"Analyzed financial data" is invisible next to a named model type (three-statement, DCF), a named tool (Excel VBA, SQL), and a named credential (CFA level). FP&A postings filter on these specific terms because they signal exactly what you can build and defend, not just that you're "good with numbers." Yoxon's CV builder automates exactly that — it rewrites your bullets around the specific keywords each job posting uses.
These are exact-match terms — not synonyms — that recruiters commonly build screening filters around for this role. If you genuinely have the experience, make sure the specific term appears in your CV, not just a paraphrase of it. Before you spend that time, it's worth confirming the listing is a real, active opening — run it through our free ghost job detector first.
And before you rewrite your resume, it's worth checking how your CV or LinkedIn profile itself reads — run our free Resume Auditor to see your score and get rewrite suggestions.
Example 1
Analyzed financial data and prepared reports for management.
Built a three-statement financial model in Excel to support the annual budget, improving forecast accuracy from ±12% to ±4% variance across 4 quarters.
Example 2
Helped with budgeting and forecasting for the department.
Automated a monthly variance-analysis report using SQL and Power BI, cutting close-related reporting time from 3 days to 4 hours for a $60M P&L.
Should I list my CFA progress if I haven't passed all three levels?
Yes — list it as "CFA Level II candidate" or similar, since the specific level is itself a searchable term and signals real progress rather than an unqualified claim.
Does it matter whether I say 'financial modeling' or name the specific model type?
Name the specific type (three-statement model, DCF, LBO) — "financial modeling" is vague enough that neither an ATS filter nor a hiring manager can tell what you can actually build, while the specific term matches exactly what the posting is screening for.
How technical should I get about the tools — is SQL worth listing for an FP&A role?
Yes if you've genuinely used it to pull or manipulate data. SQL is increasingly a differentiator in FP&A postings specifically because most candidates only list Excel, so naming it (with a concrete example) sets you apart in both the ATS scan and the interview.
Applying in a different field? Our Mechanical Engineer CV guide covers the same keyword-matching approach for that role.
More role-specific CV guides