You know a thing or two about how to handle the vast resources of major corporations. What makes you unique is your ability to drive healthy business development through the use of proper accounting processes.
But, although you may be top-notch with keeping finances in check, it’s not easy to represent your skills on a resume. If that’s you, we’ve got you covered, as you’ll learn how to structure your resume so that it has the most impact on employees. In this article, you’ll find a thorough description of all the major sections of a resume, including examples.
Choose the best format for your finance manager resume
At Enhancv, we’re obsessed with refining how we write resumes, discovering new strategies to maximize the success of our client’s resumes. We recently did a study and found that our resumes did significantly better than Microsoft Word resume templates when scanned with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software.
We’ve also learned a few key details about formatting which you’ll find below:
- Length/Columns: Although length and amount of columns aren’t too important, we found that a 1 page resume with two columns is the best format for your resume.
- Section headings: It’s important to only put information specific to the section heading in each section. For example, if you’re writing your ‘Education’ section, only include your education in there.
- Color and Design: Although color and design isn’t scanned by ATS software, adding eye-catching colors and designs to your resume can help it stand out from the pile.
- Font: Don’t worry, you don’t have to stick with boring Times New Roman when writing your resume. In fact, all Google fonts can be easily scanned through ATS software.
- File format: PDF is the go-to format for resumes because it doesn’t compress or move around important graphics and information, unlike a Word document.
Also, it’s a good idea to use a reverse chronological format when listing your experience, as you can showcase your most recent experience first. This gives a recruiter an opportunity to gain a better understanding of your career trajectory (where you started and where you’ve gotten to in your career).
If you’re switching careers or are in a more creative field, use a hybrid resume format. A hybrid resume format allows you to place your skills right next to your experience in equal columns.
Pro tip
Include both your technical and mathematical skills with your interpersonal skills to create a well-rounded resume.
Add your contact information in the resume header
Your contact information is almost as important as your experience on a resume. It tells a hiring manager how to best reach you, as well as crucial information about your location and social media handles. Always check that your resume header is correct, and that it matches your cover letter.
Here are some other key details to include in your resume header:
- Your first name and last name
- Your title
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your location
- Relevant social media handles (optional)
Create an interesting finance manager resume summary
Your resume summary is your first opportunity to show that you’re the perfect person for the role. It’s a short pitch—between two to three sentences—which gives you an opportunity to list major achievements and skills from your career.
Below, you can find some details to include in your resume summary:
- Your title and years of experience
- Your most relevant skills in your field
- Your top 1-2 professional achievements
It’s also a great space to include keywords that can be scanned by ATS software. Peruse the job description and you’ll find skills and experience that are expected for the candidate filling the position. Include those keywords in your resume summary.
Feature a standout finance manager experience section
Your experience might tip the scales in being selected for a finance manager position. That’s why it’s important to include only the most important information which applies to the position you’re applying for.
Below, you’ll find a list of things to include in your resume experience section:
- Reverse chronological order
- Job title
- Company name, location, and description
- Date of employment: It’s important to include both the month and year on your resume because ATS software tracks for it.
- Achievements and responsibilities: Here is where you can showcase your abilities to a potential hiring manager. Tailor your responsibilities in your previous roles to the expectations for the role in the job description. These can be major keywords used by ATS software.
- Action words: Use action words to showcase your experience. For example, ‘managed’ falls flat when compared to words like ‘spearheaded’ and ‘initiated’.
- Quantify your achievements: Always remember to add specific figures, percentages, or real-world monetary figures to boost the claims you make in your experience section.
3 examples of quantifiable achievements in the finance manager niche:
- Reducing departmental spending
- Improving cash management
- Leading a financial restructuring to increase profitability
02/2020 - 11/2023
- Spearheaded a cost-saving initiative which reduced departmental expense by 20%. Discovered inefficient practices in the budgeting process, and implemented processes to create tighter controls.
- Improved cash flow through a capital management strategy which resulted in a 15% increase in cash flow.
- Led a financial restructuring process which increased profitability for one of our largest clients.
List your education
In the finance field, your education can play just as much a part in getting hired as your experience. If you come from a prestigious university or had top grades, you want to list those when you mention your education. Here are some other things to include when listing your education:
- Degree Name
- University, college, or other institution
- Location (optional)
- Years attended
- GPA
02/2010 - 11/2015
List your relevant finance manager skills
As a finance manager, your role involves a lot of technical skills that involve using software and technology to manage finances. But you’re also going to need a lot of soft skills, or people skills, as you liaison with clients, providing them with all the information they need to make informed financial decisions.
Let’s look at the difference between hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills
Hard skills, also referred to as technical skills, are skills which depend on a specific workplace. The financial field, with major technical skills, will involve computer software and in-depth knowledge of accounting practices.
The top three technical skills for finance manager roles:
- Financial Analysis
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Risk Management
Soft skills
Soft skills can make all the difference in your job search, as hiring managers are desperate to find people who have great interpersonal skills. Whether it’s managing a team or the ability to build rapport with clients, soft skills are an invaluable skill set for finance managers to have. These skills are not limited to one specific job, and can apply to many roles.
Pro tip
If you want to give a boost to your resume, include specific quantifiable soft skills which showcase your leadership skills.
In order to thrive in the financial sector, finance managers need to sift through data, finding patterns and changes within the market, while also performing strategic planning.
The three most popular soft skills for finance manager
- Communication
- Leadership
- Analytical thinking
Include your finance manager certificates
Any certificate you have can give you a significant advantage over other job applicants. This is especially true in the financial sector, as specialized certificates can show a unique expertise which you can offer to potential clients.
Below, you will find a list of important information to include when putting certificates on your resume:
- Certification name
- Name of issuer
- Year of obtainment
- Location (if applicable)
- Date of expiration (if applicable)
- Expected date of obtainment (if applicable)
The top 3 job certificates for a finance manager resume:
- Certified Financial Manager (CFM)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)
Use extra sections to make your resume stand out
In a managerial role, showing what an average day looks like can help of hiring manager see a little more of what working with you will look like. Marissa Mayer used a “Day in my life” section on her resume with outstanding success. This might be something that you’re also interested in, including in your own resume.
Below, you can find a list of extra sections to include in your resume:
- Membership of professional associations: Including professional associations on your resume can help to show that you have unique expertise which is backed by a reliable institution.
- Publications: Listing the publications that you’ve written for can help to show that you are a subject matter expert, someone who has a deep understanding of financial management.
- Conferences: Listing conferences you’ve attended or those that you’ve spoken at can help for you to build rapport with a hiring manager. In all likelihood, a potential manager may have attended the same conferences.
- Volunteering: Nonprofits are always looking for help with finances. If you’ve dedicated your time to volunteering your expertise, be sure to include it on your resume.
Create a matching cover letter for your finance manager resume
Your cover letter is your first opportunity to share a bit more about yourself, going deeper than what your resume says. Always make sure that the contact information in your resume matches that of your cover letter. Also, include keywords from the job description scattered throughout your cover letter in order to make it successful in ATS software.
Below, you will find a finance manager cover letter example:
Dear Ms. Packer,
I am writing to apply for the Finance Manager position at Timbres International. With a strong background in finance, a proven track record of delivering results, and a passion for driving financial growth, I am confident that my skills and experience will make me an ideal candidate for this role.
As an accomplished finance professional with over [number] years of experience in diverse financial management roles, I have gained extensive expertise in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to optimize financial performance, enhance operational efficiency, and provide critical insights to support informed decision-making.
In my current role as Finance Manager at ZXY Publishing, I have successfully implemented robust financial controls and streamlined processes, resulting in cost savings of over $14 000 annually. I have also developed and executed comprehensive financial models to support investment decisions, resulting in a 10% increase in overall profitability. Through my strong analytical skills, I have identified key areas for improvement and implemented strategies to mitigate risks and enhance financial performance.
Moreover, I possess a deep understanding of international finance, having managed global financial operations, conducted foreign currency risk analysis, and implemented effective hedging strategies. This experience has equipped me with the ability to navigate complex financial environments and ensure compliance with international regulations.
Beyond my technical expertise, I am known for my collaborative leadership style and my ability to build and motivate high-performing finance teams. I foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering my team members to achieve their full potential and contribute to organizational success. By implementing robust performance measurement systems, I have effectively aligned finance goals with overall business objectives, driving cross-functional collaboration, and delivering exceptional results.
I am excited about the opportunity to join Timbres International, a renowned organization known for its commitment to excellence and innovation. I am confident that my skill set, combined with my passion for driving financial growth, would enable me to make a significant contribution to your team. I am eager to leverage my expertise to optimize financial strategies, improve operational efficiencies, and support Timbres International in its pursuit of global success.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and learn more about Timbres International’s vision and goals. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience via email.
I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the continued success of Timbres International as the Finance Manager. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ray Martel
Key takeaways
- It’s always a good idea to format your resume using a reverse chronological format.
- Do a quick check and make sure that your resume and cover letter headers match.
- Use your resume summary as an elevator pitch, a brief description of why you think you’re the best person for the position.
- Always quantify your experience, using real numbers, data, and tangible skills to showcase your expertise.
- Soft skills are just as important as technical skills in the financial field.
- Use extra sections to showcase your unique skill set.
- Leverage your cover letter by using keywords from the job description to make it more easily scannable by ATS software.
