Let’s be honest—writing a CV isn’t the most thrilling task in the world. But if you work in finance and want to land that dream job, having a strong CV is non-negotiable. Employers are sifting through piles of applications, so yours needs to grab their attention fast. Here’s how to write a standout finance CV.
Keep it clear and concise
Finance professionals are all about accuracy, clarity and efficiency – your CV should reflect the same. Stick to two pages max, use a clean layout, and avoid unnecessary jargon.
A simple format works best:
Your name and contact details at the top (email, phone, LinkedIn profile).
A short personal statement.
Work experience (most recent first).
Education and qualifications.
Key skills and certifications.
Additional information (optional but useful, like languages or volunteer work).
Nail your personal statement
This is your elevator pitch. A short (3–4 sentences) paragraph summarising who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for.
Bad example: “I am a hardworking finance professional looking for a new challenge in a reputable company.” (Yawn.)
Good example: “ACA-qualified finance professional with five years of experience in corporate accounting and financial analysis. Proven track record of streamlining reporting processes and improving financial forecasting. Seeking a role in a fast-paced environment where I can drive strategic decision-making.”
See the difference?
Show off your achievements, not just your duties
Hiring managers don’t just want to see a list of what you did – they want to know how well you did it. Instead of saying:
“Responsible for preparing financial reports.”
Try:
“Led the preparation of monthly financial reports, reducing reporting errors by 20% and improving efficiency by automating key processes.”
Quantify your impact where possible – it makes a huge difference.
Use bullet points wisely
Your CV needs to be easy to scan. Bullet points are your best friend, but don’t overdo them. Aim for 4–6 points per role, each starting with a strong action verb: managed, led, analysed, improved, implemented, streamlined.
Highlight relevant skills
Finance roles demand a mix of technical and soft skills. Tailor your CV to highlight what matters most for the role you’re applying for. Examples include:
Financial modelling and forecasting
Budgeting and cost control
Risk management
Regulatory compliance (UK GAAP, IFRS, FRS 102, FCA regulations)
Stakeholder management
Advanced Excel, SQL, Power BI
If a job ad mentions a particular skill, make sure it’s clearly visible in your CV.
Education and qualifications - keep it relevant
If you’re a senior finance professional, your detailed GCSE results from 15 years ago aren’t relevant. Include your degree, professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CTA), and any significant training courses. If you’re early in your career, you can add key university modules that relate to finance.
Don’t forget about formatting
Your CV should look polished and professional. Stick to a clean, easy-to-read font (Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman), size 11 or 12. Use bold for section headings and keep margins at a sensible width. Avoid graphics, colours, or fancy fonts—finance isn’t a design competition.
Proofread, proofread, proofread
A single typo can cost you an interview. Read your CV aloud, use spellcheck, and get someone else to review it. Attention to detail is crucial in finance—don’t let a small mistake give the wrong impression.
Final thoughts
Your CV is your first opportunity to sell yourself. Keep it concise, results-focused, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. If you get it right, you’ll be one step closer to landing that perfect finance role.
Need help perfecting your finance CV? Get in touch with our team —we’re always happy to help! If you’re thinking about a new job, but unsure whether it’s the right time for you, check out our blog: Six signs it’s time for a career change and don’t forget, you can view and apply to all our current finance roles HERE.
