A well-crafted financial controller resume is key to securing a leadership role.

You oversee budgeting, reporting, and compliance—so your professional resume must highlight your expertise in these areas. Employers look for candidates with strong analytical skills, experience in financial management, and the ability to drive business growth.

This guide will help you create a compelling document that showcases your qualifications and makes you stand out in a competitive job market.

Financial controller resume examples

Corporate financial controller resume sample

Corporate financial controller resume template

Corporate Financial Controller Resume
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Resume for corporate financial controller | Plain text

Ashley Smith
Email: ashley.smith@email.com | Phone: +1 123-456-7890 | LinkedIn: /in/ashleysmith

Summary

Financial Controller with experience leading financial operations in large corporations. Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and process optimization. Skilled in driving cost-efficiency measures, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and improving profitability across multiple departments.

Skills

  • Financial Reporting
  • Budgeting & Forecasting
  • GAAP & IFRS Compliance
  • Financial Software (SAP, Oracle)
  • Cost Reduction Strategies
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Financial Analysis & Modeling
  • Team Leadership & Training
  • Risk Management
  • Strategic Financial Planning

Experience

Corporate Financial Controller

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida | Miami, FL | June 2018 – Present

  • Spearhead the preparation and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for a $4.5 billion business unit.
  • Manage all budgeting, forecasting, and cost control efforts, resulting in a 12% reduction in operating expenses year-over-year.
  • Direct the year-end closing process, ensuring that financial statements were compliant with GAAP and regulatory standards.
  • Lead a team of 10 finance professionals, providing guidance and professional development opportunities to improve departmental efficiency.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align financial strategy with corporate goals and drive long-term profitability.

Senior Financial Analyst

PepsiCo | Purchase, NY | March 2014 – June 2018

  • Provided comprehensive financial analysis and reporting support for PepsiCo’s North American beverage division.
  • Worked directly with department heads to prepare quarterly forecasts, improving forecasting accuracy by 15%.
  • Managed the analysis of operating expenses and identified cost-saving opportunities that contributed to a 10% reduction in expenses.
  • Assisted in the preparation of the annual budget, ensuring alignment with both short- and long-term strategic goals.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Finance
University of Miami, FL | Graduated: 2013

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | Graduated: 2010

Certifications

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Florida | Issued: March 2014
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level II Candidate | Expected: December 2025

Projects

  • Budget Optimization Project. Led a team to implement a new budgeting system, reducing budget preparation time by 20%.
  • Cost Efficiency Initiative. Identified and executed cost-saving measures that resulted in an annual savings of $500,000.

Strong sides of this financial controller resume examples:

  • Clear and concise experience descriptions, highlighting measurable achievements and expertise.
  • Strong focus on leadership and team management, showcasing the ability to guide finance effectively.
  • Comprehensive skills section that covers both technical competencies and essential personal traits.
How to properly format a resume for a financial controller?
  • Choose professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Refrain from stylized or decorative options.
  • Body text should be between 10 and 12 pt. Your name and headings can be slightly larger to stand out.
  • Aim for a one-page resume if you're newer to the field, or two pages if you have significant experience.
  • Stick to 1-inch margins on all sides for a clean, uniform appearance.
  • Left-align all text for a neat format. Only center the name and contact information at the top.
  • Add simple bullet points for listing responsibilities and accomplishments for readability.
  • Properly use white space between resume sections to avoid overcrowding and maintain an easy flow.

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Divisional financial controller resume example

Sample divisional financial controller resume

Sarah Johnson
Email: sarah.johnson@email.com | Phone: +1 987-654-3210 | LinkedIn: /in/sarahjohnson

Summary

Divisional Financial Controller with extensive experience managing financial operations for large multinational organizations. Expertise in budget management, financial strategy development, and cross-department collaboration. Proven ability to drive process improvements and deliver actionable financial insights to senior management.

Skills

  • Financial Reporting & Analysis
  • Budget Management & Forecasting
  • Variance Analysis
  • ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)
  • Team Leadership
  • Internal Audits
  • Strategic Financial Planning
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Financial Performance Optimization
  • Risk Management

Experience

Divisional Financial Controller

Siemens USA | New York, NY | May 2017 – Present

  • Lead financial reporting for the North American division of Siemens, ensuring timely and accurate statements for $3 billion.
  • Manage the budgeting process for the division, developing annual and quarterly forecasts that aligned with corporate financial goals.
  • Conduct monthly variance analysis to monitor spending and identify cost-control opportunities, improving budget accuracy by 18%.
  • Collaborate with department heads across engineering, sales, and marketing to ensure financial goals were integrated into each function’s operational plans.
  • Supervise a team of 6 finance professionals, providing mentorship and training to enhance performance and efficiency.

Financial Analyst

General Electric | Fairfield, CT | August 2013 – May 2017

  • Delivered financial analysis and reporting for a $1.8 billion industrial division, helping to streamline financial operations.
  • Assisted in the preparation of the quarterly financial close process, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial data.
  • Supported senior management by providing financial insights into key performance indicators (KPIs), improving decision-making efficiency.
  • Managed day-to-day cash flow forecasting and worked closely with the treasury team to ensure optimal management strategies.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Finance
University of California, Berkeley, CA | Graduated: 2013

Certifications

  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | Issued: June 2015
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I Candidate | Expected: June 2025

Leadership & Volunteering

  • Finance Committee Member – Siemens Charity Foundation | 2018 – Present
    • Provide financial oversight for philanthropic initiatives, ensuring responsible management of donated funds.
  • Mentorship Program Leader – General Electric | 2014 – 2017
    • Mentored new hires and junior financial analysts, helping them develop key financial skills and progress in their careers.

Why this example of a financial controller resume is great:

  • Well-balanced inclusion of both technical and managerial experience, emphasizing strategic management.
  • Emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, demonstrating a broad understanding of how finance integrates with other departments.
  • Clear career progression with relevant certifications and educational background to support the expertise.
Should I choose a financial controller resume objective or summary?

A resume summary is suitable if you have years of relevant experience.

  • Length: Generally 2–4 lines.
  • Include: An overview of your key strengths and any notable achievements.

Financial controller resume summary sample:

Financial controller with 10+ years of experience in overseeing budgeting, reporting, and compliance for multimillion-dollar organizations. Successfully led financial strategy initiatives that resulted in a 15% reduction in operational costs.

An objective in resume is ideal for those starting their career or switching industries.

Financial controller resume objective example:

Seeking a financial controller position where I can apply my analytical abilities and passion for financial management to support organizational growth.

How to showcase your financial controller resume skills?

The skills section plays a vital role in showcasing your capabilities, allowing employers to quickly assess your competencies.

  • Hard skills are specific technical qualifications acquired through education or training.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that influence your ability to interact and work with others.

Financial controller hard skills:

  • Financial reporting
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Risk management
  • Cash flow management
  • Tax compliance
  • Internal controls
  • Financial analysis
  • GAAP knowledge
  • ERP system proficiency
  • Audit management
  • Financial modeling
  • Strategic planning
  • Cost accounting
  • Accounts payable/receivable
  • Asset management

Soft skills for financial controllers:

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Collaboration
  • Decision-making
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Adaptability
  • Negotiation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Analytical thinking
  • Organization
  • Teamwork
  • Accountability
  • Attention to detail

Group financial controller resume template

Group financial controller resume sample

Group Financial Controller Resume
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Resume for group financial controller | Text version

Michael Davis
Email: michael.davis@email.com | Phone: +44 20 7946 0953 | LinkedIn: /in/michaeldavis

Summary

Group Financial Controller with experience managing operations across multiple subsidiaries. Expertise in consolidating financial statements, managing cross-border tax planning, and implementing strategic controls in large organizations. Adept at optimizing financial performance and ensuring regulatory compliance in a global context.

Skills

  • Group Financial Reporting
  • Consolidation of Financial Statements
  • International Tax Planning
  • Financial Modeling & Analysis
  • Risk Management & Compliance
  • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
  • Financial Systems Implementation
  • Cross-border Financial Management
  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Cost Reduction Strategies

Experience

Group Financial Controller

Unilever PLC | London, UK | January 2016 – Present

  • Lead the consolidation of financial statements for Unilever’s operations across Europe, Asia, and North America, with annual revenue exceeding $13 billion.
  • Spearhead the group’s budgeting process, ensuring that divisional budgets aligned with global financial objectives.
  • Play a pivotal role in cross-border tax planning, optimizing the company’s tax strategy and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
  • Implement cost reduction initiatives that reduce group-wide operational costs by 8%, contributing to the company's bottom line.
  • Coordinate with regional finance teams to ensure timely and accurate reporting across all subsidiaries, improving overall financial transparency.

Financial Controller

Shell International | London, UK | March 2010 – December 2015

  • Managed the financial reporting and closing process for Shell’s global energy division, which generated $25 billion in annual revenue.
  • Led monthly and quarterly financial close processes, providing insights into performance against budgets and forecasts.
  • Worked with senior management to refine financial strategy, contributing to a 5% increase in operational efficiency across all regions.
  • Managed internal audits and ensured compliance with both UK and international financial reporting standards.

Education

Master of Science in Finance
London Business School, UK | Graduated: 2009

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
University of Manchester, UK | Graduated: 2006

Certifications

  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) | Issued: May 2012
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – UK | Issued: September 2010

International Experience

  • Financial Leadership for European Operations – Unilever PLC
    • Oversaw financial operations in 10 European countries, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and local tax laws.
  • Cross-border M&A Experience – Shell International
    • Actively participated in financial due diligence for two major acquisitions in the Middle East, enhancing the company’s market position.

This sample financial controller resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Extensive international experience and cross-border management, setting the candidate apart in a global financial context.
  • Detailed focus on strategic controls, including M&A and tax planning, indicating a high level of expertise.
  • Strong education coupled with key certifications, establishing credibility and specialized knowledge in financial management.
What academic credentials should I add to my financial controller resume?

The education resume section shows potential employers that you have the necessary training to handle the responsibilities of the job.

Structure:

  • Degree(s) obtained, along with the institution's name and your graduation year.
  • Any relevant courses or areas of focus in your studies.
  • Certifications, such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant), which demonstrate your professional development.
How to organize the experience section in a financial controller resume?
  • List your most recent position first, followed by previous roles.
  • Include job title, company name, location, and dates to provide context and show your progression.
  • Emphasize your accomplishments and results. Use measurable outcomes where possible (e.g., reduced costs, improved efficiency).
  • Start each bullet point with an action verb to convey your contributions powerfully (e.g., "led," "managed," "optimized").

Conclusion

Your financial controller resume should demonstrate your ability to manage operations, lead teams, and ensure compliance with regulations.

By tailoring your document to highlight your technical skills, achievements, and leadership experience, you increase your chances of landing interviews. Use clear formatting, strong action verbs, and quantified results to make your application compelling.

With the right approach, your resume can position you as a top candidate in the finance industry.

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