. Charlie Marper, Business Manager, charliemarper@sharpconsultancy.com – 0114 261 1700 ​Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together. ​

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Jamie Caulfield
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Jamie Caulfield

Regional Director

​Jamie Caulfield joined Sharp Consultancy in 2005 originally starting as PA to the Owner. In 2015, he advanced through the ranks to become the Regional Director of the Leeds Office. He now leads the West and North Yorkshire team to success.

With a degree in English and Media, Jamie began his professional career in customer service at a large bank before transitioning to recruitment. Over the years, he has cultivated a deep understanding of the finance sector, specialising in recruiting for Financial Controller, Finance Manager, and Senior Accounts positions across Bradford, Harrogate, and West and North Yorkshire.

Jamie's expertise focuses on qualified and senior finance. His extensive experience ensures he finds the best talent for roles throughout the Senior Finance and Qualified Finance sectors.

Jamie's dedication and precision in matching the right candidates with the right roles have significantly contributed to the firm's reputation for excellence in the Yorkshire region.

Outside of his professional life, Jamie is a dedicated family man, married with two young daughters. A passionate Leeds United supporter, he spends quality time with his family, often hoping for Leeds' promotion. Jamie also enjoys going to the gym and attending live music gigs, reliving the vibrant music of the '90s.

Jamie's career progression at Sharp Consultancy is a testament to his expertise, commitment, and the trust he has earned from clients and candidates alike. His hands-on approach and in-depth knowledge of the finance recruitment landscape make him a valuable asset to any organisation seeking top-tier financial talent.

Jamie enjoying his holidays with family and a gig with friends.

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    I ​would definitely rate the service a 10. Jamie has been fantastic and always kept me in the loop about roles and progress updates which is unique to your recruitment business even with the uncertainty of lockdown. I would recommend you to friends and to other colleagues from previous jobs if seeking employment.

    Claire
    Claire
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    ​I would like to give Stuart and Jamie a 10, they both stayed in regular contact with me during my job search and kept me informed of any roles that came to the market. Would definitely work with them both and Sharp Consultancy again.

    David
    David