8 Chief Financial Officer Resume Examples for 2024

Creating a good resume for a chief financial officer role is key. This article will share proven resume examples and strategic tips. Learn how to highlight your experience, show key skills, and make a strong impression.

  Compiled and approved by Liz Bowen
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best CFO resumes:

  • Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes use metrics to show impact. Examples include: increased revenue by 20%, reduced expenses by 15%, saved $2 million annually, improved cash flow by 10%.

  • Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, risk management, accounting software. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Show Leadership Experience: For senior roles, show your leadership. Use phrases like led financial team, managed budget, oversaw audit process.

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Position education effectively

As a hiring manager, look for the education section after experience on a chief financial officer's resume. You want to show you've been in the workforce, applying financial knowledge in real-world situations. Place your education section below experience to highlight your practical skills gained over time.

In cases where you've recently attained an advanced degree relevant to finance, such as an MBA or specialized finance certification, position your education before your experience. This shows the hiring manager your commitment to staying current in your field. Lead with your most impressive educational qualifications to emphasize your expertise and dedication to the role of a financial leader.

Leadership experience

Show how you led financial teams or projects. Mention your role in strategic planning or decision-making. This indicates your ability to manage and lead effectively.

Include examples of how you handled financial crises or implemented growth strategies. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills in high-stress situations.

Appropriate resume length

For a chief financial officer role, a two-page resume is often the best length. This allows you to show your wealth of experience and leadership capabilities, which are critical for this position. Your aim should be to provide clear and relevant information about your financial management skills and strategic planning accomplishments.

When deciding what to include, focus on your most notable achievements and roles that directly align with a chief financial officer's responsibilities. Work history beyond 10-15 years can be condensed or omitted unless it demonstrates a key aspect of your capability or growth into the CFO role. Maintain easy readability with a clean format and standard fonts and margins. Remember, being concise is key; you want every line to add real value to your candidacy.

Financial metrics

In financial roles, quantify your achievements. Use numbers to show how you improved revenue, cut costs, or managed budgets. This gives clear evidence of your impact.

Include any certifications related to finance, like CPA or CFA. These are crucial in proving your qualifications.

Optimize for applicant tracking systems

When you apply for a chief financial role, your resume might first be read by a computer before a person sees it. Here are ways to make sure your resume is understood by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

  • Use keywords like 'financial strategy' and 'risk management' that are relevant to the job. Financial officers often need to show expertise in these areas.
  • Make sure your resume has simple formatting. Complex designs can confuse the ATS. Use clear headings like 'experience' and 'education'.

Always remember to check the job listing and include any specific skills or tools mentioned that you have experience with. This can help your resume pass through the ATS and be seen by a hiring manager.

Match your skills to the job

You need to show that you understand what makes a good finance chief. In your resume, make sure the skills you list match the job you want. Show how you've used these skills in action. This helps employers see you as a good fit for the role. When doing this, keep your words simple and clear.

  • Detail your experience with financial management systems like SAP or Oracle.
  • Showcase any big projects you have led, like a company-wide budget overhaul.
  • Include figures that prove your success, like 'Reduced costs by 20% over two years'.

Essential CFO skills

As a chief financial officer, your resume must show that you have the right hard skills to manage the company's finances. You should include skills that are specific to your experience and the role you're applying for.

  • Financial analysis
  • Risk management
  • Strategic planning
  • Budgeting
  • Financial reporting
  • Accounting
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Cash flow management
  • Cost control
  • Investment strategies

You don't need to list all these skills, just those that match your background. It's good to put them in a dedicated 'Skills' section so they are easy to find. This also helps with automated tracking systems that many companies use to screen resumes.

Remember to show how you've used these skills in your past roles. For example, how you managed cash flow to fund new initiatives or controlled costs to improve profitability. Use clear examples with numbers when you can. This will make your resume stand out and show you're a good fit for the role.

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