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 BowenNext update scheduled for 12 Sep 2024
At a GlanceHere's what we see in top finance resumes.
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Streamlined internal reporting processes by introducing advanced Excel models, resulting in a 20% reduction in monthly report generation time.
Directed a team of 4 analysts to deliver comprehensive quarterly financial forecasts, identifying potential revenue streams that increased net income projections by 15%.
Spearheaded the adoption of Tableau for data visualization, which enhanced the decision-making process by providing clearer insights into financial trends.
Leveraged SQL databases for data extraction, transforming financial data infrastructure and improving data accuracy by 30%.
Optimized capital budgeting through rigorous financial modeling, influencing investment decisions that led to a 10% growth in asset portfolio.
Goldman Sachs October 2017 - February 2020 Finance AnalystConducted variance analysis that uncovered a 5% discrepancy in forecasted expenses, driving strategies to realign the $10M budget.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to perform due diligence on potential acquisitions, contributing to a deal that expanded the company's market share by 3%.
Implemented a risk assessment framework that decreased financial exposure by identifying early warning signs in investment portfolios.
Resume Worded May 2015 - September 2017 Junior Finance AnalystDeveloped a dynamic financial dashboard used company-wide, enhancing visibility on KPIs and contributing to a 5% increase in operational efficiency.
Analyzed competitive financial benchmarks and provided insights that informed strategic pricing decisions, improving profit margins by 2%.
Coached.com June 2014 - April 2015 Finance InternAssisted with the automation of financial reporting processes using VBA, saving the team approximately 10 hours per month in manual data entry.
Resume Worded Institute May 2020 Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance Graduated with Honors, GPA: 3.8/4.0 Resume Worded University May 2015 Bachelor of Science in Economics Minors in Business Analytics and Accounting Coursework included Advanced Econometrics, Corporate FinanceFinancial Analysis : Cash Flow Forecasting, Budget Management, Variance Analysis, ROI Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Financial Reporting (Advanced)
Financial Modeling : DCF, NPV, Sensitivity Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Excel (Expert), VBA (Intermediate)
Data Analysis : SQL (Intermediate), SAS (Intermediate), Tableau (Intermediate), Power BI (Intermediate), Financial Data Extraction, Data Validation
Regulatory Compliance : Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Basel III, Dodd-Frank, SEC Filings, Compliance Reporting, Risk Assessment
Certifications : Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Level II (2019), Certified Financial Modeler (2021)
Professional Development : Advanced Excel for Business Professionals (2018), Risk Management in Banking (2020)
Awards : Goldman Sachs Excellence Award (2019), JPMorgan Performance Recognition (2021)Volunteering : Financial Literacy Workshop Facilitator (since 2018), Pro-Bono Financial Consultation for Non-Profits (since 2020)
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Oversaw annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting for a $50M department, increasing forecasting accuracy to 98% through rigorous financial analysis.
Introduced predictive modeling using Python, which enhanced cash flow management and improved short-term investment returns by 8%.
Led financial strategy workshops for department heads, resulting in a unified approach to cost reduction that saved the company $2M annually.
Managed and developed a high-performing finance team of 8, with two members promoted to senior roles within the first 18 months.
Citibank January 2016 - January 2019 Senior Finance AnalystDevised an improved financial reporting framework compliant with SEC regulations, leading to a 25% improvement in report submission timeline.
Conducted comprehensive ROI analysis for proposed capital investments, leading to a more targeted allocation of the $30M budget.
Resume Worded August 2012 - December 2015 Finance AnalystImplemented a continuous improvement program for financial processes, achieving a 15% improvement in overall department efficiency.
Created detailed financial projections for new business lines, contributing to a successful launch that exceeded revenue expectations by 20% in the first year.
Coached.com May 2009 - July 2012 Financial AuditorExecuted field audits that led to the recovery of $500,000 in mismanaged funds, directly impacting the bottom line.
Resume Worded Institute June 2014 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Level III Completed vigorous finance program and achieved the final stage of CFA credentialing. Resume Worded Academic Center May 2011 Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance Graduated with distinction, focusing on corporate finance and investment strategies.Financial Analysis : Variance Analysis, Financial Reporting, Budgeting, Forecasting, Financial Modeling, Cost Accounting
Software : SAP, Oracle, Hyperion, QuickBooks, Advanced Excel, Bloomberg Terminal Regulatory Compliance : GAAP, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), SEC Filings, IFRS, Tax Planning, Risk ManagementData Analysis : SQL, Tableau, Python (pandas, numpy), Data Visualization, Regression Analysis, Predictive Analytics
Certifications : Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM)Professional Development : Advanced Risk and Portfolio Management Bootcamp, Wharton Financial Modelling Seminar
Industry Contributions : Published author in the ‘Journal of Financial Analysis’, Speaker at Annual Finance Leaders Conference
Awards : ‘Finance Executive of the Year’ - Resume Worded Finance Awards, Recognized in ‘Top 40 Under 40’ - Finance Monthly
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.
Orchestrated the strategic realignment of the company's $200M capital investment plan, yielding a 12% improvement in ROI across all projects.
Negotiated with technology providers to incorporate AI-driven analytics into financial processes, decreasing quarterly budget discrepancies by 18%.
Championed a financial literacy initiative that increased employee investment in the company 401(k) plan by 25%.
Cultivated a culture of data-driven decision making that reduced operational expenses by $5M without compromising quality or service.
Bank of America June 2013 - December 2017 Finance ManagerRevamped cross-departmental collaboration protocols which enhanced forecasting reliability and contributed to a 30% reduction in fiscal quarter end closing times.
Formulated a risk mitigation strategy for foreign exchange exposure, preserving $1M in revenue during a period of significant currency fluctuations.
Resume Worded March 2009 - May 2013 Senior Finance AnalystDesigned a custom financial analysis tool that improved the tracking of project costs by 40%, greatly enhancing project budget adherence.
Initiated a cost-saving program that eliminated $250,000 in annual redundant expenditures through strategic vendor negotiations.
Coached.com July 2005 - February 2009 Finance AnalystPlayed a key role in devising a financial plan that supported a company merger, contributing to a seamless integration with no financial disruptions.
Resume Worded Institute May 2016 Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Focus on Strategic Finance Leadership Resume Worded Academic Center August 2010 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Level II Part-time study alongside full-time finance roleFinancial Analysis : Variance Analysis, NPV/IRR, Cash Flow Forecasting, Budgeting, Monte Carlo Simulation, Capital Asset Pricing Model
Financial Software : SAP, Oracle Financials, QuickBooks, Hyperion, Bloomberg Terminal, Advanced Excel
Data Analytics : SQL, Power BI, Tableau, SAS, Financial Modeling, Pivot Tables Regulatory Compliance : SOX, Dodd-Frank, GAAP, Basel III, FASB Standards Implementation, AML Certifications : Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Professional Development : Advanced Risk Management Program, Financial Data Analysis WorkshopAwards : Finance Leader of the Year 2020 - Bank of America, Wells Fargo Excellence in Leadership Award 2019
Industry Contributions : Panelist at the National Finance Summit 2021, Published author in the 'Journal of Strategic Finance'
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.
Facilitated a $100M M&A deal by conducting due diligence, creating complex financial models, and contributing to the negotiation strategy, increasing shareholder value by 12%.
Crafted bespoke pitch books for client presentations, directly resulting in the securement of three high-value advisory mandates within the first year.
Conducted industry research and financial analysis for 15+ IPOs, leading to successful market entries with initial valuations exceeding $500M.
Morgan Stanley December 2016 - July 2020 Corporate Finance AnalystAnalyzed financial statements and market trends for 10+ client companies, providing insights that informed their strategy and led to an average of 10% stock price increase post-consultation.
Developed a financial projection template that reduced the time to evaluate potential investments by 25%, increasing departmental efficiency.
Resume Worded May 2016 - November 2016 Financial Analyst InternAssisted in the creation of a valuation model for a mid-sized retail client, which contributed to an informed acquisition proposal valued at $50M.
Coached.com September 2015 - April 2016 Economics Research AssistantSupported in the analysis of economic data to predict market trends, aiding the team in developing a robust investment portfolio strategy.
Resume Worded Institute May 2020 Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance Emphasis on Corporate Strategy and Investment Analysis Resume Worded University June 2016 Bachelor of Science - Economics Graduated with Honors, Cum Laude Part-time during final year while interning at Resume WordedFinancial Modeling : DCF, LBO, M&A, Monte Carlo Simulation, Sensitivity Analysis, Precedent Transactions
Financial Software : Bloomberg Terminal, Thomson Reuters Eikon, Capital IQ, FactSet, Excel (Advanced)
Data Analysis : SQL, VBA, MATLAB, Python (pandas, NumPy), R Languages : English (Native), Spanish (Conversational), Mandarin (Basic) Certifications : Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Level III Candidate Awards : Morgan Stanley Recognition Award for Excellence in Financial Analysis (2019) Volunteering : Volunteer Tax Assistant, Resume Worded Outreach Program (2018-2020)Publications : Co-authored 'Emerging Markets and Diversified Investment Strategies' in The Financial Analysts Journal (2021)
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.
Contributed to a 5% decrease in compliance costs by aiding in the revision of financial control systems to ensure regulatory adherence.
Formulated weekly performance reports highlighting portfolio trends that saved senior analysts 10+ hours per reporting period.
Provided actionable analytical support for a cost-reduction plan that was instrumental in cutting operation expenses by 3% without impacting efficiency.
Deloitte July 2019 - April 2021 Finance AssistantAssisted in financial reconciliations for multinational corporations, resulting in the identification of $200,000 in recoverable charges.
Supported in the rollout of financial software upgrades that enhanced data accuracy for client reporting packages.
Resume Worded January 2019 - June 2019 Accounting InternParticipated in the monthly close process, helping to accelerate the completion timeline from 10 days to 7 days.
Coached.com September 2017 - December 2018 Student Finance Committee MemberCollaborated in the management of a $100,000 university budget, providing financial insights that increased fund allocation efficiency by 15%.
Resume Worded Institute June 2021 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Level I Completed rigorous financial analysis training and ethical standards educationParticipated in intensive study groups and workshops to reinforce financial modelling and equity valuation techniques
Resume Worded University May 2019 Bachelor of Science in Finance Cum Laude, GPA: 3.8/4.0Relevant Coursework: Corporate Finance, Advanced Econometrics, Investment Banking, Portfolio Management (Part-time during Student Finance Committee membership)
Financial Analysis : Financial Modelling, Equity Valuation, Risk Assessment, Cash Flow Analysis, Budgeting, Variance Analysis
Accounting Software : QuickBooks, Oracle Financials, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Xero, FreshBooks Data Analysis & Reporting : Excel (Advanced), Power BI, Tableau, SQL, VBA, Looker Regulatory & Compliance : Sarbanes-Oxley, BASEL III, GAAP, IFRS, SEC Filings, Dodd-FrankCertifications : Financial Risk Manager (FRM) - Expected Completion 2023, Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) - 2019
Professional Development : Investment Banking Institute Training Program - Financial Modelling & Valuations (2020), Advanced Excel for Financial Analysts (2018)
Memberships : Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), Member since 2020Volunteering : Treasurer - Local Community Food Bank (2019-Present), Mentor - Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (2020-Present)
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.
Drove a global restructuring initiative that consolidated financial operations, achieving a 20% cost reduction and streamlining reporting procedures.
Executed a strategic investment diversification plan which fortified the portfolio against market volatility and delivered a 10% increase in year-over-year returns.
Championed the implementation of an ERP system across all regional offices, enhancing financial transparency and operational efficiency by 35%.
Led bi-annual financial training for over 100 employees, fostering a knowledgeable workforce that contributed to a 5% jump in department productivity.
HSBC August 2010 - December 2014 Finance DirectorRestructured the corporate budgeting process, empowering business units with real-time financial data, leading to a 15% improvement in budget adherence.
Resume Worded March 2007 - July 2010 Accounting ManagerOversaw the transition to an automated accounting system that reduced reconciliation errors by 40%, enhancing overall financial integrity.
Coached.com May 2003 - February 2007 Senior AccountantOrganized and led quarterly financial reporting that provided leadership with critical insights, improving strategic decision-making and operational agility.
Resume Worded Institute May 2012 Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Completed executive leadership program with a focus on strategic financial management Resume Worded Academic Center August 2006 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Level III Achieved the highest credential awarded by the CFA Institute Financial Analysis : NPV, IRR, DCF, WACC, Monte Carlo Simulation, Financial Modeling Accounting Software : SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Xero, FreshBooks Data Analysis : SQL, Excel (Advanced, including Macros), Power BI, Tableau, Bloomberg Terminal Regulatory Compliance : SOX, GAAP, IFRS, Dodd-Frank, Basel III, SEC Reporting Certifications : Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA)Professional Memberships : Association of Financial Professionals (AFP), American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
Awards : Finance Leader of the Year 2013 – Resume Worded Finance Awards, Top Financial Strategist 2011 – HSBC Internal Honors
Conferences : Speaker at the Annual Global Finance Summit 2022, Panelist on Fintech Innovations at Finance Tech 2019
Developed a customizable financial model for individual clients that incorporated tax optimization strategies, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction rate.
Identified growth opportunities by performing in-depth analyses on clients' financial portfolios, leading to an average of 20% improvement in clients' investment performance.
Implemented a CRM system to streamline client communication, which enhanced service delivery and led to a 10% growth in client base within a year.
Edward Jones June 2014 - March 2019 Personal Financial AdvisorAdvised on and managed client portfolios totaling $30M, outperforming benchmark indices by 5% year-over-year through strategic asset allocation.
Resume Worded January 2011 - May 2014 Sales AnalystLeveraged data analysis to pinpoint emerging market trends, enabling the company to capitalize on new opportunities and drive a 15% increase in sales.
Coached.com August 2008 - December 2010 Business AnalystProduced robust analytics on market behaviors that influenced the strategic planning process and resulted in a more effective targeting of key demographics.
Resume Worded Institute May 2019 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Level IIICompleted all three levels while working full-time, demonstrating high level of dedication and time management.
Resume Worded University June 2013 Master of Business Administration - Finance Graduated with honors, final project on Behavioral Finance awarded by the faculty.Financial Analysis : Statistical data interpretation, Revenue forecasting, Quantitative analysis, Budget management, Cash flow analysis, Cost reduction strategies
Financial Planning : Wealth management, Risk assessment, Investment strategies, Estate planning, Tax optimization, Retirement planning
Software Proficiency : Advanced Excel, QuickBooks, Oracle Finance, SAP Financials, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Salesforce CRM
Regulatory Compliance : SEC regulations, Dodd-Frank, FINRA compliance, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), KYC procedures
Professional Development : Advanced Retirement Planning certification, Estate Planning seminar series
Leadership : Led financial planning forums at Prudential, Supervised a team of 10 financial advisors at Edward Jones
Community Involvement : Financial literacy volunteer teacher, Regular speaker at local educational seminars for wealth management
Awards & Honors : Prudential’s Circle of Excellence Award for outstanding client service, Edward Jones’ Eagle Award for high sales performance
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:
Streamlined Deloitte's risk assessment framework for financial services clients, resulting in a 20% increase in process efficiency and a 15% reduction in risk reporting errors.
Developed and implemented advanced statistical models that leveraged machine learning, directly leading to a 30% improvement in risk prediction accuracy for high-profile investment portfolios.
Orchestrated a cross-departmental team to mitigate a complex $10M operational risk, employing strategic hedge positions and risk transfer mechanisms that effectively safeguarded client assets.
Guided C-level executives through regulatory compliance changes, ensuring seamless adaptation to new IT risk management requirements, which protected clients from potential non-compliance penalties.
Spearheaded the creation of a bespoke risk management training program that boosted the team’s competency and led to a company-wide adoption of best practices, increasing risk awareness by 40%.
Negotiated with technology vendors to adopt cutting-edge risk analysis software, enhancing risk detection capabilities and achieving a 25% reduction in time spent on manual data analysis.
Published multiple white papers on emerging financial risk trends, positioning Deloitte as a thought leader and contributing to a 10% growth in the firm's risk advisory business sector.
JPMorgan Chase August 2017 - December 2020 Risk Management AnalystLed a quarterly risk evaluation project for a $5B loan portfolio, identifying critical risk factors that reduced potential loan losses by $50M through proactive mitigation strategies.
Enhanced the analytical capabilities of JPMorgan’s risk analysis team by integrating Python-based modeling tools, reducing time spent on complex simulations by 35%.
Authored an internal guide on credit risk best practices that was adopted by the analyst team, improving overall credit risk assessment quality by 25%.
Citibank March 2015 - July 2017 Compliance OfficerExecuted a bank-wide audit for Citibank's global operations that resulted in the identification and remediation of 75 key regulatory compliance issues, avoiding potential fines upwards of $5M.
Implemented a new sanctions screening process using advanced database software, resulting in a 50% reduction in false positives and streamlining client transaction experiences.
Trained over 100 employees in compliance procedures and regulatory standards, significantly strengthening the bank's compliance posture within a year.
Wells Fargo June 2011 - February 2015 Financial AnalystAnalyzed and reported on market trends affecting a $2B portfolio, delivering insights that led to a strategic shift in investment focus, protecting the portfolio from a potential 10% downturn.
Identified cost-saving opportunities that resulted in a 15% reduction in expenses for the department through the use of more efficient data analytics platforms.
Supported senior analysts in developing risk models tailored for emerging markets, providing Wells Fargo with early mover advantage in several high-growth regions.