Resume Writing Tips for Senior Manager Finance & Accounts

Introduction

Senior managers in finance and accounts hold pivotal roles in guiding an organization’s financial health and strategic direction. A strong resume for this position must highlight not just duties, but measurable achievements, technical skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to drive financial performance. With recruitment increasingly reliant on applicant tracking systems (ATS) and keyword algorithms, understanding how to craft an ATS-optimized, compelling document is essential.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch—brief yet impactful. It should distill your experience, core strengths, and unique value proposition into 3-5 concise sentences that capture hiring managers’ attention immediately.

Example: “Accomplished Senior Finance Manager with 12+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams to optimize financial operations, reduce costs by up to 15%, and enhance forecasting accuracy through innovative analytics and automation. Skilled in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement, driving sustainable business growth.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting your core skills upfront helps both ATS and recruiters identify your fit for the role. Focus on a mix of technical, managerial, and strategic skills relevant to senior finance roles.

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Regulatory Compliance & GAAP
• Leadership & Team Management
• Risk Management
• Strategic Financial Planning
• ERP & Accounting Software (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Process Improvement & Automation
• Cash Flow Management
• Stakeholder Communication
• Internal Controls & Auditing
• Data Analytics & Business Intelligence

3. Achievements

Senior managers must emphasize their accomplishments over routine responsibilities. Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate business impact, cost savings, efficiency improvements, or leadership success.

Instead of “Managed financial reports,” write: “Led a team to reduce monthly financial close cycle from 10 to 6 days, improving reporting accuracy by 20% and enabling faster executive decisions.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customizing your resume for each job application ensures it aligns with the employer’s priorities. Analyze the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords, required skills, and industry-specific terminology to increase ATS and recruiter resonance.

5. Tools

• SAP Finance & Controlling (FICO)
• Oracle Financials Cloud
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Hyperion Financial Management
• Tableau & Power BI (Data Visualization)
• QuickBooks / Intuit
• Workday Financial Management
• Microsoft PowerPoint (Executive Presentations)
• SQL for Data Querying
• Adaptive Insights (FP&A)

6. Metrics

• Cost reduction percentages (e.g., “Reduced operational costs by 12% annually”)
• Revenue growth figures (e.g., “Contributed to 10% YoY revenue increase”)
• Cycle time improvements (e.g., “Cut financial close cycle by 40%”)
• Team size (e.g., “Managed and mentored a finance team of 15”)
• Budget size managed (e.g., “Oversaw a $50M annual budget”)

7. Education

• MBA in Finance – [University Name]
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA)
• Additional Certifications: CFA, CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
• Relevant Professional Development Courses (e.g., IFRS updates, Risk Management)

8. Format

• Keep it concise: Limit to two pages maximum, focusing on recent, relevant experience.
• Clear structure: Use consistent formatting, bullet points, and bold headings to improve readability.
• ATS friendly: Avoid images, fancy fonts, or excessive graphics which hinder parsing.
• Professional fonts: Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size.

9. Concise

Be succinct and purposeful in every line. Senior managers have extensive experience, so prioritize achievements and leadership roles from the last 10-15 years that align with the targeted job. Use action verbs and avoid jargon or redundancies.

10. Bonus

• Include a professional LinkedIn profile link showcasing endorsements, recommendations, and an expanded portfolio.
• Incorporate soft skills such as strategic thinking, change management, and collaboration demonstrated through examples.

Examples

• “Spearheaded the automation of financial reporting processes, reducing manual hours by 35%, and accelerating month-end close by 4 days.”
• “Directed a cross-functional team in implementing cost-containment strategies that led to $2M in annual savings without impacting operational efficiency.”

Conclusion

For a senior manager in finance and accounts, crafting a resume that highlights impactful achievements, strong leadership, and advanced analytical skills is essential. By focusing on clear metrics, relevant tools, and tailored content, candidates can effectively convey their ability to drive financial excellence and strategic growth. A well-designed, ATS-optimized resume not only captures the attention of recruiters but positions you as a top-tier candidate ready to lead and innovate in finance.