If you’re applying for Finance Manager roles, you already know the competition can be tough. London’s market moves quickly, and employers aren’t just looking for someone who can balance the books. They want commercial thinkers, calm leaders, and people who add real value. Your CV needs to show that clearly and confidently.
Here’s how to make sure yours rises to the top.
Show Commercial Impact, Not Just Responsibilities
Listing duties won’t set you apart. Every Finance Manager “prepared monthly management accounts” and “led budgeting processes”.
Instead, focus on outcomes.
Ask yourself:
- Did you improve cash flow?
- Did you reduce costs?
- Did you implement a new system?
- Did you support strategic growth?
Quantify wherever you can. For example:
“Reduced aged debt by 28% within six months by redesigning credit control processes.”
That tells a hiring manager far more than a generic bullet point. In finance and accounting jobs in London, measurable impact speaks volumes.
Make Your CV Reflect the Size and Complexity of Your Role
Finance Manager roles vary hugely. Managing finances for a £2m SME is very different from overseeing a £50m turnover division.
Be specific about:
- Company turnover
- Team size
- Multi-site or international exposure
- Reporting lines (e.g. reporting to CFO or MD)
This context helps recruiters and employers immediately gauge your level. It also stops your CV being overlooked for roles that might actually be perfect for you.
Highlight Systems Expertise Properly
Simply listing “Xero, SAP, Sage” isn’t enough.
Explain how you used them. Did you lead an implementation? Migrate from one system to another? Train the wider team?
For example:
“Led migration from Software A to Software B, overseeing data cleansing, testing and staff training.”
That shows leadership, technical knowledge and change management skills in one sentence. In many finance and accounting jobs in London, systems confidence is just as important as technical accounting ability.
Demonstrate Leadership Style, Not Just Team Size
Saying you “managed a team of four” is fine. But how did you manage them?
Did you mentor junior accountants?
Improve processes?
Introduce appraisal systems?
Reduce staff turnover?
Finance Managers are often the bridge between senior leadership and the finance team. Showing emotional intelligence and people development experience can set you apart. Instantly elevate your profile with a line such as:
“Developed two Assistant Accountants into qualified ACCA professionals.”
Tailor Your Personal Profile to the Market
Your opening profile should feel sharp and relevant, not generic.
If you’re targeting SME environments, highlight hands-on experience and adaptability. If you’re aiming for corporate roles, emphasise governance, reporting standards and stakeholder management.
Avoid clichés like “results-driven professional”. Instead, use this space to position yourself clearly:
“Commercially focused Finance Manager with eight years’ experience supporting fast-growing London SMEs, providing strategic insight alongside robust financial control.”
Show You Understand the Bigger Picture
Finance Managers aren’t just number crunchers. You’re expected to support business decisions.
Have you worked closely with sales, operations or HR? Have you built financial models to support expansion? Managed funding rounds?
Make this visible. Employers hiring for finance and accounting jobs in London want strategic partners, not just accurate accountants.
Looking for finance and accounts roles in London? Get in touch on 020 7870 7177.