Finance Manager Resume Examples and How to Write
Securing a finance manager position in Australia’s competitive financial services sector requires more than just accounting qualifications – your resume must demonstrate your ability to drive financial strategy, lead teams, and deliver insights that support business growth and profitability. With finance manager roles across corporations, consulting firms, and government agencies receiving hundreds of applications from highly qualified candidates, your resume needs to immediately showcase your financial expertise, leadership capabilities, and track record of delivering measurable business outcomes through strategic financial management.
This comprehensive guide provides you with proven finance manager resume examples, templates, and expert strategies tailored specifically for Australia’s diverse finance sector. Whether you’re advancing from senior accountant roles, transitioning between industries, or seeking executive-level finance positions, you’ll learn how to craft a resume that demonstrates your financial acumen, strategic thinking, and ability to lead high-performing finance teams while driving organisational success.
We’ll cover everything from highlighting your financial analysis expertise and team leadership experience to showcasing your strategic planning abilities and regulatory knowledge, ensuring your resume aligns with Australian employer expectations and stands out on platforms like SEEK and executive recruitment networks.
This free sample resume for a finance manager has an accompanying sample finance manager cover letter and sample finance manager job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Finance Manager Resume (Text Version)
ROBERT PATEL
Finance Manager
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: 0412 987 654
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertpatel
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Strategic Finance Manager with 9+ years experience driving financial performance and business growth across ASX-listed companies and multinational corporations. Successfully managed finance teams of 15+ professionals while overseeing budgets exceeding $500M annually, delivering cost savings of $12M+ through process optimisation and strategic financial management. Expert in financial planning & analysis, risk management, and regulatory compliance with strong track record in M&A transactions, capital raising, and performance improvement initiatives. CPA qualified with proven ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights for executive leadership.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Finance Manager | Telstra Corporation | Sydney, NSW | March 2021 – Present
- Lead finance function for Enterprise Business Unit generating $2.8B annual revenue, managing team of 18 finance professionals across FP&A, management reporting, and business partnering functions
- Drive annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes for 12+ business divisions, improving forecast accuracy by 25% through enhanced modelling techniques and stakeholder engagement
- Spearhead cost transformation initiatives and operational efficiency programs, delivering $8M+ in sustainable cost savings while maintaining service quality standards
- Partner with senior executives to develop strategic business cases for major investments, securing board approval for $150M+ in strategic initiatives and capital expenditure
- Implement advanced financial analytics and reporting dashboards using Power BI and SAP, reducing month-end close cycle from 8 to 5 days
- Manage regulatory compliance and audit coordination with external auditors, achieving clean audit opinions and maintaining compliance with ASX listing requirements
Finance Manager | Commonwealth Bank | Melbourne, VIC | January 2019 – February 2021
- Managed financial planning and analysis for Retail Banking division with $15B+ in assets, supporting strategic decision-making for Australia’s largest retail bank
- Led cross-functional teams in developing financial models for new product launches and market expansion initiatives, contributing to $50M+ revenue growth
- Established robust risk management frameworks and KPI monitoring systems, reducing financial risk exposure by 20% through proactive identification and mitigation strategies
- Coordinated quarterly earnings processes and investor reporting requirements, ensuring accurate and timely disclosure of financial results to ASX and regulatory bodies
- Mentored team of 8 senior analysts and graduate finance professionals, achieving 95% team retention rate and promoting 4 team members to senior roles
- Streamlined management reporting processes and implemented automated reconciliation procedures, improving data accuracy by 30% and reducing manual processing time
Senior Financial Analyst | BHP Group | Perth, WA | June 2017 – December 2018
- Conducted comprehensive financial analysis for Iron Ore operations generating $12B+ annual revenue, providing strategic insights to executive leadership and board committees
- Developed sophisticated financial models for capital allocation decisions and investment evaluations, supporting $2B+ in approved capital expenditure across mining operations
- Led financial due diligence processes for potential acquisition targets and joint venture opportunities, identifying value creation opportunities worth $500M+
- Managed budget preparation and variance analysis for operational divisions, improving budget accuracy by 15% through enhanced forecasting methodologies
- Collaborated with operations teams to implement cost optimisation initiatives, achieving $25M+ in operational savings through improved resource allocation and efficiency measures
Financial Analyst | KPMG | Sydney, NSW | February 2015 – May 2017
- Provided financial advisory services to mid-market clients across diverse industries, supporting M&A transactions, capital raising, and business valuations worth $800M+
- Conducted detailed financial due diligence and created comprehensive valuation models using DCF, comparable company analysis, and precedent transaction methodologies
- Prepared pitch materials and client presentations for senior partners, contributing to successful engagement wins totalling $15M+ in advisory fees
- Supported IPO processes and capital market transactions, including preparation of financial sections for prospectuses and regulatory filings
- Developed expertise in industry-specific financial analysis across healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and resources sectors
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration | UNSW Australian School of Business | 2018
Distinction average, Dean’s List recipient
Specialisation: Finance and Strategy
Capstone Project: “Digital Transformation Impact on Traditional Banking Business Models”
Bachelor of Commerce | University of Sydney | 2014
Double Major: Finance and Accounting
First Class Honours, University Medal recipient
Relevant coursework: Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, Investment Analysis, Risk Management
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) – CPA Australia
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level II Candidate
- Graduate Member – Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
- Member – CPA Australia
- Member – Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA)
CORE COMPETENCIES
Financial Leadership: Strategic Planning, Budget Management, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Management, Board Reporting, Risk Management
Technical Expertise: Financial Modelling, Valuation Analysis, M&A Due Diligence, Capital Structure Optimisation, Performance Analysis, Regulatory Compliance
Systems & Tools: SAP, Oracle, Power BI, Advanced Excel, Tableau, Bloomberg Terminal, Capital IQ, SQL
Business Partnering: Executive Advisory, Strategic Planning, Business Case Development, Process Improvement, Change Management
ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
- CFO Excellence Award – Telstra Corporation (2023)
- Outstanding Performance Recognition – Commonwealth Bank (2020)
- CPA Australia Prize for Academic Excellence (2015)
- Published Article: “Digital Finance Transformation in Australian Corporates” – Australian CFO Magazine (2022)
- Speaker – CPA Australia Finance Leadership Summit: “Building High-Performance Finance Teams” (2023)
- Board Member – Local Community Foundation (2021-Present)
What is The Best Format for a Finance Manager Resume?
The reverse chronological format is ideal for finance manager resumes as it clearly demonstrates your career progression and increasing financial responsibility. This format allows employers to quickly assess your journey from analyst roles to management positions, showing how you’ve developed both technical expertise and leadership capabilities essential for senior finance roles.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
- Heading Font: 14-16pt for your name, 12-14pt for section headings
- Body Font: 10-12pt for content (11pt provides optimal readability)
- Font Style: Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Margins: 2.5cm on all sides for clean, professional appearance
- File Type: Submit as PDF to maintain formatting consistency
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include full name, professional title, location, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile. For finance managers, ensure your title reflects your current level and area of expertise.
Professional Summary: A powerful 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of experience, team sizes managed, budget responsibilities, and key achievements. Focus on quantifiable results and leadership impact.
Professional Experience: Emphasise financial leadership achievements, team management, budget oversight, and business impact. Include specific metrics such as budget sizes, cost savings achieved, and process improvements delivered.
Education: Include relevant business, finance, or accounting qualifications, with emphasis on advanced degrees or specialisations that enhance your financial expertise.
Other Essential Sections: Professional qualifications (CPA, CFA, etc.), core competencies, and achievements that demonstrate excellence in financial management and leadership.
What Experience Should Be on Your Finance Manager Resume?
Your experience section should showcase your progression in financial leadership roles, demonstrating increasing responsibility for budgets, teams, and strategic financial decisions. Australian employers value finance managers with experience across the full spectrum of financial management including planning and analysis, risk management, compliance, and strategic business partnering. Focus on leadership achievements, financial improvements, and business impact.
Highlight your experience with financial systems implementation, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management. Include specific examples of cost savings delivered, accuracy improvements achieved, team development successes, and strategic initiatives led.
Correct Example:
Finance Manager | Wesfarmers | Perth, WA | January 2020 – Present
- Lead finance operations for Bunnings division generating $18B+ annual revenue, managing team of 22 finance professionals across FP&A, treasury, and business finance functions
- Drive annual strategic planning and budgeting process for 350+ retail locations, improving budget accuracy by 20% through enhanced forecasting models and store-level analysis
- Spearhead digital finance transformation initiative implementing cloud-based ERP system, reducing month-end reporting cycle by 40% and eliminating 500+ hours of manual processing monthly
- Partner with executive leadership on major strategic decisions including store expansion, supply chain optimisation, and digital customer experience initiatives worth $200M+ investment
- Establish comprehensive financial risk management framework covering foreign exchange, commodity pricing, and operational risks, reducing earnings volatility by 15%
- Lead M&A integration activities for 3 strategic acquisitions, delivering synergy targets of $50M+ through finance system consolidation and process standardisation
Incorrect Example:
Finance Manager | Wesfarmers | Perth, WA | January 2020 – Present
- Managed finance team and budget processes
- Worked on various finance projects and initiatives
- Prepared financial reports and analysis
- Attended management meetings and presentations
- Helped with system implementations and improvements
- Supported business with financial advice and guidance
Entry-Level Finance Manager Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level finance managers, focus on your analytical experience, team collaboration, project leadership, and any supervisory responsibilities. Highlight your progression from individual contributor to someone who influences and guides others in financial analysis and decision-making.
Correct Example:
Finance Manager | ASX-listed Technology Company | Melbourne, VIC | February 2024 – Present
- Transition from Senior Financial Analyst to finance management role, leading team of 6 analysts supporting $150M revenue business unit
- Manage monthly financial reporting and variance analysis processes, improving report delivery timeline by 25% through process automation and team workflow optimisation
- Lead quarterly forecasting and budget preparation activities, achieving 95% forecast accuracy through enhanced modelling techniques and business unit collaboration
- Develop comprehensive financial dashboards and KPI tracking systems using Power BI, providing real-time visibility to executive team on key performance metrics
- Coordinate with external auditors and compliance teams for quarterly reviews and annual audit processes, ensuring timely completion of all statutory requirements
- Mentor junior analysts through structured development programs, achieving 100% team retention and developing succession planning for critical finance roles
Incorrect Example:
Finance Manager | ASX-listed Technology Company | Melbourne, VIC | February 2024 – Present
- Recently promoted to manage small finance team
- Learning management skills while doing finance work
- Helping team with reporting and analysis tasks
- Working with other departments on finance matters
- Attending manager meetings and training sessions
- Trying to improve team processes and efficiency
How to Write the Education Section for Your Finance Manager Resume
Education is crucial for finance managers as it demonstrates your analytical foundation and business acumen essential for senior financial roles. Australian employers highly value relevant business degrees, accounting qualifications, and advanced finance education that shows your commitment to professional development and technical expertise.
Include your business, finance, or accounting qualifications, relevant coursework, academic achievements, and any research or projects that demonstrate analytical thinking. Advanced degrees such as MBA or specialized finance qualifications should be prominently featured as they show strategic business understanding complementing technical finance skills.
Finance Manager Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Applied Finance | Macquarie University | 2020
High Distinction average, Graduate Excellence Scholarship recipient
Specialisation: Corporate Finance and Risk Management
Capstone Project: “ESG Integration in Australian Corporate Finance Decision-Making”
Bachelor of Business (Accounting) | Queensland University of Technology | 2016
First Class Honours, Dean’s List (2014-2016)
Major: Accounting and Finance, Minor: Economics
Relevant coursework: Advanced Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Financial Markets, Management Accounting
Honours Thesis: “Impact of Digital Technologies on Traditional Banking Revenue Models”
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
- Advanced Finance Leadership Program | Australian Institute of Management | 2022
- Digital Finance Transformation Certificate | UNSW Business School | 2021
- Company Directors Course | Australian Institute of Company Directors | 2023
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Finance Manager Resume
The skills section is critical for finance managers as it demonstrates both your technical financial expertise and leadership capabilities required for senior finance roles. Include 8-12 highly relevant skills that showcase your financial analysis abilities, management competencies, and business acumen. Balance technical finance skills with leadership and strategic thinking abilities essential for driving financial performance and team success.
Finance Manager Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Budget Management and Forecasting
- Financial Modelling and Valuation
- Risk Management and Internal Controls
- Management Reporting and Analytics
- Regulatory Compliance and Audit Management
- Capital Structure and Investment Analysis
- M&A Due Diligence and Integration
- Treasury and Cash Flow Management
- Cost Management and Process Improvement
- Financial Systems and ERP Implementation
- Tax Strategy and Planning
Finance Manager Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Team Management and Development
- Executive Communication and Presentation
- Business Partnering and Stakeholder Management
- Change Management and Innovation
- Critical Thinking and Problem-solving
- Decision-making Under Pressure
- Negotiation and Influence
- Project Management and Delivery
- Cultural Awareness and Inclusion
How to Pick the Best Finance Manager Skills:
- Balance technical and leadership skills: Include both deep financial expertise and management capabilities that demonstrate your ability to lead finance teams and drive business performance.
- Match industry requirements: Tailor your skills to the specific finance environment and industry sector relevant to your target roles.
- Show progressive expertise: Include advanced skills that demonstrate your evolution from individual contributor to strategic finance leader.
- Emphasise business partnership: Highlight skills that show your ability to translate financial analysis into business insights and strategic recommendations.
- Include emerging competencies: Show awareness of current trends like digital finance, ESG reporting, or advanced analytics that demonstrate forward-thinking leadership.
Finance Manager Resume Examples [Skills]
LEADERSHIP & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Financial Planning & Analysis: Led FP&A processes for $800M+ revenue division, improving forecast accuracy by 30% and reducing budget cycle time by 6 weeks through advanced modelling and stakeholder engagement
- Team Leadership: Built and managed high-performing finance teams of 20+ professionals across multiple locations, achieving 96% retention rate and promoting 12 team members to senior roles
- Process Transformation: Spearheaded digital finance transformation reducing month-end close from 10 to 4 days, eliminating 1,000+ hours of manual processing annually through automation and system integration
- Strategic Business Partnering: Partnered with C-suite executives on $250M+ strategic initiatives, providing financial analysis and recommendations that generated 15%+ ROI improvement
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Finance Manager Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your finance manager resume by demonstrating your professional standing, thought leadership, and commitment to advancing the finance profession. These sections are particularly valuable for finance managers where professional qualifications, industry recognition, and ongoing development are highly regarded.
Valuable Additional Sections Include:
Professional Qualifications & Certifications: CPA, CFA, GAICD, or other finance and leadership qualifications that demonstrate your professional competence and commitment to ongoing development.
Publications & Speaking: Finance articles, research papers, conference presentations, or thought leadership content that demonstrates your expertise and industry standing.
Awards & Recognition: Professional achievements, leadership awards, or performance recognition that showcases excellence in finance management and business leadership.
Board & Committee Roles: Non-profit boards, industry committees, or advisory positions that demonstrate leadership and community contribution beyond your primary role.
Professional Development: Executive education, leadership programs, or advanced training that shows commitment to staying current with finance best practices and leadership development.
Mentoring & Teaching: Formal mentoring roles, university guest lecturing, or professional development leadership that demonstrates your commitment to developing others.
Finance Manager Resume Examples [Other Sections]
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) – CPA Australia #123456
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level III Candidate
- Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
- “The Future of Finance: AI and Automation in Corporate Finance” – Australian CFO Magazine (2023)
- “Building Resilient Finance Teams in Uncertain Times” – CPA Australia Professional Development Series (2022)
- Keynote Speaker – FINSIA National Conference: “Digital Transformation in Finance” (2023)
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Board Member & Treasurer – Australian Cancer Research Foundation (2021-Present)
- Finance Committee Chair – Local Chamber of Commerce (2020-Present)
- Mentor – CPA Australia Graduate Development Program (2019-Present)
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
- Advanced Management Program | Harvard Business School | 2022
- Digital Finance Leadership | MIT Sloan Executive Education | 2021
PERSONAL INTERESTS
- Enjoys reading financial newspapers and magazines
- Interested in property investment and markets
- Likes playing golf on weekends
- Follows stock market and economic news
Tip: Focus on professional activities that demonstrate leadership, expertise, or contributions to the finance profession. Avoid generic hobbies unless they directly relate to finance skills or demonstrate qualities like strategic thinking, leadership development, or community service.
How to Write a Finance Manager Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary immediately communicates your finance management expertise, leadership capabilities, and track record of delivering financial performance that drives business success. This 3-4 line summary should highlight your years of experience, team sizes managed, budget responsibilities, and key achievements. Focus on quantifiable results and leadership impact that demonstrates your value proposition as a strategic finance leader.
Include specific metrics such as budget sizes managed, cost savings achieved, team sizes led, or process improvements delivered. Your summary should convey both your technical finance competence and your ability to lead teams and drive strategic business outcomes.
Finance Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Strategic Finance Manager with 12+ years experience driving financial performance and business growth across ASX-listed and multinational companies. Successfully managed finance teams of 25+ professionals while overseeing annual budgets exceeding $1B, delivering cost savings of $20M+ through strategic financial management and process optimisation. CPA and CFA qualified with proven expertise in M&A integration, capital raising, and digital finance transformation. Recognised thought leader in finance innovation with track record of building high-performance teams and delivering exceptional stakeholder value.
Incorrect Example:
Experienced Finance Manager with strong analytical and leadership skills. Good at managing teams and budgets with knowledge of financial systems and processes. Looking for challenging role where I can use my skills to help company achieve financial goals. Team player with excellent communication abilities.
For entry-level finance managers, focus on your analytical experience, leadership potential, professional qualifications, and enthusiasm for driving financial performance while developing high-performing finance teams.
Entry-Level Finance Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Emerging Finance Manager with 5+ years progressive financial analysis experience and 2+ years team leadership responsibilities. Successfully transitioned from Senior Financial Analyst to management role, leading team of 8 professionals supporting $300M revenue business unit. CPA qualified with strong foundation in financial modelling, budgeting, and performance analysis. Demonstrated ability to improve forecast accuracy by 25% and reduce reporting cycles by 30% through process innovation and team development. Eager to leverage analytical expertise and growing leadership skills to drive financial excellence and business growth.
Incorrect Example:
Recent promotion to Finance Manager with some experience in financial analysis. Good analytical skills and interested in managing teams. Ready to take on more responsibility and learn management skills. Looking for opportunity to grow career in finance management.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Finance Manager Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is essential for finance managers, as executive recruiters and potential employers extensively use LinkedIn for senior finance talent acquisition. Your LinkedIn profile should expand on your resume while establishing your thought leadership within the finance community and optimising for search visibility among Australian finance organisations.
Key considerations include showcasing your strategic thinking through posts and articles, highlighting your team development approach, and demonstrating your understanding of finance trends and business challenges facing Australian companies across different sectors.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Finance Managers
Your LinkedIn headline should go beyond your current job title to include your specialisation areas, leadership experience, and key value propositions that attract the right opportunities and professional connections.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Finance Manager | FP&A & Strategic Planning | Team Leadership | CPA | Driving Financial Performance & Growth”
- “Senior Finance Manager | ASX Listed Companies | M&A Integration | Digital Transformation | CFA Candidate”
- “Finance Manager | Risk & Compliance | Process Improvement | Building High-Performance Teams | Sydney”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Finance Manager at ABC Company”
- “Financial Professional seeking opportunities”
- “Experienced Finance Manager with leadership skills”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more expansive and personal than your resume summary, allowing you to share your finance philosophy, leadership approach, and vision for driving business success through financial excellence. Use first person and explain what motivates your approach to finance management and how you create value for organisations and stakeholders.
Include your thoughts on finance innovation, team development, strategic business partnering, or industry trends that resonate with your professional network. Your LinkedIn summary should position you as both a technical finance expert and strategic business leader while remaining authentic and approachable to potential team members and business partners.
Showcasing Finance Manager Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for richer descriptions of your finance leadership journey and business impact. Include context about business challenges solved, transformation initiatives led, and team development successes while maintaining appropriate confidentiality about sensitive financial information or strategic plans.
Use LinkedIn’s media feature to showcase relevant content such as finance presentations, process improvement case studies (with appropriate permissions), published articles, or speaking engagements. This additional content helps demonstrate your thought leadership and commitment to advancing finance management practice.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Finance Managers
Prioritise skills that reflect both your technical finance expertise and leadership capabilities such as “Financial Planning & Analysis,” “Budget Management,” “Team Leadership,” and “Strategic Planning.” Encourage team members, business partners, and senior leaders to endorse your key competencies.
Consider taking LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas such as “Financial Analysis” or “Leadership” to earn skill badges that enhance your profile’s credibility. Keep your skills current with emerging finance technologies, analytical methods, and management approaches relevant to your specialisation areas.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Finance Managers
Build a strategic network by connecting with other finance leaders, business executives, industry professionals, and potential team members across Australia’s business community. Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as CPA Australia, finance leadership forums, or industry-specific groups.
Share insights about finance leadership, business strategy, market analysis, or team development to establish thought leadership and increase visibility among your professional network. Engage with content from business publications, finance associations, and industry leaders to demonstrate your ongoing industry involvement.
Follow Australian companies, finance publications, professional associations, and business leaders to stay informed about market trends, regulatory developments, and career opportunities. Regular engagement with finance and business content helps maintain your professional visibility and demonstrates your commitment to staying current with industry developments and best practices.
Creating an effective finance manager resume requires demonstrating your ability to balance financial expertise with leadership excellence, strategic thinking, and business impact. By following this guide’s proven examples and strategies, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews with leading corporations, consulting firms, and organisations across Australia’s diverse business landscape.
Remember that finance manager roles require demonstrable experience with both technical financial competency and people leadership, so ensure your achievements showcase both your analytical excellence and management impact with quantifiable results. For current finance manager opportunities across Australia, explore positions on SEEK, executive recruitment networks, and connect with finance professionals through LinkedIn. Consider joining professional associations like CPA Australia or FINSIA to stay informed about industry developments and expand your network within Australia’s finance and business community.
