CFO Resume: Examples & How to Write a Resume for CFO
CFO Resume: Examples & How to Write a Resume for CFO
Your job is engaging enough when the sailing is smooth, but rough waters are where you really shine. Here’s how you can make sure your CFO resume doesn’t sell you short.
You see the big picture beneath you, and all the opportunities that peak over the horizon. You’ve gone the maximum amount of ‘up’. Now it’s time to make a move towards that horizon.
To be well-received once you get there, though, you’ll need a CFO resume that shows your ability to see farther and plan better than any other candidate.
In this guide:
A CFO resume sample more effective than most.
How to create the perfect resume for a CFO.
How to write a CFO resume that stands out.
Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing a chief financial officer post.
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick
I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan
My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
Innovative CFO with 5+ years’ experience of management at C-level and 7 years at C-1 level. Seeking to apply strategic planning and implementation skills in addressing the Downton Group’s recent downward trends. At Interslice Edgecom, consolidated $900M+ of assets in 20 months and authored the strategy for a $230M IPO.
Experience
CFO
Interslice Edgecom
February 2017–present
Devised strategy for IPO worth $230M.
Spearheaded push for a more aggressive M&A strategy, consolidating $900M+ of assets in 20 months.
Oversaw capital group restructure, addressing redundancies and reducing overall overheads by 23%.
Increased profitability of newly acquired business units by over 10% through a program of scheduled workforce rebalancing.
Financial Director
EPC Connectors
March 2015–January 2017
Led the push for production outsourcing that netted savings of over $100M per year, increasing profit margins from 76% to 87%.
Commissioned a feasibility study that revealed unexploited opportunities worth over $60M.
Designed and implemented internal audit procedures that identified $650k in annual cost savings and missed revenue opportunities.
Improved information flow to external auditors, reducing mean audit duration by 25%.
Education
Executive MBA, Rutgers, NJ
2013–2015
Pursued passion for risk analysis coursework.
Graduated Top of EMBA Class.
Languages
German – Advanced
Swiss German – Upper-Intermediate
Professional Memberships and Certifications
Association for Financial Professionals
Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC)
Key Skills
Developing financial strategies
Planning
Management of financial resources
Systems evaluation
Mathematics
Leadership
Written communication
Oral communication
Problem solving
Negotiation
Now here’s how to write a CFO resume that leads to dizzying growth:
1. Choose the Right CFO Resume Format
Think of all the times you’ve handed someone’s report or other document right back and said:
“I can see at arm’s length that you’re not taking this seriously”.
Don’t be that someone and don’t let your CFO resume be that document.
Make your resume format clear, logical, and professional.
Don't add a full address to your resume. Your name, surname, telephone number, and email address will suffice.
Expert Hint: Send your resume in PDF, it’s unlikely that anyone is passing C-level resumes through an ATS. Still, always check and go with whatever file format is required.
Even if you’re applying for your first C-level post, you’ve got plenty of C-1 and senior management experience—
So a CFO resume objective is a bit of a contradiction in terms.
Expert Hint: Much like an executive summary, a qualifications summary is best written after the fact. Leave writing your CFO resume summary until last and you’ll find it much easier.
3. Write the Work Experience and Skills Section for a CFO Resume
This is the crux of your CFO resume:
A chief financial officer has to be able to handle a crisis should one arise on their watch—
And this is on top of their regular, everyday duties.
Use your knowledge of the company to target you resume. Do this by being very selective with which skills you choose to add (the trick here is to consult the job ad).
The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.
Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now.
4. Education Matters in Your CFO Resume, So Do It Justice
Education is important for a CFO—
Adult education is especially important.
It shows lifelong learning and points to up-to-date knowledge.
Breaks the cardinal rule by including irrelevant information.
Interests and hobbies are fine, but they have to be relevant.
One final, critical step:
You need a CFO cover letter. Dropping a resume in someone’s lap without a cover letter attached is unbecoming of an executive. Don’t make it too long, though. One page should be enough. And if you’re emailing your cover letter, you can make it even shorter.
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
Key Points
For a CFO resume that gets interviews:
Use the CFO resume template up top. It’s based on proven resume-writing principles.
Put CFO achievements in your summary, work history, and education—actions speak louder than words and achievements are descriptions of actions.
Choose the right CFO resume skills. Research the company and the role.
Write a CFO cover letter. Pay attention to the tone of voice you adopt and make a strong case for your candidature.
Need clarification on anything mentioned above? Got any advice to share with your fellow CFOs? Leave any questions and comments down below and we’ll be sure to get back to you.
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