1. Financial Controller CV Example & Writing Guide

Financial Controller CV Example & Writing Guide

LiveCareer UK Editorial Team
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In the world of finance, the role of a financial controller is crucial, acting as the backbone of the finance department. This article will guide you through crafting a compelling financial controller CV, including expert tips and examples to help you stand out.

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Financial controller CV sample

Ava Owens

Financial Controller

[Phone no.] 123-456-7890 

[Email] ava.owens@email.com 

[LinkedIn] linkedin.com/in/ava-owens7205 

Personal Statement

Analytical and precise financial controller with over 10 years of experience in the finance industry. Eager to support AccountEase Solutions UK Ltd. in optimising financial performance and compliance. Committed to applying my extensive knowledge in financial forecasting, budget management, and regulatory compliance to enhance financial efficiency and integrity. Notably led FinanceWorks UK Ltd. through a comprehensive financial restructuring that resulted in a 30% cost reduction over two years.

Experience

Financial Controller

FinanceWorks UK Ltd., London

January 2014–Present 

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

  • Spearheaded the financial restructuring process, resulting in significant cost savings. 
  • Implemented robust budget management systems to accurately track and control expenditure. 
  • Led quarterly financial forecasting, providing strategic insights for senior management. 
  • Oversaw the preparation and submission of all financial reporting, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and other regulatory standards. 

Key Achievement:

  • Successfully led a financial restructuring project that decreased company expenses by 30% within two years. 

Education

Master of Science in Finance

University of London, London 

September 2009–June 2011 

Relevant extracurricular activities 

  • Treasurer for the University Finance Society
  • Organised a series of guest speaker events featuring leading industry professionals.

Academic achievements 

  • Graduated with First-Class Honours. 
  • Awarded the university's prize for Best MSc Finance Dissertation. 

Skills

  • Expert in financial forecasting and budget management 
  • Proficient in UK GAAP and financial compliance regulations 
  • Strong leadership and team management abilities 
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills 
  • Advanced competency in Microsoft Excel and financial modelling software 
  • Keen attention to detail 
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines 

Certifications

  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), 2013 
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance, ACCA, 2014 

Awards

  • 2022, Finance Leader of the Year, UK Finance Awards 

Memberships

Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants since 2013 

  • Regularly participate in CPD events to ensure skills and knowledge remain at the forefront of industry standards 

Languages

  • English—Native 
  • French—Intermediate 

Interests

  • Volunteering as a financial advisor for local non-profits, providing guidance on budget management and financial planning 
  • Participating in marathons to fundraise for various charities, emphasising the importance of financial contributions to societal wellbeing 

How to write a financial controller CV

Crafting a standout CV as a financial controller means highlighting your ability to oversee financial departments and manage budgets effectively. Below, we've outlined essential components to help your CV catch the employer's eye.

  • Personal statement:

Create an engaging personal statement, detailing your experience, scope of expertise, notable accomplishments, and career goals, with a focus on fulfilling the company's needs.

  • Job description:

Adapt your work experience section to underscore your specialisation, key achievements, and pertinent roles. List the most impactful duties under significant headings, including previous titles and workplaces. For those freelancing or considering a switch in their career path, take a look at employing a skills-focused CV.

  • Education:

Boost your CV with an education segment that displays relevant finance and accounting qualifications, formatting it as [Degree Grade] [Degree Title] (Year Graduated) from [University Name]. If lacking practical exposure, expand with a list of accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and your standout skills.

  • Skills:

Compile a concise list of skills for your financial controller CV, including soft skills and software expertise that align with the employer's expectations. Common skills for financial controllers include financial reporting, working under pressure, and decision-making. This segment should complement your summary and job description by demonstrating your ability to meet the company's needs.

  • Additional sections:

Enrich your CV with extra segments that broaden its scope. Adding accolades, certifications, or linguistic skills can emphasise your versatility and suitability for the role. Conversely, avoid incorporating unrelated hobbies or interests that might distract from the most pertinent information.

  • Cover letter:

Enhance your application with a bespoke cover letter that foregrounds your unique qualifications and sincere enthusiasm for the role. Begin with a succinct introduction, then elaborate on your core strengths and contributions. Conclude your letter with a statement expressing your eagerness about the company and a confident invitation for them to review your portfolio or consider you for the position.

  • Format:

Experiment with various financial controller CV formats, emphasising readability via suitable fonts and sufficient white space. Additionally, check for ATS compatibility by selecting an appropriate file format, avoiding .doc files when possible, as some systems may not parse PDFs effectively.

Stay optimistic about your job search as a financial controller. With the right approach and a professionally crafted CV, you're well on your way to securing your next role in finance.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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Considering other positions? See CV examples for different jobs:

Thank you for taking the time to read through our guide on creating an effective financial controller CV. We'd love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you have—please feel free to use the comment section below.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

About the author

LiveCareer UK Editorial Team
LiveCareer UK Editorial Team

Since 2013, the LiveCareer UK team has shared the best advice to help you advance your career. Experts from our UK editorial team have written more than one hundred guides on how to write the perfect CV or cover letter.

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