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Entry-Level Finance Resume
This resume example effectively demonstrates the essential skills and relevant experience of career changers, making it a strong asset for those entering the finance sector.
Why this resume works:
A skills-focused resume format is beneficial for finance professionals entering the field, returning after a break, or changing careers.
Mid-Career Finance Resume
This finance resume example is perfect for professionals with experience seeking to elevate their careers by showcasing their achievements and specialized skills in financial management.
Why this resume works:
This applicant highlights a track record of improving outcomes across multiple settings.
Experienced Finance Resume
This finance resume example is perfect for experienced professionals looking to elevate their careers into senior financial leadership roles.
Why this resume works:
Leadership roles and advanced certifications underscore the ability to manage complex scenarios.
Looking for something else?
Create Your Standout Resume Today
Use our resume examples for inspiration on organization, color, and design—and learn how to effectively summarize your finance skills and experience with confidence.
How to Write a Finance Resume
Learning how to write a resume is important for showcasing your unique value in finance, rather than merely listing your qualifications. By effectively presenting your skills and experiences, you can capture the attention of potential employers.
In the upcoming sections, we will guide you step-by-step with essential resume tips, covering everything from structuring your resume to highlighting relevant achievements and skills that help it stand out in the finance sector.
Start with your contact info
The header section contains all your contact information, prominently displayed at the top of your resume. Begin with your name in a bold, larger font to ensure it captures attention immediately. You might also use a distinctive color or style that aligns with the overall design, making it visually appealing without being distracting.
Next, include essential contact details such as your email address, phone number, and general location; city and state are sufficient. This information is vital for recruiters to easily get in touch with you and ensures you meet any geographical requirements for the position.
Lastly, consider adding links to relevant certifications or professional training programs, as well as a personal website or online portfolio if applicable. These additional elements can improve your profile by showcasing your qualifications and experience, helping you stand out among other applicants in finance roles.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a brief overview of your qualifications that appears directly beneath your contact details on a finance resume. This section serves as your first impression and should grab the attention of hiring managers with clarity and impact.
In this summary, highlight key skills, relevant experience, and your enthusiasm for the finance role you’re pursuing. Customizing this section for each application demonstrates how your expertise aligns with specific job requirements and can be important in making a strong case for yourself.
To craft a compelling summary, consider reviewing resume summary examples tailored for finance positions. These examples provide insights into effective phrasing and essential elements to include in your own summary.
Strong vs weak finance summary
Strong
"Analytical finance professional with over eight years of experience in investment analysis and portfolio management. Proven track record of increasing portfolio returns by 20% through strategic asset allocation and risk assessment. Skilled in financial modeling, market research, and regulatory compliance, holding certifications as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM). Recognized for delivering actionable insights that drive organizational growth."
Why this example works: This summary clearly outlines the job seeker's extensive experience, quantifies achievements such as a 20% increase in returns, emphasizes critical skills like financial modeling, and incorporates relevant industry keywords.
Weak
"Finance professional seeking a position to use my skills in the industry. I have some experience in financial analysis and enjoy working with numbers."
Why this example doesn't work: This professional summary is vague and lacks specific details about the applicant's actual skills, measurable achievements, or relevant experiences in finance.
Highlight interpersonal skills like teamwork and negotiation on your finance resume. Use specific examples to show how these abilities led to successful project outcomes or improved client relationships, showcasing your talent for effective collaboration in a dynamic financial environment.
Share your work history
Your work history is, arguably, the central and most important part of your resume. List your most recent roles in reverse-chronological order. If you’ve held numerous positions, select the ones most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
When listing your work history, focus on:
- Job title and company name
- Dates of employment (month and year)
- Key responsibilities (What did you do on a daily basis?)
- Achievements and contributions (What did you accomplish? Did you improve processes, reduce costs, or increase efficiency?)
- Measurable results (Use numbers when possible, such as "reduced patient wait times by 15%.")
Finally, when describing your achievements, use action verbs to make your work history come alive.
Strong vs weak finance work history
Strong
Financial Analyst, Global Finance Corp
2018–2023
- Analyzed financial data to develop quarterly forecasts that improved company profitability by 15%.
- Streamlined reporting processes, reducing preparation time by 25% and increasing accuracy of reports.
- Provided strategic recommendations based on market trends that led to a successful investment in emerging markets worth $2 million.
Why this example works: A strong work history section for a financial analyst highlights specific achievements and quantifiable results. It showcases analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to influence decision-making through data-driven insights.
Weak
Finance Associate
Generic Finance Corp
- Handled financial documents and reports.
- Assisted with budgeting tasks.
Why this example doesn't work: This entry is weak as it does not specify the finance role or department, lacks dates of employment, and lists vague responsibilities that could fit any finance position.
Highlight your leadership skills on your finance resume by including examples like "Managed a team of analysts to optimize financial reporting" or "Directed budgeting processes for cross-departmental projects." These examples show your ability to lead teams and achieve financial success.
Highlight your key skills
The skills section of your resume is essential for demonstrating your qualifications in finance. Here's a rundown of key financial skills and their significance in improving your candidacy:
- Soft skills are personal attributes that indicate how you collaborate with others—like analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication. In finance professionals, traits such as attention to detail and problem-solving play an important role in making informed decisions and fostering strong relationships with clients.
- Hard skills in finance are specific abilities acquired through education and practical experience. Examples include financial analysis, skill in accounting software, budgeting, and interpreting data.
- Expertise in technical skills within finance refers to your ability to work with specific software and tools necessary for analysis and reporting. Examples include performing financial modeling in Excel, using QuickBooks for accounting tasks, and applying skill in Bloomberg Terminal for market analysis.
For those starting in finance, position your skills section near the top of your resume to highlight your strengths despite limited experience. If you have a robust background, place it after your work history to let your experience speak for itself.
Top 15 skills for your finance resume
When building your finance resume, it’s important to select skills that align with what employers are looking for. Include a mix of analytical skills, technical proficiencies, and soft skills such as communication and teamwork. Highlighting transferable skills can also demonstrate your ability to adapt in different financial roles.
Here’s a list of the 15 most popular skills for finance professionals, based on insights from JobHero users. These skills reflect what hiring managers value and can help differentiate your application in a competitive job market.
Build your education section
The education section of a finance resume should reflect your experience level and relevance to the position. Seasoned professionals, with years of industry experience, should prioritize their work history over their educational background. In such cases, you can minimize or even omit the education section, placing it at the end if necessary.
For those new to the finance field or recent graduates, your education becomes a vital asset. Highlight it prominently near the top of your resume. Include relevant degrees, coursework in finance-related subjects, and any certifications that may set you apart from other job seekers.
If you're entering specialized areas within finance like investment banking or financial analysis, emphasize coursework and projects that relate directly to those fields. This targeted approach will help demonstrate your qualifications effectively.
20 action verbs to add to your resume
Using action verbs in your finance resume significantly improves its strength by effectively communicating your experience and achievements. They create a more engaging tone, making it easier for hiring managers to recognize your contributions.
When selecting action verbs, focus on those relevant to finance that align with the key skills outlined in job postings. This targeted approach will better demonstrate your qualifications for the role.
- Analyzed
- Budgeted
- Forecasted
- Calculated
- Reviewed
- Advised
- Negotiated
- Streamlined
- Presented
- Trained
- Assured
- Facilitated
- Researched
- Authenticated
- Directed
- Optimized
- Verified
- Supported
- Consulted
- Promoted
Consider additional resume sections
While your core resume provides the most critical information, adding targeted sections can showcase your unique qualifications. These sections help hiring managers quickly identify your financial expertise, certifications, and achievements beyond standard resume sections.
Here are optional sections we tend to see on finance resumes:
- Financial analysis skills: Highlight key financial modeling techniques or tools you've mastered (Excel, Tableau, etc.) to demonstrate your analytical capabilities.
- Certifications and licenses: Detail any relevant certifications such as CFA, CPA, or CFP that validate your professional expertise.
- Professional development: Outline workshops, seminars, or courses you’ve attended that reflect your dedication to ongoing learning in finance.
- Achievements and contributions: Describe specific projects where you've improved financial performance or efficiency within an organization.
- Professional memberships: Include memberships in finance-related organizations like the CFA Institute or local finance clubs.
5 Tips for Formatting Your Resume
Proper resume formatting is important for job seekers as it improves the visual appeal and readability of your application. Using Ats-friendly resume templates can significantly improve your chances of engaging recruiters while ensuring your resume successfully navigates through applicant tracking systems.
1. Watch your line spacing and margins
Proper spacing helps your resume look clean and organized, making it easier for hiring managers to read. It ensures that your information stands out while maintaining professionalism. Here's what works best:
- Keep margins between 0.5″ to 1.0″ to create a balanced look.
- Use single spacing for paragraphs and bullet points for clarity.
- Increase the space to 1.5″ or double-space between sections to clearly separate different areas of content.
2. Use a professional font
Selecting the right resume font significantly impacts how you present yourself to potential employers. Opt for these professional fonts:
- Helvetica
- Garamond
- Verdana
- Trebuchet MS
- Calibri Light
- Book Antiqua
To make your name stand out at the top, consider using a slightly bolder or larger font style to convey confidence.
3. Organize your resume sections
A resume for finance professionals should be clear and easily digestible. Use bullet points to summarize your key responsibilities and achievements succinctly. Start each point with a strong action verb, such as "Analyzed financial reports to identify trends," showcasing your analytical skills and attention to detail.
Highlight measurable accomplishments that demonstrate your impact. For instance, "Reduced departmental costs by 15% through strategic budgeting initiatives" conveys the effectiveness of your contributions in quantifiable terms, making your resume stand out.
To ensure compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS), use an ATS resume checker. This tool helps verify that your formatting is efficient and ensures you include relevant keywords specific to finance roles, increasing the chances of passing initial screenings successfully.
4. Use colors and design
A well-crafted resume in finance can stand out with the right use of color and design elements. These features not only make your resume more engaging but also help to highlight your qualifications clearly.
Begin by selecting a template that suits your style. The combination resume format is particularly effective, as it allows for a distinct colored section to showcase skills alongside your work history, making key information easy to spot.
Next, choose a professional color scheme. Opt for colors like navy blue or deep green, which convey trustworthiness and stability—qualities valued in finance professionals. These colors can be used subtly as accents or more prominently at the top of the page.
Avoid using overly bright colors, which can detract from readability. Steer clear of colors that may evoke negative associations or resemble those of competing firms. A polished design will improve your professional image while ensuring clarity in communication.
5. Keep your resume length to 1-2 pages
Resumes should ideally be one page long. This length allows you to present your qualifications clearly and succinctly, which is important since hiring managers often spend mere seconds reviewing each document. Focus on including only the most relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description.
If you have extensive experience or are applying for senior-level positions, a two-page resume may be appropriate to showcase your achievements in detail. Additionally, academic roles typically require a CV instead of a standard resume, as they demand a comprehensive overview of your scholarly work and credentials.
Remember, clarity and relevance are essential for making a strong impression. Keep it simple, direct, and tailored to the position you desire.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
Even if your potential employer does not require it, writing a cover letter can significantly improve your application. It allows you to highlight your unique qualifications and provide context that might not be evident from your resume alone. This extra touch can make a considerable difference in how you present yourself as a job seeker.
To help you get started, check out our extensive collection of cover letter examples for inspiration tailored to various industries. When you're ready to craft yours, take advantage of our user-friendly Cover Letter Builder, which will guide you through each step of the process.
What is the best resume format?
Choosing the right resume format depends on your unique career situation. The three main formats are chronological, functional, and combination, each tailored for specific job seekers.
The chronological format is ideal for those with extensive experience, prominently showcasing work history. The functional format emphasizes skills and education, making it suitable for newcomers to the workforce. Lastly, the combination format strikes a balance between experience and skills, catering well to mid-level professionals or those changing careers.
How long should my Finance resume be?
For finance professionals, a one-page resume is often ideal, especially for those with under 10 years of experience. Hiring managers frequently sift through numerous applications quickly, so a concise format helps highlight your essential qualifications effectively.
Emphasize relevant financial roles, certifications, and key skills. Focus on recent positions that align with the job you want. Remove outdated software knowledge or excessive details from unrelated jobs to keep your resume targeted.
Consider a two-page resume if you are an experienced finance expert with specialized skills or applying for senior roles like finance manager or director. In such cases, your extensive background and achievements warrant the additional space.
Should I use a resume template or design my own?
For most job seekers in finance, it’s best to use a professionally crafted resume template. These templates simplify the writing process and ensure your resume is Ats-friendly, highlighting your skills effectively.
However, if you’re in a creative finance role or have specific design ideas, creating your own template might work well. Just be sure to maintain professionalism and clarity to make a strong impression.
Build a custom resume in minutes with our professional templates and expert tips.
Gabriela Hernandez
CPRW, Career WriterGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches and has worked in the career industry for more than four years providing comprehensive guidance on resume writing and job search strategies for individuals across diverse career paths. She holds a bachelor's in journalism and is passionate about helping job seekers present their professional story effectively through well-crafted resumes and cover letters that demonstrate their value, skills, and experience to potential employers. Some of her work has been featured on JobHero’s resume examples career center.
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