Director of Finance Resume Examples and How to Write
Are you struggling to land interviews for Director of Finance positions in Australia? You’re not alone. With businesses navigating complex economic conditions and regulatory environments, Director of Finance roles have become highly competitive across corporations, government agencies, and emerging growth companies. Whether you’re transitioning from senior finance management, controllership, or treasury roles, or you’re an experienced finance executive looking to advance to director level, crafting an exceptional resume is your gateway to securing that coveted Director of Finance position.
Directors of Finance are the strategic financial architects who drive organisational growth, ensure fiscal responsibility, and provide executive leadership in financial planning, analysis, and risk management. In Australia’s dynamic business environment, these senior executives play a crucial role in navigating complex regulatory requirements, optimising capital allocation, and supporting strategic decision-making across ASX-listed companies, government entities, and high-growth private organisations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a compelling Director of Finance resume tailored specifically for the Australian job market, covering everything from understanding what recruiters on platforms like SEEK and LinkedIn are looking for, to demonstrating your executive financial leadership and strategic business acumen.
Director of Finance Resume (Text Version)
Catherine Anderson
Director of Finance
[email protected]
+61 400 789 012
Sydney, NSW 2000
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherineandersonfinance
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Strategic Director of Finance with 12+ years of progressive financial leadership experience driving organisational growth and operational excellence across ASX-listed and private companies. Proven track record of delivering $50M+ in cost savings, leading successful IPO and acquisition transactions worth $500M+, and building high-performing finance teams. Expertise in financial planning and analysis, corporate governance, risk management, and strategic business partnering. Passionate about leveraging financial insights to drive sustainable business growth while maintaining rigorous controls and regulatory compliance in Australia’s complex financial landscape.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Director of Finance | TechGrowth Corporation | Sydney, NSW
January 2019 – Present
- Lead comprehensive financial operations for ASX-listed technology company with $300M+ annual revenue and 1,200+ employees across Australia and New Zealand
- Delivered 18% EBITDA margin improvement through strategic cost management, process automation, and operational efficiency initiatives
- Successfully managed $150M acquisition financing and integration, completing transaction 20% under budget and ahead of scheduled timeline
- Built and lead finance team of 15+ professionals including FP&A, controllership, treasury, and tax functions with 95% retention rate
- Implemented advanced financial planning systems and predictive analytics, improving forecast accuracy by 85% and reducing month-end close by 5 days
- Ensure 100% compliance with ASX continuous disclosure requirements, AASB standards, and corporate governance frameworks
Finance Manager – Strategic Planning | Global Manufacturing Ltd | Melbourne, VIC
March 2016 – December 2018
- Managed financial planning and analysis for $200M manufacturing division with operations across 4 Australian states
- Led annual budgeting and strategic planning processes, developing 3-year financial models supporting $80M capital investment decisions
- Identified and executed cost optimisation initiatives generating $12M annual savings through supply chain efficiency and overhead reduction
- Developed comprehensive KPI frameworks and management reporting suite, providing executives with real-time business performance insights
- Managed treasury functions including cash flow forecasting, foreign exchange hedging, and banking relationships for multi-currency operations
- Supported M&A due diligence for 3 potential acquisitions worth combined $50M, providing detailed financial analysis and risk assessment
Senior Financial Analyst | Corporate Services Group | Brisbane, QLD
June 2012 – February 2016
- Provided financial analysis and business partnering support for diversified services group with $150M annual revenue
- Developed monthly financial reporting and variance analysis, identifying key business drivers and performance improvement opportunities
- Led implementation of new ERP system (SAP), managing financial modules and ensuring seamless transition with zero data loss
- Managed annual external audit coordination with Big 4 accounting firms, achieving clean audit opinions for all reporting periods
- Supported executive team with ad-hoc financial analysis, pricing strategy, and business case development for strategic initiatives
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)
University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
Graduated: December 2011
WAM: 85.2
CERTIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
• Chartered Accountant (CA) – Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand – 2014
• Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance – Financial Services Institute of Australasia – 2017
• Member, CPA Australia – 2013
• Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) – 2020
KEY SKILLS
• Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis • Corporate Finance & M&A • Team Leadership & Development
• Risk Management & Internal Controls • Financial Reporting & Compliance • Treasury & Cash Management
• Budgeting & Forecasting • Business Intelligence & Analytics • Stakeholder Management
ACHIEVEMENTS
• CFO Excellence Award – Australian Financial Review 2023
• Finance Leader of the Year – Institute of Public Accountants 2022
• Board Member, Australian Finance Professionals Association (2021-Present)
• Guest Lecturer, UNSW Business School – Corporate Finance Program (2020-Present)
What is The Best Format for a Director of Finance Resume?
For Director of Finance positions in Australia, the reverse chronological format is your optimal choice. This format effectively demonstrates your executive progression and showcases how you’ve advanced from technical finance roles to strategic leadership positions with increasing responsibility and scope. Australian recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) used by companies posting on SEEK and LinkedIn prefer this format as it clearly presents your financial leadership trajectory and growing expertise in executive financial management.
Formatting Guidelines:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, email address, location (city and state), and LinkedIn profile URL. Your header should be executive-level professional, making it easy for hiring managers and executive recruiters to contact you immediately.
Summary: Write a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your executive achievements, years of experience, and key specialities in financial leadership. This section should immediately demonstrate your ability to drive strategic financial initiatives and deliver measurable business outcomes at the director level.
Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, focusing on quantifiable achievements that show your impact on business performance, strategic initiatives, team leadership, and financial excellence. Use bullet points to make your executive accomplishments easy to scan.
Education: Include your degree, institution, graduation year, and any relevant academic achievements. For Directors of Finance, accounting, finance, business, or MBA qualifications are particularly valuable, along with professional certifications.
Other sections: Consider adding certifications, board positions, speaking engagements, professional memberships, or industry recognition that strengthens your executive finance credentials.
Technical Specifications:
- Font: Use executive-level fonts like Times New Roman, Garamond, or Calibri
- Font sizes: 16-18pt for headings, 11-12pt for body text
- Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides
- White space: Ensure adequate spacing between sections for readability
- File type: Save and submit as PDF unless the employer specifically requests a Word document
- Length: 2 pages is standard for director-level positions, up to 3 pages for extensive executive experience
What Experience Should be on Your Director of Finance Resume?
Your experience section should tell the story of your executive financial leadership evolution, emphasising achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage complex financial operations, lead high-performing teams, and deliver measurable business value. Focus on metrics-driven accomplishments that show your impact on business growth, cost management, risk mitigation, and organisational development.
Include experiences that showcase:
- Strategic financial planning and business partnering
- M&A transaction leadership and integration management
- Team building and executive leadership development
- Corporate governance and regulatory compliance oversight
- Cost optimisation and operational efficiency initiatives
- Capital allocation and investment decision support
- Risk management and internal controls development
- Technology implementation and process transformation
Correct Example:
Director of Finance | Healthcare Innovation Group | Perth, WA
April 2017 – Present
- Lead financial operations for $400M healthcare services group with 2,500+ employees across 15 locations, managing annual budgets and strategic financial planning
- Delivered $25M EBITDA improvement through strategic cost management, operational efficiency programs, and revenue optimisation initiatives
- Successfully led IPO preparation and execution, raising $120M in growth capital while achieving 15% premium to initial pricing range
- Built and developed finance organisation of 20+ professionals across FP&A, accounting, treasury, and tax functions with industry-leading retention rates
- Implemented comprehensive risk management framework reducing audit findings by 90% and achieving perfect regulatory compliance record
- Managed 4 strategic acquisitions worth combined $180M, delivering projected synergies 6 months ahead of schedule and $8M under budget
- Established advanced analytics capabilities providing real-time business intelligence to C-suite and board, improving decision-making speed by 40%
Incorrect Example:
Director of Finance | Healthcare Innovation Group | Perth, WA
April 2017 – Present
- Managed finance department
- Oversaw financial reporting
- Worked on budgets and forecasts
- Attended executive meetings
- Handled compliance requirements
Entry-Level Director of Finance Resume Samples [Experience]
If you’re transitioning into Director of Finance roles, focus on transferable leadership skills from senior finance management, controllership, or finance manager positions. Highlight any experience with strategic planning, team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, or executive reporting that demonstrates your readiness for director-level responsibilities.
Correct Entry-Level Example:
Senior Finance Manager | Growth Enterprises Australia | Adelaide, SA
February 2018 – Present
- Lead finance function for $150M private equity-backed company, managing team of 8 finance professionals across accounting, FP&A, and treasury
- Developed comprehensive 5-year strategic financial plan supporting $50M growth investment and market expansion initiatives
- Implemented zero-based budgeting methodology generating $8M annual cost savings while maintaining service quality and growth trajectory
- Managed successful refinancing of $30M debt facility, securing improved terms and covenant flexibility supporting strategic objectives
- Led finance integration for 2 bolt-on acquisitions worth $25M, completing integration 3 months ahead of schedule with full synergy realisation
- Established monthly executive reporting suite providing key stakeholders with actionable insights on business performance and strategic metrics
- Built strong cross-functional partnerships with operations, sales, and technology teams, serving as trusted business advisor to senior leadership
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
Senior Finance Manager | Growth Enterprises Australia | Adelaide, SA
February 2018 – Present
- Managed finance team
- Worked on budgets
- Did financial reporting
- Handled some acquisitions
- Attended management meetings
How to Write the Education Section for your Director of Finance Resume
The education section for Directors of Finance should highlight qualifications that demonstrate your deep financial expertise, strategic business acumen, and professional credentials essential for executive financial leadership. At the director level, relevant educational background combined with professional certifications significantly strengthens your credibility in Australia’s competitive executive finance market.
Include your highest relevant qualification first, followed by any additional degrees, certifications, or executive education that directly relates to financial leadership and business strategy. If you have an MBA or advanced finance qualifications, these should be prominently featured as they’re highly valued for director-level finance positions.
Director of Finance Resume Example [Education]
Master of Business Administration (Finance)
Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW Sydney, NSW
Graduated: November 2015 | WAM: 82.4
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)
Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
Graduated: December 2009 | WAM: 84.7
Professional Qualifications:
• Chartered Accountant (CA) – Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (2012)
• Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance – Governance Institute of Australia (2018)
• Advanced Management Program – Australian Institute of Company Directors (2020)
Executive Education:
• Strategic Finance for Senior Executives – Melbourne Business School (2021)
• Mergers & Acquisitions Masterclass – Australian Institute of Management (2019)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Director of Finance Resume
The skills section is vital for Director of Finance resumes as it showcases both your technical financial expertise and executive leadership capabilities. This role requires a sophisticated blend of deep financial knowledge, strategic thinking, leadership skills, and business acumen. Aim to include 12-18 skills that directly relate to director-level financial leadership, balancing hard skills (specific financial tools and methodologies) with soft skills (executive leadership and strategic thinking abilities).
Tailor your skills to match the job description while ensuring you can confidently demonstrate each skill through examples and measurable executive-level results. Australian employers particularly value candidates who can show proficiency with advanced financial systems and demonstrate understanding of local regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards.
Director of Finance Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Advanced Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Management
- Corporate Finance and Capital Structure Optimisation
- Financial Reporting and AASB Compliance
- Enterprise Resource Planning (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
- Treasury Management and Cash Flow Optimisation
- Risk Management and Internal Controls
- Business Intelligence and Advanced Analytics
- Tax Strategy and Structure Optimisation
- Corporate Governance and Board Reporting
- Financial Modeling and Valuation
- Budget Management and Cost Control
Director of Finance Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Executive Leadership and Team Development
- Strategic Business Partnering
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Board and C-Suite Communication
- Change Management and Transformation
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Negotiation and Commercial Acumen
- Mentoring and Talent Development
- Crisis Management and Decision Making
- Cultural Leadership and Team Building
- Strategic Vision and Planning
How to pick the best Director of Finance skills:
- Analyse the job description for specific financial leadership competencies, industry requirements, and strategic capabilities mentioned
- Research the company’s business model, financial complexity, and strategic priorities to understand their executive needs
- Consider the organisation size and structure – public companies emphasise governance while private equity-backed firms focus on value creation
- Balance technical financial expertise with executive leadership and strategic business skills
- Only include skills you can confidently demonstrate through concrete executive-level examples and measurable outcomes
- Stay current with evolving financial technologies, regulatory requirements, and best practices in executive finance
- Include both traditional financial management skills and emerging capabilities like digital transformation and data analytics
Director of Finance Resume Examples [Skills]
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Led comprehensive financial strategy for $500M+ organisation, delivering 22% EBITDA improvement and $40M+ cost savings through operational excellence initiatives
- M&A Transaction Management: Successfully executed 8 acquisitions worth combined $300M+, achieving projected synergies 6 months ahead of schedule and creating $50M+ shareholder value
- Team Development: Built and led high-performing finance organisation of 25+ professionals, achieving 94% retention rate and promoting 60% of team members to senior roles
- Corporate Governance: Established comprehensive governance framework ensuring 100% regulatory compliance and achieving exemplary ratings from external auditors and regulators
- Business Transformation: Led successful ERP implementation and finance function digitalisation, improving process efficiency by 50% and reducing month-end close by 7 days
- Capital Management: Optimised capital structure through strategic refinancing and equity raising, reducing cost of capital by 200bps and securing $100M+ growth funding
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Director of Finance Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your Director of Finance resume by showcasing executive credentials, thought leadership, and industry recognition that distinguish you from other senior finance candidates. These sections demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence, industry engagement, and leadership within the finance community.
Consider including sections such as:
Resume Licences & Certifications: Professional accounting qualifications (CA, CPA), advanced finance certifications, or director-level credentials demonstrate technical competency and commitment to maintaining professional standards at the executive level.
Languages on a Resume: In Australia’s global business environment, language skills can be particularly valuable for managing international operations, M&A transactions, or multinational reporting requirements.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, or industry-specific finance associations shows executive-level professional engagement.
Conferences: Speaking engagements or attendance at executive finance conferences, CFO forums, or board governance events demonstrates thought leadership and continuous learning at the senior executive level.
Resume Volunteer Work: Board positions, finance committee roles for non-profits, or pro bono financial advisory work shows commitment to community service and governance excellence beyond professional responsibilities.
Awards and Honours: Recognition for financial leadership excellence, corporate governance, or business transformation achievements.
Director of Finance Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Right Example:
BOARD AND ADVISORY POSITIONS
• Independent Director and Audit Committee Chair, Community Foundation Australia (2020-Present)
• Advisory Board Member, Australian Fintech Association (2019-Present)
• Finance Committee Member, Australian Red Cross NSW Division (2018-Present)
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
• “Strategic Finance in the Digital Age” – CFO Forum Australia 2023
• “M&A Integration Best Practices” – Australian Institute of Company Directors 2022
• “Building Finance Teams for Growth” – CPA Australia Finance Leadership Summit 2021
PUBLICATIONS
• “Digital Transformation in Finance Functions” – Australian Financial Review (2023)
• “Corporate Governance in High-Growth Companies” – CPA Australia Magazine (2022)
Wrong Example:
INTERESTS
• Financial analysis
• Reading business books
• Investment markets
PERSONAL INFORMATION
• Age: 45
• Marital Status: Married
• Health: Excellent
Tip: Additional sections you might consider include executive education programs, finance technology advisory roles, industry research participation, mentoring programs for emerging finance leaders, or international assignment experience. Every section should demonstrate your executive calibre and thought leadership in finance and business.
How to write a Director of Finance Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your resume summary is your executive value proposition – a powerful section that immediately communicates your value as a Director of Finance. This 3-4 line section should highlight your most impressive executive achievements, financial leadership experience, and unique capabilities that make you the ideal candidate for senior financial leadership roles.
An effective Director of Finance summary should include:
- Years of experience and specific areas of financial leadership expertise
- Quantifiable achievements (cost savings, revenue growth, successful transactions)
- Key strategic and leadership competencies
- Your leadership philosophy or unique approach to financial excellence
- Industry expertise or specialisation areas
Director of Finance Resume Summary Examples
Right Example:
Executive Director of Finance with 15+ years driving transformational growth and operational excellence across ASX-listed and private equity-backed organisations. Proven success delivering $100M+ in value creation through strategic M&A, cost optimisation, and capital structure enhancement while building world-class finance functions. Expert in corporate governance, risk management, and cross-functional leadership with strong track record in IPO execution and complex transaction management. Recognised thought leader in financial innovation and digital transformation, passionate about developing high-performing teams and driving sustainable business success.
Wrong Example:
Experienced finance professional seeking Director of Finance position where I can use my financial skills and leadership experience. I have worked in finance for many years and understand budgeting, reporting, and team management. Looking for opportunities to advance my career and take on director-level responsibilities.
For those transitioning into Director of Finance roles, focus on transferable executive capabilities, strategic financial achievements, and leadership development experience. Emphasise any experience with business transformation, team building, or strategic planning that demonstrates your readiness for director-level executive responsibility.
Entry-Level Director of Finance Resume Summary Examples
Right Example:
Emerging Director of Finance with 10+ years of progressive financial leadership and proven capability managing complex operations and high-performing teams. Successfully led $200M+ budget management and strategic planning while delivering 25% cost reduction and operational efficiency improvements. CA-qualified with MBA and strong background in M&A, corporate governance, and business transformation. Eager to leverage analytical expertise and executive development to drive financial excellence and strategic value creation at director level.
Wrong Example:
Senior finance manager seeking promotion to director level to develop executive leadership skills. I have experience managing finance teams and working on budgets and reports. Looking for opportunities to learn director responsibilities and advance my finance career. Available to start immediately and committed to professional growth.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Director of Finance Resume
Updating your LinkedIn profile alongside your resume is crucial for Director of Finance job seekers in Australia. Executive finance roles are primarily recruited through LinkedIn and executive search firms, with CEOs, board members, and executive recruiters using the platform to assess not just your experience but your strategic thinking, industry influence, and executive presence. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while positioning you as a senior financial leader and strategic business partner.
When updating your LinkedIn profile, ensure alignment with your resume while leveraging LinkedIn’s unique features for showcasing your executive achievements, thought leadership, and professional influence. Your LinkedIn serves as a platform for demonstrating your comprehensive financial leadership expertise and strategic impact within the executive business community.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Directors of Finance
Your LinkedIn headline is critical for Director of Finance positions as it positions you as a strategic executive leader rather than just a financial manager. Your headline should communicate your executive level, specialisation, and value proposition while being optimised for Australian executive recruiters and board members searching for senior financial leadership.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Director of Finance | $500M+ P&L Leadership | M&A Expert | Driving Strategic Growth & Value Creation”
• “Executive Director of Finance ✦ ASX-Listed Company Experience ✦ Building High-Performance Finance Teams”
• “Director of Finance | Corporate Governance Leader | Transforming Finance Functions for Digital Age”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Director of Finance at ABC Company”
• “Experienced finance executive seeking opportunities”
• “Director of Finance with team management experience”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary should be more narrative and vision-focused than your resume summary, allowing you to share your executive leadership philosophy, strategic approach, and what drives your passion for financial excellence in 5-7 paragraphs. While your resume summary focuses on achievements and qualifications, your LinkedIn summary can include your leadership journey, business philosophy, and vision for finance function transformation.
For the Australian market, consider sharing your understanding of local business challenges, experience with Australian regulatory environments, or insights into managing finance operations across Australia’s diverse economic sectors. This demonstrates cultural fit and market expertise that Australian boards and executives highly value in senior financial leadership roles.
Showcasing Director of Finance Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows for more detailed executive storytelling than your resume. Use this space to elaborate on your leadership methodology, share case studies of successful business transformations, and include media such as transaction announcements, awards, or speaking engagements that demonstrate your executive impact and thought leadership.
Consider adding:
- Strategic transformation case studies with detailed business impact
- M&A transaction announcements or success stories
- Executive team photos, board meeting highlights, or leadership event participation
- Awards, recognition certificates, or executive program completions
- Links to published thought leadership, interviews, or speaking presentations
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Directors of Finance
Prioritise executive leadership and strategic financial skills alongside technical expertise. Focus on getting endorsements from C-suite executives, board members, and senior business leaders for skills that Australian executive recruiters commonly search for when recruiting Directors of Finance, such as Financial Strategy, Executive Leadership, Corporate Governance, and M&A.
Key skills to prioritise include Financial Strategy, Executive Leadership, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Finance, Strategic Planning, and Team Leadership. Consider taking LinkedIn Skills Assessments for relevant areas like Finance or Leadership to earn verified skill badges that enhance executive credibility.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Directors of Finance
Optimise your profile specifically for the Australian executive finance community by connecting with local finance leaders, joining relevant Australian finance groups (such as Australian CFO Forum or Institute of Public Accountants executive networks), and engaging with content from Australian business leaders, ASX-listed companies, and finance industry thought leaders.
Share insights about Australian finance leadership trends, regulatory developments, or business strategy approaches that work well in Australian contexts. Position yourself as a finance thought leader by regularly sharing commentary on corporate governance, strategic finance, or business transformation initiatives.
Regularly publish executive-level content about financial leadership best practices, strategic insights, or lessons learned from successful business transformations to establish yourself as a knowledgeable and influential finance executive in the Australian market. This ongoing thought leadership helps keep you visible to executive recruiters, board members, and senior executives looking for director-level finance leadership talent.
Creating an exceptional Director of Finance resume for the Australian market requires demonstrating both financial expertise and executive leadership effectiveness, combining deep technical knowledge with proven strategic business impact. By following the strategies outlined in this guide – from showcasing quantifiable value creation to positioning yourself as a comprehensive financial leader – you’ll be well-positioned to capture the attention of CEOs, board members, and executive recruiters seeking senior finance leadership talent.
Remember that your resume works best when paired with a strategic cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the organisation’s strategic challenges, financial objectives, and how your executive leadership can drive their business success. Research the company’s financial performance, strategic initiatives, and growth objectives to show how your expertise can contribute to their continued success.
As you pursue Director of Finance opportunities, regularly explore executive finance positions on SEEK and LinkedIn while staying current with Australian corporate governance trends, financial leadership best practices, and regulatory developments. The executive finance landscape continues to evolve with new technologies, reporting requirements, and strategic approaches, and maintaining awareness of emerging financial leadership opportunities, governance frameworks, and business transformation strategies will keep your executive capabilities relevant and your applications competitive.
