3. 8 Finance CV Examples & Writing Guide

8 Finance CV Examples & Writing Guide

LiveCareer UK Editorial Team
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Whether you’re managing small numbers or overseeing vast sums, one thing is clear: competition is fierce, and your finance CV must show you’re the candidate everyone’s after. First impressions count, and you only have a few seconds to make yours.

In this guide, you'll learn how to write a finance CV that translates into profits. Get finance CV examples tailored to the UK job market, plus a finance CV template you can copy and use.

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Finance CV template

Sofia Charlton

Financial Specialist

070 1821 5269

sofiacharlton@jmail.com

linkedin.com/in/SofiaCharlton321

Personal Statement

Meticulous and cost-saving finance specialist with 6+ years of commercial experience. Proven track record in identifying investment opportunities that pay for themselves, such as in the case of GloCare, securing £10M+ contracts as in the case of Jones Construction, and increasing forecasting accuracy by up to 30%. Seeking to leverage the wide base of commercial experience to become the in-house specialist at Walfour Inc. and identify expansion opportunities in line with those outlined in your Company Mission.

Work Experience

Finance Specialist

Safe Finance, London

November 2018—Present

  • Implemented a new annual forecasting model, 30% more accurate than the previous one.
  • Provided financial expertise and advice to help Jones Construction secure a corporate contract worth £12M over two years.
  • Provided audit and analysis of RT Holdings, which made recommendations for restructuring that allowed them to avoid administration and possibly bankruptcy post-Covid.
  • Identified investment opportunity for a beauty industry client, GloCare, which led to a £1M acquisition, and after 3 months of intensive marketing, has already paid itself off.
  • Submitted quarterly and annual financial reports to the company's management, commended on detail and accuracy by directorship 2 times.
  • Negotiated improved contracts with subcontractors of Greenvale Development, which increased profit margin by 3.8%
  • Briefed and prepared the CFO and CEO for C-level client meetings over 50 times.

Trainee Finance Advisor

Smith Accounting, Blockley

August 2014—October 2018

  • Filed VAT and corporation tax returns with HMRC for 250+ self-employed and small company clients with 100% accuracy.
  • Saved 3 hours of work per week by introducing a new payroll system, and reduced complaints by 50% within two months.
  • Submitting VAT and CIS returns, partnership, and personal tax returns with 100% accuracy and on-time.

Education

MSc Economics, June 2014

London School of Economics, London, UK

BSc Economics, June 2011

London School of Economics, London, UK

Certifications

  • Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance, Chartered Banker Institute, 2021
  • Chartered Banker Diploma, Chartered Banker Institute, 2019
  • Investment Advice Diploma, Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, 2015
  • Xero Certified Advisor, 2014

Skills

  • Increasing Operational Efficiency
  • Commercial Finance
  • Risk Management
  • Forecasting
  • MI/Statutory Reporting

Languages

  • Chinese (fluent)
  • Portuguese (beginner)
  • Italian (intermediate)

Finance manager CV

David Connors

Finance Manager

073 9812 3467

david.connors@email.com

linkedin.com/in/davidconnors

Personal Statement

Strategic and results-driven finance manager with 10+ years of experience in corporate finance and budgeting. Proven expertise in financial planning, cost reduction, and risk management. Successfully led a finance team at Sterling Holdings, optimizing cash flow and reducing operational costs by 15%. Seeking to leverage leadership skills to drive financial efficiency at Redwood Capital.

Work Experience

Finance Manager

Sterling Holdings, London

January 2018–Present

  • Led a team of 5 finance professionals, overseeing budgeting and financial strategy.
  • Implemented cost-control measures that reduced annual operating expenses by £1.2M.
  • Developed forecasting models that improved financial planning accuracy by 20%.
  • Negotiated new supplier contracts, increasing profit margins by 5%.
  • Spearheaded ERP system implementation, enhancing financial reporting efficiency.

Senior Financial Analyst

Willow & Co., Birmingham

July 2014–December 2017

  • Analyzed financial statements to provide insights that boosted revenue by 8%.
  • Provided strategic investment recommendations, securing £10M in capital funding.
  • Led internal financial audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Education

MBA in Finance, 2014

University of Birmingham, UK

BSc Accounting & Finance, 2012

University of Birmingham, UK

Certifications

  • CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), 2016

Skills

  • Strategic Financial Planning
  • Cost Reduction Strategies
  • Team Leadership
  • ERP Implementation
  • Compliance & Risk Management

Leadership & Achievements

  • Mentored 5 junior finance professionals, 2 of whom were promoted within a year.
  • Delivered financial workshops on budgeting and cost optimization.

Financial analyst CV

Jessica Patel

Financial Analyst

078 2514 7893

jessica.patel@email.com

linkedin.com/in/jessicapatel

Personal Statement

Detail-oriented financial analyst with 5+ years of experience in financial modeling, data analysis, and investment research. Strong track record of identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing portfolio performance. Seeking to contribute analytical expertise to Everest Finance in a high-growth environment.

Work Experience

Financial Analyst

Horizon Capital, Manchester

March 2019–Present

  • Conducted in-depth financial analysis that led to a 12% increase in investment returns.
  • Developed financial models to support mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
  • Assisted in preparing reports for senior management and stakeholders.
  • Improved data accuracy in financial reporting, reducing errors by 30%.

Junior Financial Analyst

Brightstone Consulting, Liverpool

August 2016–February 2019

  • Analyzed company balance sheets and income statements for clients.
  • Provided insights that resulted in cost savings of £500K for a major client.
  • Assisted in risk assessment and valuation reports.

Education

MSc Finance, 2016

University of Manchester, UK

BSc Economics, 2014

University of Manchester, UK

Certifications

  • CFA Level II Candidate, 2024

Skills

  • Financial Modeling
  • Data Analysis
  • Investment Strategy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Excel & SQL

Software Proficiency

  • Proficient in Tableau, Bloomberg, Python for Finance

Finance CV for accountants

Ryan Thompson

Accountant

074 2391 7654

ryan.thompson@email.com

linkedin.com/in/ryanthompson

Personal Statement

Detail-oriented and results-driven chartered accountant with 7+ years of experience in financial reporting, tax compliance, and audit management. Proven ability to streamline accounting processes, reduce tax liabilities, and enhance financial transparency. At Grant & Myers, implemented a new automated accounting system that cut reporting time by 30%, significantly improving efficiency. Adept at managing month-end closings, statutory compliance, and cash flow analysis. Seeking to apply my expertise at Hamilton Group to enhance their financial operations and reporting accuracy.

Work Experience

Accountant

Grant & Myers, Leeds

June 2017–Present

  • Managed month-end and year-end financial statements for a portfolio of 30+ corporate clients, ensuring 100% compliance with IFRS and UK GAAP.
  • Developed and implemented cost-reduction tax strategies, resulting in an 8% decrease in tax liabilities for SME clients.
  • Spearheaded the transition to a cloud-based accounting system (Xero and QuickBooks), reducing manual processing errors by 25%.
  • Conducted financial audits for medium-sized enterprises, identifying key areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
  • Supervised a team of 3 junior accountants, providing mentorship and technical support to improve team performance.

Junior Accountant

Morrison & Partners, Leeds

September 2014–May 2017

  • Assisted in the preparation of statutory accounts and tax returns for sole traders and limited companies.
  • Reconciled bank statements, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, ensuring 100% accuracy in financial transactions.
  • Supported external audits by collating financial data and verifying supporting documentation.

Education

MSc Accounting & Finance, 2014

University of Leeds, UK

BSc Accounting & Finance, 2012

University of Leeds, UK

Certifications

  • ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), 2018
  • Xero Certified Advisor, 2017

Skills

  • Tax Accounting & Compliance
  • Financial Reporting
  • IFRS & UK GAAP Compliance
  • Audit & Risk Management
  • Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Cash Flow Analysis

Languages

  • French (Intermediate)

Achievements

  • Awarded Best Performing Accountant 2020 at Grant & Myers for implementing financial process improvements.

Finance assistant CV

Emily Roberts

Finance Assistant

073 5621 8904

emily.roberts@email.com

linkedin.com/in/emilyroberts

Personal Statement

Highly organized and proactive finance assistant with 3 years of experience in accounts reconciliation, invoice processing, and financial reporting support. Skilled in managing expenses, processing payments, and assisting in month-end closings. At MetroBank, I introduced an improved expense tracking system that reduced discrepancies by 20%. Looking to leverage my attention to detail and problem-solving skills in a dynamic finance team at Sterling Advisory Group.

Work Experience

Finance Assistant

MetroBank, Nottingham

July 2021–Present

  • Reconciled bank statements, accounts payable, and accounts receivable to ensure financial accuracy.
  • Assisted in budget preparation and expense tracking, reducing financial discrepancies by 20%.
  • Managed invoice processing, ensuring all payments were on time and within budget.
  • Supported the finance team in preparing monthly and quarterly financial reports for senior management.
  • Liaised with vendors and suppliers to resolve billing issues and payment discrepancies.

Finance Intern

Abbott & Smith Accountants, Nottingham

March 2020–June 2021

  • Assisted with data entry and financial recordkeeping, maintaining an organized system for tax filing.
  • Provided support in VAT calculations and tax return submissions.
  • Helped conduct financial audits, verifying invoices and ensuring compliance.

Education

BSc Finance & Accounting, 2020

Nottingham Trent University, UK

Certifications

  • AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, 2022

Skills

  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Payable & Receivable
  • Invoice Processing
  • Budgeting Support
  • Financial Reporting
  • MS Excel & QuickBooks

Languages

  • Spanish (Beginner)

Volunteer Experience

  • Treasurer for a local charity finance committee, managing a £15,000 annual budget.

Financial accountant CV

Adam Spencer

Financial Accountant

077 8234 6754

adam.spencer@email.com

linkedin.com/in/adamspencer

Personal Statement

Highly skilled financial accountant with 6+ years of experience in financial reporting, statutory compliance, and internal audits. Proven expertise in financial controls, budget preparation, and risk assessment. At Stratford Holdings, I played a key role in optimizing financial reporting accuracy, reducing reporting errors by 35%. Seeking to leverage my financial expertise and analytical mindset to support corporate financial operations at Lexington Group.

Work Experience

Financial Accountant

Stratford Holdings, London

May 2019–Present

  • Led year-end financial reporting in compliance with IFRS and UK GAAP.
  • Managed internal audits and liaised with external auditors to ensure 100% regulatory compliance.
  • Implemented financial controls that reduced fraud risks and improved financial accuracy.
  • Oversaw consolidation accounting for multiple subsidiaries, ensuring proper intercompany reconciliations.
  • Assisted in budget forecasting, improving financial planning by 15%.

Assistant Accountant

Winters & Co. Finance, London

April 2016–April 2019

  • Assisted in the preparation of P&L statements, balance sheets, and tax filings.
  • Conducted variance analysis to monitor financial performance against projections.
  • Provided recommendations for cost-saving initiatives, reducing overhead expenses by 10%.

Education

MSc Financial Accounting, 2016

University of London, UK

BSc Economics & Accounting, 2014

University of London, UK

Certifications

  • ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant), 2020

Skills

  • Statutory & Financial Reporting
  • Consolidation Accounting
  • Budgeting & Forecasting
  • IFRS & UK GAAP Compliance
  • Risk Management & Internal Audits
  • Advanced Excel & SAP

Languages

  • German (Fluent)

Financial auditor CV

Nathan Lloyd

Auditor

078 4231 7843

nathan.lloyd@email.com

linkedin.com/in/nathanlloyd

Personal Statement

Highly analytical auditor with 7+ years of experience in internal and external audits, risk assessment, and compliance across banking and corporate finance. Adept at identifying financial discrepancies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and streamlining financial processes to enhance operational efficiency. At Deloitte UK, conducted high-risk financial audits for FTSE 100 companies, identifying and resolving compliance issues worth £2M+. Seeking to leverage my expertise at Horizon Advisory Group to enhance internal controls and financial integrity.

Work Experience

Senior Auditor

Deloitte UK, London

September 2018–Present

  • Led comprehensive risk-based audits for high-profile corporate clients, ensuring full compliance with IFRS and UK GAAP.
  • Identified and resolved financial discrepancies totaling £2.3M, reducing corporate financial risks.
  • Designed new internal audit procedures, reducing audit processing time by 20% while improving accuracy.
  • Provided regulatory guidance on FCA and HMRC compliance for multinational corporations.
  • Trained and mentored junior auditors, enhancing team productivity and technical expertise.

Junior Auditor

KPMG, Manchester

June 2015–August 2018

  • Assisted in forensic accounting investigations, uncovering fraud risks in corporate accounts.
  • Conducted financial statement audits and provided key recommendations to mitigate risks.
  • Reviewed financial controls and processes, enhancing internal compliance for 30+ clients.

Education

MSc Audit & Risk Management, 2015

University of Manchester, UK

BSc Accounting & Finance, 2013

University of Manchester, UK

Certifications

  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), 2020
  • Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA), 2018

Skills

  • Internal & External Audits
  • Risk Assessment & Compliance
  • IFRS & UK GAAP
  • Fraud Detection
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • SOX & FCA Compliance

Languages

  • German (Fluent)

Major Achievements

  • Led a high-profile FCA audit, ensuring regulatory compliance for a £5B financial institution.

Financial management CV for accountants

Laura Bennett

Management Accountant

075 6342 9274

laura.bennett@email.com

linkedin.com/in/laurabennett

Personal Statement

Strategic and detail-focused management accountant with 8+ years of experience in budgeting, cost control, and financial performance analysis. Proven ability to develop financial models, optimize business operations, and improve profitability. At Prestige Group, I enhanced financial efficiency, cut operational costs by 10%, and introduced an automated reporting system that improved financial forecasting accuracy by 25%. Passionate about leveraging financial insights to drive business success. Seeking to bring my expertise to Kingston Financial Services to support strategic financial decision-making.

Work Experience

Management Accountant

Prestige Group, Bristol

April 2019–Present

  • Developed budgeting strategies that cut operational costs by 10% without reducing productivity.
  • Implemented an automated financial reporting system, reducing forecasting errors by 25%.
  • Conducted detailed variance analysis, identifying inefficiencies and improving cost control.
  • Provided financial insights to senior management, supporting long-term business strategy.
  • Led a cross-departmental financial training program, improving financial literacy among managers.

Assistant Management Accountant

Harrison & Co. Finance, Bath

July 2016–March 2019

  • Assisted in monthly P&L analysis, ensuring accurate reporting and variance identification.
  • Developed cost-control mechanisms that saved £500K annually.
  • Prepared cash flow projections and forecasting reports to support investment decisions.

Education

MSc Financial Management, 2016

University of Bath, UK

BSc Economics & Finance, 2014

University of Bath, UK

Certifications

  • CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), 2019

Skills

  • Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Cost Control
  • Variance Analysis
  • Performance Reporting
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Business Partnering

Languages

  • Spanish (Intermediate)

Industry Expertise

  • Extensive experience in FMCG, Healthcare, and Financial Services.

How to format a finance CV template?

Just like investors scan financial reports for key insights, recruiters speed-read CVs in seconds. If yours isn’t clean, organised, and easy to follow, it could be overlooked entirely. Create an easily skimmable and readable CV format:

  • Use a simple CV template for enhanced readability. Match the style of your finance CV and cover letter: you can check our free CV templates to see how pros do it.
  • Opt for a professional CV font like Calibri, Noto, or Didot in a 10–12 size.
  • Set 1-inch margins on all sides and ensure there’s plenty of white space between sections.
  • Use clear, well-defined headings to organize each part of your finance CV.
  • Limit your CV to one page. Save your finance CV as a PDF—unless the job posting specifies a different format.

As the number of new finance jobs is drastically decreasing year-on-year, make each part of your finance CV count.

Here’s how to put together your own CV for finance: 

1. Invest in a convincing personal statement for your finance CV

Finance professionals juggle a broad set of responsibilities, which can make it tricky to summarise your experience and introduce yourself in just a few lines. That’s why it’s essential to tailor each finance CV you send, highlighting only the most relevant details for the specific employer.

Start your CV personal statement with a compelling adjective, then highlight your years of experience and your most recent job title. Review the job ad closely to identify key areas and relevant industries, and expand on a few standout achievements that align with those priorities.

Think of your personal statement (or personal profile) as your elevator pitch—it’s your chance to make a strong first impression in just a few lines. Like any great pitch, it’s easier to write once you’ve gathered all the key information. That’s why it’s smart to finish the rest of your finance CV first, then come back to write your personal statement.

Finance CV template—personal statement

Meticulous and cost-saving Finance Specialist with 6+ years of commercial experience. Proven track record in identifying investment opportunities that pay for themselves, such as in the case of GloCare, securing £10M+ contracts as in the case of Jones Construction, and increasing forecasting accuracy by up to 30%. Seeking to leverage the wide base of commercial experience to become the in-house specialist at Walfour Inc. and identify expansion opportunities in line with those outlined in your 2021 Company Mission.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

Create your CV nowcv builder

2. Write your finance CV job description

Listing work experience efficiently is an art. Skip the trivial details and zero in on achievements backed by solid evidence. In finance, it’s all about the numbers—so your precision and results should be clearly reflected in your CV.

Highlight percentage improvements, ROI gains, profit margins, and any metrics that showcase your impact—especially those that align with what the employer is looking for in the job ad. Let the numbers speak to your expertise.

Record your experience like this:

[Job Title]

[Employer Name, Location]

[Dates of Employment]

On a finance CV, you can include up to 10 bullet points for your most recent role, but keep older positions to just 3–5. Aim for about 75% of your bullet points to include measurable results—this helps employers clearly see the value you bring.

No former work experience in finance? Focus on your transferable skills, relevant coursework, and any certifications you've earned. Highlight your analytical strengths and show your eagerness to learn and grow in the field.

Finance CV template—work experience section 

Finance Specialist

Safe Finance, London

November 2018–Present

  • Implemented a new annual forecasting model, 30% more accurate than the previous one.
  • Provided financial expertise and advice to help Jones Construction secure a corporate contract worth £12M over two years.
  • Provided audit and analysis of RT Holdings, which made recommendations for restructuring that allowed them to avoid administration and possibly bankruptcy post-Covid.
  • Identified investment opportunity for a beauty industry client, GloCare, which led to a £1M acquisition, and after 3 months of intensive marketing, has already paid itself off.
  • Submitted quarterly and annual financial reports to the company's management, commended on detail and accuracy by directorship 2 times.
  • Negotiated improved contracts with subcontractors of Greenvale Development, which increased profit margin by 3.8%
  • Briefed and prepared CFO and CEO for C-level client meetings over 50 times.

Trainee Finance Advisor

Smith Accounting, Blockley

August 2014–October 2018

  • Filed VAT and corporation tax returns with HMRC for 250+ self-employed and small company clients with 100% accuracy.
  • Saved 3 hours of work per week by introducing a new payroll system, and reduced complaints by 50% within two months.
  • Submitting VAT and CIS returns, partnership, and personal tax returns with 100% accuracy and on time.

3. Add an education section to your finance CV

Sometimes, trusting your instincts can be effective. However, those instincts are shaped by your experience and education. Depending on your finance specialization, certifications may hold more weight, but your degrees must be listed accurately.

Include your degree title, graduation date, and the institution. Once you have a few years of professional experience, you can choose to omit the degree classification. There’s no need to mention your secondary school—just focus on your degrees and any relevant professional qualifications.

CV template for finance—education section

Education

MSc Economics, June 2014

London School of Economics, London, UK

BSc Economics, June 2011

London School of Economics, London, UK

4. List relevant skills in your finance CV

There aren’t many broader terms than ‘finance’. To illustrate your suitability for the role, study which skills are in high demand with this particular employer, and include a list of 5–10 core skills that you excel at.

If you're fresh out of university and lack professional experience, include a sentence or two explaining how you developed each skill and highlight any achievements in those areas. For accounting or bookkeeping roles, this is the perfect opportunity to list any relevant accounting software you're proficient in.

Finance CV examples—skills

Skills

  • Increasing Operational Efficiency
  • Commercial Finance
  • Risk Management
  • Forecasting
  • MI/Statutory Reporting

Based on over 6 million CVs created in our builder, we found out that*:

  • Finance professionals usually create 2.1-page-long CVs.
  • The average number of skills added to a finance professional’s CV is 5.
  • The most popular skills for finance professionals are a results-driven attitude, monetary audits, sales pipeline management, client growth, and record management.
  • The average work experience for finance professionals is 90 months.

*The data comes from a period of 12 months (August 2023-August 2024).

5. Add extra sections to your finance CV

Whichever area of finance you’re in, the likelihood is you will have some certifications. Those, along with languages and awards can make for excellent additional CV sections. Discussing your hobbies and interests is seldom relevant. 

Review the job ad to identify what skills or experiences are most relevant. If you're short on professional experience, consider adding a section to highlight your volunteering or extracurricular activities that demonstrate transferable skills.

Finance CV examples—additional sections

Certifications

  • Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance, Chartered Banker Institute, 2021
  • Chartered Banker Diploma, Chartered Banker Institute, 2019
  • Investment Advice Diploma, Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, 2015
  • Xero Certified Advisor, 2014

Languages

  • Chinese (fluent)
  • Portuguese (beginner)
  • Italian (intermediate)

6. Write a finance cover letter to support your CV

If your finance CV is the balance sheet, the cover letter is the detailed report. It’s your opportunity to provide context for your achievements and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

62% of executives believe ‘clearly defined core values and beliefs’ substantially contribute to company success, so displaying a culture fit is important in getting hired. Research the company through its website or LinkedIn to gather insights and have a point of reference.

Your cover letter should fit on a page of A4, and the first paragraph should summarise your years of experience, and most important and relevant achievements, as well as set out your intention in joining the company.

In the body of your cover letter, focus on 2 or 3 key aspects of your experience that are most relevant to the role. The final paragraph should connect your experience to the company's goals and express your interest in an interview.

Need a different CV example? Check these guides:

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV examples.

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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Do you have any questions on how to write a good CV for finance? Did you find our finance CV examples useful? Any suggestions to make our article better? Use the comments section below to let us know.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

About the author

LiveCareer UK Editorial Team
LiveCareer UK Editorial Team

Since 2013, the LiveCareer UK team has shared the best advice to help you advance your career. Experts from our UK editorial team have written more than one hundred guides on how to write the perfect CV or cover letter.

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