Finance Skills for a Resume: A Complete Guide in 2025
Here are the top ways to show your Finance skills on your resume. Find out relevant Finance keywords and phrases and build your resume today.
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Finance skills are vital in today’s job market, transcending industries and experience levels. From managing budgets to interpreting complex financial data, these skills can make or break key decisions.
And yet, financial literacy remains a challenge for many. In fact, only about 50% of Americans have consistently demonstrated basic financial knowledge over the past eight years, according to the P-Fin Index.
When learning how to write a resume, it’s crucial to recognize that finance isn’t just about stocks and banks. It’s also about understanding risk, budgeting, and investing—skills that matter in almost every career.
Whether you’re starting out or have years of experience, this guide will show you how to make your finance skills shine and open doors to exciting opportunities.
Key takeaways
- Include finance skills early in your resume in a dedicated Core Competencies section to ensure they’re visible to recruiters and ATS right away.
- Reinforce the listed abilities with quantified achievements in your Experience or Projects sections.
- Tailor relevant finance skills, like modeling or budgeting, to the job you’re applying for. This shows you align perfectly with the role.
- Choose a concise and impactful language to emphasize both technical proficiency (e.g., MS Excel, SAP) and soft skills (e.g., problem-solving, decision-making).
- Develop your finance skills as a long-term investment. Growing your financial expertise opens doors to better opportunities and career progression.
What are finance skills?
Finance skills are the abilities that help you manage money, analyze data, and make informed financial decisions. While finance is often considered a hard skill because it involves measurable tasks like budgeting, forecasting, or auditing, it also requires an adeptness to communicate and lead effectively.
Here’s a list of the key soft skills associated with financial acumen:
Top soft skills for finance
Moreover, finance skills encompass technical abilities that involve working directly with numbers, systems, and processes to manage and analyze financial information. Usually, they’re considered hard skills because they’re acquired through training and practice and focus on measurable outcomes.
Take a look at the key skills required to work in finance:
Top hard finance skills for a resume
- Financial analysis
- Mathematics
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Accounting
- Tax preparation and compliance
- Risk management
- Financial modeling
- Investment strategies and portfolio management
- Cost analysis and control
- Auditing and internal controls
- Cash flow management
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Regulatory compliance (e.g., SOX, GAAP)
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) analysis
- Treasury management
- Financial software proficiency, such as MS Excel, SAP, or QuickBooks
On top of these must-have practical skills, it’s worth noting that today’s industries are increasingly seeking more specialized technical expertise. The evolving finance landscape—shaped by new technologies, changing business models, and stricter regulations—demands professionals who can adapt to these trends.
Mentioning any of the below competencies on your resume shows you’re keeping up and positions you as a forward-thinking candidate.
Specialized finance skills for 2025
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Cybersecurity and fraud prevention
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing
- Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology
- Sustainable finance strategies
- Forensic accounting
- Treasury management for global operations
- Fintech integration and innovation
- Strategic cost management
- Cross-functional leadership in finance transformation
Together, these skills show employers you’re ready to tackle both numbers and the people behind them.
When it comes to money, ignorance is NOT bliss. What you don't know CAN hurt you.
Sandra Simmons, Founder of Money Management Solutions
Now, let’s discuss when you should include your finance skills in your resume.
When to put finance skills on a resume
If you look closely, you’ll see that almost any job requires some basic finance-related know-how. From budgeting to understanding costs, these abilities are often part of everyday tasks, so they’re worth including on your resume for most roles.
For specialized finance positions, showcasing these skills isn’t optional—it’s essential. Employers in these fields expect to see both the fundamentals and refined expertise laid out clearly.
In both cases, your resume should be aligned with the job requirements.
In the next section of this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to highlight your finance skills step by step.
How to list finance skills on a resume
Finance skills can shine throughout your resume if you present them the right way.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step approach to spotlighting them effectively:
Best practices for listing finance skills
- Highlight practical applications: Finance isn’t just numbers on a page—it’s how you use those numbers. It’s important to tie your skills to real actions. For example, instead of merely listing “budget management”, say, “Streamlined budgeting process, saving 10% in departmental costs.”
- Use power verbs: Start your bullet points with strong verbs like “analyzed,” “managed,” “forecasted,” or “optimized.” These show action and responsibility, making your finance skills more impactful.
- Be specific and relevant: Don’t just say, “Good with numbers.” Instead, be precise: “Developed financial models to predict quarterly growth, contributing to strategic decision-making.” Emulate the wording of the job description.
- Add measurable results: Numbers matter in finance. Wherever possible, include data that quantifies your impact, like “Increased revenue by 15% through improved financial analysis” or “Reduced tax liabilities by $50K annually.”
- Tailor to the role: Focus on the finance skills keywords from the job posting. If it’s about compliance, underline your experience with regulatory frameworks. If it’s about strategy, discuss forecasting or financial modeling.
- Show off certifications and tools: If you hold certifications like CPA or CFA, make sure they’re prominent. These prove your value and credibility as they can be easily checked and verified by employers.
- Consider using a hybrid resume format. It allows you to emphasize your technical expertise and achievements while still demonstrating how you’ve applied them in real-world roles. Plus, the hybrid resume is a great choice for professionals wanting to balance skill emphasis with a solid career timeline.
By following these tips, you’ll present your finance skills in a way that grabs attention and aligns well with the role you’re targeting.
Check out the next part for a good example of how to do this in your resume!
Resume sample for showing finance skills on a resume
This finance specialist resume sample highlights top finance skills right upfront, ensuring that both applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiters can quickly identify the candidate’s expertise.
You can create an equally impactful document tailored to your strengths and career goals using Enhancv’s intuitive AI resume builder.
Jane Walker
Senior Energy Finance Specialist, CREP
(512) 555-987X | walker@enhancv.com | @LinkedIn | Albuquerque, NM
Summary
Dedicated finance professional with over 10 years of experience facilitating financial planning and stakeholder coordination in renewable energy projects. Proven track record in collaborating with diverse communities, particularly Native American tribes, to drive successful energy initiatives. Skilled in project budgeting and managing cross-functional teams, with a passion for sustainable energy and community empowerment.
Core Competencies
- Stakeholder Coordination: Expertise in acting as a liaison among diverse teams, ensuring effective communication and alignment.
- Energy Finance: Proficient in budgeting, financial modeling, and renewable energy concepts with a focus on solar projects.
- Project Management: Skilled in tracking timelines, monitoring deliverables, and maintaining organized documentation.
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Experienced in compiling and presenting progress reports and financial insights to stakeholders.
Experience
Energy Finance Coordinator
Renewable Horizons | Albuquerque, NM
July 2015 – June 2024
- Coordinated with tribal communities, consultants, and internal teams to implement renewable energy projects, achieving 100% project alignment across stakeholders.
- Streamlined budget tracking processes, saving 15% in administrative costs annually.
- Conducted 12+ financial literacy workshops, enhancing tribal leaders’ understanding of energy finance and project sustainability.
- Developed progress reports and presented key metrics to steering committees, maintaining 98% on-time project milestone delivery.
Community Engagement Specialist
Green Future Initiatives | Denver, CO
June 2013 – April 2015
- Promoted energy financing programs to underserved communities, achieving a 25% increase in program adoption.
- Organized informational sessions on renewable energy, reaching over 500 attendees.
- Collaborated with diverse community leaders to tailor energy solutions to local needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Graduated: May 2013
Certifications
- Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA), 2023
Skills
- Financial modeling for solar energy projects
- Regulatory compliance and reporting
- Stakeholder management and communication
- Renewable project management tools (Smartsheet, Asana)
- Advanced Microsoft Excel for financial analysis and tracking
- Proposal writing and grant applications for energy projects
- Tableau, Power BI
Languages
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Fluent)
- Navajo (Basic understanding)
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Next, let’s look at the best places to feature your finance skills.
Where to put finance skills on a resume
It’s always a smart move to display your key skills prominently in the top third of your resume. This is where hiring managers and ATS focus first, so listing them here increases the chances they’ll be noticed quickly.
The same goes for the finance skills relevant to the job you’re targeting. However, beyond just listing them, integrate them throughout your resume, especially within specific accomplishments and job experiences. This demonstrates how you’ve used these skills in practical, measurable ways.
Here are the best resume sections to display your finance expertise:
- Summary
- Core Competencies
- Skills or Tools
- Experience or Projects
- Achievements
- Certifications
Now, let’s explore how to make your financial savviness shine with real-world examples.
How to present finance skills in the summary
Your resume summary is the perfect spot to introduce your top finance skills and include any relevant certifications. Focus on what makes you stand out and tie it to the role you’re targeting. Don’t forget about quantifiable metrics—they can give your summary extra weight and immediately show the value you bring.
Here’s an example of a strong summary from an accountant’s resume:
How to present finance skills in the experience section
The experiencesection is where you bring your finance skills to life by showing how you’ve used them in previous roles. Use bullet points to detail specific responsibilities and accomplishments, and back them up with numbers whenever possible.
Also, use the opportunity to highlight the tools you used, the processes you improved, and the impact you had on the organization.
Here’s an example of how an auditor might present finance skills:
02/2022 - 11/2024 
- •Conducted comprehensive audits for over 50 clients, identifying financial discrepancies that led to $1.2M in recovered funds.
- •Streamlined internal audit procedures, reducing reporting time by 30% using advanced Excel and SAP tools.
- •Ensured compliance with GAAP standards, successfully passing 100% of external audits without penalties or delays.
The same approach applies to the Projects section, which is especially common in consultancy roles, where detailing your finance skills through specific, impactful project outcomes can underscore your expertise and versatility.
PRO TIP
If your finance role involves handling confidential information, avoid revealing sensitive details on your resume. Instead, focus on showcasing your discretion and integrity. For example, you can highlight your ability to "analyze and report on high-stakes financial data for Fortune 500 clients" without naming specific clients or projects. This demonstrates your expertise while respecting confidentiality.
How to put finance skills in an achievements section
Dedicating a separate Achievements section to finance skills is worth it when you have quantifiable successes you want to give more weight to. This approach is particularly valuable for roles where measurable results, like cost savings or revenue growth, are key to demonstrating expertise.
Take this financial controller’s Achievements section as an example.
How to list finance skills in a core competencies section
When building your Core Competencies section, it’s crucial to use specific keywords directly from the job ad. This helps your resume align with what the employer is looking for and increases your chances of passing ATS.
This is especially important for technical finance roles, where highlighting skills like financial modeling, risk management, or compliance can immediately show you’re a strong candidate.
The same approach applies to the Tools/Skills section. Prioritize the tools and software mentioned in the job description—like Excel, SAP, or QuickBooks—so recruiters can quickly see you meet their technical requirements.
Just like this payroll director did here:
Let’s dive into the professions where sharp financial acumen isn’t just an asset but a cornerstone of success.
Finance skills for every career stage
Finance skills are a cornerstone of success in many careers, from entry-level positions to executive roles. Whether you're a student, intern, graduate, or seasoned professional, knowing how to spotlight these abilities on your resume is essential.
Here are 10 roles that rely heavily on acute finance skills:
- Business analyst
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Payroll director
- Financial controller
- Investment banking analyst
- Budget analyst
- Risk manager
- Tax manager
- Corporate financial analyst
For intern and entry-level roles, amplifying your resume means focusing on transferable skills, academic achievements, and relevant projects that demonstrate your potential to thrive in finance-related positions.
Take a look at the scenarios below.
Finance skills example for students
Even if this is your first summer job—whether it’s working retail or helping at a family business—you can still show your way with money on your first resume. Highlight how you managed budgets for a school club, organized a fundraiser, or tracked expenses for a group project.
As you progress in your career, these early examples of financial acumen will evolve into more advanced skills, setting you up for success in roles that rely heavily on sharp financial thinking.
Let’s look at a sample Academic Projects section that showcases this progression:
09/2023 - 12/2023 - •Led a team of five to analyze market trends and optimize the company’s budget allocation, achieving first place in the class competition.
- •Utilized Excel and Google Sheets to present clear and actionable data insights to stakeholders.
01/2022 - 03/2022 - •Collaborated with faculty and student volunteers to allocate resources efficiently, increasing event attendance by 40%.
- •Presented a post-event financial summary to stakeholders, showcasing transparency and effective financial management.
Finance skills example for interns
Finance skills evolve as you gain experience, transitioning from foundational knowledge to more advanced expertise.
Here’s what might be expected of your intern resume:
- Support financial reporting and assist with data collection and analysis.
- Gain hands-on experience with software like SAP or financial modeling tools.
- Start contributing to decision-making by identifying trends or optimizing small-scale budgets.
A well-crafted Certifications section can elevate your credibility for any finance internship.
Here’s how it might look:
Finance skills example for junior roles
As you step into junior finance roles, the focus shifts to applying foundational knowledge in real-world situations while continuing to build new skills. While your formal education might not be the sole deciding factor for landing a job, it often serves as a strong signal of your potential and readiness.
Highlighting your degree, certifications, and any externships or relevant training can help demonstrate the solid foundation you bring. This is easy to do in an objective statement, a resume profile often used by those with less than three years of experience.
Below is an Objective Statement that successfully underlines all the candidate’s assets.
Moving on to the best ways to prove your finance skills to potential employers.
How to quantify finance skills
In resume writing, your finance skills can lose their impact if described vaguely, like “handles financial tasks.” Hiring managers want to see how your abilities translate into measurable contributions that drive results.
Here’s the right way to quantify your finance skills with concrete examples:
Best practices for measuring finance skills
- Include specific dollar amounts and financial achievements, like “managed a $2M budget” or “reduced costs by $50K annually.”
- Use metrics, like “increased revenue by 15%” or “cut reporting errors by 25%.”
- Report accuracy or efficiency gains by mentioning accomplishments, like “streamlined billing processes, reducing turnaround time by 30%.”
- Add context, such as “achieved a 20% cost reduction within six months.”
- Tie results to decision-making. Showcase strategic impact, like “forecasted cash flow trends, enabling 10% higher investment returns.”
Nine tips on how to develop your finance skills
Sharpening your finance skills is crucial for both personal and professional growth. Improving these skills can lead to better performance in areas like problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning.
Here’s how to get started:
How to hone your finance skills
- Take online courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy. Look for certifications in financial modeling, budgeting, or accounting to build technical expertise.
- Apply your skills by creating a personal budget, tracking expenses, or analyzing investment options. Use tools like Excel or budgeting apps to simulate real-world scenarios.
- Master widely-used tools like QuickBooks, SAP, or Tableau. These are essential in many professional roles and boost your employability.
- Read financial news, follow market trends, and subscribe to finance-related podcasts or newsletters to stay informed and broaden your understanding.
- Work on interpreting financial data by reviewing case studies or company financial statements. Practice identifying patterns and making predictions based on this data.
- Connect with finance professionals through networking events or platforms like LinkedIn. Learning from their experiences can provide insights and shortcuts to improving your skills.
- Join finance-related clubs or communities to practice and discuss real-world problems with peers. Many universities and NGOs offer opportunities like these.
- Track progress with metrics. Set measurable goals, such as “save X dollars monthly” or “reduce costs by Y%,” and track your performance. Practical application sharpens your skills.
- Volunteer for finance-related tasks at work or in your community, such as budgeting for events or conducting simple financial analyses, to gain hands-on experience.
Frequently asked questions about finance skills
Got questions about finance skills? Here are some quick answers to help you emphasize your expertise:
What skill is best for finance?
A 2022 article from Harvard Business School highlights accounting—specifically the ability to read and interpret financial documents—as the most critical skill for financial analysis.
However, with the rapid rise of AI, it’s becoming equally important to collaborate with technologies and develop data analysis skills. Proficiency in tools like Python, Tableau, or advanced Excel is now essential to succeed in mid- and high-level finance positions, where automation and predictive analytics play a growing role in decision-making.
How many finance skills should I list on my resume?
Aim to include five to seven relevant finance skills that directly align with the job description (but don’t exaggerate). This keeps your resume focused while ensuring recruiters and ATS systems can easily identify your expertise.
What’s the best skill for financial analysis?
The ability to interpret data is key for effective financial analysis. Combine this with advanced Excel or financial modeling skills to deliver actionable insights that drive business strategies.
How should I describe my financial skills?
Use clear resume language that highlights your achievements without overloading it with jargon. For example, say “improved cash flow forecasting accuracy by 20%” rather than using overly technical terms. Avoiding buzzwords ensures that hiring managers can understand and appreciate your accomplishments.
What are the best books on finance?
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- Corporate Finance by Jonathan Berk and Peter DeMarzo
- Financial Modeling by Simon Benninga
- Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
Conclusion
Finance skills are key to making informed decisions, driving results, and thriving in almost any industry. Whether you’re just starting your career or climbing the professional ladder, spotlight these skills on your resume to open doors to new opportunities. By tailoring your approach and quantifying your achievements, you’ll position yourself as a strong, future-ready candidate in the finance world.
Make one that's truly you.
