Resume Writing Tips for VP Finance

Introduction

For a VP of Finance, the resume is your personal marketing document and a demonstration of your financial leadership capabilities. Companies seek seasoned professionals who can shape financial policy, drive business growth, and manage risks effectively. A well-written resume serves as your first impression, showcasing your skills, achievements, and aligning your expertise with the company’s goals. In this blog, we cover 10 detailed resume writing tips designed specifically for VP Finance candidates to create a compelling, ATS-optimized resume that stands out and opens doors. Let’s dive in.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the elevator pitch of your career. It should highlight your core competencies, leadership qualities, and key achievements within 3-5 sentences. Focus on your strategic vision, financial acumen, and ability to deliver results. This section immediately captures attention and positions you as the ideal candidate.

Example: Strategic finance leader with over 15 years’ experience driving profitability and operational efficiency for Fortune 500 companies. Expertise in M&A, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. Proven record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering $50M+ in cost savings through financial restructuring.

2. Key Skills

Highlight a comprehensive yet targeted list of relevant finance and leadership skills. Use keywords that align with job descriptions and ATS algorithms to increase visibility. Here are 10 crucial skills for a VP Finance resume:

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
• Strategic Budgeting
• Risk Management
• Financial Reporting & Compliance
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
• Team Leadership & Development
• Cash Flow Management
• ERP Systems & Financial Software
• Regulatory Compliance (SOX, GAAP, IFRS)
• Data-Driven Decision Making

3. Achievements

Your resume should emphasize achievements over typical responsibilities. Employers want to see how you’ve driven growth, optimized processes, and impacted the bottom line. Frame achievements with metrics to exhibit measurable success and leadership impact.

Example bullet point: “Led a financial restructuring initiative that reduced operational costs by 18%, resulting in annual savings of $12M, while improving reporting accuracy and compliance.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each application by matching your skills and experiences to the job description. Use keywords, focus on specific industry experience, and highlight the most relevant accomplishments. This demonstrates alignment with the employer’s needs and improves ATS ranking.

5. Tools

• Oracle Financials
• SAP ERP
• Hyperion
• Workday
• Microsoft Excel (advanced)
• Tableau
• QuickBooks Enterprise
• Adaptive Insights
• Power BI
• SQL for financial data analysis

6. Metrics

• Percentage cost reductions (e.g., “Reduced costs by 18%”)
• Revenue growth figures (e.g., “Increased revenue by $25M”)
• Budget sizes managed (e.g., “Oversaw $200M annual budget”)
• Team size led (e.g., “Managed and developed a team of 15 finance professionals”)
• Improvement in reporting cycle times (e.g., “Cut monthly close cycle from 12 to 7 days”)

7. Education

• MBA in Finance or related field from an accredited university
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credentials

8. Format

• Two-page limit to maintain brevity and relevance
• Clear section headings using bold or slightly larger font for easy skimming

9. Concise

Every bullet point and sentence should add value. Avoid fluff and jargon. Use strong action verbs (e.g., led, spearheaded, optimized) and focus on outcomes. A concise resume is easier to read and leaves a stronger impression.

10. Bonus

• Include relevant leadership awards or recognitions to boost credibility
• Use a professional font (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman) and ensure no spelling or grammar errors

Examples

• “Spearheaded a financial transformation project that improved monthly forecasting accuracy by 30%, enabling better resource allocation.”
• “Negotiated vendor contracts leading to a 10% reduction in procurement expenses, saving $3M annually.”

Conclusion

In today’s competitive landscape, a VP Finance resume must clearly reflect your impact, leadership, and analytical skills. By focusing on metrics-driven achievements, aligning your resume with job requirements, and highlighting your financial expertise and strategic thinking, you position yourself as a transformative leader. Craft your resume to tell a concise yet powerful story of how you have driven business success, and you will greatly enhance your chances of landing that executive finance role.