How to Write a Resume for Finance Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as one of the leading financial hubs in the Middle East. With the expansion of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s financial sector is witnessing massive growth, driving demand for finance professionals in investment banking, corporate finance, financial analysis, risk management, and accounting.

Creating a professional resume for finance jobs in Saudi Arabia (KSA) is your first step toward securing a lucrative role in this competitive industry. A well-structured finance resume not only highlights your qualifications and technical expertise but also aligns with the preferences of Saudi employers and recruiters.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to write a resume for finance jobs in Saudi Arabia (KSA), discuss formatting strategies, highlight essential skills, and provide tips for tailoring your CV for leading employers in the Kingdom.

Professional creating a finance resume for jobs in Saudi Arabia (KSA), showcasing skills, experience, and certifications for top financial employers.

Why a Strong Resume Matters in Saudi Arabia’s Finance Job Market

Finance roles in Saudi Arabia are among the most in-demand and well-compensated careers. With major projects in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, global and local firms are hiring talent with international qualifications and localized market knowledge.

Employers such as:

  • Saudi National Bank (SNB) 
  • Al Rajhi Bank 
  • Riyad Bank 
  • Saudi Aramco 
  • PwC Saudi Arabia 
  • Ernst & Young (EY) KSA 
  • Deloitte Saudi Arabia 
  • SABB (Saudi British Bank) 

…are all seeking finance professionals who can demonstrate strong analytical, financial modeling, and regulatory compliance skills.

A finance resume in Saudi Arabia (KSA) must, therefore, emphasize measurable achievements, certifications like CFA, CPA, or CMA, and a deep understanding of Islamic finance and regional market dynamics.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Resume for Finance Jobs in Saudi Arabia (KSA)

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

For finance professionals, the most recommended formats are:

  • Reverse-chronological resume (best for experienced professionals) 
  • Combination resume (great for showcasing both skills and experience) 
  • Functional resume (for freshers or professionals switching into finance) 

Ensure your resume follows a clean, professional layout with consistent spacing, bullet points, and headers.

Key sections to include:

  • Contact Information 
  • Professional Summary 
  • Core Competencies / Key Skills 
  • Professional Experience 
  • Education 
  • Certifications 
  • Achievements 
  • Technical Skills

2. Start with a Powerful Professional Summary

Your professional summary should be a 3–5 line paragraph summarizing your experience, expertise, and achievements in the finance domain. Customize it to match the job descriptions of finance roles in Saudi Arabia.

Example:

Experienced Financial Analyst with 8+ years in corporate finance, budgeting, and investment analysis across Saudi Arabia’s banking and energy sectors. Skilled in financial forecasting, IFRS compliance, and risk assessment. Proven track record of optimizing financial performance and supporting strategic business decisions in alignment with Vision 2030 initiatives.

3. Emphasize Your Key Finance Skills

Saudi employers focus on technical competence and analytical capabilities. Include a mix of technical, analytical, and communication skills relevant to the position.

Top Skills for Finance Jobs in Saudi Arabia (KSA):

  • Financial Reporting and Analysis 
  • Corporate Budgeting and Forecasting 
  • Investment and Portfolio Management 
  • IFRS & GAAP Compliance 
  • Financial Modeling (Excel, Power BI) 
  • Taxation and Zakat Compliance 
  • Risk Management and Internal Audit 
  • Islamic Finance Principles 
  • Treasury and Liquidity Management 
  • SAP, Oracle, and ERP Financial Systems 

Include these finance resume keywords naturally throughout your CV for better visibility in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by employers in KSA.

4. Showcase Your Professional Experience with Achievements

Employers in Saudi Arabia prefer measurable achievements over generic job descriptions. Highlight your results using quantifiable data and action verbs.

Example:

  • Managed annual budgets exceeding SAR 50M, achieving a 12% reduction in operating costs through process optimization. 
  • Developed financial models supporting a $200M capital investment proposal for a renewable energy project. 
  • Led internal audit processes ensuring 100% compliance with Saudi Central Bank regulations. 
  • Coordinated financial due diligence for a merger valued at SAR 300M. 

Keep descriptions concise and impact-driven, focusing on how your work added value to the organization.

5. Include Relevant Education and Certifications

Finance professionals in Saudi Arabia are expected to have strong academic backgrounds and certifications. List your education in reverse-chronological order.

Example:

  • MBA in Finance, King Saud University, Riyadh 
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, University of Jeddah 

Recommended Certifications for Finance Jobs in Saudi Arabia (KSA):

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA) 
  • Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) 
  • ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) 

6. Highlight Technical Tools and Software Proficiency

Digital transformation is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s finance sector. Employers seek candidates familiar with modern tools and platforms.

Examples:

  • SAP FICO 
  • Oracle Financials 
  • QuickBooks 
  • Microsoft Power BI 
  • Tableau 
  • Bloomberg Terminal 
  • MS Excel (Advanced) 
  • Tally ERP 

Mentioning these tools enhances your technical credibility and shows adaptability to Saudi firms’ digital systems.

7. Tailor Your Resume to the Saudi Job Market

Saudi employers prioritize resumes that reflect local experience, Arabic and English proficiency, and cultural awareness. Customize your application according to the region’s professional norms.

Tips:

  • Use both English and Arabic if the job posting specifies bilingual requirements. 
  • Mention any prior experience in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. 
  • Showcase familiarity with Saudi regulations, Zakat, and tax laws. 
  • Include your iqama (residence permit) status if applying locally. 

8. Add a Section for Professional Achievements

Finance employers value candidates who’ve contributed to growth and efficiency. Dedicate a section to highlight your top 3–5 achievements.

Example:

  • “Reduced financial reporting errors by 25% through system automation.” 
  • “Implemented a new budget monitoring system saving SAR 5M annually.” 
  • “Recognized as Employee of the Quarter for outstanding performance in financial planning.” 

9. Keep the Resume Concise and Impactful

An ideal finance resume for Saudi Arabia should not exceed 2 pages. Avoid overloading it with non-relevant experiences. Focus on clarity, precision, and achievements that align with finance job roles in KSA.

10. Proofread for Accuracy and Professionalism

Ensure there are no grammatical errors or formatting inconsistencies. Financial roles require meticulous attention to detail — a single typo can create a poor impression.

Use tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor and always save your resume in PDF format before submission.

Sample Resume Template for Finance Jobs in Saudi Arabia (KSA)

[Full Name]
 [Address, Riyadh, KSA] | [Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn]

Professional Summary
 Finance professional with 7+ years of experience in investment management and financial analysis within Saudi Arabia. Proven expertise in financial modeling, cost optimization, and risk management. Adept at aligning strategies with Vision 2030’s economic transformation goals.

Core Skills

  • Financial Planning & Analysis 
  • IFRS Reporting 
  • Budgeting and Forecasting 
  • Corporate Treasury 
  • Risk Management 
  • Financial Modeling (Excel, Power BI) 
  • ERP (SAP, Oracle) 
  • Islamic Finance 

Experience
 Senior Financial Analyst
 Riyad Bank, Riyadh | Jan 2020 – Present

  • Led budgeting and forecasting activities for multiple departments with a combined value exceeding SAR 200M. 
  • Supported mergers and acquisitions analysis aligned with corporate growth objectives. 
  • Prepared quarterly performance reports for executive leadership. 

Finance Officer
 PwC KSA | Jan 2017 – Dec 2019

  • Conducted internal audits ensuring full compliance with ZATCA standards. 
  • Analyzed balance sheets and cash flow projections for major clients in the oil and gas sector. 

Education & Certifications

  • MBA in Finance – King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals 
  • CFA Level II Candidate 
  • CMA Certified

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid in KSA

  • Using a generic resume for all job applications. 
  • Ignoring keywords like “financial analysis,” “IFRS,” or “risk management.” 
  • Including outdated or irrelevant experience. 
  • Omitting contact details or LinkedIn profile. 
  • Neglecting to update achievements with measurable results.

Conclusion

Creating a compelling finance resume for Saudi Arabia (KSA) requires strategy, precision, and localization. Focus on highlighting your financial expertise, measurable results, and alignment with Saudi Arabia’s growing financial ecosystem.

By following these steps and tailoring your resume for each role, you can maximize your chances of landing top finance jobs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

 

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