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How To Explain Unemployment Gaps on Your Accountancy CV
02 May, 20231-2 minutes
It may seem daunting to highlight any periods of unemployment on your CV but don’t be afraid to do so because it is completely normal, and there are many valid reasons as to why these have occurred.
When writing your CV, all you need to do is clarify the reason for the period of unemployment in a professional and unbiased manner to give the hiring manager a full picture of your employment history. In our latest blog, we delve into how to easily explain unemployment gaps on your CV.
Explain the gap clearly
Even if the break in your career was to raise children, you should address this during the hiring process. It helps to clear up any confusion or misunderstandings with the hiring manager. Taking a break is nothing to be ashamed of and your potential future employer will understand this.
Always try to focus on the positives in the situation. Being out of employment may have given you the opportunity to develop new skills or take part in volunteering work, and you should use any such opportunities to your advantage.
Even if it is not purely career-related, be sure to comment on how your time out of employment has helped you to develop as a person. Even time spent working on your physical or mental health will demonstrate a ‘get up and go’ spirit which is a desirable trait to employers. A hiring manager will be more likely to overlook gaps in your employment if you were able to develop yourself professionally and utilise your time wisely.
What should you include on your CV?
If you are tempted to lie on your CV about the reason for your unemployment gaps, you should always remember that honesty is the best policy. It is much better to tell the truth than to get caught out later down the line. If this occurs, your integrity as a person will be in question.
Here are examples of what you could include on your CV when working out how to explain unemployment gaps:
- Joined groups on LinkedIn that specialise in accountancy and finance to network with industry professionals.
- Joined AAT as a professional member to demonstrate commitment to high standards of ethics in accounting.
- Volunteered as a football coach at a local school.
- Completed an online refresher course to stay up to date with the latest changes in inheritance tax.
- Completed a 90-day fitness challenge.
Highlight any relevant training
It’s important to highlight any relevant training or education which you may have completed during your period of unemployment. This can be an effective way to demonstrate your commitment to your field and your desire to continue learning and growing your skillset.
Accountancy is a field that requires constant learning and development due to the evolving nature of tax laws, regulations, and financial practices. Therefore, any training or education that you completed during your period of unemployment can be seen as an asset to potential employers.
Examples of relevant training or education that you may have completed during your period of unemployment could include:
- Professional development courses in accounting, taxation, or finance.
- Certification courses, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Financial Analyst (CFA).
- Industry-related courses, such as courses in business law or ethics.
- Online courses or webinars related to accounting, finance, or software skills.
By listing any relevant training or education you have completed, you demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to staying current in your field, and that you have taken active steps to improve your skills and knowledge during your period of unemployment. This can make you a more attractive candidate for accounting roles and may help to mitigate any concerns around gaps in your employment history.
Focus on skills and experience
When writing a CV, it’s vital to showcase your value as a potential employee through your skills and experience.
Here are some ways you can focus on your skills and experience:
- Highlight key achievements: Use bullet points to showcase specific achievements that demonstrate your accounting skills and experience. For example, you could highlight specific accounting projects you have worked on, the size of budgets you have managed, or any tax-related issues you have resolved.
- Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements using numbers and percentages. This can help to make your accomplishments more tangible and impressive. For example, you could state that you reduced tax liabilities for a client by 25% or that you increased profits by 10% through effective financial planning.
- Use active language: Use action verbs to describe your skills and accomplishments. This makes your CV more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of saying "Responsible for managing client accounts," you could say "Managed client accounts to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with tax regulations."
- Highlight relevant software skills: Accountancy is a field that requires proficiency in various software applications, such as Excel, QuickBooks, or SAP. Make sure to list any relevant software skills you have that are in demand in the accounting industry.
- Emphasise your communication and interpersonal skills: Accountancy is not just about crunching numbers; it also involves communicating effectively with clients and colleagues. Make sure to highlight any communication or interpersonal skills you have, such as negotiation, conflict resolution, or teamwork.
By highlighting your skills and experience on your accountancy CV, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge, expertise, and capabilities to excel in an accounting role. This can help to make you a more attractive candidate, even if you have gaps in your employment history due to unemployment.
Discover what Accountancy & Finance professionals are looking for in a job
As a specialist accountancy and finance recruitment agency, we understand how to support accountancy practices and private sector businesses in their mission to attract, engage and retain the best talent.
After conducting extensive research with accountancy and finance professionals, we compiled the What Accountancy & Finance Professionals Are Really Looking for in a Job in 2025 report.
The report delves into the key factors shaping job preferences and expectations within the industry and uncovers topics such as preferred salary, perks, benefits, work flexibility and work culture.
Read the full What Accountancy & Finance Professionals Are Really Looking for in a Job in 2025 report here.
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Whether you’re searching for a tax, audit or payroll specialist, we will help you to find whoever you need to make your practice thrive.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Management Consultant Lauren Fisher on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
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