Part Qualified Accountant CV Example
A part qualified accountant CV should present your professional exam progress, hands-on accounting experience, and dedication to completing your chosen qualification pathway.
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Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Specify which qualification you are pursuing (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and your current progress.
- Highlight the practical skills you have developed alongside your studies.
- Mention any study support or sponsorship from your employer to demonstrate mutual investment.
- Show progressive responsibility in your roles to demonstrate career growth.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Part Qualified Accountant CV
A part-qualified accountant CV should present you as a developing professional who is actively building both technical knowledge and practical skills. Employers hiring part-qualified candidates want to see a clear qualification trajectory, relevant hands-on experience, and the ability to balance study commitments with workplace responsibilities. Your CV should communicate your current level, your rate of progress, and your readiness to take on increasing levels of responsibility.
CV Structure
Start with a profile that states your qualification pathway, current progress, and practical experience. Place your exam progress prominently — within the profile or in a dedicated section near the top. Follow with reverse-chronological work experience showing how your responsibilities have grown. Include skills and education sections, keeping the CV to one or two pages depending on experience length.
CV Format
Use a clean, professional template with clear section headings. Ensure your qualification progress is immediately visible to hiring managers who will be screening for specific exam levels. Avoid cluttering the page with excessive detail about routine tasks — focus on demonstrating competence and progression.
CV Profile Examples
Part Qualified ACA — Training Contract
Part-qualified ACA accountant in the second year of a training contract at a regional practice, with eight professional-level exams passed. Gaining experience across audit, accounts preparation, and tax compliance for a portfolio of SME and owner-managed business clients. Combines strong technical aptitude with effective client communication skills, consistently receiving positive feedback from engagement managers and clients.
Part Qualified CIMA — Industry
CIMA part-qualified accountant at the Management Level, with four years of experience in management reporting and cost analysis within a multinational packaging manufacturer. Responsible for producing monthly P&L reports for two production sites and supporting the annual budgeting process. Studying towards CIMA Strategic Level with an expected qualification date within twelve months while continuing to deliver high-quality financial information to operational stakeholders.
Part Qualified Accountant — Career Changer
Motivated part-qualified accountant with ACCA Applied Skills completed, transitioning from a career in banking operations into professional accountancy. Three years of financial services experience provides a strong foundation in regulatory compliance, data accuracy, and customer-facing communication. Currently gaining practical accounting experience through a combined study and work programme with a local practice.
State your qualification body, the number of papers passed, and your expected qualification date. Mention the types of accounting work you are performing and the sector you work in. Express your career ambition briefly.
Key Skills for Your Part Qualified Accountant CV
Accounts Preparation
Preparing draft and finalised accounts for limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders under relevant accounting frameworks.
Month-End Procedures
Completing monthly close activities including journal entries, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations.
Journal Entries
Preparing and posting manual journal entries to correct, adjust, or reclassify financial transactions.
Balance Sheet Reconciliation
Reconciling balance sheet accounts to supporting schedules and investigating unresolved differences.
VAT Returns
Preparing and submitting VAT returns accurately and on time in compliance with HMRC regulations.
Payroll
Processing employee payroll including PAYE, National Insurance, pension contributions, and statutory payments.
Accounting Software
Using packages such as Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks for transaction processing, reporting, and record-keeping.
Professional Exam Progress
Actively studying towards ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification, demonstrating commitment to professional development.
Analytical Skills
Applying analytical thinking to financial data, identifying discrepancies, and supporting informed decision-making.
Work Experience Examples
Show progression in your responsibilities as you have advanced through your exams. Detail the practical skills you are developing — accounts preparation, audit work, tax, or management reporting — and demonstrate that your workplace experience complements your studies. Include achievements that show initiative, accuracy, and growing capability.
Trainee Accountant
Birchall & Coates LLP
Completed rotations across audit, accounts, and tax departments during a structured ACA training contract at a 15-partner regional practice.
Responsibilities
- Prepared draft statutory accounts under FRS 102 for limited companies with turnover up to £20M.
- Assisted with audit fieldwork, performing substantive testing on cash, receivables, and inventory cycles.
- Calculated personal tax liabilities and prepared self-assessment returns for a portfolio of individual clients.
- Posted journals, reconciled balance sheet accounts, and assisted with month-end procedures for industry placement clients.
- Maintained organised audit and accounts files, ensuring all documentation met the firm's quality standards.
Achievements
- Passed eight ACA professional-level exams at first attempt while maintaining a full client workload.
- Identified a £28,000 prior year adjustment in a client's fixed asset register that had been incorrectly capitalised.
- Received commendation from the tax partner for the quality and accuracy of a complex capital gains tax computation.
Accounts Officer
Hillside Property Management Ltd
Managed day-to-day accounting for a property management company overseeing 45 residential and commercial properties.
Responsibilities
- Processed rental income, service charges, and supplier payments across multiple property accounts in Xero.
- Prepared monthly management accounts and bank reconciliations for review by the finance director.
- Calculated and submitted quarterly VAT returns under both standard and flat rate schemes.
- Managed tenant deposit accounts and produced year-end statements for each managed property.
Achievements
- Passed the first four CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting papers within six months of starting CIMA studies.
- Introduced a standardised property accounts template that reduced monthly reporting time by 35%.
Education & Qualifications
Lead with your professional qualification progress, listing the body, papers passed, and expected completion date. Follow with your degree and any exemptions gained. If you have an AAT qualification that preceded your current studies, include it as it shows a structured career path.
ACA (Part-Qualified)
Progress towards the ICAEW chartered accountant qualification through structured training and exams.
ACCA (Part-Qualified)
Progress towards the ACCA chartered certified accountant qualification through professional exams.
CIMA (Part-Qualified)
Progress towards the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification through structured study.
AAT Qualified
Completed accounting technician qualification providing a practical foundation before proceeding to chartered level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I present part-qualified status positively on my CV?
Should I include my expected qualification date?
How do I show I can handle work and study simultaneously?
What if I have failed some exams — should I still mention my progress?
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