resume samples for cfo

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Resume Example, Tips & Tricks

You’ve made it to the top of the career ladder and landed a role as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)! It’s more than simply knowing your way around numbers. You take the reins when it comes to the business’ long-term financial goals, budgets, and objectives. Managing all of the above comes complete with a hefty salary of $393,377, on average . If you’re ready to take the next step in your professional life, you’ll need a stellar CFO resume.

If you’re looking for your next challenge, you’ve come to the right place. Here at TopResume, we have everything you need to support your career progression. In the following guide, we will be taking a look at how to write a CEO resume, examples of what you should include in a couple of the resume sections, and some handy tips and tricks.

How to write a resume

Are you looking for your next big break? If you’re ready to take on a new challenge, a well-written CFO resume will open doors. You have roughly two pages to accurately convey your value to the hiring manager. Here are some tips to help you out. 

Optimize your resume 

Over 98.8% of Fortune 500 companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The software ranks incoming applications by how well they match the criteria of the job. Only the best matches will make it through the filter and into the decision-maker’s inbox. You can optimize your CFO resume by including specific keywords and phrases in the body of the content. Be sure to use terminology that applies directly to the position. You can refer back to the original job posting or look on the company website for inspiration.

Tell your career story 

One of the biggest mistakes that professionals make when writing their resume is simply listing their experience. It’s not just about ticking boxes. You’re applying to be the head of the financial department - you need more than just a load of skills to get the job done. When you’re writing your application, it’s about sharing your professional journey with the reader. If you get this right, you will start to stand out in a sea of resumes for all the right reasons. 

Put the spotlight on your value 

As we’ve already mentioned, CFOs bring in a gigantic salary. When you’re writing your resume, it pays dividends to keep that in mind. At every turn, you need to show the hiring manager the value that you bring. There are plenty of opportunities to demonstrate this. For instance, you may choose to quantify the mass savings you made for a previous employer or share some important statistics on how efficient you’ve been in other roles. 

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume examples 

Are you struggling with a case of writer’s block? If you’ve hit a wall when it comes to writing your CFO resume, don’t panic. It can be hard to know what to say when you finally put pen to paper. We have what you need to get your creative juices flowing once more. 

Let’s take a look at two core sections. The resume summary is a short introductory paragraph that explains what you’re bringing to the table. Think of it as an elevator pitch. The employment history section highlights the professional experience you’ve gained. Below, we share an example of a CFO summary and an employment history sample:

Summary example

Seasoned executive with proven success in overseeing finance strategy, operations, and performance for companies across diverse industries. Trusted member of the C-suite, known for providing sharp insights into financial trends and opportunities to drive profitability. Adept at managing relationships with lenders and negotiating lines of credit, loans, and other facilities to raise capital critical to business growth and expansion. Talent for leading and developing high-performing teams and creating a positive culture.

Employment history example

Solaris, Inc. – Los Angeles, CA 4/2022 to Present

Chief Financial Officer

Oversee financial operations for this leading solar EPC company serving residential and commercial clients. Lead team of 25 across accounting, finance, HR, and IT, mentoring on core competencies to provide team with the tools and knowledge to support exponential growth. Collaborate closely with legal team to shape litigation and contract strategies. 

Optimized revenue management and growth by devising a novel financial reporting system focused on margin opportunities and collaborating with sales and operations to strengthen go-to-market strategies

Boosted profits and increased liquidity by sourcing and negotiating with new financiers to create low-cost funding options for customers

Positioned company for continued growth by liaising with lender to evaluate, negotiate, and secure asset-based line of credit, providing additional funding

Overcame supply chain challenges by cultivating relationships with key vendors to ensure access to limited products and meet in-stock requirements for projected order volume

Key hard and soft skills for Chief Financial Officers (CFO)

On traditional resumes, professionals tend to include skills sections. However, since you’re applying for a role at the highest level, you need to be more specific. You can split your hard and soft skills into two sections. 

As you might imagine, the former will include only technical (i.e. hard) skills. In addition, you can weave some of these skills into the narrative in other resume sections. If you’re not sure which core skills to include, here are some examples. 

CFO soft skills: 

Collaboration

Verbal and written communication 

Vendor and bank negotiations

Team leadership and development

CFO hard skills: 

Internal and external audits

Financial analysis

Oracle JDE EnterpriseOne

MS Insights and Navision

Of course, the CFO hard and soft skills you include on your resume will depend on your expertise. Wherever possible, showcase how you have used these competencies to benefit the business at hand. For example, if you’re referencing a skill in your employment history section, elaborate on how that talent allowed you to excel at work. 

Summary and last words

Writing your Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume is the first step in the next part of your professional journey. If you’re ready to take things to a whole new level, you need a resume that speaks the hiring manager’s language. In this guide, we’ve shared some of the approaches you may choose to take. However, if you want to ensure job-search success, we highly recommend working with a team of expert resume writers. 

Introduction to TopResume: Professional resume writers

Allow our team of professional resume writers to help you along the way. Armed with an optimized CFO resume, you can land more interviews and get hired faster. When you’re aiming high, taking that extra measure and investing in yourself is never a bad idea. 

Since launching our exclusive service, we’ve helped more than a million job seekers in reaching, and even exceeding, their long-term goals. Rated as “excellent” on TrustPilot, we have the tools you need to succeed and you can put your professional growth firmly in our hands. TopResume’s Ultimate Package is tailor-made for C-suite professionals, featuring a resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn page written by an executive-level writer. 

Why you should make use of our resume writing services to land your next job as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Writing a succinct and effective application is one of the biggest hurdles that executives face when applying for new positions. When you’re shooting your shot for the top position, you need a perfectly-pitched, optimized Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume. However, it can be hard to know which pieces of information to include and which to leave out. 

On top of that, since you’re applying for a top position, the hiring manager will expect your CFO resume to look the part. Unless you happen to be a design master, crafting an exceptional-looking resume can be challenging. Choosing to work with resume writers means that you get everything in one place - astounding content and a professional look.

Resume writing service for CFOs: Let us write your resume

Here at TopResume, we make things easy. Our exclusive business and management resume writing service is the ideal solution. You’ll have the opportunity to work with one of our elite writers and gain the tool-kit that you need for your career success. Rather than merely listing your qualifications and skills, our team will work to create a compelling story that piques hiring managers’ interest. The end result is a document that encapsulates your value and shows the reader you are more than an average candidate.

Who are the TopResume writers?

Senior Resume Writer

4+ years of experience, bachelor of arts in humanities and classical studies.

Billie is a passionate writer whose mission is to write impactful resumes to support career growth, evolution, and transition targets. Billie’s love of the written word spans her entire life, and she enjoys utilizing that passion to empower successful career transitions.

10+ years of experience

Master of arts in english.

Traci has a Master of Arts in English and has been writing since middle school. After spending several years in marketing, she used her writing skills and corporate knowledge to help job seekers put their best foot forward and achieve their career goals.

15+ Years of Experience

Bachelor of arts in english and business writing.

Jeremy has helped 6K+ clients gain the confidence to apply for and get their dream jobs. His educational background in English and business writing and dedication to supporting clients’ needs inspire him to deliver top-tier career support.

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• • Reduced business operation inefficiencies and costs by 130% over 614 client accounts in the span of 3 years.
• • Achieved consistent 8.5% YoY revenue growth for the top 17% companies under my management.
• • Negotiated client's vendor contracts, thus reducing a total of $1.3 billion in costs for the company's top 1% clients.
• • Enhanced financial forecasts by reducing errors and report time by 30% and 52%, respectively, after I leveraged available data and built a new reporting model.
• • Prevented a $96 million financial loss by conducting an internal audit which identified 7+ issues with the financial risk and security mitigation systems set in place 5 years ago.
• • Reduced spending by $83 million by analyzing supplier performance and re-negotiating pricing, as well as terms of service.

5 Chief Financial Officer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your chief financial officer resume must reflect an exceptional understanding of financial strategies and a track record in financial management. It should showcase your ability to navigate complex economic landscapes successfully. Demonstrate in meticulous detail your experience in optimizing a company's financial performance and enhancing its value. Make certain to highlight your proficient leadership in overseeing financial teams, ensuring they align with the organization's financial goals.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Finance Manager, CFE and MBA resume example

Resume Guide

CFO Resume Example

Resume Format

Resume Experience Section

Hard & Soft Skills

Certification & Education on Resume

Outline Your CFO Certificates

Resume Summary

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

Chief Financial Officers sometimes find it tough to highlight their wide-ranging skills in finance and leadership within a short resume.

Our CFO resume guide offers easy-to-follow strategies and examples, helping you communicate your significant talents and successes clearly and briefly, as well as how to:

• Use a standout CFO resume example that emphasizes the blend of strategy and operations.
• Showcase profit optimization and risk management success without overwhelming the reader.
• Underscore your modern toolset competence with a skills proficiency section.
• Point out your continued professional growth through certifications, workshops, or influential financial conferences attended.

Looking for a related resume instead? Bookmark these pages for later:

• VP of finance resume example
• Director of finance resume example
• Tax director resume example
• Treasury manager resume example
• CFO cover letter example

CFO resume example that gets it right

Let’s discuss some helpful aspects of resume writing for a CFO role based on the given resume:

• Highlight Relevant Certifications and Achievements: "CFE and Risk Compliance specialist" and "Won ACFE's Certified Fraud Examiner of the Year Award" indicate specific certifications and awards directly related to finance and fraud examination.
• Quantify Achievements: Examples from the resume include: "Established ABC, LMP and XYZ as market leaders with more than $750 million in yearly revenue," "Reduced business operation inefficiencies and costs by 130%," and "Achieved consistent 8.5% YoY revenue growth."
• Showcase Specific Financial Skills and Expertise: "Enhanced financial forecasts by reducing errors," "Prevented a $96 million financial loss," and skills like "Financial analysis" and "Risk and compliance management" emphasize the candidate's financial acumen.
• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration and Results: Under strengths, "Achieved $10 million in annual cost savings by working closely with department heads" demonstrates the ability to work cross-functionally and achieve tangible results.

How to decide on a suitable format for your CFO resume

Nobody becomes a C-suite executive in a day. Unless you have a rich family who has a spare company in need of a CFO.

This means you already have at least 7-8 years of experience under your belt. As such, the reverse-chronological resume format is your best chance to showcase what you can do.

Alternatively, if most of your experience consists of:

• Being a board member or advisor of different committees
• Operating as a financial manager and advisor to companies in different business niches
• Mix of financial positions at both nonprofit and for-profit companies

…you can use the hybrid resume format . This layout will help you display a versatile skills set, while boasting a variety of achievements.

If you’re applying for a CFO role for the first time, the hybrid resume can also provide enough space to share skills developed outside of formal job roles.

But remember, this is an executive-level position. Both hiring managers and C-suite professionals prefer more traditional formats.

Now, what about document types and formatting? A few weeks ago, we set out to test how different resume layouts perform with various ATS tools.

Here is what our research found out:

• Header : The resume header contains your basic information, as well as links to your portfolio. Think of it as the business card you give to potential clients and partners.
• File Format: You can send your resume both as an MS Word and a PDF file. But PDFs are preferable because they preserve the design, format and stylings you’ve used.
• Section Headings: ATS software is sensitive when it comes to section headings. You must explicitly state what each section of your resume contains.
• Length: You may be tempted to include every single past role you’ve held. This is where editing is key. Let the job ad guide you. Try to fit within a page.
• Colors and Design: As we mentioned above, when reviewing executive-level resumes, recruiters look for a more traditional and conservative look.
• Fonts: Keeping it traditional doesn’t mean you have to use Times New Roman. ATS tools accept all of the popular Google fonts, so don’t hesitate to choose one you like.

If you’ve already been more than 10 years in the workforce, be selective about the experience you share. After all, you don’t want a three- (or more) page-long resume.

Feature only relevant entries and try not to go back further than a decade.

If you want your resume to look conservative, yet not bland, use your potential employer’s brand colors. But don’t go overboard with the overall design.

Wondering if your resume passes through the ATS checkers? Have a look-see below:

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The top sections on a CFO resume:

What recruiters want to see on your resume:, curate the experience section of your chief financial officer resume.

You’ve already featured some of your accomplishments in the summary to grab recruiters’ attention. But your job is not done here.

There’s nothing worse than starting with a bang only to have things fizzle out by the time hiring managers get to the most important part of your resume.

Your goal is to explain how your career has progressed so far and where you see yourself in the future. Each experience section entry consists of the:

• Name of your employer with a short description, outlining its business focus.
• Company’s website
• Job title you held during your tenure
• Dates of your employment or your participation in a particular project. Note that consistent formatting is crucial to pass the ATS tests.
• No more than 5 bullet points accentuate how your efforts have contributed to your employers business goals.

The best way to emphasize the impact of your work is by quantifying it. Lead each bullet point with an action verb , then explain the challenges you’ve managed to overcome.

However, it’s difficult to quantify without revealing proprietary information. Here are our tips on how to put measurable achievements and not worrying about NDAs:

• Use Relative Metrics Over Absolute Numbers : Instead of specifying exact numbers (e.g., "Saved $5M in operational costs"), use relative metrics (e.g., "Reduced operational costs by 15%").
• Benchmark Against Industry Standards : Comparing your company's performance against industry benchmarks can provide context. For instance, if the industry average for revenue growth is 5%, and your company achieved 12%, it shows your company is outperforming the industry.
• Use Graphs and Visual Representations : Graphs can depict growth or reductions without necessarily revealing the exact numbers. For instance, a line graph showing upward revenue growth over a 5-year period gives a visual idea of performance without disclosing specifics.
• Highlight Achievements in a Contextual Manner : If you launched a new financial system that led to cost savings, mention it as "Implemented a state-of-the-art financial system that resulted in significant operational efficiencies."
• Avoid Sensitive Data : Refrain from disclosing information that could be used by competitors or adversely affect stock prices. For instance, you can avoid specifics about debt financing or mention mergers and acquisitions without revealing terms.
• Use Aggregated Data : Instead of breaking down data by business unit or department, provide an overall figure. This can show the impact without revealing too much detail.
• Highlight Awards and Recognitions : If your company or finance department has been recognized by industry bodies or has received awards, use them to validate your achievements without having to dive into sensitive specifics.
• Discuss Training and Implementation : Highlighting the implementation of new training programs, software, or tools and their impacts ("Introduced a new financial modeling tool that improved forecast accuracy by 20%") showcases leadership and innovation.

Make sure you:

• List your entries in a reverse-chronological order
• Stay relevant to the job description
• Don’t include positions you’ve held more than 10 years ago

Use the following sample experience section as a reference:

• • Negotiated client's vendor contracts, thus reducing a total of $50% of industry-average share in costs for the company's top 1% clients.

List a balanced mix of relevant chief financial officer skills

Why does your resume need a balanced skills section ?

Because it proves that you are the well-rounded superstar fit for the position. You have to be able to communicate with both financial gurus and non-specialists.

To build it, will help you tailor your resume according to the job description.

First off, listing hard skills you have that match the job description will tick all the ATS relevancy checks. After all, it’s all about keyword targeting with ATS.

By contrast, the soft skills you cite will get you noticed by recruiters .

Let’s tackle the types of talents one by one. Starting with your technical abilities, we’ve created a list with the most popular CFO skills currently trending:

34 technical skills for a Chief Financial Officer

Most of these are easy to quantify. The other ones can be tested on the spot during the interview.

Yet, how do you describe your soft skills?

Soft skills showcase the impact of your professional efforts. Think about how your boss and colleagues talk about what you do.

Have you helped the company achieve its goals? Has your work shone the spotlight on your team? Does your work style inspire others around you?

Hiring managers are searching for leaders who can pull both the company and its employees up.

Again, you must be able to link your achievements to verifiable numbers. Use data and numbers to quantify the impact of your work:

By doing so, you show that you take your job very seriously and consider the consequences of your actions.

If you can’t think of any relevant social talents off the top of your head, we have some suggestions for you:

Necessary 30 soft skills for a chief financial officer

How to list your certifications and education on your resume.

The education section on a CFO's resume is valuable for several reasons:

• Foundational Knowledge: The complexities of financial management, strategic planning, and risk assessment often require a solid educational foundation. A degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field provides this foundation.
• Credibility: Holding a degree from a reputable institution can lend credibility to the CFO's qualifications. For senior-level roles, a master's degree (like an MBA or Master's in Finance) or higher can be seen as particularly prestigious.
• Specialized Training: Apart from generic degrees, specialized training or certifications (like CPA, CFA, etc.) indicate expertise in specific areas of finance. These can be instrumental in certain industries or roles.
• Continuous Learning: Listing additional courses, workshops, or seminars attended indicates a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest industry trends and practices.
• Transferable Skills: Some educational backgrounds, even if not directly related to finance, can offer transferable skills valuable for a CFO. For example, a degree in law can be beneficial for a CFO dealing extensively with regulatory compliance.

While experience, skills, and accomplishments play a paramount role in a CFO's qualifications, the education section complements and reinforces the individual's suitability for the role.

So, here’s what your resume education should look like:

• Example: M.B.A. in Financial Management
• Example: Harvard Business School
• Example: Graduated in 2020
• Example: Summa Cum Laude
• Example: Advanced Risk Management Course
• Example: Thesis on "Strategic Financial Forecasting in Tech Start-ups"
• Example: Financial Leadership Workshop at Stanford University
• Example: President, University Finance Club

Remember to list the items in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent educational achievement. Tailor the education section to the specific role and company to which you're applying, highlighting the most relevant educational accomplishments.

Here’s an example of how to do that:

• • Summa Cum Laude
• • Thesis on Strategic Financial Forecasting in Tech Start-ups
• • President, University Finance Club

Outline your chief financial officer certificates

Finance and accounting is a huge academic and professional field. You can’t possibly specialize in everything, unless you dedicate your life to it.

This is where certifications come in handy. They show where your focus lies and how you want to continue developing professionally.

And your resume’s certifications are what makes you stand out among other job candidates. When talking about your qualifications, mention the:

• Name of your certificate
• Validity date, if applicable
• Year you’ve obtained the document or projected year of completion
• Name of the college, university or international organization, issuing the diploma

Some of these include:

8 prestigious certifications for your CFO resume

Build a convincing cfo resume summary.

Serving as a CFO means that both your financial and your sales skills are on par with current standards.

One of the top skills for a salesperson is persuasion. And this is what your resume summary must do for you , if you want to impress your potential employer.

Explain why you are the best fit for the position and highlight some relevant achievements to support your claims.

The basic structure of a resume summary is as follows:

• Start with how many years of experience you have as a financial specialist.
• Continue by sharing your proudest work achievements
• Finish off by detailing your professional qualifications and skills you excel at
• To make an even greater impact, don’t go over 100 words or roughly 5-6 sentences.

This will make it easy for you to pick which accomplishments to share, but also easy-to-read for recruiters.

Moreover, by naming your key talents and tools as the job description does, you’ll increase your chances of passing the ATS tests.

Think of the ATS software as a matchmaking tool. It checks whether the skills you’ve mentioned match the one in the job ad.

Check out some good examples we have prepared for you below:

Add some character to your resume by attaching other sections

Another way to impress hiring managers is to dedicate some space for other sections on your resume.

Being a C-level executive means that your professional activities don’t stop at working as a Finance manager. The ability to network and stay on top of industry trends is key.

As such, some relevant sections you can incorporate are:

• Association memberships (ACCFO, AICPA, AAA, IIA, AFA, etc.)
• Side projects, publications, and papers
• Clubs, passion projects, and honors
• Hobbies (for instance, networking and team building sports, such as golf)

Key takeaways

Looking to build your own Chief Financial Officer resume?

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Samples › Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer Sample

Download and customize our resume template to land more interviews. Review our writing tips to learn everything you need to know for putting together the perfect resume.

Not sure how to format your resume? Download our free guide and template .

You’ve finally reached the point in your career when it’s time to climb to the top rung of the financial leadership ladder and become a Chief Financial Officer or CFO. As you’ve worked through the ranks, you’ve honed skills like strategy, risk management, and resource allocation. You probably also have quite a few certifications under your belt, like Chartered Financial Analyst or CFA or even Certified Public Accountant or CPA. 

It is critical that a future hiring manager understand everything you bring to the table. Because of that, you need a compelling Chief Financial Officer or CFO resume that speaks to your qualifications and experiences but also conveys the value you can add to the prospective employer’s organization. Your resume should talk about your skills as a financial leader and how you use the strategies you’ve learned during your career to ensure financial success. 

To help you do this, we’ve constructed a Chief Financial Officer or CFO resume example that you can use as inspiration when writing your own. You’ll also find some useful tips and tricks in this article that will help you wordsmith your experiences in a way that resonates with executive hiring managers. 

Without further ado, let’s set you on the path to a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position. 

How to write a CFO resume

Some of the first questions that people ask when faced with the prospect of writing their new resume are:

How long should my resume be?

How far back should my experience go?

What resume format do I use?

How do I highlight my achievements?

Do I write my resume in past or present tense?

When you get to the executive level, the answers to those questions are important, but the content of your resume has to go beyond formatting and structure, though we still touch on both of those in the “Write a powerful resume” section below. Aside from formatting and structure, you want to get clear on your goals and the story you want to share, while also appreciating the importance of using your resume to network. 

What are your goals?

By figuring out your career goals — is CFO the final stop on your career journey, for example  — you can have a clearer picture for shaping the direction of your resume. It’ll also help you tailor your resume to a role based on how it fits within your career objectives. 

On top of that, you can see how your skills and experiences are relevant to your job targets. Relevance is the key to catching a hiring manager’s attention because you can show that what you bring to the table is aligned with what they need. 

At the end of the day, you have to be able to present yourself as a candidate who is not only qualified for the position but also committed to the specific path you are pursuing as that will make you a more engaged employee. 

Tell a story

Avoid making your resume into a laundry list of jobs you’ve held. Rather, write your resume in a way that tells a story about what you’ve accomplished in the past. You’ve likely heard about using the STAR method to answer behavioral interview questions; well there is a similar process for discussing achievements on your resume. It’s called the CAR (Challenge, Action Result) method. 

As you talk about challenges you’ve overcome in your career and the results you’ve achieved, remember to use numbers to demonstrate value as often as possible. Those numbers can include percentages, money, or metrics – anything that demonstrates tangible impact. Here are a couple of examples:

Executed cost-saving strategies that reduced operating expenses by 20%, saving approximately $2 million annually. 

Directed CAPEX project that increased revenue by 15% and improved the company’s position in the market.

Those two bullet points are chock full of keywords – cost-saving strategies, market position, CAPEX, projects – and they each paint a picture in the head of a hiring manager who is skimming through your Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume. They understand that you know how to save money and improve revenue – two of the major things that organizations want CFOs to do!

Write a powerful resume

Once you’ve clarified your goals and begin crafting the story you want to tell, it’s time to incorporate those into a well-drafted resume to stand out, focused both on the right formatting and optimal content. 

Formatting your resume

In terms of formatting your resume, it’s best to use a reverse-chronological layout, which you’ll see is most-often used in CFO resume examples, like the one included here. A reverse-chronological format shows your most recent work history first, which is most relevant to employers. 

Additional formatting considerations include resume length, font type and size, margins, and section headings. As an executive-level, since you have ample experience that you may want or need to highlight, you could get away with having a three-page resume, though standard practice is to aim for a two-page resume for experienced professionals. 

There are several font types to choose from for resumes, which you can review in more detail in “ The Best Fonts and Size to Use on a Resume .”

Your font size should be anywhere from 10 to 14-point. In terms of margins, standard is one-inch, though you can go as low as 0.5-inch all around, which you might choose to use if your resume needs to be shortened. 

For section headings, the standard choices that are a must to include are Work Experience and Education, with Additional Experience, Projects, Skills, and Certifications being some of the optional sections you might choose to include. 

Between your contact information and Work Experience section, you’ll include a strong Resume Summary that summarizes your key accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying to, with a Core Competencies list just below it. 

Writing your resume

Here are some some CFO resume tips to consider when writing the content of your resume:

Use action verbs. Powerful action verbs should begin each bullet point within your Work Experience section. You’ll also use action verbs in your Resume Summary. 

Provide results and quantifiable data. You always want to showcase the results you achieved for each position you list. When doing so, use as many numbers as possible to describe those results. Data helps show the employer your ability to succeed. 

Be concise. Brevity is your friend when writing your resume. Provide just enough information to indicate what you achieved, and leave off anything that’s irrelevant, overly wordy, or doesn’t add value. 

Use keywords. Review the job description and incorporate keywords that align with your experience. Keywords in your resume stand out to hiring teams and help you bypass an employer’s ATS or applicant tracking system . 

Use your resume to network

You’ve heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” That is so true when it comes to executive-level job searching. Your network is going to be one of the keys to helping you propel your career forward. 

Did you know that the percentage of jobs filled through networking is astronomical? It’s 85%! Once you perfect your resume, don’t just throw it out there to recruiters, headhunters, and hiring managers – use it to leverage your network, too. 

Of course, you shouldn’t be walking up to the people in your network with your hand out. Take the time to build genuine relationships and show a willingness to collaborate with them before asking them for something. Keep in mind that the best way to get is to give.

CFO resume example

To drive all of these points home, we have a CFO resume example that we’d like to share with you. This example contains all of the essential elements of a successful CFO – their achievements, leadership, and financial acumen. As you review it, watch how the story unfolds and how there are real achievements listed that signify quantifiable results.

City, State or Country if international

Phone | Email

LinkedIn URL

Chief Financial Office Professional

Detail-oriented, driven CFO highly regarded for leadership and specialized excellence in all areas of Finance. Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to examine and understand business needs and deliver comprehensive reports for external groups while exceeding stringent expectations. Accustomed to managing multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. Strong collaborative skills with experience working in a team environment, able to work effectively alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Core Competencies

Financial Accounting

Balance Sheet

Business Acumen

Financial Statements

Accounts Payable

Accounts Reconciliation

Leadership/ Coaching

Market Analysis

P&L Analysis

Cash Flow Projections

Strategic Partnerships

Process Improvement

Accounts Receivable

Professional Experience

Company | Location | Year to Year

Chief Financial Officer

Manage financial planning and budget (with focus on growth) for company with annual revenue of $1M+

Collaborate extensively with other executives to define and improve company mission

Implemented cost-saving initiatives and productivity tools, including streamlined internal audit procedures and use of SAP ERP software company-wide

Established competitive quotas and bonus program for sales department, increasing YoY revenue 10% in most recent fiscal year

Managed budget and vendor relations for company with 500+ employees

Spearheaded expansion of HR and accounting teams to keep up with company growth, assisting with recruiting of top talent

Financed a $35 million capital expansion project with Canadian Ex-Im Bank that provided unconventional financing that went beyond machinery financing to include soft costs, facility costs, and tooling. This financing package improved initial operating cash flow by $9 million and delivered ongoing savings of 11/2% for the cost of capital.

Obtained stretch financing for closing one Canadian plant and consolidating it into the remaining two plants.

Created common operating metrics for all plants that led to improved accountability for operations.

Initiated mid-month and last day of month flash reporting to the parent company.

Successfully directed all of the Y2K activities.

Led successful effort to re-engineer the publishing business unit. All facets of publishing including revenues, costs, product mix, philosophy, and frequency of publication were addressed. The publishing business unit became more focused, achieving bottom line improvements of $500k annually.

Key member of the management team that successfully completed the sale of the publishing business unit to new ownership

Implemented internal audit procedures which identified $100k in annual cost savings and revenue opportunities

Designed and implemented a new billing review process to ensure efficiency and accuracy

Negotiated cost savings and new vendor terms reducing operating costs by $50k, and improving cash flow by $150k

Accounting Manager

Responsible for day to day operations of the accounting department including treasury, safety, audit reviews, health insurance, and risk management. Manage a staff of three.

Consolidated departmental responsibilities and streamlined accounting system, reducing staff from five people to three, saving $75,000 annually.

Reduced time necessary to file quarterly and annual payroll tax returns, monthly, quarterly and annual financial statement from 20 to 15 days.

Spearheaded changes in safety program, resulting in a reduction of Worker's Compensation cost by $25,000 annually, a 10% savings.

Improved information flow to external auditors, reducing audit costs by $10,000 annually, a 25% savings.

Reduced Worker's Compensation experience rate by nine percentage points within 12 months.

Negotiated with insurance company and generated competitive bids to reduce insurance cost $20,000 annually, a 15% savings.

By establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the bank, converted $1.5 million line of credit to $1 million 4-year note and $500,000 line of credit.

Complete School Name, City, St/Country: List Graduation Years If Within the Last Ten Years Complete Degree Name (Candidate) – Major (GPA: List if over 3.3)

Relevant Coursework : List coursework taken (even include those you are planning on taking)

Awards/Honors: List any awards, honors or big achievements

Clubs/Activities: List clubs and activities in which you participated

Relevant Projects: List 2-3 projects you have worked on

Feel free to use this CFO resume example as inspiration when you write your own or just as a template so you know how to lay out the information in your resume. 

CFO resume: key hard & soft skills 

There’s one more vital piece of knowledge you need to have about writing your resume and that’s the fact that you need a good mix of hard and soft skills . Employers want to know that you can create financial strategies and model forecasts, but they also want to know that you’ll be able to guide your team to financial success. 

Hard skills are things you know how to do because of education and experience. Hard skills are measurable.

Soft skills are characteristics you possess that make you good at what you do. Soft skills are necessary for success, though are not easily measured. 

As you review the CFO resume example provided, you’ll notice it includes a combination of hard and soft skills. It is a balancing act, but you have to be able to show future employers what you’ve done in the past and how you’ve done those things, too. 

CFO resume hard skill examples :

Financial analysis

Strategic planning

Budgeting and forecasting

Risk management

Regulatory compliance

Financial technology

Tax accounting

CFO resume soft skill examples :

Communication

Collaboration

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Conflict resolution

Organization 

So while your resume needs to tell a story about the achievements you’ve had during your career, you can’t forget to write about how you guided your team and what ethical considerations you may have had to make to get the results. When you incorporate both types of skills, you present yourself as a well-rounded financial leader. 

CFO resume: summary & last words

Before you put your foot on the next rung of the career ladder, you have to write your career story. A story that paints you as a leader who can embrace processes, emulate resiliency, and approach organizational finance with confidence. 

Of course, the best way to do that is by talking about past achievements and how your vision of the future aligns with the goals of a new company. You are a remarkable financial leader, the right resume will help prospective employers see that. 

Introduction to ZipJob: Professional Resume Writers

Considering the impact that your resume has on your career and your life, it may be a good idea to let the professional resume writers at ZipJob handle it for you. The writer that you’ll be paired with has years of experience working with executives and understands how to comb through your career history to pull out the most compelling achievements that will help you stand out from the crowd of other Chief Financial Officer job seekers. 

Why you should make use of our Resume Writing Services to land your next job as Chief Financial Officer

ZipJob’s resume writing services use the same technology that companies use to weed through candidates, ensuring that your resume won’t get hung up in the applicant tracking system (ATS). Yes, even executive resumes get pushed through these systems! 

Outside of getting you past the ATS, your writer knows what the hiring managers want to see from an executive-level resume. Your final document will resonate with those employers and increase your odds of receiving that coveted interview offer. 

Resume Writing Service for CFO: Let us write your resume

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t updated your resume in 10 years or have already started on a new one, we can work with you wherever you are in the process. Your value as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is unique and should be reflected as such in your resume. Your success is within reach and your next opportunity is one resume away.

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How To Write A CFO Resume (Guide And Examples For 2024)

You’ve finished school, developed technical skills, and gained experience in financial operations. You see a posting for your dream job as a chief financial officer (CFO).  How do you accurately capture your business knowledge and extensive experience in a CFO resume?

Hiring managers scan dozens of CFO resumes daily, so yours needs to stand out. Read on as our Arielle executive resume writing professionals explain how to let your knowledge and experience shine.

1. Understand The Role Of A CFO.

A competent chief financial officer aids company growth through debt financing and detail-oriented financial analysis.

As a CFO, you must handle financial operations, ranging from basic accounting to complex business administration.

Before you start your CFO resume, consider why you’re applying and why this organization should select you.

(Related: Top Executive Job Search Trends For 2024 ).

Research is at the heart of writing a successful chief financial officer resume.

For example, the Wall Street Journal reported that S&P 500 companies experienced an 18% CFO turnover rate in 2021 (15% higher than previous year), with an average retention rate of only five years.

Such demand for CFO experience and skills gives job seekers leverage when applying.

You can research your desired company’s financial history (if it’s public) and the current CFO position.

Doing so will enable you to attack the application from a unique angle, explaining why you would be the ideal candidate for their specific business.

2. Choose A Clean Format .

The main goal of your resume format is to provide information in an impactful way. You should use easy-to-read fonts with neutral colors and minimal formatting.

Consider using Cambria 10- or 12-point font, as you would on any accounting or finance report.

Your resume template should provide the most important information at the top, using bullet points throughout for easy scanning. Here is a basic CFO resume example sequence that you can follow for your template:

•   Name and contact information : List your name, CFO job title, contact information, and LinkedIn profile.
•   Professional resume summary : Create an elevator pitch for your CFO resume, demonstrating your key abilities and skills, experience, and job highlights in a short section.
•   Work experience : In chronological order, list your most recent company first and your oldest experience last. Don’t list irrelevant past jobs.
•   Education : Show how your finance degree prepared you for the field. Did you receive any awards, join clubs, or start campus programs?
•   Skills section : Include soft and hard skills, using target keywords from the job search listing.
•   Additional highlights : If space allows, list volunteer activities, leadership skills, and any relevant interests.

Pro tip : When complete, download and submit your CFO resume template in PDF format to ensure that the financial operations team can view it as you intended.

3. Create A Top-Line Summary Section.

You have 30 seconds to sell yourself. The top-line summary of the resume template is the single-most important opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention and explain why you’re the best candidate.

To stand out from the many resumes in their pile, you need to use real figures and back up your claims, demonstrating with a mission statement how you will improve the organization’s finances.

Consider writing your entire CFO resume first before filling in the summary. Go through your key points and highlight the most impressive and relevant areas. Pull this information into your elevator pitch.

Here’s a sample CFO resume top-line summary from our resume template below:

“Results-oriented CFO with 12+ years of experience at improving business revenue and financial strategy. Seeking to help [CFO resume example company] improve its finances. At Company A, I helped increase revenue from $5 to $23 million through targeted acquisitions and streamlined resource allocations; and I managed cross-functional teams to secure a $3 million line of credit.”

4. Customize Your Resume To Meet The Job Description.

Hiring managers use applicant tracking systems to screen resumes in large batches. They may filter out candidates who don’t have the required experience, skills, or degrees.

You can ensure that your CFO resume makes it beyond this initial cut by customizing your resume’s content to align with the job description.

While inventing experience is not recommended, if executed properly, you won’t have to; you can adjust your language to appeal to the hiring manager’s interests.

Draw some of the exact keywords out of the application into your CFO resume to prove that you’re a good fit.

CFO resume customization shows that you researched and spent time developing your application rather than just using a resume builder and sending it to multiple companies en masse.

5. Capture Your CFO Experience Concisely.

Your experience is the most important part of your resume. A few paragraphs should be dedicated to capturing your years of hard-earned successes so the board can see your potential.

Use the following tips when developing the experience section on your resume:

•   List your work title first in bold, then the company name, start and end dates, and location.
•   Only include relevant experience . A finance resume should not include your summer scooping of ice cream or when you first entered the world of work.
•   Sort the roles starting with the most recent . This will ensure your resume remains relevant and in a format that the hiring manager is used to reviewing.
•   Only include measurable achievements within the description. Don’t vaguely say you improved a company’s finances; say you increased revenue or reduced expenditure.
•   Add figures to back up your resume claims . For example, maybe you increased annual revenue by $2 million through client acquisition.

  Only list relevant achievements that the hiring board are interested in. If you happened to re-design a company’s website in one of your previous roles, this wouldn’t have anything to do with your CFO abilities, so omit unrelated content.

6. Broadcast Your Financial Planning Skills And Education.

Your CFO resume skills should include industry terms and buzzwords. Don’t just select words on a whim; pick the terms that align most closely with the successes listed under your job description.

For example, if you helped the company acquire new lines of credit through investors, add “investor relations.”

Pull keywords from this list of CFO resume template skills for your application:

•   Hard : Finance, budgeting, financial planning, corporate strategy, reporting, investment management, accounting, SEC, GAAP, cash management, taxes, management information systems, investor relations, financial strategies.
•   Soft : Leadership, communication (spoken and written), collaboration, interpersonal skills, organization, critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, adaptability, accuracy.

Don’t list all of the above items. Choose a mix of the most relevant terms that align with your personal experience.

(Related: Top Benefits Of Hiring An Executive Resume Writer ).

You can use the resume education section to display skills as well. Each portion of the resume should demonstrate your CFO abilities.

Under the education section, add a few bullet points which detail your:

•  Accomplishments.
•  Awards.
•  Clubs.
•  Honours.
•  Projects.
•  Publications.

For example, “Started a campus-wide financial initiative that reduced student housing costs by 2%.”

7. Include A Cover Letter.

Cover letters are expected for executive roles. The cover letter should add context to your resume, explaining your achievements with a confident closing.

Keep the cover letter brief, around three paragraphs, mentioning all the top highlights from your resume.

(Related: Top Cover Letter Examples For Executives ).

Try opening and closing the letter with impressive achievements and statements that align to the company in question.

For example, if you open with, “I helped X organization increase revenue by $6 million through Y strategies,” you could close with, “I’d love to discuss how I can increase your revenue by $6 million.”

8. View Examples For Inspiration.

Reviewing a successful CFO resume example can help you develop your own.

Review the best executive resume examples, plus the following CFO resume template to see our guide in action.

C-Suite Resume Examples.

The Arielle Executive team has developed guides resume writing guides for every job in the c-suite:

How To Write A Chief Marketing Officer Resume

How To Write A Chief Information Officer Resume

How To Write A Chief Operating Officer Resume

How To Write An Executive Director Resume

How To Write A Chief Executive Officer Resume

CFO Resume Template .

John Doe, CFO

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/johndoe

(123) 456-7891

Professional Summary.

“Results-oriented CFO with 12+ years of experience improving business revenue and financial strategy. Seeking to help [CFO resume example company] improve its finances. At Company A, I helped increase revenue from $5 to $23 million through targeted acquisitions and streamlined resource allocations; and I managed cross-functional teams to secure a $3 million line of credit.”

Work Experience .

May 2014 – December 2022

•  Aligned company mission with financial operations to raise revenue from $5 million to $23 million through targeted acquisitions.
•  Pioneered widespread audits, financial reporting, and compliance improvements, resulting in decreased spending by 12%.
•  Developed profit growth risk management tactics to prevent recurring downward financial trends, resulting in a 110% ROI.
•  Managed cross-functional teams for comprehensive budget development to secure a $3 million line of credit.

Assistant CFO

January 2010 – April 2014

•  Supported the new acquisitions of 8 major clients, increasing annual revenue by $6 million.
•  Tracked company cash flow, financial planning, and analysis.
•  Worked closely with other executives to maximize revenue and reduce operating costs by 18%.

Education .

2005 – 2009 Washington University in St. Louis

Masters in Business Administration

•  Developed an applicant tracking system for allocating scholarship opportunities.
•  Started a campus-wide financial initiative that reduced student housing costs by 2%.
•   Hard skills : Finance, corporate strategy, control systems, investment management, investor relations.
•   Soft skills : Leadership, written communication, finance problem solving, adaptability.

Our resume writing team at Arielle hopes you can use this CFO resume template as inspiration for your own.

Reach out to us at Arielle for more assistance in crafting and shaping an executive resume for each position you apply to.

• Career Blog

6 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Resume Examples and Tips

As an experienced copywriter and subject matter expert, we understand the importance of an effective CFO resume when it comes to landing a high-level position in finance. In this article, we will cover 6 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume examples and provide tips to help you perfect your own.

An effective CFO resume is important because it serves as your first impression to potential employers. It should highlight your experience, qualifications, and accomplishments while showcasing your unique skills and strengths. A well-crafted CFO resume can open doors to the best job opportunities and set you apart from other candidates vying for the same position.

What the article covers

This article will cover various CFO resume examples that demonstrate different ways to format and showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. We will provide tips on how to tailor your resume to a specific job position and industry, as well as highlight the must-have skills that hiring managers look for in a CFO. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and provide real-life examples of successful CFO resumes. Throughout this article, our aim is to help you stand out in a competitive job market and secure your dream CFO position.

The Fundamentals of a CFO Resume

A CFO resume is a crucial document that helps potential employers understand your qualifications and experience in the field of finance. To create an effective CFO resume, you need to pay attention to several key fundamentals. This section will cover the length and structure of an ideal CFO resume, the key components that must be included, and how you can tailor your resume to specific job openings.

A. The length and structure of an ideal CFO resume

A CFO resume should be concise and well-organized. Ideally, it should be no more than two pages long. Your resume should be divided into sections, including a professional summary, work experience, education, and skills. Utilize bullet points and lists to enhance readability.

B. The key components of a CFO resume

The key components of a CFO resume should include:

• Professional Summary: This section should communicate your most significant achievements and qualifications in a concise manner.
• Work Experience: Your work experience section should highlight your past job titles, dates of employment, and notable accomplishments.
• Education: Education credentials such as degrees and certifications should be included in this section.
• Skills and Specializations: Include a list of relevant skills you possess that are applicable to the position you are applying for.

C. How to tailor your CFO resume to specific job openings

To tailor your CFO resume to a specific job opening, research the company and position thoroughly. Once you have familiarized yourself with the organization, use the requirements stated in the job description as a guide. Highlight the skills and experiences you possess that are most relevant to the job opening.

Make sure to include any industry-specific terms and technologies that the company may be looking for. Use the job-specific keywords throughout your resume, highlighting your expertise to the hiring manager. If necessary, customize your summary statement to emphasize your qualifications for the particular job. Similarly, you can adjust your bullet points to emphasize the most relevant experiences you have.

Crafting an impactful CFO resume requires you to pay close attention to length, structure, and critical components. In addition, tailoring your resume to the company and position you are applying for is crucial to demonstrating your expertise and securing the job of your dreams.

Top 6 CFO Resume Examples

As a top financial executive, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays an indispensable role in ensuring the financial viability and success of an organization. For jobseekers aspiring to become a CFO or to climb up the financial ladder, we have compiled a list of top 6 CFO resume examples to help you craft a winning resume.

Overview and takeaways

Our list of top 6 CFO resume examples covers a range of industries and specialties, providing valuable insights into the skills, experience, and accomplishments that are highly valued in the financial world. From expertise in financial planning and analysis, to mergers and acquisitions and risk management, each example highlights unique attributes and expertise that can make a difference on a CFO’s resume.

Example 1: CFO with extensive experience in financial planning and analysis

This example highlights a CFO’s experience in financial planning and analysis, an essential function of any CFO. With a strong background in managing budgets, forecasting, and financial modeling, this CFO can provide valuable insights into financial performance and help the organization make strategic decisions.

John Smith 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected]

Results-driven CFO with over 15 years of experience in financial planning and analysis. Proven track record of optimizing financial performance, managing budgets, and implementing strategic initiatives. Skilled in forecasting, financial modeling, and risk assessment. Strong leadership abilities with a focus on driving business growth and profitability.

Chief Financial Officer | XYZ Corporation

City, State | Dates

• Led financial planning and analysis function, providing strategic guidance and financial insights to executive team.
• Developed and implemented budgeting and forecasting processes, resulting in improved accuracy and cost control.
• Conducted financial modeling to evaluate potential investments, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Oversaw financial reporting and analysis, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) to track financial performance and drive operational efficiencies.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize working capital and cash flow management.
• Provided financial guidance and support for strategic initiatives, including product launches and market expansions.

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis | ABC Corporation

• Managed the financial planning and analysis team, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Developed financial models and scenarios to support strategic decision-making.
• Conducted financial due diligence for potential acquisitions, assessing financial risks and opportunities.
• Implemented cost control measures, resulting in significant savings and improved profitability.
• Prepared and presented financial reports to senior management and board of directors.
• Led process improvement initiatives, streamlining financial planning and reporting processes.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance

University Name City, State Year

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

• Financial planning and analysis
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Financial modeling
• Risk assessment and management
• Strategic planning and execution
• Cost control and optimization
• Financial reporting and compliance
• Leadership and team management

Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Available upon request

Example 2: CFO with expertise in mergers and acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are an integral part of many businesses, especially in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. This CFO example highlights the candidate’s expertise in leading successful M&A transactions, including due diligence, valuation, and integration.

Jane Doe 456 Elm Street, Anytown, USA | (555) 789-1234 | [email protected]

Results-oriented CFO with a proven track record in leading successful mergers and acquisitions. Skilled in conducting due diligence, financial valuation, and post-merger integration. Strategic thinker with a keen eye for identifying growth opportunities and maximizing shareholder value. Strong leadership abilities and a collaborative approach to cross-functional teams.

Chief Financial Officer | XYZ Enterprises

• Led and executed strategic mergers and acquisitions, resulting in successful integrations and increased market share.
• Conducted comprehensive due diligence to assess financial risks and opportunities for potential acquisitions.
• Developed financial models and valuation analyses to evaluate target companies and negotiate favorable deals.
• Collaborated with legal and operational teams to negotiate transaction terms and finalize agreements.
• Managed post-merger integration, including financial system integration, synergies realization, and culture alignment.
• Oversaw financial reporting for merged entities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Led investor relations activities and presented financial performance to stakeholders.

Director of Corporate Development | ABC Corporation

• Led the identification and evaluation of strategic acquisition targets, aligning with the company’s growth objectives.
• Conducted financial analysis and modeling to assess the financial feasibility of potential acquisitions.
• Negotiated and structured acquisition agreements, coordinating with legal and finance teams.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop integration plans and synergy projections.
• Led post-acquisition integration efforts, including systems integration, process alignment, and cultural integration.
• Monitored and reported on the financial performance and synergies realization of acquired companies.
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Due diligence and financial analysis
• Financial valuation
• Post-merger integration
• Investor relations

Example 3: CFO with a strong track record in fundraising

Raising capital is a crucial aspect of business growth, and this CFO example showcases the candidate’s experience and track record in fundraising. From securing debt and equity financing to managing investor relations, this CFO has the skills and strategic thinking to drive successful fundraising initiatives.

Michael Johnson 789 Maple Avenue, Townville, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected]

Accomplished CFO with a demonstrated history of successfully raising capital and driving fundraising initiatives. Proven expertise in debt and equity financing, investor relations, and strategic financial planning. Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and leading high-performing finance teams. Strategic thinker with a focus on optimizing financial performance and maximizing shareholder value.

• Led the company’s fundraising efforts, securing $50 million in debt financing and $20 million in equity financing.
• Developed and executed a comprehensive investor relations strategy, resulting in increased investor confidence and support.
• Oversaw financial planning and analysis, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
• Implemented cost-saving measures, resulting in a 15% reduction in operational expenses.
• Led the annual budgeting process and provided financial guidance to senior leadership.
• Collaborated with executive team on strategic initiatives and evaluated potential growth opportunities.

Vice President of Finance | ABC Company

• Successfully led multiple fundraising rounds, raising over $30 million in venture capital funding.
• Developed and maintained relationships with key investors, resulting in ongoing support and follow-on investments.
• Prepared financial forecasts and projections to support fundraising activities.
• Implemented financial controls and processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Managed the finance team and provided mentorship and guidance to junior staff.
• Prepared financial reports and presented financial performance to the board of directors.
• Fundraising and capital raising
• Debt and equity financing
• Strategic financial management

Example 4: CFO with a background in international finance

In a global business environment, having expertise in international finance and operations can be a valuable asset. This example highlights a CFO’s experience in managing finances and operations in multiple countries, including foreign currency transactions, tax planning, and compliance with international regulations.

Emily Chen 456 Oak Street, Cityville, USA | (555) 789-1234 | [email protected]

Highly accomplished CFO with a strong background in international finance and operations. Proven expertise in managing finances across multiple countries, navigating foreign currency transactions, and ensuring compliance with international regulations. Skilled in strategic financial planning, risk management, and tax planning. Exceptional leadership abilities with a track record of driving financial performance and optimizing operations on a global scale.

Chief Financial Officer | Global Enterprises Inc.

• Successfully managed finances and operations across multiple countries, ensuring compliance with international regulations and optimizing tax strategies.
• Implemented foreign currency risk management strategies, resulting in a 20% reduction in currency-related losses.
• Led the development and execution of financial strategies to support international expansion initiatives.
• Oversaw financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for global operations.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational efficiency.
• Managed relationships with international banks and financial institutions to support global financial operations.

Director of International Finance | XYZ Corporation

• Led the finance team responsible for international subsidiaries, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and compliance.
• Developed and implemented transfer pricing policies to optimize tax efficiencies and minimize risks.
• Conducted financial analysis and due diligence for international acquisitions and joint ventures.
• Managed foreign exchange risk through hedging strategies and monitoring currency exposures.
• Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to international regulatory requirements.
• Implemented standardized financial processes and controls across international operations.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

• International finance and operations
• Foreign currency risk management
• Compliance with international regulations
• Tax planning and transfer pricing
• Financial reporting and analysis
• Strategic financial planning
• Risk management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Example 5: CFO with extensive experience in risk management

Risk management is critical in any business, and this CFO example showcases the candidate’s expertise in identifying and mitigating risks across all areas of the organization. From developing risk management strategies to implementing policies and procedures, this CFO has a proven track record in minimizing risks and maximizing opportunities.

David Thompson 789 Elm Avenue, Townsville, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected]

Results-driven CFO with a proven track record in risk management and financial leadership. Adept at identifying and mitigating risks across all areas of the organization to safeguard financial stability and maximize opportunities. Skilled in strategic financial planning, internal controls, and compliance. Strong analytical abilities with a focus on data-driven decision-making. Committed to driving operational excellence and delivering sustainable financial performance.

Chief Financial Officer | RiskGuard Corporation

• Developed and implemented comprehensive risk management strategies, ensuring alignment with the company’s objectives and risk appetite.
• Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and developed mitigation plans.
• Implemented robust internal controls to minimize risks and enhance financial transparency.
• Led the enterprise-wide compliance program, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Collaborated with executive leadership to formulate strategic financial plans and forecasts.
• Implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and evaluate financial performance and risk exposure.
• Provided leadership and guidance to finance teams, fostering a culture of risk awareness and accountability.

Director of Risk Management | ABC Corporation

• Oversaw the risk management function, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks across the organization.
• Developed and implemented risk management policies, procedures, and frameworks to strengthen the organization’s risk posture.
• Conducted regular risk assessments and scenario analyses to anticipate potential threats and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to embed risk management practices into business processes.
• Monitored and reported on key risk indicators to senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Provided risk management training and education to employees to enhance risk awareness and promote a risk-conscious culture.
• Internal controls
• Financial analysis and reporting
• Data-driven decision-making
• Risk Management Professional (RMP)

Example 6: CFO with a background in private equity

This CFO example highlights the candidate’s extensive experience in private equity, including fundraising, deal sourcing, and portfolio management. With a strong understanding of the private equity landscape and the ability to identify and execute profitable investments, this CFO can play a pivotal role in the organization’s growth and success.

Emily Anderson 123 Oak Street, Cityville, USA | (555) 987-6543 | [email protected]

Strategic-minded CFO with a strong background in private equity, fundraising, and portfolio management. Demonstrated success in identifying investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and driving profitable outcomes. Adept at building and managing relationships with investors and stakeholders to support business growth. Skilled in financial analysis, valuation, and deal structuring. Committed to delivering exceptional financial performance and driving value creation.

Chief Financial Officer | Equity Partners, Inc.

• Led the financial strategy and execution for a private equity firm specializing in middle-market investments.
• Sourced and evaluated investment opportunities, conducting comprehensive due diligence and financial analysis.
• Structured and negotiated investment deals, ensuring alignment with the firm’s investment criteria and risk-return objectives.
• Developed financial models and forecasts to assess investment performance and support decision-making.
• Managed the portfolio of investments, monitoring financial performance and implementing value creation strategies.
• Collaborated with executive leadership to raise capital from institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.
• Oversaw investor relations, including reporting, communication, and investor meetings.

Senior Associate, Private Equity | XYZ Capital Partners

• Assisted in the identification and evaluation of potential investment opportunities in various industries.
• Conducted financial analysis and due diligence to assess the viability and potential risks of investment targets.
• Prepared investment memoranda and presentations for the firm’s investment committee.
• Supported the execution of investment transactions, including deal structuring and negotiation.
• Monitored the financial performance of portfolio companies and participated in strategic decision-making.

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

• Private equity investments
• Financial modeling and forecasting
• Deal structuring and negotiation
• Portfolio management
• Fundraising and investor relations
• Financial strategy and execution
• Relationship building and stakeholder management
• Certified Private Equity Professional (CPEP)

Tips for Writing an Effective CFO Resume

If you want to stand out from other candidates and land that coveted Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role, it’s essential to make sure your resume is top-notch. Here are some essential tips to get you started:

A. Highlight Quantifiable Achievements

Numbers speak louder than words, so it’s crucial to highlight your quantifiable achievements in your CFO resume. Be specific and highlight your contribution to the company’s revenue or cost savings, as this will demonstrate your value to potential employers.

B. Use Strong Action Verbs

Using strong action verbs in your CFO resume will help create a memorable impression on the hiring manager. Use active and strong words to describe your experiences, such as “managed,” “led,” “developed,” and “implemented.”

C. Tailor Your Language to the Specific Job Posting

To show that you’re the right fit for the CFO job, tailor your language to the job posting. Use similar phrases and words that are specific to the job listing to show that you’ve read and understood the role’s requirements.

D. Use a Consistent Formatting Style

Creating a consistent formatting style across your resume is crucial to making it readable and professional. Use the same font, text size, bullet points, and margins throughout your resume to create a clean and coherent look.

E. Don’t Just List Your Responsibilities, Highlight How You Added Value

When highlighting your work experience, don’t just list your responsibilities. Instead, focus on how you added value to the company. Highlight the challenges you faced and how you went above and beyond to achieve your goals.

F. Keep It Concise and Readable

Finally, keep your CFO resume concise and readable. Use bullet points and headers to break up large blocks of text and make your resume easier to skim read.

Remember, your CFO resume is your first impression with potential employers, so make sure it stands out with quantifiable achievements, strong action verbs, tailored language, consistent formatting, and highlighting how you added value. Keep it concise, readable, and professional.

Common CFO Resume Mistakes to Avoid

As an experienced copywriter and subject matter expert, I’ve noticed some common mistakes in CFO resumes. Here are a few things you should avoid:

A. Using cliches and overused buzzwords

Cliches and buzzwords are a common problem in all types of resumes, but they are especially prevalent in CFO resumes. Phrases like “results-driven” and “strategic leader” may seem impressive, but they don’t actually say anything meaningful about your skills or experience. Instead, focus on using specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.

B. Failing to quantify achievements

CFOs are responsible for managing finances and driving business growth, so it’s essential to demonstrate your quantifiable achievements. Don’t just say that you improved profitability or reduced expenses – provide specific numbers and percentages to back up your claims. This will help you stand out from other applicants and show potential employers your real impact.

C. Being too general

CFO resumes should be concise and to the point, but that doesn’t mean you should be too general in your descriptions. to describe your experience may seem like a lot, but if it’s filled with vague statements and generalizations, it won’t be effective. Instead, focus on highlighting your unique experiences, skills, and achievements that make you a standout candidate.

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High-Impact Finance Executive (CFO) Resume Example

Chief Financial Officer Resume Sample & Expert Tips for Improving Your Finance Resume

Leverage this achievement-based Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume example to learn what recruiters expect to see in an executive resume.

You'll then be able to improve your finance resume following our tips - whether you are a finance manager, finance director, or in an entry-level finance role.

View additional examples of effective executive resumes and learn about our recruiter-approved approach to resume writing here .

At the executive level, recruiters expect to see a high-impact resume that is not only well-formatted and easy to skim but also clearly demonstrates the results that you were able to deliver.

Below, we outline each section of the sample resume and provide tips that you can leverage to improve your own.

CAREER SUMMARY

DO use bullet points and specific examples to outline your career trajectory and key achievements.

DO NOT use vague or overexaggerated language such as:   seasoned, results-driven finance executive | outstanding team player | proactive and self-motivated leader | dependable advisor to executive team.

• Brings 20 years of global finance leadership experience with healthcare, strategic marketing, and media organizations

• Serves as CFO of UCLA Health System, with P&L responsibility for $6.8B in annual revenue; recently drove lucrative acquisition of 204-bed medical center to further expand medical system’s portfolio

• Increased operating income for Presence Health by $18.9M by strategically managing merger and integration of Resurrection Health Care and Provena Health; spearheaded successful financial systems integration

• Advised Fortune 500 companies on M&A strategy and FP&A process improvement at Ernst & Young

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

DO  highlight industry-specific areas of expertise and hard skills that your target roles require (based on the job description).

DO NOT  outline soft skills such as communication, adaptability, multitasking, and problem solving, which recruiters expect any competent executive to possess.

• Post-Acquisition Financial Integration • Revenue Growth Strategy • Financial Planning and Risk Management • Due Diligence, Audit, and Tax Compliance • Corporate Governance • Global Finance Team Leadership

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

DO  separate your day-to-day responsibilities (paragraph format) from your accomplishments (bullet points) and tailor your content to your target roles.

DO NOT  provide a laundry list of everything you were "responsible for" in your position, which does little to differentiate you from similar applicants.

UCLA Health System | Los Angeles, California Chief Financial Officer | January 2018—Present

UCLA Health System is comprised of four hospitals, seven institutes, and 200+ medical offices and clinics in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California ($6.8B annual revenue). Partner with executive leadership to lead annual operating and capital budgeting processes and assess feasibility of new programs and acquisitions, reporting to CEO. Lead finance team of 50, with six direct reports spanning accounting, finance, annual audits, tax and treasury, and financial risk management functions. Oversee strategic initiatives that achieved EBITDA growth of 15%+ to date, ensuring all financial frameworks aligned with organization’s overall mission and strategy.

• Consolidated disparate financial reporting systems and developed internal governance structure and processes, including SOPs for budgeting, financial reporting, and accounting

• Directed due diligence and acquisition of 204-bed Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles from Alecto Healthcare Services; led comprehensive analysis to determine optimal future use for facility

• Integrated 48 new primary and specialty care facilities, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, imaging centers, and clinical labs into UCLA Health portfolio, increasing revenue by over $850M

• Renegotiated agreements with ten suppliers and consultants, resulting in $20M+ in savings systemwide

• Improved cash flow and working capital management processes; raised debt and financing as needed

• Worked with regulators and government representatives to influence national healthcare policies

• Designed and rolled out new accounting procedures, cutting down close cycle timeline by half

Presence Health (formerly Resurrection Health Care Corp.) | Chicago, Illinois Chief Financial Officer | June 2011—December 2016

Presence Health is the second-largest health care system in the Chicago metropolitan area, spanning 12 hospitals and 3,100 beds. Joined Resurrection Health Care to position system for proposed merger with Provena Health. Upon completion of merger, built consolidated finance function spanning budgeting, reporting, planning, and compliance. Served as key member of executive leadership team and advised division heads on strategic growth initiatives.

• Drove increase in operating income from $26.3M to $45.2M over tenure via topline revenue growth (+400M) and by developing and implementing forecasting, budgeting, and cost reduction procedures

• Optimized forecasting accuracy by implementing Sage Intacct healthcare financial management platform across all locations, resulting in automated finance and accounting processes and real-time reporting functionality

• Steered successful sale of two unprofitable outpatient care buildings, spearheading sell-side deal process

• Restructured treasury and banking operations, improving working capital management

• Implemented ADP payroll system, benefits program, 401(k), and ERP system systemwide

R.R. Donnelley | Chicago, Illinois Vice President of Finance | January 2005—December 2010

R.R. Donnelley (RRD) is a multichannel business communications services and marketing solutions provider. Recruited by CFO during period of rapid growth and company acquisitions to implement standardized, integrated financial systems. Advised leadership on accounting, tax compliance, treasury and cash management, and investor relations matters.

• Managed implementation of companywide financial reporting systems as well as forecasting, budget, and cost containment procedures; reduced month-end reporting time by 50% via new systems and team training

• Led post-acquisition financial integration of Asia Printers Group and transformed company’s economic model to create sustained profitability, resulting in 20% gross margin improvement

• Negotiated and closed multi-year $80M contract with F+W Publications; conducted financial due diligence to assess potential impact of partnership on company EBITDA and presented findings to executive leadership

• Developed and deployed six-week onboarding program and professional development track that increased employee engagement for finance function by 18%

• Prepared board and investor reporting; represented organization externally at industry conferences and events

DO  condense the amount of information you provide for positions held early in your career or that are no longer relevant to what you do.

DO NOT  describe every single role in extensive detail, as recruiters are most interested in what you have accomplished in the last 10 years.

Ernst & Young | New York, New York Director, Strategy and Transactions | January 2006—December 2008

Led Transaction Diligence team in executing comprehensive financial due diligence analysis engagements. Spearheaded financial analysis of company performance in preparation for M&A, overseeing financial data and trend analysis, forecast development, accounting record reviews, and SEC filing preparation. Conducted industry research and prepared reports outlining key transaction-related business issues for client executive leadership teams.

Ernst & Young | London, England Senior Manager, Finance Change Delivery – FP&A | June 2003—December 2005

Joined EY’s Finance Business Consulting team post-MBA to deliver large-scale post-acquisition FP&A transformation projects for two Fortune 500 clients. Led team of eight consultants, supporting clients in overhauling existing FP&A processes from the ground up and implementing management reporting systems (Oracle NetSuite, Sage Intacct). Ensured systems aligned with company requirements, led build and testing, and managed training and post-go-live support.

EARLY CAREER

DO  consider including an Early Career section to demonstrate your career progression, but also consider leaving off entry-level or irrelevant positions altogether.

DO NOT  list positions that do not build upon your overall story or that may detract from your credibility (such as internships you held in college or administrative roles).

MGM Holdings | Los Angeles, California Senior Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis | 2000—2002

Warner Music Group | Los Angeles, California Finance Manager | 1997—1999

Universal Pictures | Los Angeles, California Financial Analyst | 1995—1996

BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

DO  list board memberships, volunteer experiences, and community involvement to demonstrate your engagement outside of work.

DO NOT  go into significant detail on your board memberships unless you are specifically preparing a board/NED resume.

Global Advisory Board Member - Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management | 2018 – Present

Board of Directors - Chicago Scholars Foundation | 2016 – Present

CERTIFICATION

DO  list certifications and professional development that are well-respected in your industry and that are relevant to your target roles.

DO NOT  provide an exhaustive list of all trainings you have attended through your workplace, for example, as such as approach can detract from this section's overall impact.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | CFA Institute

DO  include all university degrees and list widely-recognized academic achievements such as Latin honors.

DO NOT  list your high school (unless you are a recent college graduate) or online courses (such as HBS Online or eCornell) that are best placed in a "professional development" section here.

Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management | Evanston, Illinois Master of Business Administration in Accounting | 2003

University of California Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California Bachelor of Arts in Economics, cum laude | 1995

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Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer. After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents. At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.

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CFO Resume Examples

Grow your portfolio with an expert CFO resume example

Chief Financial Officer Resume Samples

1. Candidate seeking CFO position

Resume summary statement:

Highly effective and accomplished CFO with 8+ experience in a busy corporate environment and with remarkable leadership, analytical thinking, and financial skills. Spearheaded the carrying out of 6 mergers and the redesign of operational flows at Acme Limited, which raised revenue of $17 million.

• Collaborated with the marketing team and the production and operations managers to redesign the existing product promotion plans and expenditure, which saw a 72% increase in annual sales.
• Oversaw the shift into a continuous product development organizational culture, which increased the profit margin from 7% to 18% within 13 months
• Monitored trends within the industry and external business environment to adequately anticipate risks and have proper courses of action in place throughout the firm
• Ensured that appropriate negotiation, accounting, and contracting policies were followed to meet business development objectives

2. Candidate seeking CFO position

Diligent CFO with 10+ experience in a wide range of corporate environments seeks to become the new CFO of ArriveSafe Transports Services. Looking forward to bringing my extensive knowledge and qualifications to guide ArriveSafe in the achievement of its short term and long term financial goals.

• Designed and implemented internal policies that saw strict compliance to facilitate adequate protection of the firm’s assets
• Maintained beneficial relationships with the firm’s F&A service providers including investment bankers, insurance firms, fund managers, and treasury management groups
• Collaborated with government agents and external auditors in the annual financial audits

CFO Resume Vocabulary & Writing Tips

People in top leadership roles must use carefully selected words in writing and speaking. They will often be judged based on their words, which also applies in the hiring process.

The following  resume action verbs and buzzwords are tailored for a CFO resume  and will help you write a more specific, impactful resume.

Words to Use

• Internal/external audits
• Tax returns
• Annual sales
• Financial statements

Action Verbs

• Collaborate

CFO Resume Tips and Ideas

A  CFO or Chief Financial Officer  of a business is a  top-tier management position  that is rewarding as it is challenging. A CFOs primary role in the business revolves around the financial aspects; planning, implementation, management and control of all financial activities. As a Chief Financial Officer, you will also be in charge of the  negotiating, budgeting and forecasting functions  in your firm. You will also be charged with maintaining and developing new relationships with investors and business partners.

You will interact with both senior and junior employees and company members. In a nutshell, your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing reports and offering recommendations to the CEO and Board of Management
• Offer advice on short, medium, and long term financial planning for the business
• Overseeing the preparation of financial reports and statements and process of financial forecasting and budgeting.

The  role of a CFO  is a senior position; thus, a high level of experience and professional accomplishments are required. A  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Economics and Finance  or Statistics will be the academic requirements. CPA or CIFA certification and an MBA will be an added advantage. At least  10 years of experience managing teams  in the finance or accounting department of a busy firm is another requirement.

An  effective CFO should also possess several soft skills , such as interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills. They should be computer literate, excellent in math and financial jargon, and be able to engage well with staff at all levels. Quick analytical thinking and decision making are also critical.

When writing your Chief Financial Officer’s resume, consider all these requirements, as the hiring manager will be looking for them in your resume. If writing is not your strong suit, consider using our  resume writing tips  and  resume builder  to get you that impressive resume in minutes.

Reverse chronological.

• Neat, Appealing resume design
• Margins and white space
• Minimalist colors
• Minimal formatting
• Formal fonts types and size
• Subheadings and bullets
• Resume title
• Contact information
• Resume professional summary
• Work experience and career achievements
• Education background
• Additional skills and certifications
• Professional affiliations
• Volunteer work
• Hobbies and interests

Resume Length

The ideal  resume format  for a professional CFO’s resume would be the  reverse chronological.  It draws your hiring manager’s attention to your illustrious work experience and achievements, which provide a measure of the value you will bring to the hiring firm. This  resume format  is also easy to read, and thus facilitates the quick tracking of the challenges you have faced throughout your career to  determine your suitability for the job .

As the resume format name suggests, you should  start your resume with a title , which in this case is ‘Chief Financial Officer.’ From there, proceed to your professional contact information, resume summary statement, then your work experience section, still in  reverse chronological order . Proceed to list certifications, additional hard and soft skills, professional affiliations, then your education section still in chronological order.

A CFO is an  executive management position ; thus, you need an equally executive-looking resume.

An appealing, yet formal and neat  resume layout  is the first thing that will impress your recruiter even before they start reading through your qualifications. Plenty of white space is essential to facilitate easy reading and to avoid making your resume look stuffed. Make your Chief Financial Officer resume stand out from the pile of white papers crawling with  facts and figures  with a maximum of two minimalist colors. Setting a one-inch margin all around your document and minimizing bold and underline format also helps in improving the resume appearance.

Consider using a formal  resume font  (Calibri, Cambria, Georgia) in sizes 11-13 to write your details. Use proper  resume subheadings and bullets  to improve its readability. Finally, save your resume in PDF format to ensure that the format holds across all devices.

Adding a photograph to your resume while applying for a job is  not advisable . Not including a photo ensures that you do not fall victim to bias in the hiring process.

Sections of a CFO Resume

The main sections of your resume must feature all vital details that will help you get the job. Hence, use the following resume sections to add all your essential professional information:

• Work experience  and career achievements

In the  optional resume sections , include details that enhance the information you provided in the main sections. Such extra sections include:

The  ideal length for a CFOs resume is one page (A4 size) . If your experience is extensive, the maximum you can go to is two pages, but be sure to include only brief, relevant details in your resume. You do not want to bog down your recruiters with excessive information. Use columns to fit your information neatly and adequately onto your page.

CFO Resume Section Headings

As a potential Chief Financial Officer hire, you must present nothing less than an impeccable resume. Every section must show  how accomplished you are and your capacity to manage the finances  of the company. To that end, here’s how to craft the most important sections.

Studies show that the longest a hiring manager will take to skim your resume through the first round of eliminations is six seconds. In these six seconds, their focus is going to be on your  resume professional summary , and they will trash all the resumes that do not have one.

Make your resume summary impressive by weaving some of your  most significant yet quantifiable achievements  in this section. Write your degree of experience and the responsibilities you have held in the past. Here, you can also show the recruiter what is in it for them if they hire you.

Work experience

Writing a haphazard experience section will definitely cost you the job, even though you have an impressive career and stellar academic qualifications. The hiring panel will want a CFO who best fits their position, so show them that you are the best fit by  tailoring this section to fit their requirements.  Make keen reference to the job description in the ad, and add only the professional achievements that the hiring firm needs. Use action verbs and a maximum of 7 bullet points rather than paragraphs to illustrate your roles in each stint.

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CFO Resume Example

Increase your chances of scoring a job and learn to perfect your resume with our free, downloadable CFO resume example. Use this resume sample as it is or rewrite it using our online resume maker.

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CFO Resume Example (Full Text Version)

Dalibor chren.

Highly motivated and results-oriented Chief Financial Officer with a proven track record of effectively managing all financial operations. Proficient in budget development and allocation, financial account management, report generation, and revenue forecasting. Certified Financial Manager with exceptional analytical abilities, superior communication and leadership prowess, meticulous attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.

Work experience

• Oversaw all financial operations for a company generating 3,000,000£ in revenue in 2018 with a 27% profit margin.
• Directed and supervised a team of 20 employees to achieve company goals and objectives.
• Developed and managed operational budgets; negotiated contracts with banks, investors, and vendors.
• Prepared annual forecasts, managed financial accounts, and implemented cost reduction processes.
• Enhanced the accounting system, staying current with financial laws and regulations.
• Conducted detailed research on foreign markets, analyzed results, and prepared financial reports to ensure data accuracy.
• Monitored sales data and collaborated with fellow interns to develop revenue and profit forecasts.
• Assisted in managing accounts payable and receivable, while also performing additional tasks assigned by supervisors.
• Recognized as Intern of the Month for outstanding performance.
• Achieved First Class Honours, ranking in the top 5% of the Programme
• Actively participated in Economics Society, FinTech Society, and Tennis Club.
• Achieved Distinction status by graduating with Grade 1 (A/excellent equivalent) in all 6 subjects.

Volunteering

Certificates.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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1 Chief Financial Officer Resume Example for Your 2024 Job Search

Chief Financial Officers meticulously manage and report on the financial health of an organization, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Like a CFO, your resume must present a clear and precise picture of your fiscal responsibilities and achievements, balancing the books of your career with the same level of scrutiny and strategic insight. In this guide, we'll explore how to craft a CFO resume that reflects your expertise in steering a company's financial future, just as you would present a flawless financial report to stakeholders.

Resume Examples

Resume guidance.

• High Level Resume Tips
• Must-Have Information
• Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important
• Writing an Exceptional Resume Summary
• How to Impress with Your Work Experience
• Top Skills & Keywords
• Go Above & Beyond with a Cover Letter
• Resume FAQs
• Related Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Chief Financial Officer Resumes:

• Developing financial strategies that align with the company's long-term business goals.
• Overseeing the preparation of the company's financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flows.
• Managing the capital structure of the company, determining the best mix of debt, equity, and internal financing.
• Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards, and staying abreast of changes in financial laws and regulations.
• Directing the company's budgeting process, including setting financial targets, performance monitoring, and adjusting strategies as necessary.
• Leading the finance team, including accountants, financial analysts, and other finance-related personnel, and providing them with direction and professional development.
• Conducting risk management by analyzing the organization's liabilities and investments, and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
• Engaging in investor relations, communicating with shareholders, and providing accurate and timely information to the investment community.
• Implementing and overseeing financial systems, processes, and technologies to improve financial data analysis and reporting efficiency.
• Participating in key decisions as a member of the executive management team, contributing a financial perspective to strategic planning and decision making.
• Negotiating with banks and other financial services providers to secure favorable terms for financing and banking services.
• Advising on long-term business and financial planning, including mergers and acquisitions, investments, and capital projects.

You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.

Chief Financial Officer Resume Example:

• Orchestrated a comprehensive financial restructuring that reduced the company's debt by 40% within two years, significantly improving the balance sheet and investor confidence.
• Implemented a robust financial reporting system that increased reporting accuracy and reduced closing times by 50%, enabling more timely and informed strategic decisions.
• Led a successful negotiation for a $100 million credit facility at a 2% lower interest rate than the industry average, enhancing the company's liquidity and investment capabilities.
• Drove a company-wide cost reduction initiative, resulting in a 30% decrease in operational expenses over 18 months without compromising on product quality or employee satisfaction.
• Spearheaded the adoption of advanced analytics and data-driven decision-making, which increased the company's revenue forecasting accuracy by 35%.
• Cultivated a high-performance finance team through strategic hiring and targeted professional development, leading to a 20% increase in departmental productivity and efficiency.
• Played a pivotal role in the successful acquisition and integration of a competitor, adding $200 million to the company's annual revenue and achieving a 15% market share increase.
• Introduced innovative tax planning strategies that resulted in a 25% reduction in the effective tax rate, unlocking significant capital for reinvestment in core business areas.
• Championed the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that streamlined financial operations and supported a 10% year-over-year growth rate.
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Debt Restructuring
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Cash Flow Management
• Cost Control and Reduction
• Advanced Analytics and Data Interpretation
• Team Leadership and Development
• Negotiation and Deal Structuring
• Corporate Finance and Fundraising
• Investor Relations and Stakeholder Management
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
• Tax Planning and Compliance
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
• Risk Management
• Performance Measurement and Improvement
• Regulatory Knowledge and Compliance
• Strategic Hiring and Talent Management
• Business Intelligence Tools
• Financial Modeling and Forecasting
• Change Management

High Level Resume Tips for Chief Financial Officers:

Must-have information for a chief financial officer resume:.

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience & Achievements
• Skills & Competencies
• Certifications/Training

Let's start with resume headlines.

Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important for Chief Financial Officers:

Chief financial officer resume headline examples:, strong headlines.

• These headlines are compelling because they succinctly highlight the candidate's extensive experience, specific industry expertise, and significant achievements. They reflect the strategic role of a CFO in driving financial performance and growth, showcase their ability to navigate complex financial operations such as restructuring and capital raising, and demonstrate their success in high-stakes M&A activities, all of which are critical competencies that hiring managers seek in top-tier financial executives.

Weak Headlines

• The headlines for Chief Financial Officers are weak because they are too generic and fail to capture the specific expertise and achievements of the candidate. They lack quantifiable results, such as how the CFO has impacted revenue growth, cost reduction, or capital raising. Additionally, they do not mention any industry specialization, size of the companies previously managed, or the strategic initiatives led by the CFO that would set them apart from other candidates.

Writing an Exceptional Chief Financial Officer Resume Summary:

Chief financial officer resume summary examples:, strong summaries.

• These summaries are strong because they each highlight the CFO's specific industry experience, key financial achievements, and strategic impact on their respective companies. They showcase the ability to drive profitability, secure funding, manage critical financial events like IPOs, and implement cost-saving measures, all of which are critical competencies for a CFO. Moreover, they provide quantifiable results, demonstrating the tangible value these professionals have brought to their organizations.

Weak Summaries

• The provided summary examples for Chief Financial Officers are weak because they lack specificity and quantifiable achievements. They do not highlight any unique accomplishments, such as how the CFO has positively impacted past organizations' bottom lines, implemented cost-saving strategies, or led successful financial turnarounds. Additionally, they fail to mention any industry specialization or the size of the companies they've worked for, which could be crucial for matching the CFO's experience with the prospective employer's needs.

Resume Objective Examples for Chief Financial Officers:

Strong objectives.

• These objectives are strong for up and coming Chief Financial Officers because they clearly articulate the candidates' qualifications, such as certifications, education, and relevant experience. They also demonstrate a commitment to applying their skills to specific aspects of the CFO role, such as strategic planning, risk management, and financial controls, which align with the key responsibilities of the position and the value they can bring to an organization.

Weak Objectives

• The objectives lack depth and fail to convey the candidate's specific qualifications, experiences, or strategic financial skills that are critical for a CFO role. They do not mention any measurable achievements, industry knowledge, or leadership capabilities that would differentiate the candidate from others. Additionally, these objectives do not reflect an understanding of the company's needs or how the candidate's unique contributions could align with the company's goals.

Generate Your Resume Summary with AI

Speed up your resume creation process with the ai resume builder . generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your chief financial officer work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.

• Highlight your financial achievements: Emphasize specific financial metrics such as revenue growth, cost savings, and profit margins to showcase your impact on the organization's financial performance.
• Showcase your strategic leadership: Describe how you have developed and executed financial strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives, including mergers and acquisitions, capital allocation, and risk management.
• Demonstrate your ability to drive operational efficiency: Highlight your experience in streamlining financial processes, implementing financial systems, and optimizing resource allocation to improve operational effectiveness.
• Illustrate your experience in managing financial risk: Discuss your expertise in identifying and mitigating financial risks, such as market volatility, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity threats.
• Highlight your experience in financial planning and analysis: Showcase your proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and variance analysis to demonstrate your ability to provide accurate and insightful financial insights.
• Emphasize your experience in stakeholder management: Describe how you have effectively collaborated with executives, board members, investors, and external partners to drive financial success and build strong relationships.
• Quantify the impact of your financial leadership: Provide specific examples of how you have improved financial processes, implemented cost-saving initiatives, or achieved financial targets to showcase your ability to deliver measurable results.
• Ensure your language is clear and concise: Use terminology that is familiar to finance professionals and hiring managers, avoiding excessive jargon. Focus on communicating your achievements and responsibilities in a straightforward manner.

Example Work Experiences for Chief Financial Officers:

Strong experiences.

• Orchestrated a company-wide financial restructuring that reduced debt by 40% and increased cash flow by 25%, positioning the company for sustainable growth and profitability in a competitive market.
• Developed and executed a strategic financial plan that supported a 30% year-over-year revenue growth, while maintaining a 15% reduction in operating expenses through the implementation of cost-control measures and efficiency improvements.
• Led the negotiation and successful acquisition of a smaller competitor, which expanded market share by 10% and resulted in synergies that saved the company $5M annually.
• Implemented a new financial reporting system that improved report accuracy and reduced closing time by 50%, enabling more timely and informed decision-making across the organization.
• Directed a capital-raising initiative that secured $100M in funding for expansion efforts, negotiating favorable terms that minimized dilution for existing shareholders and positioned the company for strategic investments.
• Championed the adoption of advanced analytics and business intelligence tools, which provided deeper insights into financial performance and supported a data-driven approach to cost management and revenue optimization.
• Revamped the company's risk management framework, which led to a 20% reduction in insurance premiums and a significant decrease in operational risk exposure.
• Played a pivotal role in a successful IPO, leading to a market capitalization of $500M and providing the company with the capital necessary to fuel its innovation and growth strategies.
• Established a robust compliance program that ensured adherence to all financial regulations and standards, resulting in zero fines or penalties over a three-year period and enhancing the company's reputation with investors and regulators.
• These work experiences for Chief Financial Officers are compelling because they showcase a blend of strategic leadership, financial acumen, and operational efficiency. Each bullet point highlights significant achievements with measurable outcomes, demonstrating the CFO's ability to drive financial performance, manage complex transactions, and implement systems that enhance decision-making and reduce risk. The use of strong action verbs and quantifiable results paints a clear picture of the CFO's impact on the company's success, making these experiences highly attractive to potential employers.

Weak Experiences

• Managed financial planning and analysis for the company, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement cost-saving initiatives, resulting in a 10% reduction in operating expenses.
• Oversaw the implementation of a new ERP system, streamlining financial processes and improving data accuracy.
• Led the due diligence process for potential mergers and acquisitions, conducting financial analysis and risk assessments.
• Developed and implemented internal controls and compliance programs to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Provided strategic financial guidance to executive team, contributing to the company's growth and profitability.
• Managed relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, auditors, and financial institutions.
• Implemented financial forecasting models to support business decision-making and optimize cash flow management.
• Identified and implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial operations.
• These work experiences are weak because they lack specificity and quantifiable results. While they provide a general overview of the tasks performed by a Chief Financial Officer, they do not highlight the impact of the individual's work or the specific outcomes achieved. To improve these bullet points, the candidate should focus on incorporating metrics and specific achievements to demonstrate their effectiveness in financial management and strategic decision-making.

Top Skills & Keywords for Chief Financial Officer Resumes:

Top hard & soft skills for chief financial officers, hard skills.

• Advanced Excel and Financial Software Proficiency
• Budgeting and Expense Management
• Accounting Principles and GAAP Compliance
• Corporate Finance and Capital Structure
• Risk Management and Compliance
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Due Diligence
• Investor Relations and Fundraising
• ERP Implementation and Management
• Cost Reduction and Efficiency Optimization

Soft Skills

• Strategic Thinking and Financial Acumen
• Leadership and Team Management
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking
• Adaptability and Change Management
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Decision Making and Risk Management
• Integrity and Ethical Judgment
• Negotiation and Influence
• Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
• Corporate Governance and Compliance

Go Above & Beyond with a Chief Financial Officer Cover Letter

Chief financial officer cover letter example: (based on resume), resume faqs for chief financial officers:, how long should i make my chief financial officer resume.

The ideal length for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume is generally two pages. This length provides sufficient space to detail your extensive experience, strategic leadership skills, financial acumen, and achievements without overwhelming the reader with information. Here's why two pages is often the sweet spot for CFO resumes: 1. **Leadership and Experience**: As a CFO, you likely have a long history of professional experiences, including leadership roles, strategic decision-making, and significant accomplishments. Two pages allow you to showcase the depth and breadth of your career while still being concise. 2. **Relevance and Impact**: A two-page resume encourages you to focus on the most relevant and impactful information. You'll want to highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive financial strategy, manage complex budgets, lead teams, and contribute to the overall success of the organizations you've worked for. 3. **Detail and Clarity**:

What is the best way to format a Chief Financial Officer resume?

The best way to format a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume is to ensure it is clear, concise, and tailored to highlight the strategic financial leadership and management skills that are critical for the role. Here's a guide to creating an effective CFO resume: 1. **Contact Information**: At the top, include your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. 2. **Executive Summary**: Start with a strong executive summary that encapsulates your most significant achievements, leadership style, and the value you can bring to a new organization. This should be a brief paragraph or a series of bullet points. 3. **Core Competencies**: List key skills and areas of expertise that are relevant to a CFO role, such as strategic planning, financial analysis, risk management, fundraising, M&A, compliance, and financial reporting. 4. **Professional Experience**: - **Reverse Chronological Order

Which Chief Financial Officer skills are most important to highlight in a resume?

When crafting a resume as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), it's crucial to highlight a blend of strategic, analytical, leadership, and technical skills that demonstrate your ability to manage an organization's financial operations and contribute to its overall success. Here are some key skills to consider including on a CFO resume, along with explanations for each: 1. **Strategic Planning and Vision**: As a CFO, you're responsible for steering the company towards profitable growth. Highlight your ability to develop and implement financial strategies that align with the company's long-term goals. 2. **Financial Analysis and Forecasting**: Showcase your expertise in analyzing financial data to forecast future performance and guide business decisions. This includes proficiency in creating and managing budgets, financial modeling, and performance analysis. 3. **Financial Reporting**: Detail your experience in preparing accurate financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, in compliance with regulatory requirements and accounting principles. 4. **Risk Management**: Emphasize your ability to identify and mitigate financial risks, including market risk, credit risk, and operational risk, to protect the company's assets and ensure financial stability. 5. **Leadership and Team Management**: As a CFO, you often lead a team of finance professionals.

How should you write a resume if you have no experience as a Chief Financial Officer?

Writing a resume for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position when you have no direct experience in that role can be challenging, but it's important to focus on the relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that demonstrate your potential to succeed in a CFO role. Here are some steps and tips to help you craft an effective resume: 1. **Start with a Strong Summary**: Begin your resume with a professional summary that highlights your financial expertise, leadership skills, and strategic thinking abilities. Even if you haven't held the title of CFO, you can still emphasize your readiness for the role. 2. **Emphasize Transferable Skills**: Identify the key skills required for a CFO and demonstrate how your current or past experiences have allowed you to develop these skills. These may include financial reporting, risk management, strategic planning, leadership, and communication. 3. **Highlight Leadership Experience**: Showcase any leadership roles you've held, even if they weren't in finance. Leadership is a critical component of the CFO role

Compare Your Chief Financial Officer Resume to a Job Description:

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Chief Financial Officer job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Related Resumes for Chief Financial Officers:

Chief financial officer resume example, more resume guidance:.

CFO Resume Samples

This page provides you with CFO resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a CFO resume.

You are the Chief Financial Officer of your company, or you aim to be it. You think you have all the skills to be the senior executive responsible for managing the financial actions of that company. You think you can easily assist the CEO with forecasting, cost–benefit analysis and obtaining funding for various initiatives. You think you deserve that highest-ranking position, but...you also believe your resume could be better.

Don’t worry though, if you are looking for the best Chief Financial Officer resume sample, you have come to the right place. We have helped many professionals in your industry get to the next level and we want you to be next. Let us inspire you like we inspired 3 million people all over the world.

Note : Leverage AI to level-up your resume - Try our AI Resume Builder

How to Write a Chief Financial Officer Resume?

Crafting a strong CFO resume is important. Let’s start from the format: there’s no doubt the gold medal here goes to the reverse-chronological layout: it presents your freshest wins up front. Friendly tones are far better than a simple fact-to-fact style as it can often be off-putting. What is more, you don’t want to add a funny undertone rather a serious but warm undertone instead.

The type of fonts used must also fit the style you’re aiming for: use clear, powerful fonts. Unfortunately there are some fonts which are difficult to read and that’s off-putting. Instead, a basic font can be more impressive than one which is impossible to understand.

It’s the same with the colors used in the resume. Using several colors to highlight the more important elements can appear to be a good decision on the surface but deep down, it’s a very bad idea. Employers can think it’s a bit childish to have a rainbow of color on the resumes. Stick to one very basic color, usually black, and you’ll find it works far better.

Use big headings too, matching them with clean white space.

And now, listen: Grammar check please! Recruiters would never give a company to someone who doesn’t care or does not pay attention to details.

Last but not least: PDF is the way to go, in order to preserve its formatting, whereas MS Word can be dangerous as a snake in Australia!

• The Summary Section

“Is it really needed? Can’t I just show a portfolio of projects that show I’m the best person for the job.”

Absolutely Not. Clients receive more than 60 resumes on average for each project. This makes it extremely impossible for them to decide who to hire, so that’s why a good summary section on top of your resume helps them make a final decision. A perfect summary should be succinct and precise which means short and not vague. It is your pitch to your client: make it count!

DO (Summarize your employment)

• Summarize the types of jobs you’ve had
• Mention relevant skills.
• Talk briefly about duties you’ve been responsible for previously.

DON’T (Summarize your life)

• Avoid ‘bigging’ yourself up, recruiters don’t always like it.
• Use the words “best CFO” more than once.
• Avoid writing a list of every achievement you’ve made since junior high school.
• Work Experience

Recruiters who like what they see will go onto reading about your work experience and it’s this which can absolutely bring you to an interview. What experience you list can get a recruiter interested but also ensure you don’t get forgotten amongst the many other applicants.

What should be added? Well, your recent work history for a start. What positions have you worked at recently and what sort of experience did that provide you? These things must be added simply because it’s showing a recruiter why they should pick you. What is more, the history of your employment could allow a recruiter to say for certainty you’ve got the experience to work as a CFO in their organization.

You might also benefit from the following tips:

Do (Summarize your work history)

• Tell them what qualifies you as a CFO.
• The qualifications you have must be included.
• Always discuss your most relevant work history.

DON’Ts (Summarize your relationship history)

• Don’t add more than three previous employment information especially if they have been long-term positions.
• Don’t lie on your resume, eventually someone will uncover the lie.
• Don’t stretch your resume over four pages, two is sufficient.

If you need more tips on writing the best work experience section for a great CFO like you, check out our detailed resume guide .

Education simply shows the person you are and where you’ve started, so please make sure you include it in your resume.

You always have to include the basics when dealing with this section of your resume:

• Which schools you have attended.
• What you have studied in the past.
• How long you have studied and what were the outcomes to those studies.

Resumes can be a bit sparse when it comes to education but it’s not the worst thing imaginable for a recruiter to spot when looking at a resume. Any educational training you’ve received or undertaken could be added as it will help to make your education look more impressive. Again, lots of people haven’t gone to college and if you haven’t, it’s nothing to be ashamed of and don’t lie about it either. Don’t forget, recruiters prefer honesty to lies.

• Best CFO Skills

This is a very important section for a CFO’s resume as client’s are searching for specific skills that their hire must have to complete the job.

The best way to know which skills to add here, would be to look in the job description itself and add those skills and related skills in your skill section.

• Cover Letter: yes or no?

A cover letter is your chance to convince your future employer that you are the one. Follow our simple tips here .

The following are a few additional tips to help you during your resume creation:

DO (make yourself look great)

• Keep your language neutral.
• Ensure talents are listed along with your skills.
• Hobbies can be added to bolster your attraction to recruiters.

DON’T (embarrass yourself)

• Don’t attempt to be too funny.
• Don’t badmouth previous clients
• Don’t add skills not suited to the position of makeup artist.

Thanks so much for your time: you now have access to standout CFO resume sample: if you are also looking for the best CFO resume templates, you should check these masterpieces we have been working on here : many professionals like you have successfully used it to take their career to the next level.

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• Account Manager Resume Guide & Examples

Enterprise Account Executive Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

Jump to a template:

• Enterprise Account Executive
• Senior Account Manager
• Sales Director

Get advice on each section of your resume:

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• Enterprise Account Executive Resume Tips

Enterprise Account Executive Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., enterprise account executive resume sample.

This position is similar to a normal account manager but with a lot more responsibility. You will be building and maintaining relationships with the company’s enterprise clients. You will most likely be in charge of a larger territory as well. Recruiters will expect to see a bachelor’s degree in a relevant position and significant experience in B2B sales. Ensure that your resume shows both.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your enterprise account executive resume in 2024,    show career progression in account management and sales..

This is a senior account management position. It will be beneficial for recruiters to see how you grew into that position. Focus on including sales and account management positions and showing progression with each new job.

   Include all languages spoken if applying to an international company.

Because you will be conversing with multiple clients, having extra languages is extremely beneficial. Especially if you are working with an international client that may have clients in countries that speak your extra languages. Include your proficiency in each language.

Senior Account Manager Resume Sample

Sales director resume sample.

As a hiring manager who has recruited for Enterprise Account Executive roles at companies like Salesforce, Oracle, and Microsoft, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes. The best resumes that landed interviews had several things in common, which I'll share in the tips below.

These tips are based on my experience hiring for this specific role. If you implement them, you'll create a resume that will impress recruiters and hiring managers, and increase your chances of getting hired.

   Highlight your sales achievements with metrics

The most important thing hiring managers look for in an Enterprise Account Executive resume is your ability to drive revenue and close big deals. Show this by including sales metrics and achievements like:

• Closed $5M in new business revenue in FY 2022, ranking #1 out of 10 account executives
• Achieved 135% of annual quota, resulting in President's Club award 3 years in a row
• Grew territory revenue from $10M to $25M in 2 years by landing 5 new enterprise logos

In contrast, a resume without sales metrics is less convincing:

• Responsible for selling to enterprise accounts
• Consistently exceeded quota and won sales awards

   Emphasize experience managing complex sales cycles

Selling to enterprise clients involves long sales cycles with multiple stakeholders. Hiring managers look for candidates who have navigated these challenges successfully. Showcase this experience with examples like:

• Managed sales cycles up to 18 months long, engaging with 5-10 stakeholders from C-level to end users
• Collaborated with sales engineers, customer success, and professional services to develop custom solutions for clients
• Built relationships with procurement and legal teams to negotiate favorable contract terms and pricing

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any sales role:

• Experienced in B2B sales
• Strong relationship-building and closing skills

   Show progression to larger deals and more responsibility

Hiring managers want to see career progression and your ability to take on bigger challenges over time. Demonstrate this in your resume by:

• Highlighting increases in your quota, deal sizes, or revenue contribution
• Showing how you've earned promotions or taken on team lead roles
• Emphasizing sales to bigger or more well-known enterprise clients over time

For example:

Enterprise Account Executive, Salesforce (2019-Present) - Manage a portfolio of strategic enterprise accounts with ACV over $1M - Closed the largest deal in company history at $10M ACV Senior Account Executive, Oracle (2016-2019) - Promoted to Senior AE in 2017 and grew territory revenue 50% YoY - Closed first 7-figure deal and landed the company's biggest logo to date

Avoid a resume that shows a flat career trajectory or lacks increasing metrics over time.

   Include relevant sales methodologies and training

Enterprise sales teams often use specific methodologies and frameworks. Hiring managers look for candidates who are familiar with these. Some examples to include:

• Certified in MEDDIC, Challenger Sales, and SPIN Selling methodologies
• Completed Miller Heiman Strategic Selling training program
• Trained in Command of the Message and Conceptual Selling techniques

Only include sales training that is well-known and relevant to enterprise selling. Avoid listing generic or irrelevant certifications:

• Completed internal company sales training program
• Certified in retail sales techniques

   Tailor your keywords to the job description

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords. To increase your chances of passing the ATS, use the same keywords and phrases from the job description. For example:

If the job description mentions:

• Experience with SaaS sales
• Proven track record of exceeding quota
• Ability to develop C-level relationships

Make sure to include those exact phrases in your resume, like:

• 7+ years of experience in SaaS sales, consistently exceeding quota
• Developed strong C-level relationships at Fortune 500 clients

Avoid using vague or generic phrases that don't match the keywords in the job posting.

   Quantify your impact beyond just revenue numbers

Revenue and quota attainment are key metrics to include. But go beyond that to quantify your impact in other areas, such as:

• Grew territory 30% by landing 10 new logos in 12 months
• Reduced sales cycle from 12 months to 6 months by implementing new demo process
• Achieved 95% customer retention rate through proactive account management
• Coached and mentored 5 junior reps who all exceeded quota in their first year

Avoid listing job duties or responsibilities without any quantified impact:

• Sold software products to enterprise customers
• Conducted product demos and presented proposals
• Managed key accounts and renewals

The more you can quantify your achievements, the stronger your resume will be.

Writing Your Enterprise Account Executive Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

As an Enterprise Account Executive, your resume summary is an optional section that can be used to provide additional context or highlight key details not already covered in your resume. While a summary is not required, it can be particularly useful if you are a career changer and your past experience doesn't directly align with your current career goals, or if you are an experienced executive with a wealth of knowledge to share.

It's important to note that you should never use an objective statement in place of a summary. Your resume itself is already a summary of your skills and experience, so there's no need to re-summarize it in an objective. Instead, use the summary section to provide additional value and context that will help you stand out to potential employers.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Enterprise Account Executive resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Enterprise Account Executive Resume Summary Examples , or Enterprise Account Executive Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the enterprise sales role

When crafting your summary for an Enterprise Account Executive position, it's crucial to tailor it specifically to the role and industry. Highlight your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements that directly relate to success in enterprise sales.

Here's an example of a tailored summary:

Accomplished Enterprise Account Executive with 7+ years of experience driving multi-million dollar deals in the SaaS industry. Proven track record of building strong relationships with C-level executives and consistently exceeding sales quotas. Skilled in complex contract negotiations, solution selling, and cross-functional collaboration.

Avoid generic summaries that could apply to any sales role, like:

• Experienced salesperson with a passion for meeting new people and closing deals.
• Results-driven professional with excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic.

2. Quantify your impact and achievements

To make your summary more impactful, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your success as an Enterprise Account Executive. Use specific numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to showcase your impact.

Consider the following examples:

• Closed $5M+ in new business annually, consistently ranking as a top performer on a team of 15 Enterprise Account Executives.
• Increased average deal size by 30% through strategic account planning and targeted upselling efforts.

Avoid making vague statements without supporting data, such as:

• Consistently exceeded sales targets and grew accounts.
• Successfully closed large deals and built strong client relationships.

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume as an enterprise account executive. It's where you show the impact you've made in previous roles and how you've grown in your career. Recruiters and hiring managers will spend the most time reviewing this section, so it's important to get it right.

In this section, we'll break down step-by-step how to write an effective work experience section that will help you stand out and land more interviews for enterprise sales roles.

1. Use strong sales action verbs

When describing your previous roles, use powerful action verbs that showcase your contributions and paint a picture of you driving results. Avoid generic, overused verbs and phrases like 'responsible for' or 'participated in'. Instead, use strong, sales-specific verbs like:

• Prospected and developed a pipeline of enterprise leads valued at $10M+
• Closed new business deals with Fortune 500 companies totaling $5M in ARR
• Negotiated and finalized complex contracts with procurement and legal teams
• Consulted with C-level executives on digital transformation initiatives

Using the right verbs helps you come across as an action-oriented, results-driven sales professional. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 1-2 strong action verbs per bullet point.

2. Highlight your career growth and promotions

Showing upward mobility and career progression in your work experience signals to employers that you're a high performer with leadership potential. If you've been promoted, make it obvious by listing the different titles under the company name:

Salesforce Senior Enterprise Account Executive (2020-Present) Enterprise Account Executive (2018-2020)

You can also demonstrate growth within the same role by highlighting how your deal sizes, quotas, or responsibilities expanded:

• Exceeded annual quota of $2M in 2019, leading to a 50% increase in quota to $3M for 2020 which was also exceeded
• Promoted to manage strategic enterprise accounts with 25% higher ASP and 18-month deal cycles

3. Showcase your sales tech stack experience

Modern selling requires mastery of a wide range of sales technologies. Highlight your proficiency with the key tools used in your previous roles, such as:

• CRM - Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot CRM
• Prospecting - LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, Outreach
• Demo - Zoom, WebEx, GoToMeeting
• Contract management - DocuSign, Adobe Sign
• Sales intelligence - Gong, Chorus.ai, Clari

Managed a $2M pipeline in Salesforce, consistently maintaining over 4X pipeline coverage and 50+ opportunities per quarter

However, avoid simply listing out the tools in a 'skills' section. Instead, include them naturally in the context of how you used them to drive the sales process forward.

4. Tailor your bullets to the target role

While it may be tempting to copy-paste the same work experience across applications, resist that urge. Instead, customize your bullets for each role based on the job requirements. For example, if the JD heavily emphasizes new logo acquisition, highlight your experience hunting and closing net new logos:

• Landed 7 new enterprise logos in 2 years, including X, Y, and Z, expanding territory's new business by 35%
• Built a new logo pipeline from scratch in greenfield territory, closing $1.5M in new ARR in Year 1

Conversely, if the role is more focused on growing existing accounts, spotlight your account expansion wins:

• Grew existing enterprise account revenue from $1M to $3.5M in 18 months by cross-selling 2 new product lines and expanding licenses 40%
• Turned around an at-risk $2M customer, reversing 25% churn to 15% upsell in 1 renewal cycle

  Education

The education section of your resume is an important part of your job application as an enterprise account executive. It shows employers your academic background and any relevant coursework or certifications. Here are some tips to help you write an effective education section:

1. List your degrees in reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent degree and work backwards. For each degree, include:

• Name of the institution
• Location of the institution
• Degree earned
• Field of study
• Graduation year

Here's an example:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Marketing University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, CA 2018

2. Highlight relevant coursework for enterprise sales roles

If you're a recent graduate or your degree is highly relevant to enterprise account executive positions, you can list relevant coursework under your degree. This shows employers you have the academic background for the role.

Relevant courses might include:

• Business-to-Business (B2B) Marketing
• Sales Management
• Strategic Account Management
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Avoid listing basic or introductory courses, like:

• Introduction to Marketing
• Basic Economics

3. Include relevant certifications in enterprise software

If you have certifications in software platforms commonly used by enterprise account executives, like Salesforce or SAP, include them in your education section. List the name of the certification, the organization that granted it, and the year you earned it.

Here's how to list a certification:

Salesforce Certified Account Executive Salesforce 2020

Avoid listing certifications that aren't relevant or well-known in the industry, such as:

Advanced Google Analytics Certificate Google 2019

4. Keep your education section concise if you're a senior enterprise AE

If you have many years of experience as an enterprise account executive, your education section should be brief. Employers will be more interested in your work accomplishments than your degrees from many years ago.

Here's an example of a concise education section for a senior-level enterprise AE:

MBA, Marketing, University of Pennsylvania BS, Business Administration, University of Southern California

Avoid a long education section with dated information:

• MBA, Marketing, University of Pennsylvania, 1995
• BS, Business Administration, University of Southern California, 1990
• Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Marketing, Business Statistics, Microeconomics, Financial Accounting

  Skills

Your skills section is one of the most important parts of your resume as an Enterprise Account Executive. It's where you highlight your top abilities that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Hiring managers and recruiters look at this section to quickly assess if you have the right skills for the role. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing your skills section:

1. Understand how applicant tracking systems work

Many companies today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically scan and filter resumes based on keywords. These systems look for specific skills that match the job description. If your resume doesn't contain the right keywords, it may get rejected before a human even sees it.

To get past an ATS, carefully review the job description and include relevant skills from it on your resume. For example, if the job requires experience with Salesforce, make sure to list 'Salesforce' in your skills section.

2. Focus on hard skills and tools

As an Enterprise Account Executive, emphasize hard skills and specific tools rather than soft skills. Avoid listing generic soft skills like:

Communication Leadership Team player

Instead, focus on sales-specific hard skills, techniques, and tools that demonstrate your enterprise sales abilities:

Account management Sales forecasting Contract negotiation Salesforce Tableau

3. Group your skills into categories

Organize your skills section into logical categories to make it easy to read. As an Enterprise Account Executive, consider grouping your skills into categories like:

• Sales : Account management, prospecting, contract negotiation, sales forecasting
• Technical : Salesforce, Tableau, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot CRM
• Industry knowledge : SaaS, cloud computing, cybersecurity, healthcare IT

Grouping your skills shows recruiters your key areas of expertise at a glance. Just avoid having too many categories, which can look cluttered. Stick to 2-4 main categories.

4. Keep your list concise and targeted

Focus on your top 8-10 skills that are most relevant to the Enterprise Account Executive job you want. Hiring managers prefer quality over quantity. A concise, targeted skills list is more effective than a long list of every skill you have.

Remove outdated skills or programs that aren't widely used anymore. Listing old tools like 'MS Office' or generic skills like 'Computer literacy' can make you seem behind the times. Stick to current, relevant skills.

Skills For Enterprise Account Executive Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Enterprise Account Executive job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Direct Sales
• Complex Sales
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Sales Operations
• Cloud Computing
• Sales Presentations
• Strategic Partnerships
• Professional Services
• Managed Services
• Lead Generation

Skills Word Cloud For Enterprise Account Executive Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Enterprise Account Executive job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

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Enterprise Account Executive Resumes

• Template #1: Enterprise Account Executive
• Template #2: Enterprise Account Executive
• Template #3: Senior Account Manager
• Template #4: Sales Director
• Skills for Enterprise Account Executive Resumes
• Free Enterprise Account Executive Resume Review
• Other Sales Resumes
• Enterprise Account Executive Interview Guide
• Enterprise Account Executive Sample Cover Letters
• Alternative Careers to a Enterprise Account Executive
• All Resumes
• Resume Action Verbs

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