8 Finance Resume Examples for 2024

Crafting a resume in finance means balancing technical skills and experience with simplicity. This guide offers proven examples and strategic advice for job seekers, from entry-level to executive positions. Learn how to highlight your certifications, like CPA or CFA, and tailor your accomplishments for clear impact. Walk away with a strong, interview-worthy finance resume, built on insights from a hiring manager's perspective.

  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 top finance resumes.

  • Numbers That Show Impact: You should use numbers to show how you make a difference. Include revenue growth, cost reductions, budget management, and financial forecasting accuracy.

  • Relevant Skills From The Job Description: Include skills you have that are also in the job description. Some important ones are financial analysis, accounting software, data modeling, compliance regulation, and risk management.

  • Trends In Finance Resumes: New trends include data-driven decision making. Show this with phrases like advanced Excel skills and financial data interpretation.

Place education section wisely

When you create your finance resume, where you place your education can matter. If you are new to the field with little experience, put your education first on your resume. For example, list your degrees in finance or related fields at the top. This shows your foundation in finance principles.

However, if you have been working for some time or have significant financial experience, your work history should come first. This highlights your practical skills in financial roles. Always include any finance-related certifications or ongoing education to show you are keeping your knowledge current.

Showcase analytical skills

In finance, your ability to analyze data and make informed decisions is crucial. On your resume, provide examples of how you have used these skills. Include any financial reports you have prepared or contributed to, or any complex data you have analyzed that led to strong financial decisions.

Highlight any familiarity with finance-specific software or systems. This could include experience with accounting software or advanced proficiency in spreadsheet analysis, which are important in finance-related roles.

Keep resumes concise

For jobs in finance, keeping your resume to one page is best if you have under 10 years of relevant experience. Be clear and concise with your skills and work history. Your resume should be like a balance sheet, capturing the most important information without clutter.

If you are applying for a senior financial role and have more extensive experience, using two pages is acceptable. Ensure every section, including your work in finance, shows value and relevance to the role you are applying for.

Detail regulatory knowledge

Finance is unique because of its strict regulatory environment. You should show your understanding of relevant laws and ethical standards. Mention any experience you have managing finances under specific regulations or any compliance projects you have been a part of.

Also include any certifications in financial regulation or related areas. This could be certifications like a Series 7 or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Practical knowledge of regulations is indispensable in finance careers.

Beat the resume screeners

When you apply for finance roles, your resume might first be read by machines, not humans. These are called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). They scan your resume for keywords and phrases that match the job. To pass this first test, you need to know how it works.

Here are some tips:

  • Use keywords from the job description. For finance positions, words like 'budgeting', 'forecasting', or 'financial analysis' are common. Include these terms if they match your experience.
  • Be clear with your job titles and experiences. For example, 'finance manager' or 'accountant' should be plainly stated. Also, use simple terms to describe your duties and achievements. For instance, 'managed a budget of $100,000' is clear and understandable.

Customize your finance resume

When you apply for finance jobs, show the skills and experience you have that match what the role needs. This helps employers see you're a good fit. Focus on the specific tasks and tools you know that finance work often needs. Here's how you can do this:

  • Show the finance systems you're good at using, like QuickBooks or SAP, to manage accounts or money.

  • For jobs that need you to lead, talk about your experience with guiding teams. Say how many people were in your teams or if you gave talks to big bosses.

  • If you're coming from another job, find the tasks you did that are like what you'd do in finance. For example, if you managed a budget, even in a different job, that's important to mention.

Essential skills for finance specialists

When you craft your finance resume, it's important to focus on the hard skills that show your capability in financial analysis and management. These skills tell employers you have what it takes to handle the job.

  • Financial analysis
  • Accounting principles
  • Budget management
  • Financial reporting
  • Microsoft Excel
  • ERP systems
  • Quantitative analysis
  • Risk assessment
  • Tax preparation
  • Regulatory compliance

You don't need to have every skill listed above, but include those that match your experience and the jobs you want. If you have worked with financial modeling or data analysis tools, make sure to highlight these. These skills can be part of a dedicated 'Skills' section or woven into your work experience descriptions. They help you pass the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many companies use to filter resumes.

Remember, focus on skills that are specific to finance. For example, knowing SAP Financial Accounting is more relevant than basic computer skills. Always tailor your resume for the job you are applying for, and show clear examples of how you used these skills in your past roles.

Show impact with numbers

When you list your past work, adding numbers can make a big difference. Numbers help hiring managers see the exact value you can bring. Here's how to do it in finance:

  • Include the size of budgets you managed or advised on. For example, 'Oversaw a portfolio worth $500,000.' This shows you can handle important tasks with care.
  • Talk about how you saved money. You could say, 'Cut yearly costs by 10% through better vendor deals.' This proves you can find ways to increase profits.

Think about the results of your work. Did you help your company grow? You might have numbers like 'Helped increase annual revenue by 15%.' Or did you make processes better? Say something like, 'Improved report generation speed by 30%, saving 5 hours each week.'

  • Estimate the impact of your work on team performance. For instance, 'Led a finance team that beat quarterly targets by 20%.'
  • Remember to include client or stakeholder satisfaction rates if you have them, such as 'Achieved a client satisfaction score of 95%.'

Use these ideas to think about your own numbers. Even if you're not sure, try to estimate based on your past work. Good numbers on a resume help you stand out.

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