Navigating the competitive job market in finance can often be daunting due to the challenge of conveying your quantitative skills effectively on your CV. Our guide provides tailored advice on articulating your fiscal expertise, ensuring you stand out to potential employers.
What information should you include in your finance manager 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 manager role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Resume examples for finance manager
Explore additional finance manager cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Role
Finance Manager in Retail
- Logical and Intuitive Structure - The CV is organized in a way that flows logically from one section to the next, making it easy for hiring managers to navigate. Sections are clearly demarcated with bold headings, and bullet points are employed to increase readability. This structured approach ensures that key information is easily accessible, allowing the candidate's strengths and qualifications to stand out at a glance.
- Steady Career Advancement - The CV illustrates a candidate who has steadily climbed the career ladder. Starting from a junior role in software development, they have progressively taken on more responsibilities, culminating in a position as a project manager. Each role transition is complemented by briefly noted promotions, indicating recognition of their performance and leadership capabilities.
- Technical Mastery in Industry Tools - This CV distinguishes itself by detailing proficiency with industry-specific technologies. The candidate demonstrates an advanced knowledge of coding languages like Python and Java, as well as specialized tools such as AWS and Docker. This depth of technical expertise is essential for roles demanding a robust foundation in software engineering and development.
Senior Finance Manager in Manufacturing
- Logical and Cohesive Structure - The CV is well-structured, ensuring clarity and easy navigation. Each section is clearly delineated, making it effortless for readers to follow George Johnson’s career journey from education through various professional roles. The presentation maintains conciseness, providing potent information while thoughtfully aligning experiences and skills with his current finance management position.
- Consistent Upward Career Growth - George's professional trajectory exhibits significant upward mobility. Starting as a Financial Controller and progressing to a Finance Manager at prominent firms, including Unilever and Nestlé, showcases his ability to excel and adapt in varying financial roles and responsibilities. This growth underlines his proven capacity for leadership and strategic impact within top-tier organizations.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Significance - The document effectively highlights not only numerical achievements but underscores their broader business significance. Examples like achieving £500,000 operational savings and reducing month-end closing times by 15% depict George as someone who not only meets but exceeds business expectations, demonstrating a clear impact on the company's financial health and operational efficiency.
Junior Finance Manager in Healthcare
- Strong career progression with a focus in healthcare finance - Freya Richardson's career trajectory from a finance intern to a manager showcases dedicated growth within the healthcare industry, emphasizing her increasing responsibility in financial planning and analysis.
- Leveraging advanced technical tools for financial enhancement - The CV highlights a robust understanding of essential industry-specific tools such as SAP and Power BI, underlining her technical depth and ability to implement financial software, which significantly improves reporting efficiency and precision.
- Impactful contributions to business outcomes - Freya's accomplishments are not just numerical; they reflect substantial business impact like improving financial reporting times by 15% and increasing profitability by 5%, illustrating her capacity to drive strategic financial outcomes and efficiency.
Finance Manager in Information Technology
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is laid out in a highly organized manner, showcasing a clear hierarchy of information that makes it easy to read. The use of bullet points in the experience section allows for concise communication of key responsibilities and achievements, emphasizing the candidate’s impact without overwhelming details.
- Robust Career Trajectory - Edward’s career progression is a testament to his growth and capability within the finance and IT sectors. Starting as a Financial Analyst and advancing to a Senior IT Finance Manager, he demonstrates a clear pattern of increasing responsibilities and leadership roles, particularly in large, reputable companies such as HSBC and Global Payments Inc.
- Technical Depth and Industry Tools - The CV highlights Edward’s expertise in essential financial tools and methodologies, such as Microsoft Dynamics AX and advanced financial modeling. This technical acumen is crucial in his field, emphasizing his capability to integrate software solutions for enhanced financial processes and reporting efficiency.
Finance Manager in Non-Profit Organisations
- Comprehensive Career Trajectory - Sophia Brooks' CV effectively details her rise from a Junior Accountant at Sony Music UK to a Senior Finance Manager at PRS for Music. Each role demonstrates a clear progression in responsibilities and leadership, highlighting her ability to manage increasing levels of complexity and team size while moving through the music industry.
- Strategic Leadership and Soft Skills - The CV underscores Sophia's strong strategic planning and leadership capabilities through examples such as leading a team to streamline processes for efficiency gains and facilitating zero-discrepancy audits. These instances reflect her skill in navigating financial landscapes and enhancing team performance, emphasizing her role as a mentor and leader.
- Diverse Industry Tools and Methodologies - With proficiency in tools like QuickBooks and financial reporting systems, alongside her expertise in budgeting and audit processes, Sophia demonstrates a strong grasp of industry-specific methodologies. Her ability to implement innovative solutions, such as financial reporting systems that increased accuracy and timeliness, showcases her technical depth and competency in managing complex financial environments.
Finance Project Manager
- Effective Content Presentation - This CV is characterized by its clear and concise structure, making it easy to follow and allowing key achievements to stand out prominently. The use of bullet points in the experience section enhances readability and effectively highlights essential contributions and skills.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Harper Webb's career progression illustrates significant growth in the finance sector, moving from a Senior Financial Analyst role to a Finance Project Manager. This upward mobility within the industry not only demonstrates a successful career path but also the candidate’s increasing expertise and leadership in financial transformation initiatives.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV emphasizes deep technical knowledge through Harper's proficiency in implementing automated project reporting tools, change management frameworks, and governance structures. These elements underscore their capability to drive financial improvements and transformation within complex organizational contexts.
Finance Manager in Education
- Structured presentation for easy navigation - The CV’s structure is highly organized, utilizing clear headings and concise bullet points for each section. This format allows hiring managers to quickly pinpoint critical information, such as employment history, educational background, and key skills, enhancing readability and flow.
- Consistent career progression with a focus on finance - Emily's career trajectory exhibits a clear advancement through progressively responsible roles within the finance sector. From her early days as a Financial Analyst to her current position as a Finance Manager, the CV illustrates a systematic climb, indicating dedication and competency in her field.
- Advanced tool proficiency and strategic methodologies - The CV highlights industry-specific software skills such as Microsoft Excel, SAP Financials, and Oracle E-Business Suite. Combined with methods in risk management and financial reporting, Emily showcases a robust technical foundation crucial for effective financial management.
Finance Manager in Real Estate
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, with clearly defined sections such as Summary, Experience, Education, and Skills. Each section is concise, ensuring quick and effective communication of key qualifications and accomplishments relevant to the fund accountant role. The use of bullet points under each position enhances readability and allows for easy identification of significant achievements and responsibilities.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Ruby Gibson's career demonstrates a clear trajectory of growth and increased responsibility. Beginning as a Senior Accountant at CBRE Group, she advanced to an Investment Analyst at Savills, and currently holds the position of Fund Accountant at Schroders. This progression reflects her ability to adapt and excel in various facets of real estate finance and investment management, underscored by the progressively complex responsibilities she's assumed.
- Industry-Specific Expertise and Tools - The CV highlights Ruby's deep technical knowledge by mentioning critical accounting standards like IFRS and GAAP, as well as specialized real estate finance tools such as Yardi. Her proficiency in these areas suggests a comprehensive understanding of the technical demands of fund accounting, enhancing her suitability for roles within real estate finance and investment management.
Finance Manager in Hospitality
- Content Presentation and Structure - The CV is well-structured and concise, presenting information logically across different sections. Sections like experience, skills, and education are clear, enabling easy navigation. Each role includes bullet points summarizing significant responsibilities and achievements, enhancing readability and ensuring critical information is quickly accessible.
- Career Trajectory and Growth - Jacob’s career progression from a Management Accountant to a Finance Manager demonstrates a clear upward trajectory marked by increasing responsibilities. This growth is indicative of his capability in handling complex financial operations and leading teams, proving his readiness for advanced roles in finance.
- Achievements and Business Impact - The CV highlights impressive achievements, such as a 20% efficiency improvement in financial processes and a 10% reduction in costs through negotiation and process optimization. These accomplishments exhibit Jacob's ability to contribute significantly to business objectives, beyond mere numerical achievements, indicating a profound understanding of financial strategy and operational impact.
Finance Manager in Construction
- Clear Structure and Conciseness - The CV is well-structured with distinct sections that make it easy to read and understand. The use of concise bullet points effectively conveys the candidate's responsibilities and achievements without overwhelming the reader, ensuring critical information is easily accessible.
- Strategic Career Growth - Florence Knight's career trajectory reflects impressive strategic growth, moving seamlessly from a Risk Analyst role to a Construction Risk Manager position. This progression demonstrates her ability to take on increasing responsibility and evolve within the risk management sector, suggesting ambitious and forward-thinking career planning.
- Technical Expertise and Industry Relevance - The inclusion of specific tools and certifications, such as QRisk Management and the NEBOSH Construction Certificate, highlights Florence's technical proficiency and her commitment to industry standards. These qualifications not only bolster her credibility but also show her dedication to staying current with construction risk management methodologies.
Finance Operations Manager
- Comprehensive Career Growth - The CV delineates a clear upward trajectory in Poppy Griffiths' career, progressing from a Financial Analyst at Nationwide Building Society to a Senior Financial Analyst at HSBC, and finally to a Finance Operations Manager at Barclays Bank. This progression demonstrates her increasing responsibilities and expertise, showcasing her potential and preparedness for advanced roles in the finance industry.
- Industry-Specific Expertise in Cash Flow Optimization - The CV details Griffiths' proficiency in industry-specific tools such as Excel and SOX controls, which are crucial for cash flow management and compliance. Her ability to implement sophisticated cash forecasting models and streamline supplier payment processes highlights her technical depth and effectiveness in improving financial efficiencies.
- Impactful Achievements Demonstrating Business Relevance - The CV emphasizes Griffiths' significant business impact through achievements like a 20% improvement in liquidity management and a 30% boost in team productivity. These metrics showcase her ability to drive financial efficiency and contribute to a company's success through enhanced cash flow optimization and process improvement.
Corporate Finance Manager
- Strong Career Progression and Leadership - Ruby's CV clearly demonstrates a significant career trajectory within the finance industry. Starting as a Financial Analyst at Barclays and progressing to her current role as a Finance Manager at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Ruby has gained increasing responsibility and leadership experience, ultimately leading a team with notable success in budget improvement and cost-effectiveness.
- Technical Proficiency and Methodological Innovation - The use of specialized tools such as SAP, QuickBooks, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills highlights Ruby's technical prowess. In addition, her implementation of innovative budget setting techniques and designing of budgeting frameworks across various roles indicates a deep methodological understanding and capacity for applying advanced financial management strategies to yield measurable outcomes.
- Impactful Achievements and Business Relevance - Ruby's CV emphasizes achievements that have had a tangible positive impact on business outcomes. From leading a cost reduction program resulting in a 25% efficiency boost to delivering projects under budget with significant financial returns, these successes are evidence of her strategic approach to financial management and her ability to drive substantial business improvements.
Finance Manager in Logistics
- Comprehensive Career Progression - Evie's career trajectory demonstrates significant growth and increasing responsibility, from a Financial Analyst to a Finance Manager position. Her transition through reputable companies like Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever illustrates not only her upward mobility within the finance sector but also her adaptability in various corporate environments.
- Emphasis on Strategic Impact - The CV effectively highlights Evie's ability to drive substantial business improvement, such as achieving a 30% inventory reduction at Unilever. These achievements are not merely numerical milestones; they translate to real-world financial benefits, showcasing her capability to integrate strategic insights that lead to cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Diverse Skills and Adaptive Expertise - The skills and courses sections show a blend of technical prowess and industry-specific knowledge, including expertise in SAP, BI tools, and supply chain management. This indicates her proficiency in employing sophisticated financial methodologies and tools to optimize operations, reflecting a high level of technical depth required in her role.
Finance Risk Manager
- Clarity and Strategic Structure - Ruby Gibson’s CV is effectively organized, with clear sections that ensure a coherent reading flow. Each entry is concise yet comprehensive, presenting key achievements and experiences without unnecessary detail. The consistent use of bullet points enhances readability and draws attention to major accomplishments.
- Demonstrated Career Progression and Industry Expertise - Ruby's career trajectory is marked by clear advancement within the hospitality finance sector, moving from a Senior Financial Analyst to a Finance Manager. Her progression through companies like Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group to Hilton Hotels underscores her growth and increasing responsibility in financial leadership roles.
- Impactful Achievements with Quantifiable Business Relevance - The CV emphasizes Ruby's ability to drive substantial business improvements, such as reducing operational costs by 15% and boosting profitability by 12% at Hilton Hotels. These achievements not only highlight her competence in financial management but also her skill in making strategic decisions that enhance company performance.
Finance Manager in Energy Sector
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV excels in delivering information clearly and concisely, using well-organized sections that allow a reader to quickly grasp Arthur Davies's professional journey. Each section is meticulously outlined, featuring distinct headers and bullet points that break down complex information into digestible pieces, creating a streamlined reading experience.
- Consistent Career Growth in Financial Sector - Arthur's professional trajectory demonstrates impressive growth from a Financial Analyst role to a Finance Manager position, reflecting a strong upward momentum. This progression is not only indicative of his increasing responsibilities and expertise but also showcases his ability to remain within and excel in the finance industry, demonstrating commitment and industry-specific expertise.
- Integration of Advanced Financial Tools and Methods - The CV stands out with mentions of sophisticated financial methodologies and tools such as SAP, Oracle, and comprehensive cash flow forecasting models. This technical depth indicates Arthur's adeptness in utilizing advanced financial systems, which is crucial for optimizing financial strategies and supporting strategic decision-making in complex business environments.
Finance Manager in Telecommunications
- Clear and Concise Structure - The CV is well-organized with distinct sections for personal information, career experience, education, skills, courses, achievements, languages, and passions. This clarity and structure make it easy to navigate, allowing the reader to efficiently absorb key details about Ethan Palmer's qualifications and career history.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Ethan's career demonstrates a clear growth path, beginning as a Credit Analyst and advancing to a Finance Credit Risk Manager at prominent institutions like Barclays and HSBC. This progression highlights his increasing responsibility and expertise in managing substantial credit portfolios and reducing financial risks.
- Impressive Achievements with Impact - The CV effectively communicates Ethan's achievements, providing evidence of his impact on business outcomes. Notably, his work in reducing credit loss by 20% and developing a risk rating model that increased precision by 25% showcases his strategic and analytical prowess, ultimately enhancing lending decisions and compliance protocols.
Finance Manager in Automotive Industry
- Structured and Concise Content - The CV is well-organized with clearly defined sections that outline the candidate's qualifications, experience, and achievements succinctly. Key points are presented through bullet points, making it easy to identify Charlotte Powell's skills and accomplishments at a glance, which enhances the reader's understanding of her professional narrative.
- Impressive Career Progression - Charlotte Powell's career trajectory illustrates significant growth and upward mobility within the finance sector. Starting as a Financial Analyst at Volkswagen Group UK and climbing up to a Senior Finance Business Partner at Auto Trader UK, her promotions reflect increasing responsibility and leadership, showcasing a commitment to advancing within her field.
- Quantifiable Achievements with Strategic Impact - The document highlights Charlotte's ability to enact change through strategic insights, with accomplishments like leading initiatives to save millions and enhancing revenue projections substantiating her impact on business performance. Her success in implementing financial strategies is backed by concrete results that emphasize her proficiency in affecting positive business outcomes.
Finance Manager in Agriculture
- Clear Structure and Conciseness - The CV is meticulously organized, beginning with a succinct header that introduces Jacob and highlights his expertise. Each section, from experiences to education, is systematically aligned in a way that emphasizes his professional journey and skills without overwhelming the reader. The use of bullet points ensures clarity and allows for quick identification of key achievements and responsibilities.
- Proven Career Growth and Industry Familiarity - Jacob's career trajectory is marked by steady growth, with progressive responsibilities from a Sales Executive to a Senior Insurance Advisor. His seamless transition through various roles within insurance companies like AXA, Legal & General, and NFU Mutual showcases his deep-rooted understanding of the insurance domain and his ability to adapt and excel in different corporate environments.
- Emphasis on Achievements with Business Impact - The CV prominently highlights Jacob's success stories backed by strong metrics. His accomplishments, such as increasing policy sales by 35% and reducing operational costs by 12%, are not just impressive figures; they reflect his capacity to drive tangible improvements and value within an organization, underscoring his effectiveness and strategic impact.
Finance Manager in Aerospace
- Clarity and structured progression - Henry White's CV is meticulously organized, utilizing clearly defined sections such as experience, education, and achievements. Each section is well-structured, with bullet points that provide concise and relevant details without overwhelming the reader. The clarity in presentation ensures that the key information is easily accessible.
- Progressive leadership and cross-industry expertise - Henry’s career trajectory illustrates a consistent upward progression from a Financial Analyst at Airbus to a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager at BAE Systems. This path reflects a significant growth in leadership responsibilities and demonstrates adaptability across different sectors, including aerospace and defense.
- Strategic and impactful achievements - The CV highlights significant achievements that go beyond mere numbers. For instance, Henry led a team to enhance financial reporting efficiency by 25%, which had a substantial impact on strategic decision-making and operational clarity. These achievements underscore the candidate's ability to drive impactful change within an organization.
Finance Manager in Pharmaceutical Industry
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV benefits from a well-organized structure, grouping experiences and skills in a logical order. The use of bullet points for job responsibilities and achievements enhances readability, while concise language ensures that key points are quickly understood by hiring managers.
- Demonstrated Career Advancement - Oscar Evans shows a clear progression in the finance field, advancing from a Financial Analyst role at Pfizer to a Senior Manager position at AstraZeneca. This upward trajectory is complemented by a diverse cross-industry experience within pharmaceutical giants, reflecting adaptability and ambition.
- Proficiency in Industry-Standard Tools - The resume highlights Oscar's expertise in critical finance systems like Anaplan, SAP ERP, and Power BI. The inclusion of certifications in these systems underscores technical proficiency and the ability to optimize financial operations through technology.
How complex should the format of your finance manager CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your finance manager CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:
- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
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 manager CV
- Professional Summary displays your career highlights and finance expertise.
- Work Experience illustrates your history and accomplishments in finance roles.
- Key Skills showcases financial know-how and managerial aptitudes unique to you.
- Education and Qualifications reflect relevant finance degrees and certifications.
- Financial Projects details significant projects that had a substantial impact.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your financial acumen by delineating your experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring you quantify achievements with metrics such as money saved or revenue increased.
- Emphasise your proficiency with finance-specific software and tools, like advanced Excel, ERP systems, or financial modelling applications, showcasing how they've bolstered your efficiency and accuracy in past roles.
- Demonstrate your leadership and team management skills by mentioning any successful projects you have led, including cross-departmental collaborations that improved company financial processes or results.
- Include expertise in compliance and knowledge of financial regulations pertinent to your industry, as this showcases your ability to navigate the complex legal financial landscape effectively.
- Present a track record of strategic decision-making by highlighting how your financial analysis and recommendations have driven business growth or optimised spend in previous positions.
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Making a good first impression with your finance manager CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for finance manager:
- Finance Manager | ACA Qualified | Strategic Planning Expert | 8+ Years' Experience
- Senior Finance Manager | Corporate Finance Specialist | CIMA Certified | Portfolio Growth Leader
- Assistant Finance Manager | Fiscal Oversight & Compliance | 4 Years in Financial Operations
- Finance Director | M&A Strategist | Risk Management Proficient | 15+ Years' Seniority
- Lead Finance Manager | Treasury Management | ACCA Holder | 10 Years' Industry Leadership
- Financial Planning Manager | Budgeting & Forecasting Expert | 6 Years Progressive Experience
Your finance manager CV introduction: selecting between a summary and an objective
finance manager candidates often wonder how to start writing their resumes. More specifically, how exactly can they use their opening statements to build a connection with recruiters, showcase their relevant skills, and spotlight job alignment. A tricky situation, we know. When crafting you finance manager CV select between:
- A summary - to show an overview of your career so far, including your most significant achievements.
- An objective - to show a conscise overview of your career dreams and aspirations.
Find out more examples and ultimately, decide which type of opening statement will fit your profile in the next section of our guide:
CV summaries for a finance manager job:
- With over a decade of robust experience in finance and accounting, my track record includes driving a $50m revenue increase through strategic forecasting at a leading tech firm. Expert in building dynamic teams and implementing cost-saving financial systems.
- Renowned Finance Manager with a fierce commitment to cost reduction, boasting an impressive history of managing portfolios exceeding $30m. Ability in leveraging analytics to optimize financial performance across various sectors within 15 years of experience.
- Seasoned Marketing Manager transitioning to finance with proven analytical skills, keen to apply a fresh perspective honed over 8 years. Excelled in budget management and campaign analysis, driving sales uplift by 200% in former marketing roles.
- Former Software Engineer seeking to leverage a strong background in data analysis and a passion for numbers to embark on a finance management career. Brings 10 years of experience in tech innovation and problem-solving to offer novel financial solutions.
- Seeking to utilise strong analytical abilities and a deep passion for finance in a dynamic environment, combining a recent comprehensive education in finance with unparalleled enthusiasm to contribute to team success.
- Eager to embark on a financial career, bringing forth a dedicated work ethic and a desire to apply my intensive training in financial analysis and management from a top-tier business school, along with my analytical prowess honed as an academic researcher.
The best formula for your finance manager CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Analysed and reported on financial performance, identifying trends and variances to aid in strategic decision-making for a portfolio of £10M.
- Developed and maintained financial models to forecast business growth, resulting in a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue across key product lines.
- Managed a finance team of 8, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development to enhance departmental efficiency.
- Implemented new budgeting processes that reduced financial planning time by 25%, while increasing accuracy in expense forecasting.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully negotiate terms with suppliers and clients, saving the company an average of 10% on procurement costs.
- Conducted in-depth financial audits in compliance with regulatory standards, identifying and mitigating risks to ensure the company's financial integrity.
- Streamlined month-end close procedures, cutting the time taken to finalise accounts from 10 days to 6 days and enhancing the timeliness of financial reporting.
- Led the adoption of a new financial software system which improved the efficiency of transaction processing and data analysis, resulting in a 20% reduction in manual errors.
- Presented financial insights and strategic recommendations to the board of directors monthly, playing a crucial role in the company's expansion strategy.
Work Experience
Senior Finance Manager
HSBC Holdings plc
09/2020-Ongoing
- Orchestrated a £5 million cost savings initiative by reworking financial models and improving efficiency in budget allocation across international departments.
- Led a team of 12 in financial planning and analysis, elevating the company's risk management by implementing robust forecasting technology and strategies.
- Catalysed a 30% increase in investment returns through meticulous market analysis and strategic diversification of financial portfolios.
Work Experience
Corporate Finance Manager
Barclays PLC
06/2017-12/2020
- Managed the corporate finance department overseeing a budget of £10 million, consistently meeting cost-reduction targets by at least 15% annually.
- Drove an initiative that improved reporting accuracy by implementing an integrated financial management system, fostering data-driven decision-making.
- Secured a £25 million line of credit for organizational expansion by presenting compelling financial forecasts and securing stakeholder confidence.
Work Experience
M&A Finance Manager
Deloitte LLP
01/2014-05/2017
- Oversaw the transition to automated financial systems, resulting in a 40% reduction in manual processing errors and a 20% increase in reporting efficiency.
- Developed a financial compliance program that aligned with EU regulations, shielding the company from potential fines and compliance risks.
- Played a key role in negotiating a merger worth £50 million, ensuring seamless financial integration and maximised shareholder value.
Work Experience
Strategic Finance Manager
Unilever PLC
03/2011-12/2013
- Designed and executed a capital finance strategy that raised £15 million in funding for new technology ventures within the organization.
- Transformed the financial reporting framework to support a 25% year-on-year growth, facilitating more strategic operational scaling.
- Championed cost reduction strategies in procurement, saving the company £2 million while maintaining supply chain integrity.
Work Experience
Finance Operations Manager
Royal Dutch Shell plc
07/2009-02/2011
- Spearheaded a finance department restructure that improved operational efficiency by 35% and reduced overhead costs by £1.2 million annually.
- Initiated a working capital optimization project that freed up £4 million in cash flow to be reinvested into critical business operations.
- Pioneered the adoption of sustainable investment practices, attracting 'green' investors and boosting the company’s environmental profile.
Work Experience
Finance and Risk Manager
AstraZeneca PLC
10/2015-08/2018
- Conducted due diligence for a major acquisition, contributing to a smooth transaction that increased the company’s market share by 15%.
- Implemented a risk management framework that decreased financial discrepancies by 22%, promoting a culture of accountability and precision.
- Launched a company-wide cost rationalization program, resulting in a 10% reduction in non-essential expenditures without compromising growth.
Work Experience
Manager of Finance and Performance
GlaxoSmithKline plc
05/2012-09/2015
- Directed international budget consolidations for projects exceeding £20 million, enhancing project ROI by optimizing resource allocation.
- Managed annual financial audits, achieving an 'excellent' rating by external auditors due to the high standards of our reporting processes.
- Facilitated a cross-functional team that developed a new financial KPI dashboard, improving the real-time visibility of the company’s fiscal performance.
Work Experience
Financial Projects Manager
BP p.l.c.
08/2013-07/2016
- Instantiated a predictive analytics program that accurately forecasted quarterly financial trends, aiding in more strategic company investments.
- Led the fiscal management of a large-scale operational efficiency project that saved the company £3.5 million over two years.
- Collaborated with IT to streamline financial data systems which increased data retrieval speeds by 50% for time-sensitive financial decision-making.
What to add in your finance manager CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
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PRO TIP
If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your finance manager CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your finance manager CV:
HARD SKILLS
Financial Reporting
Budgeting & Forecasting
Financial Analysis
Risk Management
Accounting Standards (IFRS/GAAP)
Cash Flow Management
Corporate Finance
Tax Planning
Strategic Planning
Financial Modelling
SOFT SKILLS
Leadership
Communication
Problem-solving
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Strategic Thinking
Decision Making
Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Further professional qualifications for your finance manager CV: education and certificates
As you're nearing the end of your finance manager CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:
- applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
- diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
- extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.
Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional finance manager CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
