Frustrated by consistently low ATS scores on your finance resume?
You're not alone in this challenge. Different employers use applicant tracking systems in various ways, but they all share the common expectation that candidates will take the time to do the application properly. Those who shine the brightest are not just about stellar grades. The real standout factor lies beyond impressive academics. It's the detailed exposition of relevant, hands-on work experience.
Hiring managers want to see evidence that you can use numbers to influence. For example, "I mapped out the data flows and data lineage, which improved data quality by X%". This isn't just a bullet point. It's a powerful demonstration of how you leverage data to effect change and encourage fresh ideas.
If this strikes a chord, we're here to take your finance resume to new heights. Set your sights on mastering:
- Which sections of your resume can put you ahead in the race?
- What are the keys to leaving a strong first impression with your finance resume summary?
- How do you prove your financial credibility in the work experience section?
- Which skills are finance recruiters scanning for?
- How should you format your education and certifications on a finance resume?
If the broad scope of finance overwhelms you, dive into our selection of other finance-related resume examples:
- Finance Associate Resume
- Finance Specialist Resume
- Finance Business Analyst Resume
- Finance Coordinator Resume
- Finance Clerk Resume
How to format a finance resume
If you're a seasoned finance professional, the reverse-chronological resume layout is your best bet. It showcases your evolution and achievements within various finance roles or companies.
For those new to finance or branching out as freelancers, a hybrid layout or a functional resume format may serve you well. This approach emphasizes your unique skills, framing them as milestones in your career journey.
Choosing the right resume template is crucial for finance professionals aiming to highlight their analytical talents. Our professional resume examples offer a sleek, modern look that captures attention.
When tailoring your finance resume, remember these tips:
- Convert your finance resume to PDF to keep the formatting consistent across different platforms.
- Include precise contact information, such as a professional email, a current phone number, and your location, to boost your chances of landing job interviews.
- Use 1-inch margins to maintain a clean and professional layout and make your finance resume easy to scan.
- Opt for professional fonts like Rubik, Lato, Volkhov or Montserrat to make a strong first impression. A font size between 10-12 points balances ATS friendliness with easy readability.
- Choose resume colors that resonate with the finance sector. Blue stands out as a universally appealing choice, suitable for numerous finance styles.
Consider the local standards – Canadian resumes, for example, may have a different format.
In the United States, it's less common to include a photo on your resume. It's not a requirement and, in some instances, your application might be better off without it.
Even top finance professionals can find it challenging to market themselves effectively, especially when it's time to detail their expertise on a resume. Boost your resume's impact with our AI checker. Receive customized suggestions to spotlight your financial skills and boost your chances of landing interviews.
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Shape your finance resume effectively by employing formatting strategies that spotlight essential sections and highlight your competencies.
The top sections on a finance resume:
- Professional summary: It reveals important financial accomplishments and expertise instantly.
- Education and certifications: Degrees and certifications, such as CPA, CFA, or MBA, notably boost your credibility in finance, often being prerequisites for specialized positions.
- Work experience within finance: Recruiters highly value your past work in similar roles, including your specific tasks and achievements.
- Skills relevant to the sector: It showcases competencies in finance-specific software, data analysis, or portfolio management demonstrating your readiness for the position.
- Achievements section: It highlights any high-stake projects, deals, or financial strategies you managed.
In the process of tailoring your finance resume, emphasize what makes you a standout candidate. Recruiters need assurance you’re a strong asset for their finance team.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Financial certifications that speak volumes of your expertise and in-depth knowledge in the finance field.
- A rich background in financial analysis, highlighting your knack for dissecting financial data and crafting strategic business decisions.
- Expertise in financial software, emphasizing your adeptness with critical tools for contemporary financial analysis and reporting.
- Exceptional communication skills, illustrating your ability to present complex financial concepts to a varied audience.
- A track record of making strategic financial decisions, showcasing your talent for steering a company toward increased profitability.
Now that we have a good start, let's make our strategy even better. Let's jump into the main steps for detailing your work experience in finance.
How to write your finance resume experience
The experience section is crucial in your finance resume, acting as the primary space where recruiters assess whether your previous positions match the current job requirements. They seek solid achievements and the extent of your impact in former roles. Highlighting quantifiable achievements and important metrics is essential.
You must effectively prove you’re fit for the role with evidence of real results. Strive to outline three to four significant achievements for each position, prioritizing your accomplishments over mere job responsibilities.
Review these two descriptions of an identical finance job. The first offers a broad overview, whereas the second narrows down to tangible, measurable successes.
05/2019 - 10/2023 
- •Boosted ROI through meticulous financial analysis and market trend evaluation
- •Negotiated cost-saving contracts, effectively reducing operational expenses
- •Designed and implemented strategic investment plans, markedly enhancing portfolio performance.
Several areas in this example could be enhanced:
- No specific metrics like growth percentages or cost savings.
- Duties and impacts lack detail on financial goal support.
- Fails to show teamwork with key departments.
By making focused changes, this part of the resume could be much more effective, better highlighting the candidate's strengths and successes within the industry.
05/2019 - 10/2023 - •Increased ROI by 30% through in-depth financial analysis and adapting to market trends
- •Secured contracts resulting in a 20% reduction in operational costs
- •Formulated and executed investment strategies that improved portfolio performance by 25%.
The second example stands out due to its use of specific outcomes and detailed role descriptions, making it a strong model for a finance resume. Here's why it's effective:
- It presents precise achievements, such as improved ROI and reduced operational costs with clear percentages.
- It details how the candidate employed financial analysis and market trends to make informed decisions.
- It highlights applicants' skills in enhancing growth and profitability by developing and applying effective investment strategies to improve portfolio performance.
For finance professionals, it's crucial to demonstrate hands-on experience to make an impactful impression. Ensuring your resume is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is essential, as these systems screen applications by looking for specific finance-related keywords and qualifications.
If you find resume writing daunting, Enhancv provides ATS-friendly templates designed to streamline the process and effectively showcase your financial expertise.
After selecting a professionally designed template, the next consideration is the ideal length for your finance resume. Deciding whether to go for a neat one-page resume or a detailed two-page version really comes down to which one does a better job of shining a light on your skills and achievements. Lean into the experiences and talents that truly reflect your financial strength.
17% of hiring individuals would be deterred by a resume longer than two pages.
Next, we're about to dive into how to quantify your financial victories with numbers that speak volumes.
How to quantify the impact on a finance-related resume
finance experts need to spotlight how their actions improve finances and growth. Here are some clear tips:
- Include specific financial metrics you improved.
- Detail the cost efficiencies you have identified and implemented.
- Showcase your risk management skills by listing mitigated financial risks.
- Highlight specific business growth figures achieved through your financial strategies.
- Mention instances when you reduced debt or improved cash flow.
- Specify any improvements in audit scores or compliance rates.
In finance, first-time job seekers might find it difficult to demonstrate quantifiable achievements. Let's identify tactics to deal with the lack of experience.
To boost your chances of landing an interview, consider the following tips that can help you stand out, even without extensive experience.
How do I write a finance resume with no experience
Ready to dive into the finance field? Showcasing your financial-savvy and proactive involvement in the finance community can distinguish you from the crowd. Consider volunteering your skills for budget analysis at local nonprofit organizations or participating in university finance clubs.
This proactive approach to engaging with the finance field can significantly enhance your credentials.
- Objective section: Compose a brief statement that highlights your enthusiasm for finance, describes your past involvement in the field, and shares your professional objectives. Ensure that recruiters can easily see how your ambitions match the goals of their firm.
- Skills: Catalog your relevant finance skills, both technical (financial analysis, portfolio management, use of financial software like Bloomberg and Excel) and soft skills (problem-solving, communication). Showcase how these abilities, whether developed in academic settings, through projects, or via self-study, make you a strong candidate for the finance role you're eyeing.
- Education section: Detail your degree and major, along with any finance-specific certifications (e.g., CFA or CPA) that underscore your commitment to the field.
- Projects: Highlight any freelance projects or personal investments that showcase your finance skills and the outcomes you've achieved.
- Internships: Include any finance-related internships. These experiences demonstrate your practical application of financial theories and your willingness to engage with the industry hands-on.
- Work experience section: Include any past job that showcases transferable skills relevant to finance, such as analytical thinking, market research, report writing, or technical expertise.
Include your graduation date to highlight your academic experience and its relevance to the finance position you're targeting. Plus, if it is above the average, listing your GPA on your resume underlines your educational accomplishments, making your candidacy stronger for the finance role. Your recent finance education and new outlook are key advantages. Don’t forget, in finance, soft skills hold as much weight as hard skills.
How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume
Skills are crucial for your finance resume. Hiring managers are keen to discover your capabilities and why you're the ideal candidate for their role.
It's important to list all finance tools and software you're proficient in, alongside your interpersonal skills.
Best hard skills for your finance resume
- Working with SAP
- Knowledge of SQL
- Proficiency in Excel
- Statistical & financial analysis
- Forecasting
- Accounting
- Tax preparation
- Risk management
- Portfolio management
- Investment analysis
- Budgeting
- Experience with Oracle ERP
Choose skills for your finance resume that align with the job description. Delve into the job ad, then adjust your skills to mirror the employer's needs.
Best soft skills for your finance resume
- Client relationship management
- Critical thinking
- Detail-oriented
- Decision-making
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Persistence
- Empathy
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Diplomacy
PRO TIP
Most US employers favor resumes customized for the specific job at hand over a one-size-fits-all resume. A tailored application can notably enhance your prospects of securing the position.
How to list your education and certifications on your resume
To qualify for a finance role, you'll typically need a Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related discipline. Here's how to structure your education section.
What to include:
- Degree name: Indicate the degree you obtained.
- Institution name: The school where you earned your degree.
- Graduation date: The date of graduation or the expected graduation date.
- Major/Concentration: Mention your major and any minors related to finance.
- Relevant courses: Highlight if they are specifically related to finance or economics.
- GPA: Feature your GPA if it's notable and you've recently finished your studies.
Here’s an example:
09/2022 - 11/2023 - •Specialized Coursework: Investment analysis, corporate finance strategies, and financial risk management
05/2017 - 03/2021 - •Core Modules: Economic theory, quantitative analysis, and financial markets
In the finance industry, a commitment to continual learning and professional development is highly valued. Featuring certifications on your resume, whether in financial analysis, investment management, or compliance, demonstrates your effort to navigate the complexities of finance. Adding these to your resume tells hiring managers you're ready for the finance world's challenges. This makes you a strong candidate for finance jobs.
Here are the top five certifications finance recruiters look for, each a gateway to specialized expertise in the field:
Best certifications for your finance resume
It's time to create a compelling summary, the cornerstone of your finance resume.
How to write your finance resume summary or objective
For finance professionals with extensive portfolios, opting for a summary is strategic. This concise paragraph allows you to underline significant skills and milestones directly related to the job requirements, quickly informing recruiters of your qualifications for the finance position.
Let's check out a good and a not-so-good finance resume summary to see what works and what doesn't.
Obviously, the first example is a bad one, because:
- Fails to show quantifiable successes or examples of skill application.
- Employs broad language without specifying areas of finance specialization.
- Doesn't tailor the summary to the candidate's experiences or the job.
Let's see how some simple adjustments can greatly improve the message.
This improved example is better because:
- It mentions "8+ years," showing deeper industry experience.
- It highlights a specific improvement, like cutting reporting times by 20%.
- The mention of a CFA and skills in Excel and Tableau demonstrates specialized knowledge and technical abilities.
- References to teamwork and planning skills indicate well-rounded capabilities in both individual and group settings.
Optimize your resume summary and objective for ATS
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Additional sections for a finance resume
For success in finance, highlighting your strengths and notable achievements is key. Consider including these sections in your resume:
- Publications on your resume: Note any finance-related articles, research papers, or analyses you've authored in journals, websites, or books. This boosts your credibility and demonstrates your expertise in the field.
- Interests and hobbies: Feel free to share a mix of hobbies, such as chess, hiking, or reading economic literature, to display a well-rounded personality that balances finance passion with diverse pursuits.
- Language skills: Indicates your ability for broad communication in the international finance arena.
To effectively showcase your achievements, consider creating a separate section on your resume.
How to put an achievements section on a resume
Here's how to demonstrate your significant contributions and successes in the finance industry.
Key takeaways
- Tailoring your finance resume to the specific job and using a format that highlights your experience and skills can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
- Including precise contact information and choosing a professional layout and font are crucial steps to make your resume easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Obtaining and listing relevant finance certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) on your resume underscores your expertise and commitment to professional development.
- Adding sections for publications, interests, and hobbies can provide a more comprehensive view of your profile, showing you as a well-rounded candidate.
- Showcasing significant contributions and successes, such as optimized portfolio performance or cost reduction initiatives, in a separate achievements section can make your application stand out.
Finance resume examples
By Experience
Finance Intern
- Relevant experience creating a clear link to finance responsibilities – A Finance Intern resume becomes particularly noteworthy when previous projects, coursework, or part-time roles directly mirror the analytical, quantitative, or teamwork skills sought in finance. Showcasing volunteer work managing budgets, academic achievements in accounting, or experience using spreadsheets for real-world calculations demonstrates a genuine alignment with the challenges faced in a finance internship.
- Compelling summary and confident conclusion – The document stands out when the closing sentence conveys both enthusiasm for the position and a self-assured readiness to contribute to the company. Clearly stating interest in applying financial knowledge to real business problems, coupled with a proactive invitation for further discussion, signals professionalism and intent to engage further.
- Professional appearance matched with targeted content – At first glance, a strong Finance Intern resume immediately looks organized and is tailored for the field, using concise language and relevant terminology. Key sections such as education, technical skills, and achievements are presented in a logical flow, suggesting careful preparation and a true understanding of finance industry expectations.
Entry-Level Finance Analyst
- Demonstrating relevant career foundation – Effective entry-level finance analyst resumes make a strong impression when candidates clearly connect their academic background, internships, or project work to the skills and analytical mindset required for the role. By focusing on coursework in finance, practical internship exposure, or student organization involvement directly tied to financial analysis, candidates show intentional preparation for the responsibilities they are seeking.
- Showcasing a polished and accessible layout – Visual appeal significantly boosts a resume's effectiveness in a competitive field like finance. Proper use of white space, clearly separated sections, and uniform font usage make information easy to scan. Well-organized bullet points and logical flow help recruiters quickly identify key qualifications without feeling overwhelmed by dense text or cluttered formatting.
- Highlighting real, quantifiable results – Standout resumes prioritize evidence of impact by emphasizing specific achievements rather than generic job duties. Whether optimizing a mock investment portfolio in school, improving processes during a past internship, or earning merit-based scholarships, including measurable outcomes and concise metrics allows employers to gauge the candidate's capacity to deliver tangible value.
Experienced Finance Consultant
- Demonstrates a distinctive track record of driving measurable financial improvement – This resume showcases a powerful narrative through quantifiable achievements, such as optimizing capital structures, implementing risk management frameworks, or delivering significant cost savings for previous clients. By emphasizing outcomes over tasks, the candidate reveals a rare ability to translate complex financial strategies into tangible business value, setting them apart from those focused solely on technical expertise.
- Clearly communicates a passion for solving complex financial challenges – The motivation for seeking the role is articulated through examples of overcoming obstacles and a genuine enthusiasm for continuous learning within the finance sector. Instead of generic goals, the resume outlines a thoughtful commitment to personal growth and substantive contributions, signaling that the candidate is not just looking for any position but is truly invested in advancing their consultancy career through challenging assignments.
- Highlights an in-depth understanding of the company’s strategic goals and values – Attention is given to aligning past experiences with the specific initiatives and priorities of the prospective employer, such as digital transformation in financial operations or emphasis on sustainable investment. This tailored approach demonstrates not only thorough research but also a proactive mindset, underscoring a strong cultural and strategic fit with the organization.
Chief Finance Officer
- Demonstrates an exceptional financial vision and innovation – A standout CFO resume distinguishes itself by highlighting not only strong technical expertise but also a proven ability to drive transformative financial strategies that directly impact business growth. Showcasing unique initiatives—such as launching new financial models, leading digital transformation projects, or enabling successful mergers—conveys a distinctive value beyond standard accounting excellence.
- Connects through compelling narrative and leadership impact – The most memorable CFO resumes resonate emotionally by weaving together career achievements with authentic leadership stories. By illustrating how financial guidance empowered teams, navigated crises, or built trust across executive groups, the document draws readers in and creates a memorable sense of the leader behind the numbers.
- Establishes a cohesive professional identity across platforms – Consistency in messaging, tone, and accolades between a resume and a public LinkedIn profile strengthens a CFO’s personal brand. When core themes—such as transformational leadership, global experience, or stakeholder partnership—are evident throughout all materials, it reinforces the executive’s unique positioning and credibility in the marketplace.
Finance Trainee
- Demonstrating impact through quantifiable successes – Showcasing concrete results, such as streamlining a budgeting process or surpassing targets during a finance internship, immediately ties past accomplishments to the demands of a Finance Trainee role. When candidates clearly articulate how their actions benefited a team or organization, it assures recruiters of direct relevance and future potential.
- Blending a poised yet motivated presentation – A standout resume for this position strikes the perfect synergy between polished, formal language and hints of genuine excitement for financial analysis and industry growth. This balanced tone reveals a candidate who takes the role seriously but also brings a proactive, positive attitude—a combination highly valued in early-career finance positions.
- Crafting a narrative that sparks genuine interest – Instead of offering a generic list of duties, engaging resumes tell a brief story by connecting personal motivation and curiosity with the steps taken toward a career in finance. This storytelling approach makes the candidate memorable and encourages the reader to root for their continued development within the organization.
Mid-Level Finance Manager
- Evidence of alignment with organizational goals – Candidates who tailor their resumes to reflect a genuine understanding of the company's mission and current financial initiatives demonstrate strong potential for adding value. Referencing specific business strategies or recent achievements of the company within the summary or experience sections can show the applicant is proactive and well-researched, making them a more attractive fit for the team culture and long-term objectives.
- Showcasing advanced analytical expertise – A standout resume for a Mid-Level Finance Manager will clearly illustrate the candidate’s hands-on experience with complex financial modeling, budgeting, and data-driven decision-making. Highlighting key achievements such as optimizing cost structures, implementing new forecasting tools, or leading cross-functional financial projects reveals both technical proficiency and leadership capacity expected at this career stage.
- Information organized for maximum impact – The most effective resumes present information in an orderly manner, using concise language, bullet points, and logical section structuring. By prioritizing relevant results and quantifiable outcomes, the applicant’s strengths become immediately clear to the reader, underscoring their suitability without overwhelming with unnecessary detail.
Senior Finance Director
- Clear statement of purpose sets direction – A standout Senior Finance Director resume opens with a concise summary that articulates a passion for driving financial growth and a commitment to strategic financial leadership, immediately signaling the candidate's vision for aligning their goals with the organization's mission.
- Seamless connection between previous roles and sought position – Exceptional resumes detail a progressive history of finance management, with each role building expertise in areas such as budgeting, forecasting, and team leadership, demonstrating how accumulated experiences directly position the applicant for advanced directorial responsibilities.
- Depth in specialized financial skills illustrates capability – Highlighting advanced proficiency with financial modeling, regulatory compliance, and complex capital management, the resume showcases a technical foundation that equips the candidate to oversee multifaceted financial operations at an executive level.
Graduate Finance Associate
- Logical section arrangement ensures effortless navigation – A standout Graduate Finance Associate resume groups key information in a clear hierarchy. Starting with a concise summary, it strategically orders education, technical skills, and relevant experiences to guide the reader smoothly. Well-placed bullet points and consistent formatting make accomplishments and responsibilities easily digestible, allowing recruiters to quickly grasp the candidate’s strengths.
- Research-driven customization demonstrates company insight – The most impressive resumes reflect the applicant’s understanding of the organization by incorporating keywords from the job listing and referencing company initiatives or core values. This tailored approach signals to employers that the candidate has taken the time to research the institution’s mission, and shows alignment through specific skills and achievements that map onto the firm's objectives and style.
- Clearly articulated purpose underscores genuine interest – Applicants who express authentic enthusiasm for the finance role make themselves memorable by succinctly stating their professional motivation in the summary or cover letter section. Linking personal ambitions to the company’s growth opportunities or unique industry position reveals not just what the applicant can gain, but also what drives them to contribute meaningfully within this specific team and environment.
By Role
Finance Associate
- Ending with impact through a proactive close – A resume that stands out wraps up with a dynamic closing statement, confidently expressing both eagerness to contribute and a readiness for next steps. This might include a direct invitation to discuss how their precise skills could benefit the team, adding a forward-thinking energy that leaves the reader with a lasting impression of initiative.
- Blending credibility with genuine passion in language – The most effective Finance Associate resumes strike a perfect equilibrium between professional wording and visible enthusiasm for the field. By weaving in attentive, positive language alongside industry jargon, the candidate reveals not just technical competence but also clear motivation and dedication, differentiating themselves from applicants who feel flat or generic.
- Highlighting key analytical and financial proficiencies – When technical qualifications and specific tools—such as financial modeling, advanced Excel functions, or ERP systems—are detailed with relevant, quantifiable achievements, a resume gains immediate authority. Demonstrating mastery with concrete metrics or successful projects shows not only knowledge but also a strong track record, which is vital in finance roles.
Finance Clerk
- Concise summaries highlight vital skills – Delivering content in crisp, targeted statements ensures a Finance Clerk resume remains focused and easy to scan, allowing hiring managers to quickly identify core financial competencies without sifting through unnecessary detail.
- Quantified accomplishments illustrate value – By showcasing measurable contributions, such as reducing invoice processing time by 30% or assisting in the reconciliation of monthly accounts with zero discrepancies, the resume clearly demonstrates tangible impact and effectiveness in the finance role.
- Clear layout ensures smooth navigation – Generous white space, well-defined sections, and consistent formatting enhance readability, helping reviewers swiftly locate key information and giving the document a professional, organized appearance well-suited to the finance industry.
Financial Assistant
- Concrete contributions that underscore job fit – Detailing measurable successes, such as streamlining monthly expense reports or reconciling high-value accounts, immediately signals the candidate's hands-on experience and expertise directly applicable to the responsibilities of a Financial Assistant.
- Clearly communicated drive for the position – Expressing a genuine interest in leveraging organizational skills to support financial operations, and articulating a desire to advance one’s understanding within the finance field, helps to set apart applicants who are not just qualified, but also passionate about contributing to the team’s goals.
- Proficient deployment of finance-specific terminology – Using precise industry language like cash flow analysis, ledger reconciliation, budget forecasting, and ERP system navigation demonstrates familiarity with the systems and vocabulary essential for excelling in a support role within finance.
