Resume Writing Tips for General Manager Finance & Accounts

Introduction

The role of a General Manager Finance & Accounts (GM Finance & Accounts) is multifaceted—it involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance, driving strategic financial planning, and managing accounting teams. Given this complexity, your resume must do more than list duties; it must highlight your leadership impact, analytical skills, and ability to drive results. A strong resume tailored to this role sets you apart by showcasing how you’ve contributed to business growth, optimized financial performance, and led teams effectively. This is especially important as many companies use ATS software to scan resumes before a human sees them, making the right keywords and structure critical for passing initial screenings.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first impression and should concisely outline your expertise, experience, and key achievements. Focus on your leadership in finance, strategic planning skills, and quantifiable successes.

Example: "Results-driven General Manager Finance & Accounts with 12+ years of experience leading financial operations, optimizing reporting processes, and driving a 15% cost reduction through strategic budgeting and process improvements."

2. Key Skills

Highlight a robust set of skills tailored to a senior finance leadership role. These skills should blend technical financial capabilities with leadership and strategic skills.

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Team Leadership & Staff Development
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Cost Reduction & Profitability Analysis
• ERP & Financial Software Expertise
• Cash Flow Management
• Regulatory Compliance (GAAP, SOX)
• Process Optimization & Automation

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

General Managers often fall into the trap of listing responsibilities rather than achievements. Instead, focus on measurable results, improvements, and your direct impact on the business. This approach proves your capability to lead and deliver.

Example Achievement-driven bullet: “Implemented a new budgeting process that reduced forecasting errors by 25% and accelerated month-end closing by 30%.”

4. Tailor to Job

Always customize your resume for each job application. Read the job description carefully and mirror the language and keywords. Focus on the skills and achievements most relevant to the employer’s needs. This improves ATS ranking and captures hiring managers’ attention.

5. Tools & Technologies

• SAP Finance
• Oracle Financials Cloud
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Hyperion Planning
• QuickBooks
• Tableau (for financial data visualization)
• Power BI
• Workday Financial Management
• Adaptive Insights
• JD Edwards EnterpriseOne

6. Metrics

• Increased operating profit margin by 10%
• Reduced annual budget variance by 15%
• Managed finance teams of up to 25 professionals
• Optimized cash flow, improving liquidity by 20%
• Cut month-end closing time from 10 days to 7 days

7. Education

• MBA in Finance or Accounting
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA)
• Additional certifications such as CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CPA
• Relevant leadership or project management training (e.g., PMP)

8. Format

• Use clear headings and bullet points for easy scanning by ATS and recruiters
• Maintain a clean, professional font such as Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman

9. Concise

A two-page maximum resume is ideal to keep focus sharp and relevant. Prioritize recent and impactful roles, and trim less relevant details.

10. Bonus Tips

• Include a professional LinkedIn profile link with endorsements and recommendations
• Use action verbs such as “spearheaded,” “implemented,” “enhanced,” etc. for dynamic impact

Examples

• “Spearheaded the finance transformation project resulting in a 20% increase in departmental efficiency within 12 months.”
• “Reduced annual audit exceptions by 30% through improved internal controls and compliance training.”

Conclusion

Your resume as a General Manager Finance & Accounts must convincingly showcase your leadership, analytical capabilities, and measurable impact on business financials. By focusing on achievements rather than just responsibilities, incorporating relevant keywords and skills, using crisp formatting, and tailoring content to each job description, you stand a far greater chance of grabbing the hiring manager’s attention and progressing through ATS filters. Remember, your resume is not just a history of your career but your personal brand statement—lead with impact, clarity, and precision to open new doors in your finance leadership journey.