Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.
Finance Graduate CV Template (Text Format)
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Finance Graduate with experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and advanced Excel, acquired through internships at Barclays and PwC. Adept at aiding decision-making with data analysis and financial modelling. Proven ability to communicate financial concepts clearly and work effectively within teams.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Financial Analyst Intern
PwC, London
October 20XX – Present
- Support senior analysts in preparing detailed financial models for client presentations, contributing to key investment decisions
- Assist in budget reviews and forecasting, helping clients achieve a 5% reduction in operational costs
- Gain hands-on experience with advanced Excel functions to automate data reporting, improving efficiency by 15%
- Participate in regular training sessions to develop communication and presentation skills, ensuring clarity in stakeholder meetings
Finance Intern
Barclays, London
July 20XX – September 20XX
- Assisted in preparing financial reports and performing basic data analysis to support the finance team during quarterly reviews
- Gained exposure to financial modelling and budgeting, applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios
- Attended team meetings and collaborated with other interns to complete a group project on cost optimisation strategies
EDUCATION
BSc (Hons) Finance, 2:1
University of Greenwich, London
September 20XX – July 20XX
Relevant coursework: Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Data Analysis for Business, and Financial Modelling
Dissertation Topic: ‘The Impact of Financial Regulation on UK Banking Profitability’
KEY SKILLS
- Financial analysis
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
- Financial modelling
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Data analysis
- Communication
- Teamwork
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
Enjoy playing football and keeping fit. Passionate about personal finance and investing. Regularly attend finance-related seminars and webinars to stay updated on industry trends.
How to write a Finance Graduate CV
Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.
A finance graduate CV needs to showcase your analytical skills, technical knowledge, and business acumen to convince employers that you can hit the ground running in a financial role.
Here’s how to write a CV that showcases your potential:
1. Focus on technical and academic strengths in your personal statement
As a finance graduate, your personal statement should highlight your degree, any relevant internships or experience, and key technical skills such as financial analysis, Excel proficiency, or knowledge of accounting software.
Mention any standout academic achievements or relevant certifications like ACA, CIMA, or CFA (if applicable) to demonstrate your eagerness to contribute to a financial firm.
Remember to tailor this section to the specific employer and role by referencing specific skills or knowledge areas in the job listing, such as financial modelling, data analysis, or regulatory compliance.
Example finance graduate CV personal statement
Highly motivated finance graduate with a First-Class Honours in Accounting and Finance from the University of Leeds. Proficient in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, with experience gained from an internship at Barclays Bank, where I supported the financial planning team. Seeking to leverage my strong analytical skills and passion for corporate finance to contribute to [Company Name]’s financial operations.
2. Highlight relevant experience with a focus on transferable skills
Even if you don’t have extensive work experience, you can still focus on internships, part-time roles, or university projects where you applied your financial skills.
Highlight any analytical tasks, software proficiency (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks), or contributions to financial decision-making. And, use numbers when possible to illustrate your accomplishments, such as improvements in financial reporting accuracy or reductions in expenses during your internship.
Example work experience entry for a financial graduate
Finance Intern
Barclays Bank, London | June 20XX – August 20XX
- Assisted in preparing monthly financial statements by gathering and verifying data from 5 internal departments, improving the accuracy of financial reports submitted to senior management
- Supported the budget forecasting process for 3 client accounts, resulting in more precise expenditure tracking and helping identify potential budget overruns
- Conducted variance analysis on operational costs for the retail division, pinpointing areas for a 5% reduction in overhead expenses by streamlining vendor contracts and resource allocation
3. List your finance-related education and certifications
As a recent graduate, your education is one of your strongest assets. Start with your most relevant degree and include any relevant coursework, such as financial management, risk analysis, or accounting principles, that directly ties into the role you’re applying for.
You should also repeat any finance certifications that you mentioned in your personal statement to give the employer proper context.
Example finance graduate CV education and certifications section
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
University of Leeds | 20XX – 20XX | First-Class Honours
Relevant Modules: Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Risk Analysis, Accounting PrinciplesCertifications
- CFA Level 1 (Passed, June 20XX)
- Excel Skills for Business Specialisation, Coursera (20XX)
4. Use hobbies and interests to show how you’d fit in
While employers care more about your technical skills, listing specific hobbies and interests on your CV can reinforce your analytical mindset and passion for finance.
Choose interests that demonstrate your commitment to learning, leadership, or strategic thinking — such as stock market analysis, chess, or volunteering with finance-related organisations.
Example hobbies and interests section for a financial graduate CV
- Actively manage a small personal investment portfolio
- Compete in local chess tournaments
- Support local non-profits by offering financial literacy workshops to young adults.
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