CFO CV example

What contact details should I include in my CFO CV?

Many candidates forget the first step! Adding contact details to your CV is a way to make the process easy for a hiring manager. This might seem like an obvious thing to miss, but it’s a common mistake. You need to add your contact details near the top of your document, in a bold or larger font. This will allow your employer to easily get in contact with you.

When creating your contact details section, make sure to include:

• Full name – you don’t need to worry about your middle name
• Your location – so the employer knows where you’re based
• Phone number – choose a mobile number if you have one, as it will be much more accessible than a home phone
• Email address – make sure it’s a professional address

Example of contact section for a CFO CV

CFO CV personal statement

Once you’ve outlined your contact details, it’s time to make a good first impression. One way to do this is to write an effective personal statement. This is a short section at the top of your CV that gives the reader a fast impression of you as a candidate. The idea is to let them know you are a professional, that you have previous experience, and that you have special skills that make you a perfect fit for the position.

So, what makes this section difficult? The main challenge is to fit all this information into three or four snappy sentences. That’s why it’s a good idea to follow a tried and tested formula.

It begins with an intro section that introduces yourself, explaining who you are as a candidate. The second sentence is where you’ll need to give a real-world example of what you have achieved. A good rule here is to always back up any claim you make with a stat or figure. What do we mean by this? Any percentage or number that backs up your claim. Let’s say in a previous role you helped to create a growth strategy that increased profits by 15% – this would be a great time to mention it!

Moving on to sentences 3 and 4 – these are where you need to outline unique skills or specialisms that make you stand out. Let’s say you have knowledge of regulatory institutions like the Financial Conduct Authority, this would be a great time to mention it!

Here are some other important tips for writing your personal statement:

• Always write in the third person
• Use positive adjectives to engage your reader
• Respond to desirable skills and qualities in the job ad
• Make sure to proofread your personal statement to ensure it’s free from errors

Example of personal statement for a CFO CV

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How to present your work history on a CFO CV

It is often thought that your work experience section is the most important part of your CV. Many employers will skip straight to this section to work out if you have the required experience to suit the role you are applying for. Your work history should be the bulk of your CV, outlining your previous experience and some of the notable achievements you have within the field. Because of this, it’s vital that you create an extensive work history section that is engaging and easy to read.

The first step you’ll want to take with this section is to re-read the job listing. Search for keywords and responsibilities that you can use to respond to. You shouldn’t copy these word-for-word, but having an understanding of what the employer wants is a great advantage when crafting this section.

Begin with your most recent or current role, and work backwards, listing up to 6 key responsibilities for each. As with your personal statement, be sure to include real-world examples whenever possible. The more specific you are about your experience, the better an employer will understand you as a candidate.

Also remember to write this section with a specific tone in mind. Go for formal, but upbeat and enthusiastic. You don’t have to worry about being modest in this section – it’s important that you shout about your most impressive achievements. To do this, ensure you write with positive adjectives and action verbs. A positive adjective is a word that you use to describe yourself, for example you might be “organised” or “experienced”. Action verbs should replace “responsible for”. Some of our favourites included “led”, “conducted”, or “created”.

Example of work experience for a CFO CV

CFO CV skills

The next step is to add a comprehensive CV skills section to your CV. This is another section that employers may skip to, in order to determine whether or not you have the main skills needed for the position. Some companies will use ATS software to automate the selection process, searching to see if you have the skills they are searching for. This section is your chance to explore your talents and traits to paint a picture of a rounded candidate. You’ll want to add up to 12 skills, striking a balance between hard and soft skills.

So, what is the difference between hard and soft skills? Hard skills are anything you have learned through your time in education or through direct experience. You may have already defined some of these in your work history section, so it’s all about finding the most important ones and writing them down. Consider the job ad again – are there any specific skills they’ve asked for? If so, make sure to include any that match up with your experience.

Soft skills, by contrast, are more like personal character traits. For example, you may have particular skills in teamwork or organisation. It’s important to write these down as they paint a positive picture of you as a candidate.

Make sure to check off your recruiter’s wish list by including these must-have CFO skills on your CV:

Outlining education on a CV

The next section is where you need to explain your qualifications and achievements. The educational history is your chance to showcase the background that has led you to this point. Include a series of impressive qualifications to wow your employer and let them know your first steps into finance.

What are some of the common qualifications a CFO might have? You’ll want to include your highest qualifications – this might be a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a finance-related field like accounting. You will also need an ACCA qualification, and this is an important one to include.

So how do you write educational history on your CV? Follow this formula:

• Name of school, college, university, or other awarding body
• Study start and end dates
• Subject title
• Qualification level – e.g. Bachelor’s degree or A level
• Qualification result

Example of education for a CFO CV