Finance consultants are critical in guiding businesses through key financial decisions and improving overall economic performance. Whether you’re advising clients on strategic planning, managing risk, or optimising financial processes, your expertise is essential to long-term business success. 

This guide gives you everything you need to create a strong CV that reflects your strengths and professional value, including:

  • Real CV examples tailored for finance consultants
  • Professionally designed templates that make a strong first impression
  • Guidance on how to structure your consultant CV 
  • Practical tips to help your application stand out
  • Common mistakes to avoid when applying for consultancy positions
  • Frequently asked questions about finance consultant CVs

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    Finance consultant CV sample

    Finance Consultant Cv Example

    Freda Jones
    Birmingham, BD1 5TG
    07912 345 678
    freda.jones@example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Commercially astute and results-driven Finance Consultant with over 7 years of experience advising SMEs and corporates across various sectors, including retail, tech, and manufacturing. Skilled in financial planning, cash flow optimisation, and strategic analysis to support informed decision-making and business growth. Proven track record of improving financial processes and delivering actionable insights that drive performance.

    WORK HISTORY

    March 2021 – March 2025
    Oakbridge Advisory Ltd – UK, Germany, UAE
    Finance Consultant (Contract & Project-Based)

    • Supported regulatory compliance and finance transformation projects for clients in the manufacturing, fintech, and healthcare sectors.
    • Led a cross-border financial audit preparation for a multinational client with operations in the UK and Dubai.
    • Developed three-year strategic financial models to support investor presentations and acquisition bids.
    • Conducted financial due diligence for mergers, helping clients identify £500k+ in potential risk areas.
    • Streamlined cost structures for a mid-sized healthcare provider, improving EBITDA margin by 8%.

    January 2014 – February 2021
    Stratus Systems Ltd – London
    Group Finance Manager  

    • Oversaw financial operations across three European entities with a combined annual turnover of €35M.
    • Introduced a compliance framework to ensure adherence to local regulations and international reporting standards.
    • Coordinated annual external audits and liaised with tax advisors across jurisdictions.
    • Designed automated monthly reports using SAP and Tableau, improving financial visibility for leadership.
    • Led the integration of a new ERP system (NetSuite) across finance functions in Germany and UK offices.

    SKILLS

    • Financial planning & analysis (FP&A)
    • Regulatory compliance (IFRS, VAT, HMRC, internal controls)
    • Financial due diligence & audit support
    • Business restructuring & turnaround planning
    • Strategic cost analysis & efficiency planning
    • Cross-border tax & finance compliance
    • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
    • Software: SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Excel (Advanced), Tableau

    EDUCATION

    2015
    University of Edinburgh Portsmouth
    Master of Science – Finance and Risk Management

    CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

    Chartered Accountant (ACA), ICAEW – Qualified 2017
    Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – 2020

    Finance consultant CV templates

    Our CV templates are designed for the finance sector, helping you showcase your consultancy expertise, analytical skills, and strategic impact with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re applying to a financial services firm, a consultancy, or a corporate in-house role, our templates offer professional layouts that make your achievements stand out. Browse our collection below.

    Choosing the right CV format for finance consultants

    Creating a strong CV as a finance consultant begins with selecting a format that clearly presents your expertise, experience, and strategic impact. A well-organised CV not only creates a strong first impression but also improves your chances of making it through applicant tracking systems (ATS). The two most effective CV formats for finance consultancy roles are reverse chronological and skills-based.

    Reverse chronological CV

    This is the most commonly used CV format and is ideal for finance consultants with a consistent career path and a track record of advisory or financial roles. It lists your most recent position first and works well to highlight progression and achievements.

    Why choose this format?

    • Demonstrates progression: Clearly shows how you’ve advanced in finance or consulting, from analyst or in-house finance roles to more strategic consultancy work.
    • Highlights key engagements: Let’s employers see the scope of projects, industries served, and your financial impact over time.
    • Recruiter-friendly: Commonly preferred in the UK financial services industry, especially for roles requiring a solid employment history.

    Skills-based CV

    A skills-based (or functional) CV is a good option for those transitioning into finance consulting from a different financial discipline or returning to the field after a break. It focuses on core capabilities rather than job chronology.

    Why it might suit you:

    • Focuses on expertise: Emphasises consultancy skills like financial modelling, business planning, stakeholder engagement, and compliance.
    • Ideal for varied experience: Useful if your experience spans different sectors or includes freelance, contract, or interim roles.
    • Supports career change: Helpful for professionals moving from in-house finance roles into advisory or consulting work.

    How to write a CV as a finance consultant

    Writing a high-quality CV starts with understanding the key sections employers expect to see and how to format them clearly and professionally. We’ll walk you through each part of a finance consultant’s CV, from the personal statement to your work history and qualifications. You’ll also find examples for each section to show you the correct formatting that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters in the finance sector.

    Add your up-to-date contact details

    Begin your CV with accurate contact details at the top of the page. This should include your full name, location (city or country), professional email address, and a reliable phone number. If relevant, include a link to your LinkedIn profile or professional website, especially if it showcases your credentials, case studies, or testimonials. 

    Example of a contact section

    Freda Jones
    Birmingham, BD1 5TG
    07912 345 678
    freda.jones@example.co.uk

    Come up with your CV personal statement

    Your personal statement appears at the top of your CV and provides a concise overview of who you are and the value you offer as a finance consultant. It should be sharp, professional, and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Try to keep your personal statement to a maximum of three to four sentences. 

    Include points such as:

    • Core strengths (e.g. financial modelling, cost analysis, compliance strategy)
    • Your total years of financial experience
    • Your approach to problem-solving and delivering insight
    • Sector knowledge or technical tools you use

    Example of a finance consultant’s personal statement:

    Strategic Finance Consultant with over 8 years of experience supporting SMEs and corporates across the UK and Europe. Proven track record of delivering financial planning, performance reviews, and compliance support across a range of sectors including tech, manufacturing, and property. Adept at interpreting complex data to inform strategic decisions, streamline processes, and improve financial outcomes. Fully CIMA qualified and confident working with senior stakeholders to drive business value.

    Highlighting your relevant work experience

    Your work history is one of the most important sections of your CV. It should demonstrate not just where you’ve worked, but how you’ve added value through strategic insight, financial planning, and advisory support. Instead of listing responsibilities, focus on your achievements and the impact you’ve had on clients or employers.

    Aim to include specific results, such as improvements in reporting, cost reductions, increased profitability, or successful project outcomes. Wherever possible, quantify your contributions to strengthen your credibility.

    Key points to include:

    • Types of businesses or sectors you’ve worked with
    • Nature of the consultancy or finance work you provided
    • Tools, systems, or methods used (e.g. Excel models, Power BI, Sage)
    • Tangible outcomes (e.g. increased efficiency, supported M&A, improved forecasting)

    Example of CV work experience:

    Finance Consultant
    Sterling Advisory Group, London
    March 2021 to Present

    • Delivered strategic financial guidance to SMEs across retail, property, and healthcare sectors
    • Led financial due diligence on three acquisitions and supported post-deal integration
    • Designed and implemented monthly reporting packs to improve financial visibility
    • Developed cost optimisation plans resulting in a 15% margin improvement for two clients
    • Presented financial models and insights to senior stakeholders to guide decision-making

    Financial Analyst (Internal Consultant)
    Arbridge Technologies, Manchester
    July 2017 to February 2021

    • Supported the CFO with annual budgeting, forecasting, and performance reviews
    • Built scenario models and contributed to long-term financial planning initiatives
    • Implemented automated dashboards using Power BI, reducing manual reporting time by 40%
    • Provided financial input for board presentations during restructuring and fundraising efforts

    Key skills to include on your consultant CV

    The skills section of your CV is where you demonstrate the financial expertise, analytical capabilities, and advisory strengths that make you a valuable asset to any client or organisation. It should reflect both your technical skills and interpersonal skills. 

    Be sure to tailor your skills to each role, aligning them with the job description and the specific needs of the company you’re targeting.

    General skills for a finance consultant CV

    • Strong analytical and numerical ability
    • Effective stakeholder communication and reporting
    • Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
    • Problem-solving and risk assessment
    • Project and time management under pressure
    • Financial storytelling and data interpretation
    • Attention to detail and regulatory awareness

    Finance-specific skills

    • Financial modelling and forecasting
    • Budgeting, planning, and cost analysis
    • Business performance reporting (KPI tracking, variance analysis)
    • Financial systems and tools (e.g. Sage, QuickBooks, Power BI, Excel)
    • Regulatory compliance and risk management (e.g. IFRS, HMRC standards)
    • Scenario modelling and investment appraisal
    • Experience advising across sectors such as property, retail, tech, and professional services

    What to include in the education section

    In a finance consultant CV, the education section of your CV should demonstrate the technical foundation and industry knowledge behind your advisory work. While practical experience is essential, formal qualifications such as finance degrees and professional certifications (like CIMA, ACCA, or ACA) show credibility and deepen your standing with clients and employers.

    Include the following:

    • Name of your qualification – e.g. BSc in Accounting and Finance, ACA qualification
    • Institution or awarding body – such as a university, ICAEW, ACCA, or CIMA
    • Dates attended or year completed – especially for recent qualifications or certifications
    • Relevant modules (optional) – such as corporate finance, risk management, or taxation
      Certifications – such as FMVA, Excel for Finance, or compliance-related training

    Example of an education section

    Education
    BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
    University of Manchester
    2014 – 2017

    Certifications
    CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
    Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
    Excel for Financial Professionals – CPD Certified, 2023

    Dos and don’ts for your finance consultants

    DO

    • DO tailor your CV for each job application

      Every consultancy role is different, and employers are often looking for specific expertise, whether it’s financial modelling, strategic advisory, compliance, or sector-specific experience. Carefully read the job description and mirror the key terms where appropriate. 

    • DO quantify your achievements

      Whenever possible, use figures to show the impact of your work. For example, “Reduced monthly reporting time by 30%” or “Supported a £5m cost-saving initiative.” Numbers help hiring managers understand the scale and results of your contributions.

    DON’T

    • DON’T leave out key qualifications or certifications

      Professional certifications such as CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or FMVA are often essential in consultancy roles. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) frequently scan for these, so omitting them could mean your CV is never seen by a hiring manager. Always list full titles and dates to ensure clarity and visibility.

    • DON’T list responsibilities without outcomes

      Simply stating that you “prepared reports” or “assisted with budgeting” tells the reader little. Focus on results, what changed or improved because of your work? Think in terms of outcomes, efficiencies, or business decisions influenced.

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    Your CV questions answered

    How can I improve my chances of getting an interview?

    Include a tailored cover letter with every application. Use it to show why you’re interested in the specific role and how your skills, experience, and sector knowledge align with the client’s needs. Demonstrating an understanding of the company’s operations, financial challenges, or market positioning can help your application stand out. 

    Can I include experience from broader finance roles or other industries?

    Finance consultancy often values a broad range of experience. If you’ve worked as a management accountant, financial analyst, or in an advisory role in another sector, highlight the transferable skills, especially those related to strategic planning, cost control, or client-facing work. Focus on the business outcomes of your work and your ability to adapt across industries.

    Is it okay to include contract or freelance consultancy work?

    Yes, definitely. Project-based roles are common in consultancy and can show flexibility, adaptability, and a range of experience. List key assignments individually under a section like Freelance Finance Consultant or Contract Roles, and highlight what you delivered, whether it was a cost-reduction strategy, process improvement, or regulatory compliance project.

    How can I show commercial impact in my CV?

    Use data wherever possible. For example:

    • “Identified cost-saving opportunities that reduced operational expenditure by £200K annually.”
    • “Supported strategic budgeting that improved profitability by 15% across key product lines.”

    Employers want to see how your insight translated into business decisions, efficiencies, or improved outcomes.

    Should I include references on my CV?

    It’s not necessary to list references directly on your CV unless the job posting specifically asks for them. A simple note such as “References available upon request” is enough. 

    Create your finance consultant CV today

    With our expert guidance, sector-focused templates, and real-world CV examples, you’ll have everything you need to create a stand-out CV. Whether you’re applying to a firm or independent clients, use our easy-to-navigate CV builder to tailor your finance consultant CV and download a polished, professional version in just a few clicks.

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