CV Financial Analyst

The different parts of the Financial Analyst CV

Creating an impactful Financial Analyst CV is essential for anyone seeking a position in finance, banking, or corporate analysis. A well-organized CV allows recruiters to quickly assess whether you possess the qualifications, technical expertise, and analytical thinking required for this data-driven profession. To stand out in a competitive market, your CV should follow a clear structure and highlight your strengths in a concise and professional manner. Below, we break down the essential parts of a Financial Analyst CV and provide examples to help you tailor your application effectively.

The about section

The “About” section—sometimes called the Professional Summary or Profile—is your CV’s opening paragraph. This part of your CV should summarize who you are as a finance professional, what you’ve achieved, and what you’re looking for in your next role. Keep it focused, professional, and tailored to the position you are applying for.

A good “About” section should include your current job title or level of experience, your key strengths (such as financial modeling, forecasting, or budget analysis), and a hint of your career goals. It’s not the place to dive into specifics—that comes later—but it should act as a compelling snapshot of your professional identity.

The skills section

The skills section showcases your technical and soft skills relevant to the job. In the field of financial analysis, employers are looking for candidates with a solid mix of analytical tools, software proficiency, and strategic thinking. The key is to keep your skills specific and relevant, not overly generic.

It’s best to use bullet points to list your skills and keep them scannable. This helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which often search for exact skill keywords.

These are the kinds of skills that match what most job descriptions for Financial Analysts request. Be sure to only include the ones you truly possess and can demonstrate in interviews or on the job.

The languages section

In a globalized economy, language skills can give you a real edge, especially if you’re applying for a position in a multinational company, a bank with international clients, or a financial institution with cross-border operations. Even if not required for the job, language skills show adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and an openness to international collaboration.

When listing languages, be honest and use standard proficiency levels (e.g., Native, Fluent, Intermediate, Basic).

If you’ve used your language skills in a professional setting—such as creating financial reports in another language or working with international teams—you may want to briefly mention that in your experience section too.

The interests section

While this section might seem minor, it can humanize your profile and help recruiters see you as a well-rounded individual. For a Financial Analyst, listing interests that subtly reinforce your professional attributes—like precision, problem-solving, or strategic thinking—can be a bonus. For example, puzzle solving, chess, or following global stock markets can reflect well on your analytical abilities.

That said, feel free to include personal passions as well. Employers increasingly value work-life balance and employees who are engaged both professionally and personally.

Avoid listing overly generic interests like “watching TV” or “hanging out with friends,” unless they relate to something distinctive or unique.

The professional experience section

This is arguably the most important section of your CV. Your work experience is where you prove you’ve done the job—or at least relevant tasks—before. Employers want to see that you’ve applied your skills in a real-world environment and achieved measurable results.

Each role listed should include the company name, your job title, the location, the dates of employment, and a few bullet points outlining your key responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your results when possible.

These examples show progression, responsibility, and quantifiable impact—all things employers want to see.

The education section

Your academic background is particularly important in finance roles, where many employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Business Administration. Some positions may even require or prefer master’s-level education or certifications like CFA or ACCA.

You should list your degrees in reverse chronological order, including the name of the degree, the university, the location, and the dates. You may also include any academic honors, scholarships, or key coursework relevant to finance.

If you’ve completed professional development courses—such as online courses in data analytics or certifications in financial software—you can also include these as a separate subsection or under “Additional Training.”

How do I highlight my analytical skills on a Financial Analyst CV?

To highlight your analytical skills on a Financial Analyst CV, include specific examples where you’ve used data interpretation, problem-solving, and critical thinking to drive decisions. Use action verbs such as analyzed, evaluated, or interpreted in your professional experience section. Quantify your impact whenever possible: “Analyzed quarterly reports to identify cost-saving opportunities, resulting in a 12% reduction in expenses.” Mention tools like Excel, Power BI, or SQL to show your proficiency with data analysis software. These concrete examples make your analytical capabilities both visible and verifiable to recruiters.

What financial modeling tools should be mentioned in a Financial Analyst CV?

A strong Financial Analyst CV should showcase proficiency in key financial modeling tools. Employers commonly look for expertise in Microsoft Excel, especially functions like VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and macros. Mention tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and SAP for data visualization and financial reporting. If you’re experienced with SQL, Python, or R for building complex models or running simulations, include these as well. Highlight your ability to build forecasting models, cash flow projections, and budget variance reports. Emphasizing these tools shows that you can handle large data sets and deliver insightful financial analysis.

Is it useful to include languages spoken on a Financial Analyst CV?

Yes, listing languages spoken on a Financial Analyst CV can add value, especially if you’re applying to multinational companies or roles involving cross-border transactions. Language proficiency demonstrates communication skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness—important traits in global finance. Include your fluency level (e.g., native, fluent, intermediate) and specify if the language was used in a professional context, such as writing reports or participating in international meetings. For example: “Fluent in French – used regularly for preparing quarterly reports for the EMEA region.” This information can set you apart in a competitive job market.

How do I list relevant financial certifications or online courses?

To list financial certifications or online courses on your CV, create a section titled “Certifications” or “Professional Development.” Include the name of the certification, the institution, and the completion year. For example: “CFA Level II Candidate, CFA Institute, 2024” or “Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA), CFI, 2023.” For online courses, mention the platform (e.g., Coursera, Udemy, edX) and relate them to the role: “Financial Accounting Fundamentals, Coursera (University of Illinois), 2022.” This shows that you’re committed to continuous learning and staying updated in the financial industry.