Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By reducing overhead costs by 18% and conducting financial audits resulting in $300K in annual savings, the applicant’s resume accomplishments clearly illustrate their tangible impact on business operations.
- Showcases career progression: The transition from junior financial specialist to financial controller mirrors their journey of growing responsibilities, showcasing a robust path of career advancement and leadership evolution.
- Illustrates problem-solving ability: Implementing an accounting system that increased productivity by 20% highlights the applicant’s innovative problem-solving skills.
More Financial Controller Resume Examples
Our financial controller resume examples showcase how to feature your accounting expertise, analytical skills, and leadership abilities. Use these finance samples to create a resume that highlights your strengths and positions you as a top contender in finance roles.
Entry-Level Financial Controller
Why this resume works
- Puts skills at the forefront: The applicant’s use of the skills-based resume format prioritizes skills at the top, a smart move to help entry-level resumes attract attention.
- Shows digital literacy: Expertise in accounting software showcases digital literacy and computer skills, aligning with modern workplace demands.
- Effective use of keywords: Strategically placed keywords like “financial analysis” and “budget forecasting” will help the resume pass through applicant tracking system filters.
Mid-Level Financial Controller
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: By cutting expenses by 10% and saving $5M annually, the applicant translates financial expertise into concrete results that emphasize effective cost management strategies.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Basic to intermediate language skills in Spanish and French strengthen cross-cultural interactions needed for international financial collaboration and diverse team engagement.
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: Combining analytical rigor with collaboration on M&A projects showcases a balance of technical expertise and interpersonal skills essential for fostering team productivity and success.
Experienced Financial Controller
Why this resume works
- Lists relevant certifications: The applicant’s certifications, including the CFP Board’s Certified Financial Planner credential, show a dedication to continuous learning and industry-standard expertise.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Accomplishments like reducing tax liabilities that saved $2M reflect the applicant’s ability to drive significant financial impact in senior roles.
- Focuses on work history: Using the chronological resume format, the applicant displays extensive work history and career progression, from accounting specialist to financial controller.
Financial Controller Resume Template (Text Version)
Aiko Miller
Chicago, IL 60616
(555)555-5555
Aiko.Miller@example.com
Professional Summary
Accomplished Financial Controller with 8 years of experience in budget analysis, cost efficiency, and investment management. Proven track record of achieving significant financial improvements and productivity boosts.
Work History
Financial Controller
Prime Financial Services – Chicago, IL
February 2023 – August 2025
- Leading monthly finance meetings with key stakeholders
- Reducing overhead costs by 18% through strategic planning
- Implementing new accounting system, boosting productivity by 20%
Senior Financial Analyst
Greenwood Finance Corp – Chicago, IL
August 2018 – January 2023
- Forecasting annual budget, achieving 95% accuracy
- Analyzing quarterly financial statements, improving cost efficiency
- Managing investment portfolio valued at $5M
Junior Financial Specialist
Riverdale Investment Solutions – Springfield, IL
August 2017 – August 2018
- Conducting financial audits, saving $300K annually
- Preparing detailed financial reports for senior management
- Assisting in developing risk management strategies
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
- German – Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Financial Reporting
- Budget Analysis
- Cost Efficiency
- Investment Management
- Risk Assessment
- Strategic Planning
- Accounting Systems
- Audit Management
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – American Institute of CPAs
- Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) – CFA Institute
Education
Master’s in Finance
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
May 2017
Bachelor’s in Accounting
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
May 2015
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Financial Controller Resume
Looking to land a job as a financial controller? Discover how to write a resume that highlights your accounting skills, leadership experience, and financial expertise in a way that grabs employers’ attention.
Highlight your most relevant skills
Listing relevant skills in a dedicated skills section on your resume shows hiring managers why you’re a good fit for the job. You should balance technical skills, like accounting software knowledge and financial analysis, with soft skills, like leadership and communication. This mix shows that you not only understand numbers but also work well with people.
To make your resume even stronger, weave these skills into your work experience section. For example, if you improved a budgeting process at a previous job, mention how your analytical skills played a part. Or highlight your teamwork ability by explaining how you led a project that involved different departments. Doing this reinforces how your skills directly contribute to results.
Employers look for job seekers who can tackle complex problems while effectively managing teams and processes. By showcasing both types of skills in your resume, you demonstrate that you’re ready to handle the demands of being a financial controller.
Financial controllers benefit from a resume format that highlights financial analysis, budgeting skills, and leadership experience.
Showcase your accomplishments
When showcasing your accomplishments as a financial controller, start by organizing your work experience in reverse chronological order. Each job entry should include the job title, employer name, location, and employment dates. This helps potential employers see your career progression clearly and understand the timeline of your professional journey.
Focus on transforming duties into achievements by quantifying them. Instead of listing responsibilities like “managed budgets,” turn it into “increased budget efficiency by 20% through strategic planning.” Use measurable results like percentages, time savings, cost reductions, or improvements in efficiency to make your resume more compelling. These numbers provide concrete evidence of your impact and skills as a financial controller.
Incorporate action-oriented words that highlight both core duties and measurable achievements. Words like “optimized,” “reduced,” or “implemented” can help emphasize your active role in achieving results and allow hiring managers to quickly assess the value you bring to their company.
5 financial controller work history bullet points
- Led the implementation of a new financial reporting system, reducing data processing time by 40% and improving accuracy.
- Managed budgeting and forecasting processes for a $50M portfolio, achieving cost savings of 10% year-over-year.
- Streamlined accounts payable operations, cutting invoice discrepancies by 25% through improved vendor management.
- Supervised a team of 8 finance professionals, successfully closing monthly books within a 3-day period consistently.
- Conducted risk assessments and internal audits that reduced compliance issues by 30%, safeguarding company assets.
Resumes should balance clarity and professionalism. Using a resume template with bold headings and standard fonts helps avoid cluttered visuals or intricate designs that distract from showcasing your skills, expertise, and experience.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a snapshot at the top of your resume that introduces you to hiring managers. Depending on your level of experience, you can choose between including a summary or an objective.
A professional summary typically consists of three to four sentences that outline your experience, skills, and key accomplishments. It’s particularly well-suited for seasoned professionals, such as financial controllers with extensive backgrounds in their field. By incorporating this section into your resume, you can effectively showcase your professional identity and the value you can offer employers.
On the other hand, a resume objective focuses on career goals and is better for individuals starting out in their careers, transitioning industries, or addressing employment gaps. While summaries highlight “what I’ve accomplished,” objectives shift toward expressing “what I aim to contribute” moving forward.
In the next section, you’ll find examples tailored to various industries and experience levels. These examples will help guide you in choosing the right approach for your specific needs.
Financial controller resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a minor in finance, seeking to apply foundational skills as a financial controller. Completed internships in corporate finance departments, gaining exposure to financial reporting and budget analysis. Strong analytical abilities and skill in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks. Eager to contribute to team success through attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Mid-career
Financial controller with over 7 years of experience in manufacturing and retail sectors. Proven track record of managing budgeting processes and conducting variance analyses that improved cost management by 15%. Skilled in SAP and Oracle Financials, with a knack for implementing process improvements that streamline financial operations. Holds a CPA designation and known for effective cross-department collaboration.
Experienced
Seasoned financial controller with 15+ years driving financial strategy for multinational corporations. Expert in regulatory compliance, risk management, and leading large finance teams through complex mergers and acquisitions. Led the integration of advanced ERP systems across multiple regions, resulting in improved financial clarity and reduced operational costs by 20%. Committed to fostering transparent communication between stakeholders for informed decision-making.
Financial controller resume objective examples
Entry-level
Detail-oriented recent accounting graduate with a strong understanding of financial principles and practices seeking an entry-level financial controller position. Eager to apply analytical skills and knowledge of financial reporting to support the finance team in achieving organizational goals.
Career changer
Driven professional transitioning from sales into finance, bringing exceptional numerical aptitude and experience in budget management. Aspiring to contribute as a financial controller by leveraging customer-focused insights and analytical abilities to improve financial decision-making.
Entry-level
Ambitious recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in finance looking for an entry-level financial controller role. Committed to using strong attention to detail and skill in accounting software to assist in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting strategic planning initiatives.
Easily highlight your skills as a financial controller with our Resume Builder, which offers templates designed to showcase your expertise and achievements.
Match your resume to the job description
Tailoring your resume to match the job description can benefit you in several ways. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases from job postings. By aligning your resume with the job description, you increase your chances of being noticed by hiring managers and successfully passing through ATS filters.
An ATS-friendly resume includes keywords and phrases that match your skills with those mentioned in the job listing. For example, if applying for a financial controller position, incorporating terms like “financial analysis,” “budget management,” or “cost control” can be beneficial.
To identify keywords from job postings, focus on repeated skills, qualifications, and duties. Job descriptions often highlight key areas such as “account reconciliation,” “financial reporting,” or “team leadership.” Using exact phrases from the posting ensures that your resume speaks directly to what employers are looking for.
Incorporating these terms naturally into your resume improves its effectiveness. Instead of copying phrases verbatim, rephrase them to fit your experience. For instance, transform “Prepare detailed financial reports” into “Prepared comprehensive financial reports monthly to support strategic decision-making.”
By choosing to customize your resume, you not only increase the likelihood of passing ATS screenings but also show potential employers that you understand their needs. And that can help you secure an interview and advance in the hiring process.
Make sure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems! Our ATS Resume Checker spots mistakes and gives advice to make your resume better.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my financial controller resume?
Yes, including a well-crafted cover letter with your financial controller resume can help distinguish you from other job seekers and increase your chances of landing interviews.
A cover letter offers the opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and company, detail relevant financial expertise, and highlight your strategic planning skills.
Reviewing cover letter examples can provide insights into formatting and content strategies tailored to financial roles.
For instance, if the company is undergoing a financial restructure or expansion, you can elaborate on how your experience aligns with these changes.
You might find that using our Cover Letter Generator helps create an effective document that emphasizes your strengths or tailors one to fit your unique career narrative.
How long should a financial controller’s resume be?
For a financial controller, the length of your resume depends on your experience. If you’re early in your career or transitioning into this role, a one-page resume is typically enough to highlight key skills like financial analysis, budget management, and leadership potential.
If you’re an experienced financial controller with a long track record of managing complex finances or leading large teams, a two-page resume allows more room to showcase achievements like streamlining processes, implementing systems, or driving cost efficiencies. Just ensure every detail adds value.
Explore our guide on how long a resume should be for detailed tips on finding the right balance between brevity and depth for your career stage.
How do you write a financial controller resume with no experience?
When crafting a resume with no experience for a financial controller position, focus on highlighting your education, skills, and related projects that showcase your potential. Here are some tips to guide you in creating an effective resume:
- Emphasize your education: Start by listing your degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Include details like the institution’s name, graduation date, and any honors or awards received.
- Showcase relevant coursework or projects: Highlight specific courses or academic projects where you have applied financial principles. This could include budgeting exercises, financial analysis reports, or case studies on financial management.
- Highlight transferable skills: If you’ve developed analytical, organizational, or software skills through internships or volunteer work in different sectors, make sure these are prominently featured in your resume.
For further assistance with crafting a strong resume with no experience, explore resources that provide examples and guidance from professional resume writers.
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