CV tips for senior finance professionals

Two years ago, I wrote an article about CVs for senior finance professionals and described them as a sales document rather than simply a record of employment history. Two years later, I stand by that advice, albeit with a few caveats.

The recruitment market has evolved, finance leadership roles have broadened, and AI has entered the conversation in a way few of us could have predicted. Yet despite all this change, the best CVs still achieve the same objective: helping an employer understand the value you could bring to their business.

The fundamentals haven't changed. The way candidates present them has.

Having now spent 21 years recruiting senior finance talent across Scotland, working with owner-managed businesses, private equity-backed organisations, larger group structures and not-for-profit organisations across a range of sectors, here are a few observations I'd share with anyone considering a CV refresh.

AI can write your CV, but it can't tell your story

The biggest change since my original article has undoubtedly been the emergence of AI.
Many finance professionals are now using AI tools to improve structure, presentation and language.

Used well, these tools can be incredibly effective. Some of the strongest CVs I receive have clearly benefited from AI helping to sharpen messaging and improve readability.

However, there is a downside.

I'm increasingly seeing CVs that are polished but predictable. They either look remarkably similar to other CVs or feel over-engineered. They are packed with phrases such as "spearheaded transformative initiatives" and "pioneered strategic change" but often lack the evidence or personality to support them.

Hiring managers aren't looking for the best AI-generated CV. They're looking for someone who can genuinely lead, influence and deliver results.  The CVs that stand out are the ones that still sound like a real person.  There is no doubt that AI can improve your CV. It still cannot explain your motivations, leadership style or the impact you've had on a business.  This is where the changes need to be made.

Context is key 

After more than two decades interviewing senior finance leaders, I've learned that substance always outweighs rhetoric. In a senior finance CV, context is invaluable. Details such as company turnover, team size, international footprint, number of sites, or the complexity of the corporate structure help paint a much clearer picture of your experience. 

Showing you've delivered results is important, but helping employers understand the environment in which those results were achieved is what really brings a CV to life.

Influence is as important as technical expertise

Historically, many finance CVs focused heavily on technical capability.  Today, that's no longer enough.

In my experience, clients rarely choose between technically weak and technically strong candidates.

More often, they're choosing between several highly capable finance leaders. The differentiator is usually influence and communication: who can build relationships, challenge effectively and drive better business decisions.

Finance is increasingly expected to shape strategy, not simply report on it.

As a result, I encourage candidates to devote more space to demonstrating influence and business impact.

Ask yourself:

• How have you shaped key business decisions?
• How have you influenced operational leaders?
• What strategic initiatives have you helped drive?
• How have you improved organisational performance through financial insight?
• Who are you influencing: investors, the board, executive teams or functional leaders?

For senior finance professionals, these examples often resonate far more strongly than a detailed description of month-end responsibilities.

Don't underestimate the value of purpose

One trend I've noticed in recent years is the growing importance candidates place on organisational purpose.

Senior finance professionals are increasingly asking:

• What does this organisation stand for?
• What impact does it have on its customers, members or community
• How will my role contribute to that purpose?

This is particularly evident within charities, education, membership organisations and other purpose-led businesses.  If you've contributed to a wider organisational mission, led ESG initiatives, supported community programmes or helped deliver meaningful change, don't overlook it.

Employers are looking for leaders who can connect financial performance with organisational purpose.

Quantify impact wherever possible

One piece of advice I continue to give almost every senior candidate is this: Don't just tell me what you did, tell me what difference it made.

Many CVs do a good job of explaining responsibilities and scope. Far fewer explain the results achieved as a consequence of those responsibilities.

For example:

Responsible for finance business partnering across the organisation.

Versus:

Partnered with operational leaders to identify cost efficiencies, contributing to a 12% improvement in operating margin over two years.

This blog is one of a series of articles from our commercial partners, Cooper Parry. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of ICAS.