It’s easy to assume that if you’re aiming for a chief financial officer position, you already know the ins and outs of job hunting. However, since many professionals like you have risen through the ranks, it might have been years since you last updated your resume. The job market, along with resume trends, changes frequently. Here’s how to create a compelling CFO resume that will attract attention.
Tailoring your resume for each job application is essential, but that doesn’t mean starting from scratch every time. Begin by creating a primary resume or template, which you can build on for each specific role.Your primary resume should include:Industry experience and achievements, including dates and titlesHard and soft skillsEducation and qualificationsList your past achievements in reverse chronological order, highlighting your most recent experience first. Use the CAR method for each — challenge, actions, results — and provide quantified evidence where possible. For example, if you spearheaded an initiative that boosted revenue by 12% or introduced new technology that slashed errors by 50%, include those impressive numbers.
Aim for a maximum of two pages. Any longer and you risk being repetitive, irrelevant, or including information that’s out of date.
Use a clean, straightforward format that’s easy to scan by both an applicant tracking system (ATS) and a human reviewer. This approach ensures that your resume isn’t overlooked in the initial stages. Here are some best practices to follow:Use an easy-to-read font: Choose fonts like Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Times New Roman or Georgia. Use font sizes 11 or 12 points for regular text and between 14-16 points for section titles.Maintain adequate margins: Leave around one inch of margin on all sides to avoid an overcrowded look.Use bullet points: Bullet points help ATS software and recruiters quickly identify important information, reducing the chances that your key achievements and qualifications will be missed.Avoid unnecessary elements: Don’t use special characters like arrows, squares or checks for bullets, as they might confuse the ATS. Avoid headers or footers for the same reason.The hiring company may also specify which file formats may be used. If they don’t, a PDF is always a safe choice.Learn why it helps to have an experienced executive search firm as your guide by exploring our insights here.
Start your resume with a summary highlighting your key leadership experiences and your expertise in four or five punchy sentences. This section should communicate your unique value proposition and align your qualifications with the role you’re applying for. For example:Finance professional with over ten years of progressive experience in financial management and strategic planning. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive financial initiatives that support business objectives. Skilled in leveraging advanced financial technologies to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency. Known for using a collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous improvement. Seeking to transition into a CFO role at ACME Inc. to contribute to its strategic growth and financial stability.
It’s now time to tailor your primary resume to the CFO role you’re targeting. Start by carefully reviewing the job description, paying close attention to the required qualifications, skills and experience.When presenting your professional experience, focus on your most recent and relevant roles, stressing your achievements in each position. If you have held multiple positions within the same company, group them under a single heading to showcase your progression and growth within the organization.As you present your educational background and credentials, focus on the aspects that are most pertinent to the job requirements. If the position calls for a CPA, prominently feature your license and any related continuing education courses. If the job posting mentions a preference for an MBA or a master’s degree in a specific field, emphasize those degrees and any relevant coursework or projects.Incorporate key phrases and skills from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with what the employer is seeking (if they apply to you, of course). This not only makes your resume more relevant but also helps it pass through ATS filters. For example, if the job posting mentions “develop and implement growth strategies,” include similar phrases in your resume, such as “Developed and implemented growth strategies that expanded the company into new markets and increased revenue by 30%.”While traditional accounting and reporting skills are still essential, companies are looking for well-rounded CFOs who can tackle today’s unique challenges head-on. Skills that will stand out include:Tech-savvy: Modern CFOs embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced data analytics. Give concrete examples of how your tech expertise has made a difference:“Spearheaded the integration of AI-driven financial analytics, boosting forecasting accuracy by 25%.”“Implemented machine learning algorithms to streamline budget management and reduce errors by 30%.”Sustainability focus: CFOs today must have a keen eye for sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, as investors and consumers increasingly prioritize responsible practices. If relevant, provide evidence of your impact and achievements in these areas:“Led a company-wide initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 20% over three years.”“Implemented ESG reporting frameworks, improving transparency and attracting socially conscious investors.”Risk management and compliance expertise: As fintech evolves and cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, regulators are moving to implement new frameworks to address these and other challenges. CFOs are on the frontline of this effort, so emphasize your experience with developing robust risk management frameworks and staying abreast of regulatory changes.Bridging business units: The modern CFO isn’t afraid to get into the weeds, working with diverse business units to understand their challenges and help shape strategies to address them. Talk about how you’ve broken down silos and promoted cross-functional teamwork. For example: “Partnered with sales and marketing to develop a data-driven pricing strategy, resulting in a 15% increase in profit margins.”
Consult Robert Half’s latest Salary Guide to stay informed about market trends and industry standards to secure the CFO salary you deserve.CFOs wear many hats these days. Your resume and cover letter should reflect this multifaceted expertise, from harnessing cutting-edge technology to championing sustainability projects. By showcasing your eclectic skill set and demonstrating your ability to see the big strategic picture, you’ll position yourself as a standout candidate ready to take on the challenges of the modern CFO.
