Crafting a strong first impression is essential in today’s competitive job market, and for accounting and finance professionals, your CV is often the key that opens the door to new opportunities. A clear, focused profile summary at the top of your CV helps employers quickly understand who you are, what you’ve achieved, and what you’re looking for next. Avoid clichés and instead use concise, factual statements backed up with examples throughout your experience. Stating your availability, maintaining a clean format with consistent headings, and ensuring your LinkedIn profile aligns with your CV are simple but powerful steps that immediately strengthen your application.
Detail is particularly important in transactional and technical finance roles. Employers value clarity around volumes, values, deadlines and the systems you’ve worked with—including your proficiency in tools like Excel. If you have contributed to month-end, management accounts or statutory processes, break these down clearly and specify your exact involvement, especially if you “assisted” in tasks. Any gaps in employment should also be explained, as periods spent travelling, studying or upskilling can often paint a positive picture rather than raise questions.
One of the most effective ways to stand out is by highlighting key achievements for each role, especially if you’ve been in a position for six months or longer. Tangible results such as improving processes, saving time or money, generating revenue, or contributing to system changes give employers a genuine sense of your impact. Findings from our 2024 Job Seeker Survey reinforce how important it is for both employers and candidates to understand motivation and priorities. Flexible working continues to influence decisions on both sides, while limited progression opportunities and workplace culture remain top reasons professionals consider a move.
At Sheridan Maine, we take a proactive approach to supporting job seekers - far beyond simply reacting to vacancies. When you register with us, we work with you to build a targeted plan covering your preferred responsibilities, industries, locations and environments. Our close relationships with hiring managers mean we can position your credentials directly with decision-makers and help secure opportunities aligned with your goals. Whether you need your CV professionally formatted or want deeper insight into the current market, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
