Financial Controller CV Tips
Are you looking for a new Financial Controller role? If you’re considering or in the process of applying for new Financial Controller positions, then updating your CV should be your first point of call. Keep reading for some helpful tips on how to strengthen your Financial Controller CV.
Structuring your CV
The layout of a CV is highly important – structuring your CV in a clear, concise way helps employers and recruiters easily process information – particularly useful when they need to sift through a large volume of CVs.
Whilst there is no standard format that should be religiously followed, we have put together a useful example Financial Controller CV structure below:
- Personal Details
Your personal details should come at the top of the first page of your CV. Add your full name, phone number, email address and home address. Make sure that all your details are correct and up to date. It might also be work adding the URL of your LinkedIn profile and an alternate phone number to ensure that you can be contacted about the latest Financial Controller opportunities.
- Personal Statement / Professional Profile
The personal statement or professional profile is a short summary of your skills, achievements and career history. It should also highlight what you’re looking for in your next role, future career goals etc. This is an ideal opportunity to outline your key attributes and aspirations to help you stand out to a recruiter.
For a Financial Controller, the personal statement might go something like this:
A highly motivated and results-oriented ACA qualified accountant with significant experience in strategic planning, financial analysis and reporting. Possesses excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to communicate financial information effectively to both finance and non-finance professionals. Proven ability to meet deadlines and solve problems quickly. Currently seeking a more commercial role which offers the opportunity to develop professionally.
- Employment History
This section should be set out in a reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent position. You should include the name of the role, the name of the employer and the time spent in that position. Use bullet points to give a brief overview of your responsibilities and achievements.
Use quantifiable evidence where possible, for example:
Financial Controller – FC Inc, 2017 – present
- Developed, managed and motivated a team of 7 finance professionals
- Produced and presented accurate and informative financial reporting on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis ...
- Education and Qualifications
As with employment history, you should list your educational achievements and professional qualifications in reverse chronological order. Make sure to include details of your finance qualification, degree and any other relevant qualifications you may have undertaken. A-levels and GCSEs can be briefly summarised.
Example:
City, University of London: MBA, 2011-2012
Dixon Wilson: Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA), 2005-2008
University of Birmingham: BA (Hons) Financial Management and Marketing – 2:1, 2002 - 2005
The Priory School: A-levels - Business Management (A*), Maths (A) and Economics (A), 2000-2002
10 GCSEs – grades A*-C, 2000
Key Buzzwords and useful statements for a professional Financial Controller CV:
- Handled all financial reporting activity and accounting elements
- Implemented internal control procedures and policies within the group
- Provided financial and commercial support to the organisation
- Produced accurate analysis and meaningful commentary on financial data
- Worked in collaboration with the CFO and Finance Director in developing strategic business plans
- Presented reporting of income and expense forecasting to senior management
When writing your Financial Controller CV, it is important to keep the information accurate and concise. A professional CV should ideally be under 2 sides of A4. Make sure to tailor your CV accordingly when applying to different roles. Changing around the personal statement and writing a unique cover letter every time is the easiest way to demonstrate what makes you suitable for that particular opportunity.
Looking for your next Financial Controller opportunity? Browse and apply for a variety of Financial Controller jobs nationwide on GAAPweb.
Need some more guidance? Get a free professional CV review in partnership with TopCV.
