Starting or progressing your career in finance can be one of the most exciting - and daunting - periods in your professional life. Whether you're navigating your first steps post-graduation, transitioning from practice to industry, or preparing for your next move as a part-qualified or newly-qualified professional, knowing where to start and how to stand out makes all the difference.

At Pratap Partnership, we’ve spent decades supporting finance professionals across Yorkshire and the East Midlands. From early-career accountants to seasoned CFOs, we’ve had the privilege of advising and placing some of the most talented individuals in the market. That experience, alongside insights from leading industry bodies such as the REC and ICAEW, has shaped this Essential Guide—a practical resource designed to equip you with the tools, insights, and confidence to succeed.

Why This Guide Matters

The finance profession is evolving. Employers are looking beyond technical qualifications—they value adaptability, commercial awareness, and communication skills. Candidates are faced with choices that shape not just their next role, but their long-term trajectory: industry vs. practice, CIMA vs. ACA, SMEs vs. corporates. With competition high and career paths increasingly complex, this Guide aims to offer clarity.

What You'll Find Inside

This Guide is structured around the key stages and decisions that define a finance career, with content tailored for junior to newly-qualified professionals. Inside, you’ll find:

• CV & Application Advice: Learn how to craft a standout CV that highlights your value beyond the numbers, and tailor applications for different finance roles.
• LinkedIn & Personal Branding: Optimise your online presence to attract recruiters and hiring managers in the finance sector.
• Interview Preparation: From technical assessments to behavioural questions, discover how to prepare for finance interviews with confidence.
• Career Path Insights: Understand the differences between practice and industry roles, what to consider post-qualification, and how to choose the right route for your ambitions.
• Qualification Guidance: Hear from experts on the value of different qualifications and how to future-proof your skills in a competitive market.
• Tailored Salary Guide & Projection: Salary expectations are complex in today’s market. We've benchmarked roles up to newly qualified level to help you understand where you stand—and where your career could take you. Knowing your worth is key at every stage.

Real-World Perspective, Local Expertise

The advice we share is grounded in real-time market insight. Every week, we speak with finance professionals at all stages of their careers and employers across every sector. We don’t just observe trends—we help shape careers around them.

We are proud members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and trusted contributors at regional ICAEW events, where we present on the latest developments in finance recruitment. These relationships allow us to offer advice that is not only practical but aligned with the highest professional standards.

To Receive a Copy

Pratap Partnership are launching our 'Your Career in Finance - The Essential Guide' on Monday 19th May. To receive a copy, please contact:

Leighton Thomas

07732 495 873

leighton@pratappartnership.com