CFO Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you looking for a resume example that will help you create a resume that stands out from the competition? Our CFO Resume Example article provides a comprehensive look at the resume of a Chief Financial Officer. It highlights the skills, qualifications, and experience required of a successful CFO, giving you a blueprint to create a powerful resume that will make you a top candidate for the job.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a CFO do?

A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a company. They are responsible for developing financial strategies, managing cash flow, overseeing the budgeting process, monitoring investments, and analyzing financial data. Additionally, the CFO is responsible for preparing financial reports, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing advice to the executive team regarding financial decisions.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other CFO related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a CFO?

Devising strategies and plans to support the company’s long-term financial goals
Monitoring cash flow, financial planning, and budgeting
Overseeing investments and capital raising activities
Building relationships with external stakeholders such as creditors, shareholders, investors, and banks
Analyzing and interpreting financial data, as well as preparing financial reports, statements, and projections
Developing strategies to reduce costs and increase revenue
Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations
Providing leadership and guidance to the finance team and other departments

Sample CFO Resume for Inspiration

John Smith

Address: 123 Main Street, City, State, Zip Code

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: johnsmith@example.com

John Smith is a highly experienced and motivated CFO with over 20 years of experience in financial planning, analysis, and operations. He has a proven track record of success in developing and implementing effective strategies, managing accounting and auditing operations, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and compliance.

Work Experience

Chief Financial Officer, XYZ Company, City, State - 2017 to Present
Vice President of Finance, ABC Corporation, City, State - 2012 to 2017
Finance Manager, 123 Company, City, State - 2007 to 2012

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of City, State - 2002
MBA in Finance, University of City, State - 2004

Skills

Financial Planning & Analysis
Cost Accounting & Budgeting
Auditing & Compliance

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Languages

English
Spanish

Resume tips for CFO

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need CFO resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned CFO - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Be sure to include a professional summary that highlights your qualifications and experience.
Include a list of key accomplishments and financial results that demonstrate your skills and value.
Highlight any experience you have in cost control, budgeting, and financial strategy.
Include any board of director experience or other leadership roles you have held.
Make sure to include keywords from the job listing in your resume.

CFO Resume Summary Examples

A CFO resume summary or resume objective is a tool used to concisely summarize a job candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications in a few sentences. It serves as an introduction to the rest of the resume, giving recruiters and hiring managers a quick overview of what the job seeker has to offer. Additionally, it can help differentiate a job seeker from other candidates with similar backgrounds and qualifications. A strong resume summary or objective can help a CFO stand out from the competition and increase their chances of getting an interview.

For Example:

Experienced CFO with 10+ years in financial management. Skilled in controlling budgets, managing financial risks and leading teams.
Dynamic CFO with expertise in developing and implementing financial strategies. Proven success in creating shareholder value and cost reduction.
Resourceful CFO with expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management. Adept at improving processes, compliance and efficiency.
Highly-motivated CFO with a track record of success in developing and implementing financial strategies. Experienced in financial analysis and forecasting.
Goal-oriented CFO with a passion for driving growth and profitability. Experienced in capital markets, M&A and financial planning.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your CFO Resume

Building a strong experience section for a CFO resume is important to showcase a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and accomplishments. CFOs are responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a company, so employers will be looking for candidates who have a proven track record of success in managing the financial aspects of an organization. An experience section should provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to manage budgets, track financial performance, and develop strategies to maximize profitability. It should also highlight key achievements, such as implementing cost-saving measures or improving financial efficiency. By providing an in-depth look at a CFO’s experience, employers can evaluate the candidate’s potential to manage the financial operations of their business.

For Example:

Managed a team of 50 finance professionals responsible for all accounting, financial reporting and budgeting activities.
Developed and maintained effective financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Provided financial guidance and support to executive management for strategic decision-making.
Assessed the financial health of the company and identified potential areas of improvement.
Designed and implemented financial models to accurately forecast revenues and expenses.
Oversaw all financial transactions and ensured accurate and timely completion of financial reporting requirements.
Negotiated and structured complex financing arrangements with lenders and investors.
Prepared detailed financial statements and analysis to support external and internal stakeholders.
Assisted in the preparation of board presentations, investor updates and other financial reports.
Provided guidance and oversight to accounting staff in the areas of general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.

CFO resume education example

A CFO typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Many CFOs also have an MBA or other advanced degree. In some cases, employers may require a CFO to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Additionally, CFOs should have strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as knowledge of corporate finance and accounting principles.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a CFO resume:

MBA in Finance from XYZ University, USA (20xx)
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (20xx)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) (20xx)
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) (20xx)
B.S. in Accounting from ABC University, USA (20xx)

CFO Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a CFO resume is important because it allows potential employers to gain insight into the individual's knowledge and experience. It is important to include relevant skills that demonstrate the applicant's expertise in areas such as accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting, risk management, and treasury management. Additionally, it is important to emphasize any experience with financial software, corporate finance, and financial reporting. These skills can help employers assess the applicant's ability to handle the responsibilities of a CFO.

Soft Skills:

Leadership
Strategic Thinking
Financial Acumen
Analytical Skills
Organizational Skills
Communication
Negotiation
Risk Management
Decision-Making
Problem Solving

Hard Skills:

Financial Management
Budgeting
Accounting
Analytics
Forecasting
Risk Management
Data Analysis
Cost Control
Business Strategy
Tax Planning

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a CFO Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a CFO resume

Highlight your experience in financial leadership roles
Showcase your ability to lead financial teams and oversee financial operations
Demonstrate your understanding of financial principles and regulations
Detail your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
Include your track record of successful financial projects
List your proficiency in financial software and accounting systems
Highlight your accomplishments in financial management and reporting
Emphasize your ability to identify and mitigate financial risks

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.