Finance Controller Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you a financial professional looking to advance your career? Our Finance Controller resume example is an excellent starting point to creating an impactful resume that will get you noticed by employers. Learn how to craft your resume to showcase your experience and qualifications, so you can land the job of your dreams.

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 Finance Controller do?

A Finance Controller is responsible for managing the finances of an organization. They oversee the financial activities of the organization, such as budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and investments. They also provide financial advice and analysis, and act as the liaison between the organization and its stakeholders. The Finance Controller is responsible for ensuring that the organization meets its financial goals and complies with all applicable laws.

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

What are some responsibilities of a Finance Controller?

Maintain complete financial records and prepare regular financial reports
Manage the preparation of the company's budget
Analyze variances between actual and budgeted results
Oversee internal and external audits
Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations
Monitor cash flow and prepare cash flow projections
Manage relationships with banks and other financial institutions
Assist with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures
Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures
Analyze financial data and generate various financial models
Assist with financial planning and analysis

Sample Finance Controller Resume for Inspiration

Finance Controller

Name: John Doe

Address: 123 Sample Street, London, UK

Phone: +44 20 1234 5678

Email: john.doe@example.com

John Doe is an experienced Finance Controller with more than 10 years of experience in financial management and accounting. He has held numerous senior positions within the financial industry, managing budgets, providing financial guidance and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. He has a strong understanding of financial systems and processes and has the ability to develop and implement effective strategies to ensure the success of an organization.

Experience

Finance Controller, ABC Corporation, 2018–present

Developing and managing budgets of the company while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Overseeing and managing the financial record-keeping system.
Monitoring the accounts receivable and accounts payable processes.
Providing financial guidance and support to executives and other stakeholders.

Financial Analyst, XYZ Corporation, 2012–2018

Developing and implementing financial strategies to maximize profitability.
Performing financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting.
Managing cash flow and ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulations.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of London, 2008–2012

Skills

Financial Analysis
Budget Management
Internal Controls
Financial Reporting
Tax Compliance

Certifications

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) – 2018
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – 2016

Languages

English (native)
Spanish (fluent)

Resume tips for Finance Controller

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 Finance Controller resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Finance Controller - 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.

Highlight skills that are relevant to the finance controller position, such as budgeting, financial reporting, and risk management.
Include details of any relevant qualifications, such as CPA or CFA accreditation.
Include any relevant experience in a professional environment, such as managing large budgets or advising senior management.
Highlight any experience in developing or implementing financial systems or processes.
Include any experience in training or mentoring junior staff.

Finance Controller Resume Summary Examples

A finance controller resume summary or resume objective is an important part of a finance professional’s resume because it gives potential employers a quick overview of your qualifications and experience. A resume summary is a brief summary of your qualifications and should highlight your most important accomplishments and skills. A resume objective is a statement of your career goals and should explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Both of these sections are essential components of a finance controller resume, as they provide employers with an understanding of your qualifications and capabilities.

For Example:

Dynamic Finance Controller with 8+ years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
Highly analytical and adept at streamlining processes to increase efficiency.
Experienced in developing financial models and analyzing financial statements.
Skilled in cost reduction, project management, and developing KPI metrics.
Expert in financial risk management, capital budgeting, and taxation.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Finance Controller Resume

Building a strong experience section for a finance controller resume is important because it allows potential employers to quickly assess a job candidate's qualifications and experience. It also gives employers an idea of the candidate's past job responsibilities, successes, and accomplishments. Furthermore, a strong experience section can demonstrate the candidate's skills and knowledge in dealing with financial data, the ability to analyze and interpret financial information, and the ability to develop, implement, and manage financial systems. A finance controller resume with a strong experience section will help to ensure that the job seeker stands out from the competition and is more likely to be considered for an interview.

For Example:

Developed and implemented financial processes, controls and reporting procedures in conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Standards.
Established and maintained effective internal controls to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data.
Managed the accounting department staff to ensure timely and accurate completion of financial tasks.
Prepared and analyzed monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements for management, internal and external stakeholders.
Assisted in the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
Coordinated with external auditors in the completion of financial statement audits.
Analyzed financial and operating performance and identified trends, opportunities and risks.
Reviewed and monitored operating costs and identified areas for improvement.
Developed and maintained effective relationships with vendors and suppliers.
Provided financial support and analysis for strategic initiatives and business decisions.

Finance Controller resume education example

A Finance Controller typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in finance or accounting. In addition, most employers require a minimum of 5 years of experience in a finance or accounting role. Finance Controllers must also be certified public accountants (CPAs). To become a CPA, individuals must pass the CPA exam and meet other state-specific requirements.

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

Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (2017)
Master of Science in Business Administration and Finance, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA (2020)
Certified Financial Controller, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (2020)
Certified Management Accountant, Institute of Management Accountants (2020)

Finance Controller Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a Finance Controller Resume is important because it allows employers to see a comprehensive view of the candidate's qualifications. It demonstrates the candidate's knowledge of the field and the specific skills they possess that are relevant to the job. Examples of skills for Finance Controller include budget management, financial forecasting, accounting principles, project management, risk assessment, and financial analysis.

Soft Skills:

Strategic Thinking
Financial Analysis
Risk Management
Accounting Knowledge
Budgeting Skills
Microsoft Excel
Organizational Skills
Presentation Skills
Project Management
Communication Skills

Hard Skills:

Financial Analysis
Budgeting
Forecasting
Accounting
Auditing
Risk Management
Data Analysis
Compliance
Policy Development
Financial Reporting

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Finance Controller 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 Finance Controller resume

Highlight your educational background in accounting, finance, or business.
Include relevant certifications or licenses such as CPA, CMA, or CFA.
Detail your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Mention your ability to use accounting software and other computer programs.
Describe your expertise in financial analysis and decision-making.
Showcase your leadership skills and ability to manage teams.
Highlight your knowledge of tax laws and regulations.
Emphasize your ability to identify and resolve financial discrepancies.

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.