Crafting a CV that strikes the perfect balance between conveying complex financial strategies and demonstrating strong leadership qualities is a common challenge for a finance director. Our guide provides targeted advice that will enable you to articulate your strategic impact and managerial expertise, ensuring your CV stands out to potential employers.
What information should you include in your finance director CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche finance director role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Resume examples for finance director
Explore additional finance director cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Finance Director
- Structured Presentation with Focus on Key Skills - Isabelle's CV is presented in a structured manner with a clear emphasis on her essential skills. The document opens with a comprehensive summary that captures her over 10 years of experience in finance roles, setting the stage for the reader to focus on her strategic planning and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Progression in Finance Leadership Roles - The career trajectory outlined in Isabelle's CV shows a consistent progression from Finance Manager to Finance Director, marking her growth into roles with increasing responsibilities. Her movement through renowned companies like AG Barr plc, John Lewis Partnership, and Morrisons anchors her credibility and expertise in financial management.
- Significant Achievements with Business Impact - The achievements listed in the CV emphasize not just results, such as increased operating profits and cash flow improvement, but also their relevance to business objectives. Each accomplishment is tied to tangible business outcomes, like enhancing profitability and ensuring regulatory compliance, demonstrating how her contributions have advanced organizational goals.
Junior Finance Director
- Well-Structured Content Presentation - The CV is structured seamlessly, providing a clear and concise summary of Isla King's professional journey. Each section is organized logically, with experiences and achievements prominently highlighted, ensuring easy readability and quick absorption of key information.
- Remarkable Career Trajectory in Luxury Hospitality Finance - Isla King's career demonstrates impressive growth within the luxury hospitality sector. Starting as a Finance Intern and progressing to Finance Manager and then Assistant Director of Finance reflects a strong upward trajectory, indicating capability and readiness to take on increasing responsibilities and influence in the field.
- Significant Impact through Achievements - The achievements section showcases Isla's capacity for driving strategic improvements with tangible business outcomes. Accomplishments like implementing financial control systems that improved audit outcomes and leading cost-saving initiatives underscore her ability to affect positive change and generate substantial business value within her organizations.
Interim Finance Director
- Structured and Focused Content Presentation - The CV presents information in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to quickly grasp the candidate's qualifications and career highlights. Each section is logically organized, with bullet points under each position highlighting specific accomplishments, ensuring readability and engagement.
- Career Trajectory Demonstrates Growth and Versatility - Eva Fisher's career has notably progressed through increasingly senior roles within the finance sector, progressing from a Financial Controller to a Global Finance Director. Her trajectory reflects both upward mobility and her ability to adapt and lead within large, complex organizations like Oxfam International and Save the Children UK.
- Achievements Emphasize Significant Business Impact - The CV is teeming with achievements that reflect substantial contributions to the organizations Eva has been part of. For instance, initiatives resulting in multi-million-pound cost savings and a significant reduction in audit discrepancies exemplify her capability to drive transformative results, not just in financial terms but also in operational improvements.
Group Finance Director
- Emphasizes leadership in high-impact roles - The CV showcases a clear progression into roles of greater responsibility, culminating in the position of Finance Director at G4S. This trajectory highlights Elsie's effective leadership and strategic oversight in financial management, underscored by successful team restructuring and process optimization initiatives.
- Integration of compliance and financial strategies - With an evident passion for regulatory compliance and strategic planning, Elsie's experience is marked by targeted initiatives such as ensuring zero compliance breaches and developing strategic investment models. These efforts not only demonstrate a keen attention to regulatory standards but also enhance financial returns, thereby proving crucial in complex financial environments.
- Balances hard and soft skills adeptly - The CV effectively integrates both technical acumen and interpersonal skills. Elsie’s proficiency in financial due diligence, combined with her ability to lead teams and mentor junior analysts, showcases a multifaceted skill set. This blend of skills has directly contributed to achievements like reducing reporting errors and bolstering team expertise by 40%.
Assistant Finance Director
- Comprehensive career growth trajectory - The candidate's career progression is well-illustrated through clear advancements from Financial Accountant to Finance Manager. Each step in their journey signifies increased responsibility and leadership, indicating a trajectory that aligns with a robust career in finance.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV showcases achievements that have concrete business impacts beyond mere figures. For instance, improving budget accuracy and cost-saving initiatives directly relate to better financial management and efficiency, illustrating the candidate's value in driving financial success.
- Detailed Structure with Clear Sections - The CV is structured in a manner that allows for easy navigation and comprehension. Each section is meticulously presented, from experience to skills and education, providing a comprehensive overview of qualifications and expertise relevant to the finance sector.
Associate Finance Director
- Structured career progression with clear growth trajectory - The CV illustrates a well-defined career path, progressing from a Finance Manager to a Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. Each step highlights increased responsibilities and achievements, reflecting professional growth and increased expertise in financial leadership roles.
- Application of advanced financial tools and methodologies - The candidate showcases their proficiency in implementing advanced financial modelling tools and strategic financial plans. This not only emphasizes technical depth but also their ability to utilize industry-specific methodologies to drive business performance and improve forecasting accuracy.
- Impactful leadership and team development - Poppy Griffiths demonstrates strong leadership abilities, having led a team of 15 finance professionals and significantly enhancing their technical skills through targeted training. This focus on leadership and team development is evidenced by improvements in skill levels and a culture of excellence within the teams she managed.
Deputy Finance Director
- Comprehensive career growth - The CV meticulously outlines a clear progression in responsibility and leadership, moving from Financial Analyst to Deputy Director of Resources. It highlights the candidate’s ability to scale the corporate ladder, gaining increased oversight over financial management and strategy within prominent city councils.
- Impressive industry-specific expertise - Noah Jones showcases a deep understanding of public sector financial management, with highlights in strategic planning and sustainable practices. The CV discusses the execution of complex financial technologies such as dashboard implementations and budget digitisation, indicating a forward-thinking approach essential for governmental operations.
- Critical achievements with lasting impact - The document eloquently presents key accomplishments that contributed significantly to business objectives, such as a 15% improvement in budget accuracy and a £2 million cost saving. These achievements not only reflect numerical success but also demonstrate the candidate’s ability to enhance operational efficiency and maintain quality service delivery.
By Role
Finance Director of Operations
- Strategic Leadership and Innovation Highlighted - The CV prominently emphasizes the candidate's strategic leadership role in driving process optimization, enhancing organizational efficiency by 35%, which showcases their capability to lead initiatives that significantly impact business operations and outcomes.
- Clear and Concise Content Presentation - The CV maintains a clear and structured layout, effectively using bullet points for easy readability. Achievements and experiences are presented concisely, providing essential details such as specific percentages of efficiency gains and cost reductions, adding clarity and impact to the content.
- Notable Achievements with Business Relevance - The candidate's achievements are impressively quantified, such as implementing organization-wide IT upgrades and reducing operational costs by 30%, emphasizing the direct business impact and their ability to make strategic, value-adding contributions.
Finance Director of Strategic Planning
- Strategic Content Presentation - The CV is well-structured and easy to navigate, showcasing clear and concise language. Each section is organized logically, making it easy for readers to grasp the candidate's career trajectory and achievements swiftly. Bullet points and effective date ranges help emphasize specific responsibilities and successes without overwhelming the reader.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Archie Clark's progression from Business Analyst to Director of Strategic Planning demonstrates an impressive career trajectory marked by significant promotions and increasing responsibilities. These roles, across prestigious companies such as BAE Systems, Deloitte, and Rolls-Royce, reflect his ability to adapt and evolve within the strategic planning and corporate strategy domain.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV highlights Clark's proficiency with industry-specific tools and methodologies, enhancing its relevance. His familiarity with financial analysis tools like Excel, Mekko Graphics, and industry databases like BGOV and DACIS underlines his technical depth in strategic planning and corporate development, essential for the M&A domain.
Non-Profit Finance Director
- Rich in Structured Detail - The CV is meticulously organized with clear sections for experience, education, skills, courses, achievements, and passions, providing a comprehensive overview of Noah’s qualifications. Each section is concise yet informative, ensuring clarity and facilitating easy navigation for potential employers.
- Robust Career Growth within the Arts Sector - The career trajectory shows a consistent rise in roles and responsibilities, from Senior Accountant at the Royal Academy of Arts to Director of Finance at the Royal Shakespeare Company. This path highlights Noah's ability to progress and succeed in leadership positions within prestigious cultural institutions, emphasizing a specialized understanding of the financial needs of arts organizations.
- Emphasis on Financial Strategy and Impact - The CV makes notable use of achievements to demonstrate the real-world impact of Noah's financial strategies. Statements like achieving a 25% operational cost reduction and a 15% portfolio return increase illustrate the significance of his contributions to the companies he served, underlining a direct link between his initiatives and financial success.
Corporate Finance Director
- Structured Career Progression - Charlotte Powell's career trajectory shows a clear path of advancement, with steady promotions from a Corporate Finance Associate to a Director of Sales. This progression indicates not only her capability in her roles but also her adaptability and commitment to growing within the finance industry.
- Clear Presentation and Organization - The CV is well-organized and concise, with clearly delineated sections such as Experience, Education, and Skills. Each section provides pertinent information succinctly, ensuring the reader can easily navigate and understand her qualifications and expertise.
- Emphasis on Technical Depth and Tools - Charlotte leverages key industry-specific tools like Salesforce and CRM systems, showcasing her technical depth in managing complex sales and business development processes. Her expertise in receivables securitization and trade finance demonstrates a high level of proficiency in these niche areas of corporate finance.
Finance Director of Risk Management
- Demonstrates Strategic Leadership and Growth - The CV showcases a strong career trajectory, with a progression from Credit Risk Analyst to Director of Credit Risk Management. This journey highlights the individual's capability to lead and expand through strategic initiatives, such as achieving a 25% growth in lending portfolios while maintaining compliance and risk mitigation.
- Combines Technical Proficiency with Industry-Specific Knowledge - The document effectively presents key industry-specific skills including Structured Finance, DCF Analysis, and Regulatory Compliance. The inclusion of certifications like "Advanced Credit Risk Management" further demonstrates mastery of complex methodologies and tools essential for the credit risk and wealth management sectors.
- Highlights Impactful Achievements - The CV emphasizes significant contributions to past employers, such as developing risk solutions that enhance portfolio quality and implementing audit process optimizations. These accomplishments underscore the candidate's ability to drive business success and ensure rigorous compliance with industry standards.
International Finance Director
- Structured presentation enhances clarity and focus - The CV is organized in a manner that provides a clear overview of the candidate's professional background, skills, and experiences. Each section is logically arranged, starting with a concise summary, followed by detailed accomplishments, skills, and education, which helps the reader quickly grasp the essential elements of the candidate's qualifications.
- Diverse volunteer roles highlight adaptability - Theodore Green has demonstrated significant adaptability by taking on various volunteer finance roles in different organizations, such as Fashion Revolution and Oxfam. This showcases his ability to apply financial strategies and analysis across distinct environments and manage new challenges effectively, affirming his readiness for dynamic roles in the finance sector.
- Achievements underscore strategic impact - The CV stands out with specific achievements that not only quantify success but also illustrate strategic impact, such as the reduction of operational costs, enhancement of donor engagement, and efficient resource allocation. These accomplishments highlight Theodore's capability to produce meaningful changes that drive organizational growth and efficiency.
Finance Director of Mergers and Acquisitions
- Structured Content Presentation - The CV is exceptionally structured, using clear sections and bullet points to deliver information concisely. Each role and achievement is articulated in a way that emphasizes Oliver's ability to drive results, making it easy for employers to grasp key accomplishments quickly.
- Steady Career Progression in Energy Sector - Oliver demonstrates a robust career trajectory moving from Senior Energy Consultant at Deloitte to Director of Energy Transition at PwC. This progression indicates not only his growth but also his increasing influence and capability in leading strategic initiatives in the energy sector.
- Focus on Net Zero and Renewable Innovations - The CV highlights Oliver's involvement in cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen strategies and renewable energy projects. His expertise in these areas is underscored by certifications and accomplishments, showcasing his deep technical knowledge and commitment to energy innovation.
Finance Director of Compliance
- Comprehensive structure with strategic consistency - The CV is methodically organized into distinct sections, each furnishing a complete view of the candidate's proficiencies and achievements. Clear demarcations between experience, education, skills, and passions enhance readability, allowing potential employers to swiftly grasp the breadth of expertise and suitability for strategic financial roles.
- Exemplifies a robust career advancement path - Starting as an Assistant Finance Manager and progressing to an esteemed Director of Finance role, the CV showcases significant career growth. The transitions reflect an expanding portfolio of responsibilities and unmistakable advancement in leadership within the healthcare finance sector, highlighting adaptability and a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Strong emphasis on business-critical impact - Beyond presenting numbers, the CV underscores achievements such as a 15% revenue increase and a 20% improvement in budget efficiency, quantitatively expressing the candidate's ability to enact meaningful financial and operational transformations. These accomplishments align seamlessly with organizational objectives, underpinning the candidate's strategic vision and practical contribution to business growth.
Finance Director of Budgeting
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is organized effectively with concise bullet points under each job role, ensuring clarity and brevity. Key achievements are highlighted prominently, and sections are logically ordered to guide the reader through the candidate's professional journey seamlessly.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - The CV outlines a clear progression from a Senior Financial Analyst to a Director of Finance, illustrating steady growth in responsibilities and leadership roles over an 11-year career. This trajectory signals a commitment to career development and accrued expertise in finance management.
- Industry-Specific Methodologies and Tools - Harper Webb's profile emphasizes specialized knowledge in financial forecasting models, risk management protocols, and compliance integration projects. These industry-specific methodologies highlight technical depth and a strong grasp of complex financial systems and strategies.
Finance Director of Investment
- Career Progression with Strategic Impact - Eva Fisher’s CV illustrates a well-defined career trajectory, showcasing her rise from a Financial Planning Manager to the Director of Financial Strategy. This progression highlights her consistent assumption of roles with increasing responsibility and influence, marked by industry-recognized achievements in financial governance and investment efficiency.
- Strategic Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement - The CV effectively underscores Eva’s leadership skills, particularly her ability to steer multidisciplinary teams and foster a culture of innovation. Her strategic stakeholder engagement is evident in her role in aligning senior management on major infrastructure projects, which not only enhanced regional connectivity but also improved team performance metrics.
- Innovative Use of Financial Tools and Methodologies - Eva's adeptness with advanced financial tools is a standout aspect of her CV. By implementing digital financial governance frameworks and advanced modelling tools, she significantly enhanced fiscal reporting accuracy and decision-making speed. This reflects her commitment to leveraging technology for improved financial management and operational efficiency.
Finance Director of Treasury
- Effective Content Presentation - The CV presents information in a clear and structured manner, allowing readers to easily navigate through sections and quickly grasp key information. Each section is well-organized, with concise bullet points that highlight individual achievements and skills, ensuring clarity and focus throughout the document.
- Career Trajectory and Growth - Ella's career progression demonstrates significant growth, moving from a Quantitative Analyst role at Lloyds Banking Group to a leadership position at HSBC. This trajectory not only reflects her increasing responsibilities and impact within the financial industry but also showcases her ability to adapt and excel in evolving roles.
- Focus on Achievements with Business Impact - The CV highlights achievements that have real business impacts, such as a 25% improvement in model prediction accuracy, which directly enhances net interest income forecasting. These outcomes are not just numbers but reflect how her work contributes to strategic and financial decision-making, showcasing her profound influence on business success.
Finance Director of Financial Reporting
- Clear Structure and Concise Presentation - The CV is laid out in a clear and structured manner, making it easy to follow Ivy Ward's career progression and achievements. Each section is concise, providing only the necessary details without overwhelming the reader, which maintains engagement and interest throughout the document.
- Dynamic Career Trajectory - Ivy has demonstrated a remarkable career progression from Accountant to Director, showcasing a consistent growth in responsibilities and leadership. Her transition from diverse roles within non-profits highlights her versatility and ability to adapt to varying financial challenges within the sector.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV emphasizes not just the numerical achievements but also the broader impact on the organizations, such as enhanced financial reporting accuracy and improved team productivity. These accomplishments reveal her commitment to adding value and driving organizational success through financial excellence.
Finance Director of Audit
- Ensures Effective Communication Through Clarity and Structure - The CV boasts a clear and precise presentation, making it easy to navigate through different sections. Each part is formatted consistently and concisely, allowing key information such as experience, achievements, and education to stand out without overwhelming the reader.
- Evidences a Strong Career Progression in Auditing - Leo's work timeline displays a seamless journey through significant roles in top audit firms. Each step up the career ladder from Audit Manager to Audit Director reflects professional growth, while the transition between renowned companies like KPMG, PwC, and Deloitte showcases his adaptability and industry recognition.
- Showcases Advanced Technical Proficiency and Innovative Thinking - The CV highlights Leo's expertise in specialized audit tools and methods, alongside introducing new methodologies that significantly improve audit quality. His proficiency in IFRS, UK GAAP, and proprietary audit software emphasizes his deep technical knowledge and innovative approach, essential qualities for an Audit Director.
Structuring and formatting your finance director CV for an excellent first impression
The experts' best advice regarding your CV format is to keep it simple and concise. Recruiters assessing your CV are foremost looking out for candidates who match their ideal job profile. Your white space, borders, and margins. You may still be wondering which format you need to export your CV in. We recommend using the PDF one, as, upon being uploaded, it never alters your information or CV design. Before we move on to the actual content of your finance director CV, we'd like to remind you about the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS). The ATS is a software that is sometimes used to initially assess your profile. Here's what you need to keep in mind about the ATS:
- All serif and sans-serif fonts (e.g. Rubik, Volkhov, Exo 2 etc.) are ATS-friendly;
- Many candidates invest in Arial and Times New Roman, so avoid these fonts if you want your application to stand out;
- Both single and double column CVs can be read by the ATS, so it's entirely up to you to select your CV design.
PRO TIP
Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a finance director CV
- Professional Profile outlines key qualifications, emphasizing leadership in finance.
- Financial Management Experience showcases a proven track record in financial strategy.
- Key Achievements indicate tangible successes and the impact made in previous roles.
- Education and Qualifications highlight relevant degrees, certifications, or finance-related training.
- Technical Skills and Expertise display proficiency in finance-specific software and tools.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Emphasise your fiscal management expertise by highlighting past experience with budget creation, risk management, and strategic financial planning to demonstrate your capability in steering the company's financial direction.
- Showcase your proficiency in financial reporting by detailing your history with regulatory compliance, preparing accurate reports, and using these reports to guide senior executives' decisions.
- Detail your leadership and team management skills by mentioning successful projects where you led cross-department financial initiatives, improving company-wide financial literacy and performance.
- Highlight your ability to implement robust financial controls and systems by providing examples of when you've improved operational efficiency through the integration of new technologies or processes.
- Mention any relevant qualifications such as a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, accompanied by your experience in high-level financial strategy and advisory to establish your credibility.
Recommended reads:
Our checklist for the must-have information in your finance director CV header
Right at the very top of your finance director CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for finance director:
- Finance Director | Chartered Accountant | Strategic Planning & Analysis | 12+ Years' Experience
- Senior Finance Director | MBA, CIMA Qualified | Corporate Finance & Risk Management | 15 Years’ Expertise
- Finance Director | Treasury & Capital Management Specialist | ACA | 10 Years in Senior Roles
- Expert Finance Director | Financial Reporting & Compliance | ACCA Certified | 18+ Years’ Leadership
- Strategic Finance Director | Budgeting & Forecasting Master | 20 Years of Financial Stewardship
- Leading Finance Director | Investment Optimisation | ACMA, CGMA | Proven Growth Driver | 25 Years Experience
What's the difference between a finance director CV summary and objective
Why should it matter to you?
- Your finance director CV summary is a showcasing your career ambitions and your unique value. Use the objective to answer why your potential employers should hire you based on goals and ambitions. The objective is the ideal choice for candidates who happen to have less professional experience, but still meet some of the job requirements.
Before you select which one will be more relevant to your experience, have a look at some industry-leading CV summaries and objectives.
CV summaries for a finance director job:
- With over 10 years of robust experience in corporate finance, a seasoned professional adept at maximizing profitability and efficiency. Proven track record of implementing robust financial controls, leading to a 20% cost reduction at a Fortune 500 company. Expert in financial modelling, risk analysis, and strategic planning.
- Dynamic ex-marketing manager transitioning to finance, bringing a refreshing perspective and 8 years of experience in monetization strategy and budget management. Successfully scaled revenue by 150% over two years at a leading digital agency through innovative financial strategies and rigorous market analysis.
- Former IT project manager migrating to the finance sector, equipped with 12 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and a profound understanding of SaaS business models. Adept at leveraging technology to enhance financial reporting and strategic decision-making.
- Finance Director with 15 years of experience at international banks, providing strategic oversight and driving fiscal discipline. Recognised for improving ROI by 25% through the introduction of cutting-edge data analytics and cost management strategies. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams in high-stakes environments.
- Seeking to leverage a decade of experience in fast-paced retail management and recent finance credentials to develop expertise in financial stewardship. Eager to apply analytical skills and a commitment to driving business success through sound financial practices.
- Aiming to build a career in finance leveraging strong analytical abilities and a solid foundation in economics gained through recent academic achievements. Motivated to contribute to financial strategy development with a fresh perspective and a relentless drive for excellence.
More detailed look into your work history: best advice on writing your finance director CV experience section
The CV experience is a space not just to merely list your past roles and responsibilities. It is the CV real estate within which you could detail your greatest accomplishments and skills, while matching the job requirements. Here's what to have in your experience section:
- Prove you have what the job wants with your unique skill set and past successes;
- Start each bullet with a strong, action verb, and continue with the outcome of your responsibility;
- Use any awards, nominations, and recognitions you've received as solid proof of your skill set and expertise;
- align your experience with the role responsibilities and duties.
For more help on how to write your CV experience section, check out the next section of our guide:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Led a finance team of 15, driving strategic financial planning and analysis to steer company growth. Managed budget forecasting with a 98% accuracy rate for a £50M annual turnover business.
- Implemented robust financial controls and governance frameworks that reduced financial risks and ensured compliance with regulatory standards like IFRS and GAAP.
- Developed and presented monthly and quarterly financial reports to executive teams and stakeholders, highlighting key performance indicators and providing actionable insights.
- Played a pivotal role in securing £20M in funding for expansion by crafting compelling investment proposals and delivering persuasive presentations to venture capitalists and banks.
- Optimized cash flow management strategies resulting in a 25% reduction in operating costs and a sustained improvement in working capital.
- Directed the financial due diligence and integration of three successful company acquisitions, enhancing group revenue by 40% within two years.
- Negotiated and managed key supplier contracts and relationships, achieving a 15% cost savings on procurement and enhancing the company’s negotiation leverage.
- Championed the adoption of new financial management software, streamlining accounting processes and enhancing data accuracy and reporting efficiency by 30%.
- Successfully led the finance department through four annual audits with no significant findings, underscoring the department's attention to detail and adherence to financial best practices.
Finance Director Experience
Director of Finance
Pearson PLC
09/2020-Ongoing
- Spearheaded a financial turnaround strategy for a struggling product line, boosting sales revenue by 25% within the first year.
- Led an initiative to streamline the company's budgeting process using AI-driven forecasting tools, resulting in a 15% reduction in budget variances.
- Initiated and managed a cross-departmental cost-saving programme that identified and implemented efficiencies, saving the company £500K annually.
Finance Director Experience
Senior Director of Financial Strategy
GlaxoSmithKline
03/2017-08/2020
- Successfully negotiated a £20M credit facility with major banks to enhance the company's liquidity and enable expansion strategies.
- Directed a team of 30 in the finance department, achieving a 90% staff retention rate over a 3-year period through targeted development programmes.
- Oversaw the successful acquisition and financial integration of a smaller competitor, increasing market share by 10%.
Finance Director Experience
Chief Financial Officer
Barclays PLC
11/2014-02/2017
- Implemented a new financial reporting system that improved reporting efficiency by 40% and enhanced data accuracy.
- Managed international tax compliance and strategy for operations in over 15 countries, ensuring adherence to regulations and minimizing tax liabilities.
- Championed a corporate restructuring that optimized the organizational chart for fiscal efficiency, contributing to a 12% overhead cost reduction.
Finance Director Experience
Finance Director
HSBC Holdings PLC
05/2012-10/2014
- Developed and maintained financial models forecasting business growth scenarios, influencing the company's strategic decisions on product development and marketing spend.
- Played a pivotal role in securing a joint venture agreement with a foreign firm, expected to increase annual revenues by £30M.
- Optimized cash management processes, which led to an improved working capital position and a 50% reduction in cash conversion cycle times.
Finance Director Experience
Group Director of Finance
Standard Chartered
01/2010-04/2012
- Devised a capital expenditure plan that supported a £100M infrastructure upgrade, enhancing operational efficiency and long-term corporate resilience.
- Directed financial due diligence for a series of potential acquisitions, leading to the successful buyout of a key supplier and securing cost savings of £2M annually.
- Established a risk management framework that reduced financial risk exposure by 20% through diversification and robust contract negotiations.
Finance Director Experience
Executive Director of Financial Planning
Lloyds Banking Group
08/2015-12/2019
- Designed and launched an investor relations strategy that increased shareholder confidence, resulting in a 15% rise in stock prices over two years.
- Created a performance tracking system for budgetary control that identified underperforming products and facilitated the reallocation of £10M in resources to high-growth areas.
- Piloted a financial literacy program for non-finance managers that enhanced departmental budget management and reduced unnecessary expenditures by 10%.
Finance Director Experience
Finance Director & Controller
Royal Bank of Scotland Group
06/2011-07/2015
- Conducted a comprehensive analysis and re-negotiation of supplier contracts that led to a 15% reduction in procurement costs for key raw materials.
- Orchestrated the transition to a new ERP system that consolidated financial tasks and provided real-time financial data, enhancing decision-making speed and accuracy.
- Developed a sustainability investment programme that allocated £5M towards green initiatives, supporting the company's CSR objectives and reducing energy costs by 30%.
Finance Director Experience
Finance Director - Corporate Services
Prudential plc
02/2009-05/2011
- Overhauled the company’s long-term financial strategy by reallocating investments into higher-yield portfolios, substantially increasing annual returns by 20%.
- Introduced predictive analytics to financial planning processes which improved accuracy in revenue projections and enabled proactive response to market changes.
- Managed the financial launch of a new product line that captured a 5% market share within the first year and contributed to a £25M increase in revenue.
Swapping your professional experience (when you have none) with skills and more
Never underestimate the importance of relevancе when it comes to your finance director CV. Even if you don't happen to have much or any standard (full-time contract) professional experience, this doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for the role. Instead of a bespoke CV experience section:
- Showcase more prominently any internships, part-time roles, and volunteer experience that are applicable to the role and have taught you job-crucial skills;
- Feature a strengths or achievements section with your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your work or life experience;
- Write an objective statement that clearly outlines your values as a candidate and defines your career ambitions;
- List your education or certificates that match the job profile closer to the top of your CV.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your finance director CV
Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:
- technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
- personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.
On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.
Top skills for your finance director CV:
HARD SKILLS
Financial Reporting
Budgeting and Forecasting
Financial Analysis
Strategic Planning
Cash Flow Management
Accounting Standards (IFRS/UK GAAP)
Tax Planning and Compliance
Risk Management
Treasury Management
ERP Systems Proficiency
SOFT SKILLS
Leadership
Communication
Strategic Thinking
Problem-Solving
Decision-Making
Analytical Thinking
Teamwork and Collaboration
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Stakeholder Management
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your finance director CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your finance director CV:
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Recommended reads:
Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your finance director CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
