Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Resume Examples

Crafting the perfect chief financial officer (CFO) resume can be as complex as balancing a financial report. You may find yourself struggling to condense years of experience and a multitude of skills into two succinct pages. High-level roles like yours demand a resume that reflects strategic thinking and strong leadership. It's not just about listing qualifications; it's about telling a compelling career story. Getting it wrong can mean missing out on the job of your dreams. You’re not alone in this challenge, and this guide is here to help you avoid pitfalls and stand out.

It's crucial to use the right resume template for a CFO position. A well-designed template ensures that your resume is not only visually appealing but also easy to read. It lets your achievements and skills shine, making it easier for hiring managers to see why you're the best candidate. Make sure to choose a template that highlights your strategic insights and leadership skills effectively.

We offer more than 700 resume examples you can use to craft a stellar resume. Get started today and make your resume a financial asset!

What to focus on when writing your chief financial officer (CFO) resume

A chief financial officer (CFO) resume should show your ability to manage a company's finances with expertise and precision. Highlight your experience in financial planning, strategic planning, and risk management while showcasing your leadership skills. Emphasize successful projects or transformations you've led, and quantify your achievements where possible.

Boost your accountant resume with:

• Specific metrics from financial reports you've improved.
• Leadership roles in team settings or projects.
• Certifications such as CPA or CMA.
• Technical skills in accounting software or ERP systems.

Must have information on your chief financial officer (CFO) resume

Creating a CFO resume requires a sharp focus on leadership, financial expertise, and strategic planning. Be sure to include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Core Competencies
• Work Experience
• Education
• Certifications and Licenses

Additional sections like "Professional Affiliations" and "Publications" can further enhance your resume by showcasing your involvement in the field and contributions to financial literature. This way, you'll present a comprehensive profile that can stand out in any hiring process.

Which resume format to choose

When crafting a resume for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the chronological format is typically the best choice, highlighting your extensive experience and progress over time. Choosing modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat instead of Arial and Times New Roman can give your resume a fresh, contemporary look. PDFs are the best file type to ensure your formatting stays intact. Aim for 1-inch margins to keep your document clean and readable. Use clear section headings like "Professional Experience" and "Education" to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.

A CFO resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Core Competencies
• Professional Experience
• Education
• Certifications
• Awards and Honors
• Professional Affiliations

Resume Mentor’s free resume builder takes care of all these details, ensuring a polished and professional document.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing the experience section of your Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume involves a clear and concise summary of your achievements and strengths. Start with the most recent position and work your way back. It's recommended to include around 10-15 years of professional experience, focusing on roles relevant to finance and leadership. Suitable job titles to highlight include CFO, Finance Director, VP of Finance, or any senior-level finance roles. Tailor each entry to show how your skills match the job you're applying for.

Use action-oriented words to describe your duties and achievements. Words like "led," "managed," "enhanced," and "optimized" are examples. Focus on what you accomplished through numbers, like revenue growth percentages, cost savings, or efficiency improvements. Don't just list responsibilities—show how you made a difference.

Here’s your first example for the experience section:

This example poorly reflects your impact and achievements. It simply lists responsibilities without quantifying results. Phrases like "managed team of accountants" and "oversaw monthly and annual budgeting" are vague and don't highlight your personal contributions or the positive changes you brought to the company.

Here’s a more outstanding example:

This example stands out because it highlights specific achievements backed by numbers. It mentions "Led financial strategy resulting in 15% revenue growth annually," which shows a direct impact on the company's success. "Streamlined budget processes, reducing costs by 20%" and "Implemented new accounting system, saving 500 man-hours annually" demonstrate your ability to improve efficiency and cut costs.

Note the difference in how the examples frame the role. Use this format to improve your resume experience section, focusing on measurable successes rather than just listing duties.

Chief financial officer (CFO) resume experience examples

Welcome to this section of showcasing how to tailor your experience as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to balancing the books and leading the financial strategy of a company!

Achievement-focused

Highlight notable accomplishments that underscore your proficiency and success in financial leadership.

Skills-focused

Emphasize the skills that make you an adept CFO, from financial analysis to risk management.

Responsibility-focused

Detail the key responsibilities you have taken on as a CFO to demonstrate your leadership.

Project-focused

Showcase significant projects you led or contributed to, highlighting your ability to handle complex financial tasks.

Result-focused

Focus on the outcomes of your financial strategies and decisions, showcasing tangible benefits.

Industry-Specific Focus

Adapt your experience to illustrate your expertise in a particular industry relevant to potential employers.

Problem-Solving focused

Describe challenging situations you resolved, emphasizing your problem-solving abilities.

Innovation-focused

Showcase your capacity to bring innovative financial solutions and ideas to the table.

Leadership-focused

Highlight your experience in leading teams and initiatives, demonstrating your leadership qualities.

Customer-focused

Illustrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and how financial strategies can enhance customer experiences.

Growth-focused

Showcase your success in driving company growth through financial acumen and strategy.

Efficiency-focused

Detail your efforts to streamline financial operations and enhance efficiency within your organization.

Technology-focused

Demonstrate your ability to leverage technology to improve financial outcomes.

Collaboration-focused

Highlight your experience working closely with other departments to achieve financial goals.

Training and Development focused

Showcase your efforts in developing the skills and careers of your finance team.

Write your chief financial officer (CFO) resume summary section

Writing a great resume summary section as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can be key to your job search. It should be a concise, powerful statement that grabs the hiring manager's attention. Make sure it highlights your most relevant skills and accomplishments.

When describing yourself in your resume summary, use active language and focus on your unique qualifications. Avoid generic statements and instead highlight specific achievements that show your expertise. Make sure every word adds value and speaks directly to the hiring manager's needs.

A resume summary is a snapshot of your career, focusing on your experience and strengths. A resume objective, on the other hand, focuses on your career goals and what you aim to achieve. A resume profile is a blend of the two, summarizing key skills and goals. A summary of qualifications is a bullet-point list that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences.

Here is an example of a poorly written summary:

This summary is bad because it is vague and lacks specific achievements. It doesn’t highlight any unique skills or key accomplishments. It uses casual language and doesn’t convey professionalism.

Now, here is an example of an outstanding summary:

This summary is effective because it is specific and detailed. It highlights years of experience, key achievements, and specific skills. It uses strong, professional language and focuses on the value you can bring to a new employer.

Listing your chief financial officer (CFO) skills on your resume

Writing the skills section of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume is crucial for showcasing your strengths effectively. Skills can be presented as a standalone section or seamlessly integrated into other sections like your experience and summary. Including strengths and soft skills emphasizes your interpersonal and management capabilities, while your hard skills demonstrate specific technical competencies.

Hard skills refer to your technical abilities and specialized knowledge, often measurable through qualifications or tests. Including both types of skills and your strengths as resume keywords can help your application stand out to hiring managers and automated applicant tracking systems (ATS).

This example is good because it lists specific, relevant skills without unnecessary words. It demonstrates a breadth of competencies, showing potential employers your range of expertise. Each skill is directly related to the responsibilities of a CFO, ensuring relevance and coherence.

Best hard skills to feature on your chief financial officer (CFO) resume

A CFO should have hard skills that show proficiency in financial management, strategic planning, and regulations. These skills communicate your ability to manage financial aspects of a business, predict financial outcomes, and comply with legal standards.

Best soft skills to feature on your chief financial officer (CFO) resume

A CFO should have soft skills that highlight leadership, communication, and analytical abilities. These skills communicate your ability to lead teams, present complex information clearly, and solve problems efficiently.

How to include your education on your resume

The education section is a vital part of any chief financial officer (CFO) resume. It highlights your academic background and can set you apart from other candidates. As a CFO applicant, your education should align with the job you're aiming for. Leave out any irrelevant education to keep it focused and impactful.

If your GPA is above 3.5, consider including it to demonstrate academic excellence. Listing a cum laude or similar honors can also reinforce your credentials. When listing your degree, be precise about the title, institution, and dates of attendance.

Here's an example of a poorly written education section:

This example is bad because it lacks specificity in the degree and dates, and doesn't include any honors or GPA.

Now, here's an outstanding example:

This example is effective because it clearly lists a relevant and prestigious degree, includes the high GPA, and specifies the years of study.

How to include chief financial officer (CFO) certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section in your Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume is vital. Start by listing the name of your certification. Ensure you include the date when you earned it. Add the issuing organization to lend credibility. You can also include certificates in the header for quick reference. For instance: "John Doe, CPA, CFA".

Here’s how a good standalone certificates section should look:

This example is effective because it lists highly relevant certificates for a CFO role. The certifications are up-to-date and well-recognized in the industry. Including these adds authority and shows a commitment to the field. The clear structure ensures easy reading and quick reference for hiring managers. This approach bolsters your qualifications and highlights your expertise.

Extra sections to include in your chief financial officer (CFO) resume

Crafting a resume for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) involves more than just listing previous job titles and responsibilities. You need to paint a comprehensive picture of your skills, experiences, and persona, showing both your professional prowess and your personal attributes. Adding a nuanced touch to your resume can set you apart from other candidates.

• Language section — List the languages you speak fluently to highlight your ability to navigate international markets and communicate with diverse teams.

• Hobbies and interests section — Include activities you enjoy, such as chess or investing, to demonstrate attributes like strategic thinking or a strong financial acumen.

• Volunteer work section — Add volunteer experiences to showcase your dedication to the community and your ability to lead and inspire teams outside of work.

• Books section — Mention books you've read that relate to financial management or leadership to emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Incorporating these sections can add depth to your resume, making you stand out as a well-rounded candidate. They reveal personal qualities that might not be immediately obvious through your professional experience alone. This approach can present you as a multifaceted leader that any company would want on their team.

Pair your chief financial officer (CFO) resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page document sent along with a resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to the employer, explains your interest in the position, and highlights your most relevant skills and experiences. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants, showing your enthusiasm and giving context to your resume.

For a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the cover letter should focus on your strategic financial leadership, examples of financial success under your management, and your ability to drive company growth. Mention any transformative projects, such as cost-saving initiatives or successful mergers. Highlight your skills in financial forecasting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance, showing that you can safeguard the company's financial health.

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