Resume Writing Tips for Senior Accounts & Finance Manager

Introduction

In today's fiercely competitive job market, a well-written resume is your most powerful tool to capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. For senior roles in accounts and finance management, the resume must do more than list job duties—it must demonstrate your ability to drive financial strategy, optimize processes, and lead teams towards achieving organizational goals. This blog offers a detailed roadmap to help you create an ATS-optimized, engaging resume that truly reflects your expertise and accomplishments.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first impression and should succinctly convey your professional profile, expertise, and value proposition. Tailor it to reflect your years of experience, leadership skills, and key accomplishments in financial management.

Example: "Results-driven Senior Accounts & Finance Manager with over 12 years of experience leading financial operations, budgeting, and risk management for multinational corporations. Proven track record of improving cash flow by 25% and reducing audit discrepancies by 30% while driving cross-functional team collaboration."

2. Key Skills

Highlighting your core competencies is essential for ATS systems and recruiters scanning for relevant expertise. Include a mix of technical skills, leadership abilities, and financial proficiencies.

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Regulatory Compliance (SOX, GAAP, IFRS)
• Risk Management & Internal Controls
• Cash Flow Management
• Team Leadership & Development
• ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)
• Audit Coordination
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Cost Reduction & Efficiency Improvement

3. Achievements

Employers want to see what you have accomplished beyond routine tasks. Focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact on the organization’s financial health and growth.

For example, instead of writing "Managed accounts payable," use "Reduced accounts payable processing time by 40% through streamlining invoice workflows, resulting in $200K annual savings."

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application by analyzing the job description closely. Incorporate relevant keywords and prioritize skills and achievements that align specifically with the employer’s needs, ensuring better ATS compatibility and recruiter engagement.

5. Tools

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

6. Metrics

• Increased revenue by 15% YOY through improved financial forecasting.
• Reduced operational costs by 10% via vendor renegotiations.
• Enhanced cash flow by 25% through efficient working capital management.
• Decreased audit findings by 30% by implementing robust internal controls.
• Led a team of 12 accountants to deliver accurate monthly close within 3 days.

7. Education

• MBA in Finance, University of Michigan, 2015
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), New York University, 2010

8. Format

• Use clean, professional fonts like Arial or Calibri, 10-12pt size.
• Maintain consistent margins and spacing with clear section headers for easy scanning.

9. Concise

Avoid lengthy paragraphs. Use bullet points to improve readability and keep your resume limited to two pages. Focus on the most relevant information tailored to the job.

10. Bonus

• Include certifications like CPA, CMA, or CFA to boost credibility.
• Showcase leadership and strategic projects that demonstrate your ability to influence company-wide financial decisions.

Examples

• “Led financial consolidation for 5 subsidiaries, accelerating quarter-end close by 20% and improving reporting accuracy.”
• “Implemented new ERP system modules, resulting in a 35% reduction in monthly financial closing errors.”

Conclusion

As a Senior Accounts & Finance Manager, your resume must effectively showcase your impact on financial performance, your leadership of high-level teams, and your analytical acumen. By combining metrics-driven achievements, relevant key skills, and tailored content, your resume will not only pass ATS systems but also capture the attention of hiring decision-makers. Remember, the goal is to communicate succinctly how you can drive financial success and strategic growth for your next employer.