Assistant Director of Finance Resume Examples for 2024

Jump to a template:

Assistant Director of Finance

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Summary

Experience

Education

Skills

Jump to a resource:

Assistant Director of Finance Resume Tips

Keywords

Google Docs Template #1

Assistant Director of Finance Resume Sample

As the name suggests, your job will revolve around assisting the director of finance to maintain the financial health of the company. Your tasks may include preparing financial statements and other financial documents, reconciling ledgers, supervising payroll and other money transactions, etc.

Recruiters will expect you to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in accounting or finance, and years of experience in a finance-related position. Experience working in the company’s industry would also be strongly preferred. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

Buy Template (Word + Google Docs) Download Resume in PDF

Screenshot

Text Version

An assistant director of finance resume sample that highlights the applicant’s certifications and leadership experience.

Tips to help you write your Assistant Director of Finance resume in 2024

Get financial certifications.

Shine amongst your competition by getting certifications related to your job. Finance and accounting certifications will be especially helpful. This applicant has 3 impressive certifications.

Also see: How to List Certifications on a Resume

Get financial certifications. - Assistant Director of Finance Resume

Expand

Use action verbs that highlight your leadership.

In this position, you will be assisting someone in a leadership position. Show recruiters that you can take on some of your superior's leadership tasks by using action verbs that show self-agency and leadership. These may include, ‘Championed’, ‘Supervised’, and ‘Handled’.

Also see: Recruiter View: How To Show Leadership Skills on Your Resume

Use action verbs that highlight your leadership. - Assistant Director of Finance Resume

Expand

Assistant Director of Finance Resume Tips

We spoke with hiring managers at top companies like JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Bank of America to understand what they look for in Assistant Director of Finance resumes. The following tips incorporate their advice and will help your resume stand out.

Highlight your leadership experience

Companies want to see that you have experience leading and managing teams. Provide specific examples of how you led projects, initiatives or teams to success.

Led a team of 12 financial analysts to streamline reporting processes, reducing monthly close time by 30%
Managed a $10M budget and consistently came in under budget while exceeding revenue targets by 15%

If you lack formal leadership roles, you can also highlight leadership within projects or initiatives.

Spearheaded the implementation of a new financial planning software, training a team of 25 and improving forecast accuracy by 20%

Bullet Point Samples for Assistant Director of Finance

Expand

Showcase your technical skills

Assistant Directors of Finance are expected to have a strong command of financial software and tools. Highlight your proficiency in:

ERP systems like SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics
Financial planning software like Hyperion, Cognos or Adaptive Insights
Advanced Excel skills including VBA and macros
SQL and database management

Don't just list the software, but provide context on how you used it to drive results.

Implemented Hyperion Planning, reducing planning cycle time by 40% and improving accuracy of annual budgets and forecasts

Quantify your impact

Numbers speak louder than words. Wherever possible, use specific metrics to quantify the impact you've had in previous roles.

Managed budget for the department
Improved process efficiency within the finance team

Instead, quantify your accomplishments like this:

Managed a departmental budget of $25M, delivering a 10% cost reduction through vendor negotiations and cost control measures
Led a Lean Six Sigma project to improve financial reporting efficiency, reducing time-to-close by 2 days and saving 250 person-hours per month

Tailor your resume to the company

Research the company you're applying to and tailor your resume accordingly. Look for key skills and qualifications in the job description and make sure they're prominently featured in your resume.

For example, if the company is looking for someone with experience in M&A:

Led financial due diligence for 3 acquisitions totaling $250M, building complex financial models to assess value and risk
Partnered with Corporate Development to identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets, leading to a $50M strategic acquisition

Highlight your industry expertise

If you have experience in the same industry as the company you're applying to, make sure to highlight that prominently. Companies value industry expertise and understand the business and its challenges.

10+ years of experience in the retail industry, with deep understanding of key financial drivers and metrics like same-store sales, inventory turnover, and GMROI

If you're changing industries, you can still highlight transferable skills and experiences.

Led financial planning and analysis for a $500M business unit, developing deep expertise in SaaS metrics like CAC, LTV, and churn rate that are highly relevant to the tech industry

Show your progression

Companies want to see growth and progression in your career. Make sure your resume tells a clear story of how you've taken on increasing levels of responsibility and scope over time.

A good way to do this is by using a reverse-chronological format and providing specific details and accomplishments for each role.

XYZ Company - Assistant Director of Finance (2018-Present)
Promoted to lead financial planning and analysis for the $500M North American business unit, managing a team of 10 analysts
Implemented a new planning process that improved forecast accuracy by 30% and reduced planning cycle time by 2 weeks
XYZ Company - Senior Financial Analyst (2015-2018)
Supported financial planning and analysis for the $200M West Coast region
Created a new dashboard to track key metrics, providing real-time visibility to senior leadership

Writing Your Assistant Director of Finance Resume: Section By Section

Summary

While a resume summary is optional, it can be a valuable addition to your Assistant Director of Finance resume if you have extensive experience or are making a career change. A well-crafted summary can provide context, highlight your most relevant qualifications, and help you stand out to hiring managers. However, avoid using an objective statement, as it is outdated and focuses on your goals rather than how you can benefit the company.

When writing your summary, focus on your key strengths, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the Assistant Director of Finance role. Keep it concise, typically no more than 4-5 sentences, and tailor it to the specific job you are applying for.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for an Assistant Director of Finance resume

Expand

1. Highlight your financial expertise and leadership skills

When crafting your resume summary for an Assistant Director of Finance position, it's crucial to showcase your financial expertise and leadership abilities. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who can effectively manage financial operations and lead teams to success.

To demonstrate your qualifications, consider including:

Your years of experience in finance or accounting roles
Key areas of expertise, such as financial planning, budgeting, or financial analysis
Leadership experience, such as managing teams or projects
Relevant certifications, such as CPA or CFA

Here's an example of a strong summary for an Assistant Director of Finance:

Results-driven finance professional with 10+ years of experience in financial planning, analysis, and team leadership. CPA with a proven track record of optimizing financial performance and driving process improvements. Skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

Quantify your achievements in your summary when possible. For example, mention the size of budgets you've managed or the percentage of cost savings you've achieved. This helps provide concrete evidence of your abilities.

2. Tailor your summary to the company and role

To make your resume summary stand out, it's essential to tailor it to the specific Assistant Director of Finance position and company you're applying to. Research the company and identify the key skills and experiences they are looking for in a candidate.

Avoid using generic or vague statements that could apply to any finance professional, such as:

Experienced finance professional seeking a challenging role
Highly motivated individual with strong communication skills

Instead, focus on the specific qualifications and experiences that make you a strong fit for the role, such as:

Expertise in financial forecasting and risk management for global manufacturing companies
Proven ability to lead finance teams in implementing cost-saving initiatives and improving financial reporting processes

After writing your resume summary, use Score My Resume to get instant feedback on how well it showcases your qualifications for an Assistant Director of Finance role. This tool analyzes your resume based on key criteria hiring managers look for and provides suggestions for improvement.

Experience

Your work experience section is the heart of your resume as an assistant director of finance. It's where you'll highlight your most relevant and impactful professional experiences, accomplishments, and skills.

To make this section stand out, focus on showcasing your financial acumen, leadership abilities, and strategic thinking. Use specific examples and metrics to illustrate your impact, and tailor your bullet points to the job description.

1. Highlight financial wins with metrics

Quantify your financial achievements to show the impact you've made in previous roles. Use specific numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to illustrate your successes.

Implemented cost-saving measures that reduced operating expenses by 15% over 2 years, saving the company $500K annually
Developed and executed a financial strategy that increased revenue by 20% YoY, resulting in $2M+ in additional revenue
Led a team of 5 financial analysts to optimize budgeting processes, reducing time spent on budgeting by 30%

By using metrics, you provide concrete evidence of your abilities and make your achievements more tangible to potential employers.

When highlighting your achievements, consider using our Score My Resume tool to ensure your resume is hitting all the right notes. It provides instant feedback on over 30 key criteria hiring managers look for, so you can optimize your resume for maximum impact.

2. Use strong financial action verbs

Choose powerful action verbs that showcase your financial expertise and leadership skills. These verbs help to convey your active role in driving results and implementing strategies.

Analyzed financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities
Forecasted revenue and expenses to develop accurate budgets
Spearheaded the implementation of a new financial reporting system

Avoid weak or passive verbs that downplay your contributions:

Helped with financial reporting
Worked on budgeting projects
Assisted in cost-saving initiatives

Action Verbs for Assistant Director of Finance

Expand

Use action verbs strategically throughout your work experience section to create a strong, consistent narrative of your financial leadership and expertise.

3. Showcase financial tools and technologies

Highlight your proficiency with financial tools and technologies that are relevant to the assistant director of finance role. This shows employers that you have the technical skills necessary to succeed in the position.

Proficient in financial analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, SQL, and Tableau
Experienced in using ERP systems like SAP and Oracle for financial reporting and budgeting
Skilled in using data visualization tools like Power BI to create compelling financial dashboards

By showcasing your technical skills, you demonstrate your ability to leverage technology to drive financial performance and make data-driven decisions.

When highlighting your technical skills, be specific about how you've used these tools to achieve results. For example, "Used Tableau to create interactive dashboards that enabled leadership to make data-driven decisions, resulting in a 10% increase in operational efficiency."

4. Highlight promotions and career growth

If you've been promoted or taken on increasing responsibilities in your previous roles, make sure to highlight this in your work experience section. This shows employers that you have a track record of success and have been recognized for your contributions.

Assistant Director of Finance, XYZ Company (2018-Present)
Senior Financial Analyst, XYZ Company (2016-2018)
Financial Analyst, XYZ Company (2014-2016)

By showcasing your career progression, you demonstrate your ability to grow and take on new challenges, which is a valuable trait for any assistant director of finance.

To make your promotions and career growth stand out, consider bolding your job titles. This draws the eye to your career trajectory and makes it easy for recruiters to quickly see your progression.

Education

The education section in your resume for an assistant director of finance position should be concise and relevant. It's important to highlight your degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework that align with the job requirements. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing your education section:

1. List your degrees in reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent degree first, followed by earlier degrees. Include the name of the degree, the institution, and the year of graduation.

Here's an example of how to list your education:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), XYZ University, 2018
Bachelor of Science in Finance, ABC College, 2014

Avoid listing your education like this:

Bachelor of Science in Finance, ABC College, 2014
Master of Business Administration (MBA), XYZ University, 2018

If you have multiple degrees, consider listing only the most relevant ones for the assistant director of finance position to keep your education section concise.

2. Include relevant certifications

If you have certifications that are relevant to the assistant director of finance role, include them in your education section. This can include certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Here's an example of how to list your certifications:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), XYZ University, 2018
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, ABC College, 2014
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 2016

If you have multiple certifications, consider creating a separate 'Certifications' section to keep your education section focused on your degrees.

3. Highlight relevant coursework for recent graduates

If you are a recent graduate with limited work experience, you can include relevant coursework in your education section to showcase your knowledge and skills. This can include courses in finance, accounting, economics, or business management.

Here's an example of how to list your relevant coursework:

Bachelor of Science in Finance, ABC College, 2022
Relevant Coursework: Financial Analysis, Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Accounting Principles

Avoid listing irrelevant or general coursework like this:

Introduction to Psychology
English Composition
World History

Only include relevant coursework if you are a recent graduate. If you have significant work experience, focus on your professional achievements instead.

4. Keep it brief for senior-level positions

If you are a senior-level professional with extensive work experience, your education section should be brief and to the point. Include only your highest degree and any relevant certifications.

Here's an example of a concise education section for a senior-level assistant director of finance:

MBA, Finance Concentration, XYZ University
CPA, CMA

Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant information like this:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, ABC College, 1985
Online Course in Digital Marketing, 2010

If you obtained your degrees many years ago, consider omitting the graduation years to avoid potential age discrimination.

Skills

The skills section of your resume is one of the most important parts that hiring managers and recruiters look at. When applying for assistant director of finance roles, it's crucial to highlight the right mix of technical finance skills, accounting knowledge, and leadership abilities. In this section, we'll break down step-by-step how to write a compelling skills section that will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview.

1. Identify relevant finance skills from the job description

Before you start writing your skills section, carefully review the job description for the assistant director of finance role you're applying to. Look for specific skills, tools, and knowledge areas that the company is seeking. These might include:

Financial analysis and modeling
Budgeting and forecasting
Financial reporting (e.g. 10-K, 10-Q)
Accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks, NetSuite)
ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle)
Advanced Excel skills (e.g. VBA, pivot tables)

By identifying the most important skills from the job description and including them prominently in your skills section, you'll demonstrate to hiring managers that you're a strong fit for the role. Plus, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically screen resumes for relevant keywords, so incorporating the right skills is crucial to getting past these filters.

After you've written your skills section, run your resume through an ATS checker tool like Score My Resume from Resume Worded. It will instantly scan your resume and provide expert feedback on 30+ key criteria that hiring managers care about, including whether you've included the right skills for the job.

2. Focus on hard skills and technical abilities

When listing skills on your resume, it's important to focus primarily on hard skills and technical abilities rather than soft skills. While soft skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork are certainly important for an assistant director of finance, they are best demonstrated through your work experience and achievements rather than simply listed in your skills section.

Instead, use your skills section to showcase specific tools, technical skills, and knowledge areas that are directly relevant to the finance job you're seeking. For example:

Financial Skills: Financial modeling, variance analysis, capital budgeting, credit analysis, risk assessment
Accounting: GAAP, month-end close, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll
Tools: Advanced Excel, VBA, SAP, Oracle ERP, Tableau, PowerBI

By focusing on concrete skills and tools, you'll give hiring managers a clear sense of your capabilities and set yourself apart from candidates who rely on generic soft skills.

Avoid outdated or overly generic skills like Microsoft Office or basic accounting. Instead, highlight more advanced, modern tools and techniques to show that you're up-to-date with the latest trends in the finance field.

3. Organize skills into categories

To make your skills section easy to read and navigate, consider grouping your skills into categories. This is especially helpful if you have a wide range of abilities that span different areas. For example:

Financial Analysis: Financial modeling, forecasting, variance analysis, ad-hoc analysis
Accounting: Month-end close, financial reporting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable
Tools & Software: Advanced Excel, VBA, SQL, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Tableau

By organizing your skills into logical categories, you'll help hiring managers quickly understand the breadth of your abilities and how they align with the requirements of the assistant director of finance job.

However, be careful not to go overboard with too many categories or skills, as this can make it seem like you're unfocused or lack depth in any one area. Aim for 3-4 categories max, with 4-6 skills in each category.

When choosing which skills to include, prioritize those that are mentioned directly in the job description. You can use a tool like Targeted Resume from Resume Worded to instantly scan your resume against a job description and see which key skills and keywords you might be missing.

4. Tailor skills to the company and role

While some finance skills like financial analysis and accounting are likely to be relevant across many assistant director of finance jobs, it's still important to tailor your skills section to the specific company and role you're applying for.

Review the job description carefully and look for any unique or niche skills that the employer seems to prioritize. For example, if the job emphasizes experience with a specific ERP system or requires knowledge of certain regulatory requirements (e.g. SOX, IFRS), make sure to include these skills prominently.

Also, consider the industry and company you're applying to and highlight skills that are particularly relevant. For instance, if you're applying to a startup, skills like financial modeling and strategic planning might be more important than in a larger, more established company.

Skills: Financial analysis, budgeting, communication, ERP systems, month-end close, Advanced Excel

Skills:
Financial Analysis: Financial modeling, forecasting, variance analysis, ad-hoc analysis
Accounting: Month-end close, SOX compliance, IFRS reporting, transfer pricing
Tools: SAP S/4HANA, Anaplan, Tableau, SQL, VBA

By tailoring your skills section to the company and role, you'll show hiring managers that you're a strong fit for their specific needs and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Avoid simply copying and pasting the same generic skills section into every job application. Even if two assistant director of finance jobs seem similar on the surface, there will likely be unique skills and requirements for each company that you should try to address.

Skills For Assistant Director of Finance Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Assistant Director of Finance job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

Funding
Investments
Financial Forecasting
Business Planning
Due Diligence
U.S. SEC Filings
Private Equity
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Restructuring
Finance

Match Your Resume To These Skills

Skills Word Cloud For Assistant Director of Finance Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Assistant Director of Finance job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

Top Assistant Director of Finance Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

For more skills, visit Assistant Director of Finance Skills & Keywords.

Turn your career into a rocketship. In 5 minutes a week.

Get a free bi-weekly coaching email from a $750/hour career coach. Get proven strategies on how to unlock your career's potential, meet VIPs in your industry and turn your career into a rocketship.

No fluff. No noise. Join the 1.2+ million professionals who are getting ahead in their careers, for free.

"I've 3x'd my salary in just two years. My friends think I'm smart (I'm not). Resume Worded's Coached email series is my secret weapon to trick them though. It's working wonderfully. Try it."
- A Coached Reader