Finance Manager CV Examples
Whether you’re after inspiration from finance-focused CV examples, access to professionally designed templates, or expert guidance on what to include, we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through creating a CV that showcases your financial expertise and gives you the best chance of impressing employers and securing your next interview.
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As a finance manager, your role is crucial to maintaining the financial stability, compliance, and strategic direction of an organisation. Whether you specialise in budgeting, financial reporting, or leading finance teams, your analytical expertise and commercial insight play a key role in driving informed decision-making.
To stand out your CV needs to have right structure and format. This guide will walk you through how to create a finance manager CV that’s professional, structured, and tailored to impress hiring managers.
Below, you’ll find:
- CV examples tailored specifically for finance manager roles
- Professionally designed templates that meet industry expectations
- Expert advice on structuring key sections like work history, qualifications, and technical skills
- Tips for making your CV easy to read and optimised for applicant tracking systems (ATS)
- Common pitfalls to avoid when writing your finance CV
- Frequently asked questions about CVs for finance professionals
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Finance manger CV sample
Kevin Knight
Aberdeen
07912 345 678
kevin.knight@example.co.uk
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven FP&A Manager with 6 years of experience in financial planning, forecasting, and analysis for large organisations. Adept at building comprehensive financial models, managing cash flow, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive informed decision-making. Seeking a challenging role where I can utilise my skills in financial strategy and reporting to support business growth.
WORK HISTORY
January 2023 – March 2025
Lumen Solutions Ltd. – Edinburgh
FP&A Manager
- Lead the financial planning and analysis process for a £150 million revenue business, improving forecast accuracy by 20%.
- Designed and implemented a financial dashboard using Power BI, reducing the reporting cycle time by 30%.
- Collaborated with department heads to ensure alignment of financial forecasts with operational goals.
- Analysed cost structures and implemented strategies that reduced operating expenses by £2 million annually.
- Developed financial models to assess the impact of new business ventures, supporting key investment decisions.
December 2020 – December 2022
GlobalTech Group – Glasgow
FP&A Analyst
- Provided monthly financial analysis and variance reporting for a business with a £200 million turnover.
- Worked with senior management to prepare financial forecasts and annual budgets, ensuring alignment with company strategy.
- Assisted in the development of a 5-year strategic financial plan, guiding the company’s expansion into international markets.
- Managed the quarterly forecast process and identified key drivers of business performance, leading to a 10% increase in EBITDA.
Key Skills
- Financial Forecasting & Modelling
- Cash Flow Management & Analysis
- Profitability & Margin Optimisation
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Financial Reporting & Dashboards
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Advanced Excel, Power BI & Tableau
- Strong Communication & Stakeholder Management
Education
2015
Glasgow University Scotland
Master of Science in Finance
2013
Glasgow University Scotland
Bachelor of Science in Economics
Certifications and Licenses
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) – 2019CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level II – 2017
Finance manager CV templates
Explore our collection of CV templates built with finance managers in mind. Whether you’re applying in the corporate sector, public services, or a growing SME, these templates are designed to help you present your financial expertise with clarity and professionalism. Each layout is structured to highlight your skills and experience, while remaining fully compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
The best CV format for a finance manager
When applying for a finance manager position, selecting the right CV format is essential for making a strong impression and improving your chances of landing an interview.
The two most suitable CV formats for finance professionals are the reverse chronological CV and the skills-based CV. For professionals at management level, the reverse chronological CV is generally the most suitable choice, as it focuses on work history, a key requirement for a role that demands proven experience and leadership.
Reverse chronological CV
The reverse chronological CV is the most commonly used format in the UK, particularly among experienced finance professionals. It presents your most recent position first and works backwards, making it easy for employers to track your career progression and assess your suitability for senior finance roles.
Why use this format?
- Clearly shows your career progression and leadership growth within the finance function
- Highlights practical experience in areas such as budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and team management
- Allows hiring managers to quickly understand the scale of your responsibilities and achievements
- Ideal for finance managers with a consistent work history or those looking to move into a similar role within a new organisation
How to write an effective finance manager CV
Creating a good CV begins with understanding what to include and how best to present your experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential sections of a finance manager CV, offering practical advice and examples to help you showcase your financial expertise.
- Contact details first
- Write your finance manager CV personal statement
- Showcasing experience on your finance manager CV
- Key skills to include on your finance manager CV
- What to include in the education and qualification section
Contact details first
Begin your CV with your contact information positioned at the top of the page. This should include your full name, general location (e.g. city or town), phone number, and a professional email address. Always double-check for spelling or formatting errors; a simple mistake could mean missing out on an important call or interview opportunity.
Example of a CV contact section
Kevin Knight
Aberdeen
07912 345 678
kevin.knight@example.co.uk
Write your finance manager CV personal statement
Your personal statement, also known as a professional summary sits at the top of your CV, just beneath your contact details. This short paragraph provides a concise, compelling overview of your finance background, core skills, and career achievements. It’s your opportunity to show prospective employers why you’re a strong match for the role.
Make sure to include:
- Your professional qualifications (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA)
- Years of relevant finance or management experience
- Key areas of expertise, such as budgeting, financial reporting, or team leadership
- An indication of the industries or types of organisations you’ve worked in
Example of a finance manager’s personal statement:
Analytical and commercially focused finance manager with over 10 years’ experience in budgeting, financial planning, and team leadership within the retail and manufacturing sectors. Proven track record of delivering process improvements, enhancing financial reporting accuracy, and supporting strategic decision-making at board level. Fully qualified ACCA member with strong knowledge of UK financial regulations and IFRS.
Showcasing experience on your finance manager CV
Your work experience section is one of the most crucial parts of your CV. It shows employers how you’ve applied your financial expertise in real-world settings, the scope of your responsibilities, and the results you’ve delivered. Rather than listing duties, focus on measurable achievements and contributions. Lastly, try to tailor each role to reflect the job requirements.
Example CV work experience:
Finance Manager
Thameswood Group – London
March 2020 – Present
- Oversaw financial operations for a £60m turnover company, including budgeting, forecasting, and statutory reporting
- Streamlined monthly reporting processes, reducing turnaround time by 30% while improving accuracy
- Supported executive team with strategic financial insights, contributing to a 12% increase in operating margin
- Introduced new internal controls and compliance procedures, resulting in a clean external audit for three consecutive years
- Managed a finance team of 5, providing training and career development support
Senior Financial Analyst
Rothwell & Co. – Birmingham
July 2016 – February 2020
- Led the development of a rolling forecast model that improved planning accuracy across four business units
- Identified cost-saving opportunities that delivered £250,000 in annual savings without impacting operations
- Prepared detailed board-level reports and variance analysis, enabling better decision-making at a senior level
- Collaborated with department heads to track performance against budget and drive financial accountability
- Supported the successful implementation of SAP S/4HANA across the finance function
Key skills to include on your finance manager CV
The skills section of your CV gives hiring managers a quick overview of your core capabilities. It’s the place to highlight the financial tools, technical expertise, and management strengths you bring to the role. A strong mix of technical finance skills and strategic soft skills will show that you’re not only competent in numbers but also a reliable leader and decision-maker.
Aim to include around 8–10 skills, focusing on areas relevant to the type of finance manager role you’re pursuing.
General skills for a finance manager CV
- Strategic planning and financial oversight
- Leadership and team development
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Problem-solving and risk assessment
- Communication with senior stakeholders
Technical finance skills
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Management and statutory reporting
- Financial modelling and variance analysis
- Knowledge of IFRS/UK GAAP compliance
- Advanced Excel, Sage, SAP, or Oracle
What to include in the education and qualification section
The education section of your finance manager CV should demonstrate that you have the academic foundation and professional training required to lead financial operations effectively. This includes relevant degrees, accounting qualifications, and any industry certifications or memberships that strengthen your credibility.
Keep the format clean and prioritise the most relevant and recent qualifications. If you’re early in your management career, you can also highlight key modules, projects, or distinctions that reflect your strengths in finance.
Be sure to include:
- Accounting or finance-related degrees (e.g. BA, BSc, MSc)
- Professional qualifications (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA)
- Memberships in recognised accounting bodies (e.g. ICAEW, CIPFA)
- Additional certifications (e.g. IFRS training, financial modelling, Excel)
Example education section:
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
Fully qualified – Member since 2019
MSc in Accounting and Finance
University of Manchester | Graduated 2017
BA (Hons) in Business and Finance
University of Leeds | Graduated 2015
Dos and don’ts for a finance manager CV
Below are some essential dos and don’ts to ensure your finance manager CV is polished and gives you the best chance of securing interviews.
DO
DO tailor your CV to each finance role
Finance roles can differ widely; some focus on strategic planning and forecasting, others on compliance, reporting, or team leadership. Adjust your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the role.
DO emphasise leadership and stakeholder engagement
As a finance manager, you’re expected to lead teams and collaborate cross-functionally. Include examples of managing finance teams, coordinating with senior leadership, or presenting financial reports to non-financial stakeholders.
DON’T
DON’T overlook soft skills
Finance managers need more than technical ability. Don’t leave out key soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and conflict resolution, especially if you’ve managed teams or liaised with multiple departments.
DON’T submit a CV longer than two pages
Even with years of experience, avoid overwhelming the reader. A CV that’s too long can appear unfocused, making it difficult for hiring managers to identify your key strengths. Keep it concise, ideally one or two pages, by focusing on your most recent and relevant roles, achievements, and qualifications.
Your finance manager CV questions answered
What should my CV layout look like for a finance manager role?
The layout of your CV should be clean, professional, and easy to navigate. For a finance manager role, it’s important to focus on clarity. Use a clear font, plenty of white space, and logical headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” A concise layout ensures that hiring managers can quickly find the information they need. For a role like this, a two-page CV is ideal, highlighting your most recent and relevant experience.
How can I make my CV stand out as an experienced finance professional?
If you’ve been in the finance industry for several years, focus on the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Highlight achievements such as cost reductions, improved financial reporting, successful audits, or strategic initiatives that led to improved financial performance. Use quantifiable metrics wherever possible to show how your actions resulted in tangible benefits to the organisation.
How can I boost my chances of securing an interview?
To stand out, include a cover letter with each job application. A well-targeted cover letter that explains why your background aligns with the company’s needs and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role can help differentiate you from other candidates.
What personal qualities do employers look for in a finance manager?
In addition to technical skills, employers seek finance managers who are proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of managing teams effectively. Strong communication skills are also crucial, as you’ll need to present complex financial data to non-financial colleagues and senior leadership. Problem-solving abilities, a strong work ethic, and the capacity to manage deadlines and high-pressure situations are also highly valued.
How should I present my ability to work with cross-functional teams?
Finance managers often collaborate with various departments, such as HR, operations, and marketing. Highlight instances where you’ve worked with cross-functional teams to achieve financial goals or solve business challenges. For instance, “Collaborated with the marketing department to optimise advertising spend, leading to a 15% increase in ROI.”
Start building your finance manager CV today
Ready to take the next step in your finance career? We’ve got everything you need to get started. With expert advice, finance-specific CV examples, and professional templates, you’ll have all the tools to show employers you’re the right candidate for the role. Use our intuitive CV builder to customise your layout and download a polished, professional CV in just a few clicks, designed to impress recruiters and pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).
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