Pexels N Voitkevich 8927687

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. ​

Read article
Banner Default Image
Back to Disciplines

Interim Finance Recruitment Specialists: Fast-Track Your Career Success

For over 30 years, Sharp Consultancy has been the leading expert in interim finance recruitment across Yorkshire and the North Midlands. Our wealth of experience and commitment to excellence positions us as the top choice for high-level interim finance roles from Interim Accountants to Interim Finance Directors.

Why Choose Sharp Consultancy for Your Interim Finance Career?

Our team of knowledgeable consultants specialises exclusively in interim finance recruitment, providing unparalleled insights and valuable industry connections. Here’s why Sharp Consultancy is the ideal partner for your interim finance job search:

  • 30+ Years of Experience: We focus solely on interim finance recruitment, ensuring a deep understanding of market dynamics and job requirements.

  • Dedicated Interim Finance Experts: Our commitment to the interim finance sector allows us to identify specific needs, trends, and opportunities that matter to you.

  • Personalised Job Matching: We prioritise finding the right interim finance position that aligns with your career goals and expertise.

Advantages of Senior Interim Roles in Finance

Interim finance positions offer numerous benefits that can significantly boost your career trajectory:

  • Diverse Experience: Working in interim roles allows you to gain valuable experience across various industries and organizations, enhancing your skill set and exposure to different financial practices.

  • Networking Opportunities: Interim positions often provide access to influential leaders in the finance sector, helping you build connections that can lead to future job opportunities and collaborations.

  • Flexibility and Autonomy: Many interim roles offer greater flexibility in work arrangements, helping you achieve a desirable work-life balance while engaging in exciting projects without the long-term commitment of a permanent position.

  • Immediate Impact: As an interim professional, you have the chance to make a substantial impact within an organisation, showcasing your ability to deliver results and enhancing your reputation in the finance field.

  • Career Advancement: Gaining interim experience not only helps fill gaps in your career but also positions you for higher-level roles. Demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills across different contexts makes you an attractive candidate for future employers.

Benefits of Partnering with Sharp Consultancy

  • Specialised Recruitment Team: Our expert team focuses on interim finance roles, offering tailored guidance to optimise your job search.

  • Customised Job Matches: We strive to connect you with interim positions that perfectly align with your qualifications and career aspirations, recognising the importance of strong finance teams in business success.

  • Extensive Industry Network: Our long-standing relationships with businesses throughout the North enable us to place you in roles that fit your career objectives.

Join Our Network

Ready to take the next step in your finance career? Submit your CV today to express your interest. Our commitment to excellence ensures you’ll receive the support and opportunities needed to thrive in your Transactional Finance career.

Submit CV

  • Quote

    ​Communication was excellent even when the post was delayed it was communicated well. Everything went smoothly from interview to onboarding and overall I am very pleased with the process.

    placeholder
    Josie
  • Quote

    ​Karen, Stuart and Colin at Sharp have worked tirelessly to place me in the right position, considering me with everything that might be appropriate!

    Craig
    Craig
  • Quote

    ​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
  • Quote

    ​I would score a 10, Stuart is lovely. He kept me fully informed of my progress and and possible roles. Brilliant follow up after starting my new role and he even sent me a little congratulations gift.

    Diana
    Diana
  • Quote

    ​Karen was extremely helpful and proactive in securing my placement for me. She was very knowledgeable about her client and also went to great lengths to ensure that I was prepared for the meetings I had with them before they offered me a contract. She was always accessible and I never felt that she was rushing me. Her insights to the client and the sort of person that they were looking for were also essential in me securing this role. The manner and politeness of all staff I have spoken with over recent months has been exemplary.

    Ian
    Ian
  • Quote

    I am so grateful for this opportunity thanks to Karen and the team. It is going well and the company is one of the best I have ever worked for. ​

    Iman
    Iman

Speak with a specialist today.