Resume Writing Tips for Head Finance & Accounts

Introduction

In the highly specialized field of finance and accounting, the role of Head of Finance & Accounts is pivotal for organizational success. Recruiters and hiring managers look for candidates who demonstrate analytical prowess, leadership capabilities, and a strong track record of delivering business impact. Your resume is the first impression you make—it must effectively communicate your value, experience, and skills in a concise, targeted manner. With applicant tracking systems (ATS) filtering resumes before humans even see them, adopting best practices in resume writing is essential for advancing your career.

1. Resume Summary

The resume summary is your elevator pitch. It should quickly convey your leadership experience, areas of expertise, and key accomplishments in finance and accounts. Aim for 3-4 sentences that highlight your strategic vision, team management skills, and impact on business growth.

Example: “Dynamic Head of Finance & Accounts with 12+ years of progressive experience driving financial strategy, optimizing reporting processes, and leading cross-functional teams in Fortune 500 companies. Proven record of reducing costs by 15%, implementing ERP systems, and enhancing compliance frameworks to support organizational growth.”

2. Key Skills

Listing the right skills ensures your resume resonates with recruiters and ATS software. Focus on both technical and soft skills relevant to the finance leadership role.

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Regulatory Compliance & Auditing
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Team Leadership & Development
• Risk Management
• ERP & Financial Software (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Cash Flow Management
• Taxation & Corporate Finance
• Process Improvement & Automation

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Focus on achievements over generic responsibilities to demonstrate your tangible impact. Quantify successes using metrics to make your contributions clear and compelling.

Example: Instead of “Managed monthly financial reporting,” write “Spearheaded a streamlined monthly reporting process that reduced preparation time by 30% and improved data accuracy.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application by mirroring keywords and phrases from the job description. This improves ATS ranking and shows recruiters you’re a tailored fit for the role’s requirements.

5. Tools

• SAP ERP
• Oracle Financials
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Tableau
• QuickBooks
• Hyperion Planning
• Workday
• Power BI
• NetSuite
• Google Sheets

6. Metrics

• Reduced operational costs by X%
• Improved financial forecasting accuracy by X%
• Managed budgets of $X million+
• Decreased audit findings by X%
• Led teams of X+ employees

7. Education

• MBA in Finance or Accounting
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) / Chartered Accountant (CA)

8. Format

• Keep it to 2 pages maximum with clear headings
• Use bullet points and consistent fonts for readability

9. Concise

Be selective with information to maintain focus and clarity. Avoid jargon and redundancies. Each bullet should deliver value without overwhelming the reader.

10. Bonus

• Include relevant certifications and continuous learning initiatives
• Incorporate leadership and interpersonal skills to highlight team management capabilities

Examples

• “Reduced annual audit processing time by 25% through implementing automated reconciliation tools, enhancing compliance and efficiency.”
• “Led a cross-functional team of 15 finance professionals to successfully integrate a $50M acquisition, aligning financial processes within three months.”

Conclusion

For a Head of Finance & Accounts, your resume must go beyond listing duties—it should demonstrate your measurable impact, leadership strength, and analytical expertise. By strategically highlighting accomplishments, tailoring content to each opportunity, and presenting clear metrics backed by relevant skills and credentials, you position yourself as a top candidate. Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool to showcase not just what you’ve done, but how you can lead and add value to the future employer.