Resume Writing Tips for General Manager Finance & Administration

Introduction

In today’s competitive job market, a strong resume is more than just a list of job experiences—it’s your personal brand statement. For General Managers in Finance & Administration, who navigate complex financial landscapes while overseeing administrative functions, a well-structured resume can open doors to exciting leadership opportunities. Highlighting your ability to manage teams, optimize processes, and drive financial growth is essential to standing out. This detailed guide offers practical tips to help you create a resume that showcases your strategic impact, technical skills, and leadership prowess with clarity and confidence.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary serves as a powerful elevator pitch. It should succinctly capture your expertise, leadership qualities, and key accomplishments. Position yourself as a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing financial operations and administrative functions.

Example: “Results-driven General Manager with 10+ years managing finance and administration in multinational corporations. Proven ability to streamline operations, lead cross-functional teams, and improve financial performance by up to 20%. Adept at budgeting, regulatory compliance, and technology integration.”

2. Key Skills

Include a robust key skills section tailored to general management in finance and administration. This helps applicant tracking systems (ATS) identify your fit for the role and gives recruiters a snapshot of your competencies.

• Financial Planning & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Strategic Financial Management
• Team Leadership & Development
• Operational Efficiency
• Cash Flow Management
• Vendor & Contract Management
• ERP & Financial Software Expertise
• Regulatory Reporting & Auditing

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Emphasize achievements over mere responsibilities to demonstrate impact. Quantify successes with metrics that illustrate value added through your leadership and decisions.

For example, instead of “Managed financial reporting,” say “Reduced month-end closing time by 30% through process optimization, enhancing reporting accuracy and timeliness.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each application by analyzing the job description. Mirror keywords and phrases related to finance, administration, leadership, and analytical skills. This not only helps with ATS ranking but also shows recruiters you’ve done your homework and are a perfect fit.

5. Tools

• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Oracle ERP Cloud
• SAP Financial Management
• QuickBooks
• Tableau
• Power BI
• Hyperion Financial Management
• Workday
• SQL
• Microsoft PowerPoint

6. Metrics

• Increased annual revenue by 15% through financial restructuring initiatives.
• Reduced operational costs by $500K annually by renegotiating vendor contracts.
• Improved cash flow forecasting accuracy by 25% through implementation of new financial models.
• Managed departmental budget of $10M, maintaining expenditures within 98% of allocated funds.
• Directed team of 20+ finance and admin professionals to achieve 100% compliance in all audits.

7. Education

• MBA in Finance – University of Chicago Booth School of Business
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting – New York University

8. Format

• Use clear headings and bullet points to enhance readability for both humans and ATS.
• Keep the resume to two pages, ensuring only relevant and impactful information is included.

9. Concise

Be succinct. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and jargon. Use action-oriented language and focus on what you accomplished, how you did it, and the impact it had.

10. Bonus

• Include professional certifications like CPA, CMA, or PMP that add credibility.
• Incorporate soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and problem solving, as these complement technical expertise.

Examples

• “Led the finance transformation project resulting in a 20% reduction in reporting errors and a 15celeration in data delivery to stakeholders.”
• “Spearheaded a cross-departmental initiative to automate invoice processing, decreasing processing time by 40% and saving $200K in annual administrative costs.”

Conclusion

A standout resume for a General Manager in Finance & Administration should go beyond listing duties to showcase tangible impacts, leadership excellence, and analytical prowess. By thoughtfully combining quantifiable achievements, relevant skills, and clear formatting, you present yourself as a strategic leader capable of driving financial success and operational efficiency. Remember, your resume is your opportunity to demonstrate that you’re the catalyst for growth and innovation organizations seek.