Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst CV Template Example
Landing your first role as a Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst is a significant milestone in your career. This position requires a blend of analytical expertise, financial insight, and business acumen. A Corporate Finance Analyst is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, preparing financial models, conducting due diligence, and advising management on strategic decisions. For recent graduates, the role offers a starting salary typically ranging from £28,000 to £35,000 per year in the UK, with strong prospects for progression into senior finance and advisory positions.
Crafting a compelling CV is your first step toward securing interviews in this competitive field. Recruiters in corporate finance are looking for candidates who demonstrate both technical skills and a professional, polished presentation of their achievements. A well-structured CV can set you apart from the hundreds of applicants vying for these sought-after graduate roles.
Understanding the Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst Role
Before diving into CV writing, it’s important to understand the core responsibilities of a Corporate Finance Analyst. These usually include:
Conducting financial analysis, including valuation, forecasting, and modelling.
Preparing reports and presentations for senior management and clients.
Supporting mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions.
Evaluating investment opportunities and business strategies.
Maintaining a strong knowledge of market trends and industry developments.
Employers look for candidates who are not only numerically proficient but also confident communicators. Highlighting both your quantitative skills and your ability to present complex information clearly is essential in your CV.
Why a Strong CV Matters
Your CV is more than just a list of qualifications and experiences—it is your personal marketing document. In corporate finance, hiring managers often spend less than 30 seconds on an initial CV scan. Therefore, presenting your skills, achievements, and potential in a clear, structured, and impressive manner is critical. A high-quality CV can get you noticed and increase your chances of landing interviews at top investment banks, consultancies, and multinational corporations.
Key Sections of a Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst CV
Contact Information
Start with your full name, professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure all information is up-to-date.
Professional Summary
A concise, engaging summary of your career ambitions, academic background, and relevant skills. Example:
“Analytical and detail-oriented Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst with a strong foundation in financial modelling, valuation, and investment analysis. Skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial research, seeking to contribute to a leading corporate finance team.”
Education
Include your degree, university, and key achievements. If you studied finance, economics, or accounting, highlight relevant coursework such as financial reporting, corporate finance, and investment analysis. Mention any academic awards, scholarships, or high-class honours.
Professional Experience
For graduates, this may include internships, placements, or part-time roles. Focus on quantifiable achievements and responsibilities. For example:
“Assisted in the preparation of financial models for a £50M acquisition, providing detailed analysis that informed the final investment decision.”
Key Skills
Highlight technical skills, software proficiency, and soft skills. For corporate finance, essential skills include:
Financial modelling and forecasting
Advanced Excel and PowerPoint
Data analysis and interpretation
Research and due diligence
Effective communication and presentation
Additional Information
Include certifications (e.g., CFA Level 1), languages, or voluntary work that demonstrates leadership and initiative.
Writing Tips for a Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst CV
Tailor your CV to each role: Use keywords from the job description. Terms like “financial analysis,” “valuation,” “investment appraisal,” and “corporate transactions” are essential for SEO and ATS systems.
Focus on achievements, not just duties: Show how your contributions made a measurable impact.
Keep it concise: Ideally, a graduate CV should be one page. For more experienced professionals, two pages are acceptable.
Use action verbs: Words like “analysed,” “developed,” “supported,” and “presented” convey proactivity and results orientation.
Example of a Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst CV Layout
[Your Name]
[Professional Email] | [Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Analytical and detail-oriented Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst with strong skills in financial modelling, valuation, and investment analysis. Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and data research. Seeking to contribute to a leading corporate finance team.
Education
BSc in Finance and Economics, University of [Name] – 2:1
Relevant Coursework: Corporate Finance, Financial Reporting, Investment Analysis
Awarded [Scholarship/Prize], Graduated [Year]
Professional Experience
Finance Intern – [Company Name], [Location], [Dates]
Developed Excel-based valuation models for multiple M&A transactions.
Prepared financial reports and presentations for senior management.
Conducted due diligence on investment opportunities, improving decision-making efficiency by 15%.
Key Skills
Financial Modelling & Forecasting
Valuation & Investment Analysis
Advanced Excel & PowerPoint
Data Research & Interpretation
Communication & Presentation
Additional Information
CFA Level 1 Candidate | Fluent in [Language] | Volunteered as Treasurer for University Finance Society
General Tips for Graduates
Start with strong academic credentials and internships.
Include measurable results to show your impact.
Demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Tips for Middle and Senior Management
Highlight leadership, strategic decision-making, and project management.
Showcase successful deals, cost savings, and financial growth.
Include mentoring and team development experience.
CV Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
Tailor each CV to the job description
Quantify achievements wherever possible
Keep formatting clean and professional
Use strong action verbs
Proofread multiple times to avoid errors
Don’ts:
Don’t exaggerate or lie about your experience
Avoid long paragraphs; be concise
Don’t use casual language or emojis
Avoid irrelevant personal information
Final Thoughts
A strong CV is your gateway to securing interviews and landing your dream role in corporate finance. Remember, your CV should reflect not just your experience, but also your ambition, professionalism, and potential to grow within the finance sector. By following this Graduate Corporate Finance Analyst CV template example, you position yourself for success and demonstrate to recruiters that you have both the skills and the mindset to thrive.
If you want to take your CV and LinkedIn profile to the next level, I offer personalised coaching to ensure your application stands out. Together, we can create a CV that captures attention and opens doors to top graduate opportunities.
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