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finance
Controller
Resume Example
4.5 / 5
Why This Template Works
This Controller resume format works exceptionally well for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) because it prioritizes clarity and relevance. By using specific keywords such as 'financial controller', 'cash flow management', and 'accounting systems integration', the resume ensures that it passes through automated filters efficiently. The structure highlights Emily Wong's experience in managing financial operations, making her a strong candidate for Controller positions. Additionally, by including a professional summary and key achievements, this format emphasizes results over duties, which is crucial for ATS algorithms.
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How to Write This Resume
Expert guidelines and best practices for each section of your resume.
01
Contact
Contact
First Name Last Name City, State, Zip Code Phone Number | Email Address LinkedIn Profile URL | Portfolio URL (Optional)
General Guidelines
Your contact information is the first section recruiters see. Keep it concise and professional. Ensure your email address is appropriate (e.g., [email protected]). Include your LinkedIn profile for a comprehensive view of your professional journey. A portfolio or personal website is recommended for creative, technical, or design roles.
Avoid This
Do not include your full physical address (street number/name) for privacy reasons. Avoid including personal details like marital status, age, photo, or social security number unless specifically required in your country. Don't use unprofessional email addresses.
Real Examples
See clear examples of how to format contact details effectively.
Don't
Emily Wong 1234 Elm St, Apt B, San Francisco, CA 94105 [email protected]
Do
Emily Wong San Francisco, CA (555) 432-6789 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/emily-wong-finance | emilywongfinance.com
Quick Tips
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname format)
- Ensure your voicemail is set up and professional
- Double-check your phone number and email for typos
- Make your LinkedIn URL custom (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
02
Summary
Summary
Professional Title Result-oriented [Role Name] with [Number] years of experience in [Key Skills/Industries]. Proven track record of [Major Achievement]. Skilled in [Key Technologies/Skills]. Committed to delivering [Specific Value] for [Target Industry/Company type].
General Guidelines
A professional summary is your elevator pitch. It should be 3-5 sentences long, summarizing your experience, key skills, and major achievements. Tailor it to the job description by using relevant keywords. Focus on what makes you unique and the value you bring to potential employers.
Avoid This
Avoid generic objectives like 'Looking for a challenging role to grow my skills.' Recruiters want to know what value you bring to them, not what you want from them. Don't use first-person pronouns (I, me, my). Keep it concise and impactful.
Real Examples
Compare a weak objective with a strong professional summary.
Don't
Objective: I am a hard-working individual looking for a Controller position where I can learn new things and advance my career.
Do
Senior Controller with over 6 years of experience in scaling financial operations from startups to mid-sized enterprises. Reduced potential financial liabilities by 35% through robust risk management frameworks. Skilled in SAP, Oracle ERP, and Tableau for strategic forecasting.
Quick Tips
- Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., 'Increased revenue by 20%')
- Keep it under 5 lines for readability
- Use strong action verbs to start sentences
- Tailor the summary to match the job description
03
Skills
Skills
Technical Skills - Languages: [List] - Frameworks: [List] - Tools: [List] Soft Skills - [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]
General Guidelines
Group your skills logically (e.g., Languages, Frameworks, Tools). Focus on hard skills relevant to the job. List skills in order of proficiency or relevance. Soft skills are better demonstrated through bullet points in your experience section rather than a bare list.
Avoid This
Do not list skills you are not comfortable using in an interview. Avoid using progress bars or percentages to rate your skills (e.g., "Java: 80%") as they are subjective and often misinterpreted. Don't include outdated technologies unless specifically required.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for skills
Don't
Financial Analysis, Risk Management (75%), Budgeting, ERP systems: Oracle, SAP (80%)
Do
Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Strategic Planning, ERP Systems (Oracle, SAP)
Quick Tips
- List technical skills such as financial analysis tools and software in a clear and organized manner.
- Prioritize listing the most relevant and recent technologies you have proficiency with.
- Highlight soft skills through achievements rather than just naming them; for instance, mention 'Effective leadership' under leadership roles in your work experience.
- Ensure that all listed skills are directly applicable to the role of Controller.
04
Experience
Experience
Job Title | Company Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Action Verb + Context + Result (Quantified) - Led [Project] resulting in [Outcome]... - Collaborated with [Team] to implement [Feature]...
General Guidelines
This is the core of your resume. Use reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties. Use numbers to quantify your impact (dollars, percentages, time saved, users affected). Show progression and increasing responsibility.
Avoid This
Avoid passive language like "Responsible for..." or "Tasked with...." Don't list every single daily task; focus on significant contributions and measurable outcomes. Avoid jargon that recruiters outside your field won't understand.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for experiences
Don't
Responsible for maintaining accurate financial records.
Do
Maintained accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with international accounting standards.
Don't
Tasked with preparing monthly reports.
Do
Prepared detailed monthly financial reports that guided senior management's decision-making process.
Quick Tips
- Start each bullet point with an action verb to highlight your active role in achieving results.
- Quantify achievements using specific numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts whenever possible to demonstrate impact.
- Showcase your progression by highlighting increasing responsibilities and the scope of projects you've led over time.
- Focus on significant contributions that align with the job description and requirements of potential employers.
05
Education
Education
Degree Name | University Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2] - Honors/Awards: [Award Name] - GPA: X.X (if above 3.5)
General Guidelines
List your highest degree first. If you have significant work experience, keep the education section brief. Include your GPA only if it is above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate. Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, honors, or leadership roles.
Avoid This
Do not include high school details if you have a college degree. Avoid listing every single course you took; select only the most relevant ones. Don't include graduation dates from decades ago if age discrimination is a concern in your field.
Real Examples
Don't
Bachelor of Science in Finance | XYZ University | San Francisco, CA September 2017 - May 2021 - Coursework: Financial Analysis, Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Data Structures and Algorithms, Advanced Programming with Python - Leadership Role: President of the Student Investment Club - GPA: 3.8
Do
Bachelor of Science in Finance | XYZ University | San Francisco, CA September 2017 - May 2021 - Relevant Coursework: Financial Analysis, Corporate Finance, Risk Management - Leadership Role: President of the Student Investment Club
Quick Tips
- List your degree name and university prominently with location details.
- Include only relevant coursework related to your profession as a Controller.
- Highlight any academic honors or awards that are pertinent to your career.
- Use the GPA field wisely, including it only if above 3.5 or you're a recent graduate.
06
Projects
Projects
Project Name | Tools/Technologies Used - Briefly describe what you created and its purpose - Highlight specific challenges you solved - Link to portfolio or demo if available
General Guidelines
Projects are excellent for demonstrating practical skills, especially if you lack work experience or are changing careers. Include a link to your portfolio or demo if possible. Focus on projects that show problem-solving skills and relevant tools for the target role.
Avoid This
Don't include trivial tutorials unless you significantly expanded on them. Avoid projects that are outdated, incomplete, or irrelevant to the role you're applying for. Don't just list technologies—explain what you created and why it matters.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for projects
Don't
Created a basic spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel to track personal expenses. No specific challenges or outcomes mentioned.
Do
Developed an advanced budget management tool in Excel that automated expense tracking, categorized spending, and provided real-time financial insights. Reduced manual data entry errors by 80%.
Quick Tips
- Choose projects that showcase your ability to solve complex financial problems with strategic planning.
- Include detailed descriptions of the tools and technologies you used to build your project, explaining their relevance and impact.
- Provide clear metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution in real-world scenarios.
- If applicable, include a live link to your project's demo or portfolio to provide tangible evidence of your capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this role and how to best present it on your resume.
Prioritize financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, month-end close, internal controls, audit support, tax compliance, ERP systems, and team leadership.
Connect prior finance, accounting, audit, or operations work to controller responsibilities such as controls, reporting accuracy, cash management, and executive decision support.
Many controller roles value CPA, CMA, MBA, or MSA credentials, but practical experience with close processes, compliance, forecasting, and ERP tools is just as important.
Use reverse-chronological roles, show increasing scope, and quantify improvements in reporting speed, cost control, audit readiness, cash flow, or team ownership.
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