How to write a finance CV
How to write a finance CV
As the first point of contact with a potential new employer, it is difficult to underestimate the importance of your CV. It is quite literally your passport to another job. Whether that’s a move into something more fulfilling or a step up the career ladder, first impressions count. You only have one chance so make the most of it by following these steps in how to write a finance CV.
Target your CV
From management accountants to tax advisers, accounting technicians to financial analysts, there are many different types of roles within finance and accountancy. It is important to position yourself in line with the specific type of role you are applying for. This is particularly important in the professional profile. Use your target job title in the first sentence to immediately engage with the reader.
Should I write a different type of CV if applying to one of the ‘big four’?
Applying to one of the major accountancy firms is in no way different to applying to any other type of organisation. Most firms employ similar recruitment processes. And ultimately, you apply for a specific role, not a type of organisation. Align your finance CV to the particular requirements of a job and person specification to maximise your chances of interview. This approach is universally the most successful.
Keep your finance CV short and punchy
Research has shown that on average less than 30 seconds is spent reading a CV. You have a very small window of opportunity to illicit a positive reaction. Stick to a 2 page format. This encourages you to distil the information and think carefully about what to include. Aim for about 750 words and give more weight to your most recent employments.
It’s all about achievements
Many job seekers simply cite the responsibilities of their role. But a finance manager is a finance manager, right? Even though job titles may share similar responsibilities, your actual work experience is completely unique to you. Every employment has its own story. You need to demonstrate the different you have made. Give specific examples and support these with facts and figures.
Why facts and figures are important
Facts and figures lend your CV credibility and give it a sense of concreteness. After all, as part of your role you may supply financial reports to enable informed business decisions. You expect those decisions to be made on facts not hunches. The same goes for your finance CV. Each of your achievements will usually have a fact or figure that can be cited as an outcome.
In writing a finance CV it is important to focus it to your target jobs and make sure you keep it brief. Including specific examples of achievements will give your CV that important lift above applicants that merely recite the responsibilities of their role.
This article is written by Neville Rose, Director of CV Writers.
CV Writers are a leading CV writing service. In addition to writing CVs they can help with LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. You can get things started with a Free CV review.