Essential ATS keywords for financial analyst resumes. Cover financial modeling, valuation, and reporting terms that hiring managers search for.
Excel mastery is non-negotiable — list specific functions: 'VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, SUMIFS, pivot tables, Power Query, VBA macros.'
Include the type of modeling you've done: 'three-statement model, LBO model, DCF, M&A model' — these are highly ATS-searchable.
Mention the revenue or budget size you've modeled: 'Built financial model for $250M acquisition target' shows scale.
If pursuing investment banking or PE, include deal experience with dollar amounts, even if confidential (use approximate figures).
It depends on the role. CFA is preferred for investment analysis, equity research, and asset management. CPA is valued for corporate finance, accounting, and audit roles. FP&A roles value either, or neither — modeling skill and business partnering experience often matter more.
VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, SUMIFS, pivot tables, Power Query, and data tables for sensitivity analysis are essential. VBA and macros are a significant differentiator for roles involving large recurring models. Power BI or Tableau is increasingly expected for reporting roles.
Use category and scale descriptions: 'Built DCF model for $180M acquisition target in healthcare sector' without naming the target. Focus on the technique, tool, and dollar scale — these are the ATS signals, not the company names.
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