Your Career in Finance - From Practice to Commercial
In the latest article of this series, Leighton Thomas outlines how ACA-qualified accountants can move from practice into commercial finance. A concise guide for those targeting senior finance roles.
Your Career in Finance - From Practice to Commercial
In the latest article of this series, Leighton Thomas outlines how ACA-qualified accountants can move from practice into commercial finance. A concise guide for those targeting senior finance roles.
How ACA-Qualified Accountants Can Transition into Commercial Roles
For many ACA or ACCA qualified accountants, the path begins in audit, practice, or financial reporting roles. But for those with ambitions to become an FD or CFO, technical accounting alone will not be enough. A breadth of experience is vital - and commercial finance is one area that cannot be overlooked.
Roles in commercial finance, such as FP&A or finance business partnering, offer exposure to decision-making, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement - all essential skills for future finance leaders. However, making the move from a technical role into a commercial one is not always straightforward.
The reason I started writing this article is because I had a number of first-time movers looking to get into commercial roles who were asking for advice. I wanted to take a step back, think about how I could help, and seek insight from someone who has already made the transition.
Why Commercial Finance Matters
Commercial finance roles put you closer to the business. You will be analysing performance, challenging budgets, and supporting non-finance stakeholders to make informed decisions. It is about using financial insight to drive growth - and that experience is what helps future FDs and CFOs become true business partners.
Common Barriers to Making the Move
- Perception of Skill Gaps – Hiring managers often look for candidates who already have commercial exposure.
- Role Titles – Some roles with commercial elements may not be branded as “Finance Business Partner” or “FP&A,” making it harder to identify the right stepping stones.
- Mindset Shift – Moving from backward-looking reporting to forward-looking analysis can be a challenge at first.
Tips for Making the Transition
Look for Transitional Roles
Not everyone can jump straight from audit into FP&A or FBP - so look for roles that bridge the gap:
- Management Accountant roles with budget/forecasting responsibility
- Analyst roles within large finance teams
- Financial Planning roles in larger businesses
- Project Accountant or Cost Analyst roles
These roles can act as stepping stones and help build the commercial acumen required.
Tailor Your CV
- Highlight any forecasting, budgeting, or stakeholder interaction experience - even if it was minimal.
- Use action words like “business partnering,” “analysis,” “insight,” and “decision support.”
- Shift the focus from what you reported to the impact your work had on the business.
Upskill and Learn the Language
- Learn Excel inside-out (Power Query, Power Pivot, Index/Match, etc.)
- Get comfortable with tools like Power BI or Tableau
- Take short courses in data analytics or FP&A fundamentals (CIMA offers a helpful Certificate in Business Partnering)
- Follow content creators and CFOs on LinkedIn who share commercial finance insights
Demonstrate a Commercial Mindset
- Use interviews and networking opportunities to show curiosity about the business, its customers, and how decisions are made. The right mindset can get you a chance -even if your experience is not 100% there yet.
Final Thoughts
There is no single path to becoming a CFO - but understanding how the business makes money, where it spends it, and how to influence both is crucial. Commercial finance experience helps you build this skillset. The sooner you gain that exposure, the sooner you will be seen as a business leader, not just a financial one.
Insights from Tom Mather, Group Finance Director at LNT
I also spoke with Tom Mather, Finance Director at LNT, to get his perspective. His advice for those moving from audit into industry was clear and practical. There will also be a follow up Q&A with Tom next week.
“First and foremost, it’s important to do something different - something that genuinely interests you. Think two steps ahead when planning your move, and focus on where you want your career to go, not just your next role.”
If you’re aiming for a more commercial position, mindset is everything. You might not have loads of direct experience, but you can still demonstrate your value by highlighting where you’ve gone above and beyond — whether that’s improving processes, contributing to team culture, or making a difference outside of revenue generation. Even things like setting up a staff society can show initiative and impact. The more you put yourself into new situations, the more you can take forward into future roles.”
Leighton Thomas – Read my Q&A here
Mobile: 07732 495 873
Email: leighton@pratappartnership.com
Read my other 'Your Career in Finance' Articles in my series here:
