Whether you're just starting your career in Finance Jobs Manchester,Accounting Jobs Manchester, or are a seasoned professional looking to take the next step, Manchester's thriving finance sector offers a wealth of opportunities. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from crafting the perfect CV to acing interviews, understanding the qualifications required, and discovering the best places to search for Finance Roles Near Me.
Why Manchester?
Manchester is not just the economic powerhouse of the North; it is also one of the UK's leading cities for Finance Careers and Accountancy Jobs Manchester. With major companies like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and EY establishing offices here, there are endless opportunities across various finance roles. The city also boasts a vibrant SME sector, providing diverse opportunities for both new graduates and experienced professionals.
According to ONS data, Manchester's financial services sector has been growing steadily, making it an ideal location for Finance Jobs in Manchester. In fact, Manchester is home to over 10,000 finance and professional service companies, employing more than 250,000 people in the Greater Manchester area alone.
Why Choose a Career in Finance?
A career in Finance Jobs Near Me is one of the most stable and rewarding paths in the UK. With roles available in both practice and industry sectors, there is immense flexibility and room for growth. Industry-based finance roles, particularly in Manchester Finance Jobs, are in high demand, with companies seeking skilled professionals for their in-house teams. Key benefits include:
Long-term stability: Finance roles are consistently in demand, even during economic downturns.
High earning potential: Finance professionals often command competitive salaries that grow with experience.
Career growth opportunities: Clear pathways to senior roles like Finance Manager Manchester, Financial Controller Jobs Manchester, and Finance Director Jobs.
Skill development: Exposure to critical business operations, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
According to a survey by CIPFA, 87% of finance professionals in the UK believe their roles offer long-term job security, and ICAEW reports that qualified accountants in the UK earn an average of £47,000 annually, with those in senior roles earning significantly more.
Financial Aptitude Tests and Assessments
Many finance roles in Manchester require candidates to pass specific aptitude tests during the interview process. These tests are designed to assess your numerical reasoning, logical thinking, and financial acumen. Some of the most common ones include:
Numerical Reasoning Tests: These evaluate your ability to work with numbers, interpret financial data, and make quick, accurate calculations.
Logical Reasoning Tests: These are used to measure your problem-solving abilities and logical thought processes.
Situational Judgement Tests (SJT): These assess how you respond to typical work-based scenarios, helping employers gauge your decision-making and interpersonal skills.
Excel Skills Tests: Many companies require you to demonstrate proficiency in Excel, including tasks like creating pivot tables, running VLOOKUPs, and analysing datasets.
Preparing for these tests is crucial if you want to stand out. Websites like Practice Aptitude Tests and Assessment Day offer free practice questions. Additionally, brushing up on your Excel skills using online tutorials can give you a significant advantage.
Typical Finance Department Structure
A typical finance department in Manchester-based firms generally includes the following roles:
Finance Assistant Jobs Manchester – Responsible for day-to-day bookkeeping, invoice processing, and maintaining financial records.
Management Accountant Jobs Manchester – Focus on budgeting, performance analysis, and financial reporting.
Financial Controllers – Oversee all financial activities, ensuring regulatory compliance and accurate reporting.
Finance Managers – Manage financial planning, risk management, and support strategic decision-making.
Finance Directors and CFOs – Provide overall leadership for financial strategies and business growth.
Head of Finance Jobs – Oversees company-wide financial operations and strategy.
Crafting the Perfect Finance CV
When applying for Finance Jobs Manchester or Accounting Jobs Manchester, your CV is your first chance to make an impact. Finance employers often look for specific skills, qualifications, and experience, so it's crucial to optimise your CV for both readability and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
Key Sections to Include:
Contact Information:
Full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if available).
Personal Statement:
A brief, impactful summary of who you are and what you bring to the role. Mention key skills like proficiency in Sage, Xero, and Microsoft Excel.
Professional Experience:
List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements and quantifiable outcomes. For example:
"Reduced accounts receivable days by 15% through improved invoicing processes."
"Led a team of three to streamline payroll operations, cutting processing time by 20%."
Key Skills:
Highlight skills in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and data analysis.
Include software skills: Excel, Sage, Xero, and any ERP systems you are familiar with.
Education & Qualifications:
Detail your academic background, focusing on finance-related degrees or AAT, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications.
Certifications and Training:
Mention any specialised training, such as Advanced Excel, Leadership in Finance, or IFRS Standards.
References:
Available upon request, or list if explicitly required by the employer.
CV Writing Tips for Finance Roles:
Use Metrics: Demonstrating achievements with numbers (e.g., "managed budgets exceeding £5M") will make your CV more impactful.
Keep it Concise: Aim for two pages, with clear headers and bullet points.
Tailor for Each Role: Adjust your CV to highlight skills and experience that match the job description.
Proofread: Even small errors can undermine your credibility in a field that values precision.
Optimising for ATS:
Most large companies in Manchester use ATS software to filter candidates. To pass this digital gatekeeper, include keywords from the job description (e.g., Management Accountant Jobs Manchester, Finance Assistant Jobs Manchester), use standard headers (like 'Work Experience'), and avoid complex formatting.
For more tailored CV advice, check out our Ultimate Guide to Finance CV Writing.
Brushing Up on Essential Skills
To truly stand out in Manchester's competitive finance job market, you should be proficient in key software and systems:
Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills in formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data analysis are crucial for almost all finance roles. YouTube tutorials can help refresh your skills.
Accounting Software: Familiarity with Sage and Xero is highly desirable. Even if you haven’t used these platforms professionally, video walkthroughs on YouTube are a great way to familiarise yourself with their interfaces and capabilities.
Day in the Life of a Finance Professional
A typical day for a finance professional can vary widely depending on the role. For example:
Finance Assistant: Starts the day with bank reconciliations, processing invoices, and updating spreadsheets. They often assist with payroll and maintain records for audit purposes.
Management Accountant: Begins with analysing budgets, forecasting revenue, and meeting with department heads to review financial performance.
Financial Controller: Focuses on high-level financial reporting, compliance, and managing the finance team’s daily activities.
Finance Manager: Spends time on strategic financial planning, risk assessment, and decision-making support for senior leadership.
Career Progression Pathways in Finance
The career path in finance is often well-structured, with clear progression routes:
Entry-Level: Finance Assistant Jobs Manchester, Accounts Payable Jobs Manchester, Graduate Finance Jobs Manchester
Mid-Level: Management Accountant Jobs Manchester, Financial Analyst
Senior-Level: Finance Manager Manchester, Financial Controller Jobs Manchester
Executive-Level: Finance Director Jobs, CFO, Head of Finance Jobs
Each step up usually involves gaining specific qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA) and taking on more strategic responsibilities.
Networking and Professional Development
Networking is crucial in finance. Attend Manchester finance networking events, join LinkedIn groups, and consider professional memberships like CIMA or ACCA to expand your connections.
Start Your Job Search
Visit our Finance Job Listingsto explore current opportunities across Manchester, including roles like Finance Assistant Jobs Manchester, Management Accountant Jobs Manchester, Finance Manager Manchester, and Financial Controller Jobs Manchester.
Finally...
Finding a finance or accountancy job in Manchester is highly achievable with the right strategy, the right qualifications, and strong preparation. Follow the steps in this guide, optimise your CV, and explore Manchester's vibrant finance sector to kickstart or elevate your career.
Finance is not just a career; it is a gateway to understanding the business world at its core, with Manchester being one of the best places to start or grow that journey.
To make the journey even smoother, consider mastering interview skills and learning how to handle common finance-specific interview questions. We will explore that next in our Mastering Finance Interviews guide.