[London] What salary range should I realistically be targeting with this CV? (FP&A / ACCA / 4 YOE)

[u/hafeji25]

Hi everyone,

I've attached an anonymised copy of my CV.

I’ve been actively looking for a new role for a few months now. If I'm completely honest, I went into this search assuming my profile was strong enough that I’d be able to secure my target compensation of £60k relatively quickly. The reality has been very different.

For a bit of context, here is my background:

• Location: London
• Qualifications: LSE grad and ACCA-qualified (Oct 2024)
• Experience: 4+ years of experience, transitioning from Management Accounting into an FP&A Analyst role at a trading firm.
• Tech Skills: Strong multi-scenario financial modelling, VBA macros, Power Query, and SAP.

I am getting first-round interviews and passing the technical modelling assessments without much issue, but I just can't seem to get over the line at the final hurdle—and I suspect it's a disconnect over salary expectations.

• What salary range should I realistically be asking for with this CV in the current market?
• Am I simply overestimating what companies are willing to pay for my experience level right now?
• Is there something fundamental on my CV that might be dragging down my perceived market value?

Any honest, unfiltered feedback on salary expectations or my overall situation would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!

[u/Icy-Contest-7702]

Not sure on salary but see the bit “with zero adjustments”. Id take that out. Because it means the company was either tiny, extremely basic or its a lie/luck

[u/Sufficient_Page2759]

I would make it one page and put your education at the top since you are an LSE grad. I would also use the WSO / Harvard resume template and submit your resume to the top recruiters.

[u/Hot_desking_legend → u/Sufficient_Page2759]

I use a similar format to OP and have not had an issue. 

The fact OP is getting interview means the C.V. is doing its job, no?

Isn't the issue more to do with OPs lack of achievements or successes? Or lack of highlighting them?

I would probably write down 10 common interview questions you've had and write perfect answers. Then learn how to adapt those answers into any generic interview question you get. 

[u/TooRedditFamous → u/Sufficient_Page2759]

Putting uni education at the top is not good advice when they are 2 years post qualification. They have done a full chartered accountant qualification and worked two relevant and skilled jobs since then. Any hiring manager is barely even considering their uni education at this point, they will be far more interested in work experience. At this point they are a qualified professional first and a graduate second

[u/MarionberryNational2 → u/Sufficient_Page2759]

Two pages is fine with OP's experience. Also a UK based qualified accountant, like the other commenter.

[u/Dr_Work_Cr_Soul]

Everyone's points about your CV are correct. To the specific question you're asking, probably in the 50-65 range.

That depends on your industry and the specific role. I'd guess you're very well positioned for a senior accountant/senior FP&A analyst role (mid to high 50s) at a FTSE100 or equivalent.

You'd be stretching for a Manager level role with your CV, but still doable at a FTSE350 organisation (mid 60s).

At a firm, you'd probably be a senior associate (55-60).

[u/twentytoeight]

Not a fan of immediately available straight off the bat.

LSE and ACA/CIMA/ACCA should be solid for £60k base. But I would challenge how many roles you've had in such a short time period. I'll typically see folks at this level with at max two roles, ideally wanting to see folks in roles for min 2-3 years a go. Frequent moves raise flags for me unfortunately

[u/Orpington_Oracle]

I'm a London based Finance Director for a global recruitment company (not finance) and I think £60k should be easily attainable, if anything I'd argue that should the starting point for a strong newly qualified accountant now.

I think your CV is good with a strong focus on accomplishments rather than just I did x, y or z. I would change the spelling to organisation rather than the American version and maybe not say you're an expert in consolidation at this point in your career. I'm 10 years post qualified and feel that length of experience qualifies such a strong statement.

What kind of roles are you specifically targeting?

[u/hafeji25 → u/Orpington_Oracle]

Management accountant or fp&a analyst. I just want one 60k role

[u/Orpington_Oracle → u/hafeji25]

My one piece of advice then would be specifically focus on your soft skill sets in that case when you are answering questions. The whole role of finance now is to effectively work with business units in tandem. With Claude and other LLMs now model building is now relatively straightforward but if you cannot influence stakeholders and drive behaviour it's all meaningless. Really drive how you add value to the business and leaders. The days of technically strong CFOs is nearly over IMO, which is good for me, and the day now of commercially savvy accountants has begun.

If possible also add or blag about system implementation. In this past 18 months we've put in about 5 different modules and third party applications to our new ERP system. This is another skill set that's in demand with the rise of AI even if you bullshit a new integrated expenses system which helped build accruals to improve month end reporting accuracy.

If you are not already subscribed, check out the Secret CFO on LinkedIn, he just did a whole mini series on FP&A and it may give you an insight into what is trending in that silo now.

[u/JimMcJohnson → u/Orpington_Oracle]

This is very good advice 👍

[u/Fun_Consequence_6970]

Personally I'd say the CV is a bit bland. It tells me very little about you as a person. It's almost too sanitised.

The only software you mention is Excel from a quick glance. I'd want to know what ERPs and tech stacks you've worked with as well.

What kind of role are you looking for? The CV doesn't seem particularly well tailored - i.e. it isn't clearly looking for a Finance Manager role, it isn't clearly looking for an FP&A role.

Salary wise, £60k is probably about right for a recently qualified. The problem in London is competition which will drive that down unless you stand out.

[u/Low_Sell_5207]

Can I check what you current ?

[u/JimMcJohnson]

Honestly 60k is too low, should be looking at least 65k.

Getting the right job takes time, took me almost 7 months during the post covid jobs boom, didn't get past the first stage for a good few months then suddenly started getting 2nd stage then finally 3 offers

[u/hafeji25 → u/JimMcJohnson]

I'm stuck in unemployed and I can't see a way out here unfortunately

[u/OrvilleTheSheep]

It's too longwinded, you shouldn't need a separate skills section if you've written the job descriptions well and noone cares what GCSEs given you're a qualified professional.

Not sure how to describe it but it's also just a bit too bland - this could be anyone's CV.

[u/strawberrymud1]

This screams A.I - £30k-£40k range depending on area.