What do accountancy employers look for in a graduate CV?

In the first of an ongoing series of Guest Blogger posts, The Accountancy Partnership share some industry insights on what you as an applicant need to get a recruiter’s attention…

The top three things accountancy employers look for in a graduate CV

No matter what industry or sector you are hoping to build your career in post-university, perfecting your CV needs to be top of your priority list. However the accounting and finance sector is an area where CVs are particularly critical and can be the difference between finding yourself on the ‘NO’ pile or polishing your shoes for interview so it’s crucial that you hit the nail on the head.

It goes without saying that excellent grammar, impeccable presentation and recent references need to be included but we’re looking more closely at what specific information accountancy employers will be looking for in a graduate CV.

1. Relevant qualifications
   Academic and specific professional qualifications that demonstrate any relevant courses and financial acumen is vital information that you must include in your CV. The accounting industry is one that prioritises professional certification heavily so now is the time to shout about your accolades.
   The employer will be looking at your qualifications to gain valuable insight into how much experience you have had within the industry. This means they probably won’t be interested in anything pre-GCSE level and will be more interested in degrees, diplomas and professional qualifications. Display this information with the most recent first then document the rest in reverse chronological order.
2. Hands-on experience in the industry
   Employers from the accountancy and finance industry will be searching for a graduate employee who has had some experience in using various accounting software and financial management systems. You will likely be responsible for handling client accounts, meeting legal deadlines, assisting in things like filing tax returns and payroll processes and advising on tax liabilities so the employer will need to know that you are competent and somewhat experienced.
   As a graduate you will likely have gaps in hands-on professional experience but your CV is a chance to summarise any internships or work experience that you might have completed during your studies. Outlining this will enable the employer to establish which types of accountancy firms you have gained experience in and which types of systems and processes you have been exposed to.
3. Specific knowledge and skillset
   The accounting and finance sector is extremely diverse so it’s essential that you tailor your CV to the nature of the job you are applying for. As a recent graduate, this will likely be an assistant accountant or technician role, which will involve liaising with clients, updating systems and processing monthly transactions.
   This means an employer will be looking for someone who has sound mathematical and IT knowledge as well as good analytical and problem solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills will also be held in high esteem as you will be spending a great deal of time speaking to clients and explaining financial processes to them. Time management and organisations attributes are also necessary, as is a general understanding of financial policies, laws and legal procedures.

Article by The Accountancy Partnership, Online Accountants for Small Businesses www.theaccountancy.co.uk

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