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The finance domain covers wealth management, accounting, transactions, funding, investments and risk management for an organization or a financial institution. Jobs in this line of work include accountancy, investment management, banking and insurance. Use our resume examples and the best resume builder online to craft a perfect resume, and kick your finance career into high gear.

Top finance resume examples

Finanical Analyst

Tax Preparer

Treasurer

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How to build your resume for a finance career

We’ve assembled resume examples and advice for some popular finance jobs and career tracks — use these suggestions to build your own resume.

Career Track: Financial Controller

Growth in innovation, consumerism and trade are creating great financial opportunities globally — with total world finance expected to hit $26.5 trillion by 2022. As more companies seek to integrate finance functions with strategic business planning and growth, demand for those who can effectively help manage these tasks, like financial controllers, is rising.

Cost Accountant $62,000 Median Salary

Resume Format

Functional Resume

Focus on your professional skills, and highlight the training and any relevant experiences you have that show your ability to crunch numbers, and plan budgets.

Summary statement tip

Showcase core abilities such as mathematical skills, and the ability to use accounting software such as FreshBooks. Use details and numbers to show your effectiveness (e.g., “Saved 17% in the company’s overall expenses through meticulous accounting”).

Skills to feature

Consider organizing your skills under subcategories, such as analytical (e.g., preparing and submitting tax returns, proficiency with balance sheets, advanced reviews of business operations), attention to detail (e.g., reviewing budgets, documents, accounts and balance sheet processes), and communication (e.g., helping clients navigate interactions with tax authorities, success in working with production leaders).

Get to the next level

To advance your career, acquire the following skills and experiences, and add them to your resume:

  • Technical skills related to your industry or job (e.g., cloud accounting software like QuickBooks, specific knowledge of tools required for the job)
  • Examples of achievements that show you’ve picked up leadership and other soft skills that prove you’re capable of managing teams and taking on major projects (e.g., process management and improvement, error reduction, team training, organizational abilities)
  • Earn related certifications, such as Certified Cost Accountant (CCA), to gain more credibility

Assistant Controller$130,000 Median Salary

Resume Format

Combination Resume

The combination format features both work accomplishments and a detailed skills list. Show through both that you have the ability to execute key accounting processes in accordance with company policy, and have the potential to grow in the job.

Summary statement tip

Mention your most relevant and high-value skills, along with details about your work career that show you’re an organized professional with an eye for detail. For example, mention your experience and proficiency at reducing accounting errors, or ensuring 100% audit compliance.

Skills to feature

Emphasize hard skills that help you excel in financial reports, such as budget analysis and familiarity with auditing methodology. Also include soft skills that define how you approach the job, such as team leadership, a proactive approach and adaptability to changing professional demands.

Get to the next level

Add the following skills, experience and training to your resume to advance your finance career track:

  • Specialized training and experience in important areas such as advanced risk-management and tax compliance structures
  • Gain experience leading and training teams, and successfully executing company projects and functions
  • Earn additional educational and professional certifications like a master’s degree in Accounting, or certification as a Financial Controller from the American Association for Investment and Financial Management

Financial Controller $198,000Median Salary

Resume Format

Chronological Resume

This job position requires strategic input and planning abilities, so use a chronological format, which focuses on experiences from your career that underline your successes in these areas.

Summary statement tip

In a few concise sentences, focus on highlighting high-value skills, such as expertise at coordinating fiscal plans, or AP and AR operations, as well as your experience in handling regional and global compliance.

Skills to feature

Show a blend of hard skills and soft skills in your resume that match the job description, such as processing payments, budget administration, general ledger accounting expertise, IFRS proficiency and good mathematical, strategic planning, communication and problem-solving abilities.

Get to the next level

Gaining additional certifications to validate your financial analytical skills can further your financial controller career. Look to add certificates like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) to your resume.

Career Track: Banking

Business and financial operations occupations are expected to grow by 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. With the global economy still humming, opportunities in this sector are plentiful.

Personal Banker $38,000Median Salary

Resume Format

Functional Resume

For this skills-heavy job, highlight skills with banking software and financial planning, as well as soft skills such as collaboration and attention to detail that shows that you’re capable of acquiring, retaining and growing wealth for individual clients.

Summary statement tip

Use this section to highlight important personal qualities such as dependability and trustworthiness, as well as practical skills such as mathematical aptitude. Provide a few details on any career highlights, and keep this section concise.

Skills to feature

Stress both hard skills (e.g., portfolio assessment, complete understanding of loans and financial products) and soft skills (e.g., relationship building and management, time management) in this section. Categorize them in bullet points under sub-categories such as sales experience, portfolio management, financial assistance, or customer relationship management.

Get to the next level

To grow your personal banking career fast, gain certification as a personal banker or universal banker certification, continue to show your proficiency and efficiency with banking principles and concepts, and validate your skills through training for a General Securities Registered Representative Examination (GSRRE) or similar tests.

Loan Officer$66,000 Median Salary

Resume Format

Combination Resume

Emphasize both skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to analyze risk profiles, and contribute to a financial organization’s portfolio growth.

Summary statement tip

Focus on your professional work experience and accomplishments. In a few sentences, provide specific details on your best attributes, such as a strong track record in mortgage and home lending products, strong interpersonal skills and exceptional service.

Skills to feature

List job-specific skills such as knowledge of bank security issues, collections proficiency, debt/credit management, and understanding of bankruptcy processes and compliance, as well as intangible skills that help you perform well, such as a good work ethic, or superior analytical skills.

Get to the next level

Add the following skills, experience and credentials to your loan manager resume and advance your career:

  • More documented experience and success in areas such as risk profile analysis, credit score analysis and project-viability evaluation training.
  • Continue improving on managerial skills relevant to a loan officer position, such as relationship management, up-selling, leading a team, and sales management.
  • Master’s degree in financial management, or related training such as Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

Branch Manager$104,000 Median Salary

Resume Format

Chronological Resume

For this more experienced role, provide plenty of evidence of efficient branch operations management and team leadership by using a chronological format, which emphasizes work history. Focus on initiatives you’ve led that enhanced a financial organization’s productivity.

Summary statement tip

Use this section to present your top skills and accomplishments, such as demonstrated success in leading a financial institution or program. Highlight a major achievement or two, using details and numbers to illustrate your impact (e.g., “Experienced in optimizing operations and implementing work-force productivity programs for a bank of 50 employees”).

Skills to feature

Feature job-centered skills like revenue generation, cash handling expertise, and managing net account growth numbers, as well as soft skills such as relationship building and team management.

Get to the next level

To elevate your profile and take your career to the next level, add these experiences and skills to your resume:

  • Managerial certifications like lean six-sigma, or a certificate in operations management and optimization
  • Work examples that emphasize important soft skills such as leadership, productivity management, and enhanced employee engagement
  • Certifications in related financial areas, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification

Finance resume FAQ

Which is the right format for a finance job resume?

Your choice of resume format will depend upon your level of experience and what you want the employer to focus on:

Functional format: This format is the ideal choice for entry-level job roles where you can focus on highlighting your technical and intangible skills.

Combination format: This format highlights both your skills and relevant work experience, and is typically used when you have a few years of experience and want to showcase relevant skills and job accomplishments that match the job description.

Chronological format: This format showcases the knowledge and expertise you’ve gained by investing years in your career field. This is an ideal choice for specialized roles in finance, or for jobs that demand a high level of experience.

What are the common skills required for finance jobs?

Some common skills required for finance jobs are:

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Accounts receivable and payable
  • Due diligence
  • Cash handling
  • Risk assessment
  • Debt and credit management
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Time management
  • Negotiation skills
  • Communication skills
  • Financial analysis
  • Collaboration skills
  • Account reconciliation 

What qualifications and certifications employers look for in the finance industry?

For entry-level and mid-level jobs in this industry, employers usually look for a bachelor’s degree along with skills and experience in specific areas of expertise (e.g., accounting). For high-level positions, a more advanced degree or certifications are preferred, as well as proven experience in more managerial tasks. Below are specific certifications and training programs that can help accelerate your career:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
  • Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
  • Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)
  • Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)
  • Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA)