How to write a corporate finance CV
After more than 25 years as a UK-based career coach, I can confidently say that a well-written corporate finance CV can be the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked. Corporate finance is a competitive field, and recruiters expect clarity, commercial awareness, and evidence of value creation from the very first glance. The good news is that with the right structure and messaging, your CV can absolutely stand out.
A strong corporate finance CV starts with a clear understanding of your audience. Investment banks, advisory firms, private equity houses, and corporate finance boutiques all look for slightly different strengths, but they share common expectations. They want to see financial acumen, transaction exposure, analytical rigour, and the ability to influence outcomes. Your CV must communicate these qualities quickly and confidently.
Begin with a focused professional profile at the top of your CV. This short paragraph should summarise who you are, your level of experience, and your corporate finance specialism. Whether your background is in M&A, valuation, debt advisory, or financial modelling, say it clearly. Use keywords such as corporate finance professional, mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, transaction advisory, and deal execution naturally within this section. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems both rely heavily on these terms.
When detailing your career history, always lead with impact rather than responsibilities. A corporate finance CV should never read like a job description. Instead of listing tasks, explain outcomes. For example, reference deals completed, transaction values, sectors covered, and your specific contribution. Quantify wherever possible. Numbers build credibility in corporate finance, whether they relate to deal size, revenue growth, cost savings, or valuation improvements.
Your employment section should be in reverse chronological order and concise, ideally two to three bullet points per role. Focus on achievements such as advising on acquisitions, supporting due diligence, building financial models, preparing investment memoranda, or working directly with senior stakeholders. This approach demonstrates commercial awareness and hands-on experience, which are essential keywords within any corporate finance CV.
Education and professional qualifications remain highly important in this sector. Clearly list your degree, university, and any relevant classifications. If you hold ACA, ACCA, CFA, or similar credentials, ensure they are easy to spot. These qualifications often act as screening criteria, particularly for investment banking and corporate finance analyst roles.
Technical skills deserve their own section. Recruiters expect corporate finance candidates to be confident in financial modelling, valuation methodologies, Excel, PowerPoint, and financial analysis tools. Be honest and specific. Avoid vague phrases such as “good Excel skills” and instead reference advanced financial modelling, discounted cash flow analysis, or sensitivity analysis where appropriate.
Equally important are your softer skills. Corporate finance is a client-facing discipline, and communication matters. Briefly reference stakeholder management, presentation skills, and teamwork, but always link them back to business outcomes. For example, explain how your communication supported deal execution or client decision-making.
A common mistake I see is overcrowding the CV. A corporate finance CV should ideally be no more than two pages, even at senior levels. White space, clear formatting, and logical flow all help recruiters absorb your experience quickly. Remember, clarity is confidence.
Tailoring your CV for each role is also crucial. Adjust your profile and key achievements to reflect the job description. If the role emphasises mergers and acquisitions, bring deal experience forward. If it focuses on corporate development or in-house finance, highlight strategic and commercial projects.
Corporate Finance CV Sample
Finally, never underestimate the power of a well-aligned LinkedIn profile. Recruiters will almost always cross-reference your CV with LinkedIn, so consistency in messaging, keywords, and career narrative is essential.
If you are serious about progressing your corporate finance career, investing in a professionally written CV can significantly improve your interview success rate. I have seen first-hand how the right positioning transforms confidence and results.
If you would like expert support, I warmly invite you to book an appointment to have your CV and LinkedIn profile professionally reviewed and improved. You can work directly with me, Jerry Frempong, or one of CVLondon’s expert CV writers. Take the next confident step in your career today by booking here: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/.
