accounting resume samples 2021

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21 Accountant Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Accountant Resume

• Accountant Resumes by Experience
• Accountant Resumes by Role

Writing Your Accountant Resume

A business is only as valuable as its finances, so successful organizations are built on a foundation of solid accounting practices. To be a successful accountant, you need to be diligent, organized, and an expert with numbers and financial data.

However, to get a role as an accountant, you need to rely on a completely different skill set:  resume writing . (And let’s not forget about cover letter writing! )

That’s where we come in. We’ve reviewed countless accountant resumes, distilling what works and what doesn’t into  21 accountant resume examples that you can use to help you get your next accounting job in 2024!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Our special tip: avoid any images or graphics. Before a recruiter or hiring manager looks at your resume, a computer scans it for keywords, and graphics are hard for software to read. 
• We’d also recommend putting your experience in reverse-chronological order. By putting your most recent job first, employers will see how you’ve progressed in your career.
• Include the name of the company you’re applying to, the position you’re seeking, and what you hope to achieve in your next role.

Accounting Intern Resume

• When you lack paid work experience, use relevant academic or personal projects to showcase your skills, passion, and capabilities.

Accounting Assistant Resume

• In this resume, the candidate carried out a simulated audit of a fictional company and showcased multiple skills that will help them be a better accounting assistant. If you have similar experiences to talk about, you want to add them to your accounting assistant resume .

Entry-Level Accountant Resume

• Because of your limited background in accounting, don’t worry about trying to extend or fluff your minimal experience.
• Instead,  list any work experience and highlight transferrable skills , like written communication, data analysis, and research.
• Try following a  resume outline  to help you organize your thoughts and ensure you’ve put everything you need onto a single sheet of paper.
• Once you’ve completed the outline, you can use a  resume template  to format your content correctly and make it look great, too.

Junior Cost Accountant Resume

• Using a  resume objective  can be a great decision if you’re having trouble filling the page or trying to provide hiring managers with more context as to why you want the job. 
• But please be cautious and  double-check your resume  before submitting an application!
• Imagine submitting your resume for a position at Instacart and realizing you left the name of another target company in your resume objective. Facepalm anyone?

Junior Accountant Resume

• A ChatGPT resume builder can help you highlight your past accomplishments in any roles or projects that are related to finance or show your knowledge/ability to use an accounting tool. Personalize the objective as much as possible to convey why you’re so passionate about getting hired!

Senior Accountant Resume

• You can further support your work by adding metrics to  show how you’ve helped the company , especially when it comes to revenue.
• But remember that even a spellcheck system misses things, so ask a colleague to review your resume! You’ll be amazed at what they’ll catch before you turn in your application.

Payroll Accountant Resume

• Certificates like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) prove that you possess the necessary financial skills , knowledge, and experience to apply for this role! Don’t be too overconfident though. Ensure you back your certification with performance metrics that depict you as a diligent and hard worker.

Accounting Analyst Resume

• As you tailor your accounting analyst resume hoping to get the job, include your measurable impact in expediting accounts, invoices, and response to ad-hoc request processing times.

Fund Accountant Resume

• Felix’s example is the best answer to that question. Everything is displayed for the recruiting team to see and make a quick decision. Follow this lead to boost the chances of your application sailing through.

Accounting Specialist Resume

Cost Accountant Resume

• What was your impact in similar or related roles? Tap into you quantifiable achievements, such as accuracy rates, reduction in operational expenses, and workflow improvements.

Staff Accountant Resume

• Beyond just your education section, you can include your progress in a  resume objective  or a  resume summary .
• A great way to do this is through the use of action verbs like “owned,” “led,” and “advised.”
• It’s also a good idea to  show how you’ve made a positive difference  in the company. Use metrics to strut your stuff!
• For example, did you increase revenue or efficiency? Discuss it with numbers and percentages that show your impact.

Forensic Accountant Resume

• Unlike a  resume objective , a summary statement focuses on leveraging the abilities you’ve learned throughout your career.
• Make sure your summary statement includes your years of experience in accounting and the company to which you’re applying (plus the job title). 
• Start by putting your work experience in reverse-chronological order, meaning that your most recent work experience will be listed at the top of the page.
• Then you can consider things like alignment, color, and consistency. Whatever you do, make sure your resume is easy to read at a glance!

Financial Analyst Accountant Resume

• Have you joined or started a group for accountants? Maybe you’ve written a personal finance book? Or perhaps you occasionally discuss financial trends at events outside of work? These are on-point examples of using your skills in unique ways, so they’re perfect resume components.
• Focus on including projects and volunteer experience that can demonstrate essential skills (like collaboration and communication). 
• Look for similar structures, word usage, and metrics to see how you can make your resume pop.

Management Accountant Resume

• Make sure that your  management accountant resume  shows your most relevant experience. Include your most significant accomplishments, like if you’ve led any projects or saved your company a lot of money.
• Although your goal is to show your most relevant work, having a cohesive career progression is more important. Employers want to see that you’ve been consistently working.
• Look for specific skill keywords and responsibilities listed in the job description and incorporate them into your work experience and skills section to make the best impact.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume

• To keep to a single page, make your bullet points short. Ideally, every point should be  one sentence  and a  maximum of three lines long .
• List accomplishments and achievements by all means, but don’t clutter your space with empty adjectives or adverbs. Words like “successfully” and “as needed” are generally assumed, so leave them out.
• Certifications need their own section, but you don’t need to add much more than the name of your certificate. You can include the organization that offers the certificate, but most hiring managers will know that information already, so don’t stress about it.

Onboarding Accountant Resume

• However, your  resume is not your cv . As hard as it is to break up with your old jobs, it’s for the best. The best resumes include just three to six of your most relevant work experience roles. 
• Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring team reviewing 100+ resumes. What work experience would stand out and be the most relevant for the position?
• And if you’re worried about forgetting or losing information from your work history that could be relevant later on, don’t sweat it. You can create a separate document with a “master list” of work experience that you can pull from for different jobs.

Accounting Clerk Resume

• Think of the skills section of your resume as a peek into your technical prowess with accounting software. Any tools that help you do your job better are worth adding to this part of your accounting clerk resume .

Tax Accountant Resume

• In this resume example, the candidate’s last job was as a tax accountant—the same position they’re applying to. Putting it at the top highlights what you’ve been able to achieve at your previous job.

Public Accounting Resume

• Do you hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification? If you’ve completed your CPA, it’s proof that you have a license and the knowledge to provide accounting services to the public.

Related resume guides

• Bank Teller
• Accounts Payable
• Financial Analyst

As an accountant, you know that precision matters. You’re expected to be an analytical expert who can produce reliable research and solve complex legal and financial problems. So, think of your resume not only as a place to highlight your experience but also as a place to demonstrate your attention to detail and high standard of work.

Boosting your resume’s potential requires special attention to these four areas: 

• Listing accounting skills 
• Formatting your accountant resume properly
• Quantifying your previous impact
• Customizing your resume to each job

List the right accountant skills

When recruiters post an  accountant job description , it’s not unheard of for them to receive upwards of 100 resumes. With the sheer number of applicants, companies can’t carefully review every accountant’s application. The applicant tracking system (ATS) software helps weed out applicants before a recruiter reviews them, which saves time and gets rid of candidates without the right experience.

Applicant tracking systems work by using algorithms that match keywords from the company to keywords in your resume. So even if you’re highly qualified for a job, your resume may be thrown out if it doesn’t include the right keywords. To avoid this, you need to know  how  to include job-appropriate  skills on your resume  (keywords). 

What are the right skills? The right skills will vary depending on the accountant role. Read this excerpt from a sample accountant job description and see if you can pick up on the essential skills: 

Greenhill is seeking a certified accountant who can tackle every level of the accounting process, from balancing ledgers to researching the law and analyzing data to ensure efficient and effective operations. This position is ideal for candidates who are jacks of all trades! Must possess strong public speaking and collaboration skills while demonstrating initiative and the capacity to conduct independent work. 

Based on this small sample, we can create a list of essential skills customized for the job.  You do  not  want to take exact words from the job description or lie about your skill level . Instead, use the accountant job description as a jumping-off point to think about the most relevant skills you possess: 

• Accounting applications: Quickbooks, ERP, Concur, Taxjar
• Tax accounting
• Expense reporting
• State law compliance
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Collaboration and communication
• Data analysis and research presentations

On other accountant job postings, you can expect to see different skills emphasized, such as:

Choose the best resume format

It’s not just about  what  you write on your accountant resume; it’s about  how  you write it. Your  resume format  is important for ensuring that your resume is visually appealing, easy to read, and easy for the ATS to recognize. For these reasons, we always suggest the reverse-chronological format to keep your most recent job experience listed at the top of your resume, but there are some other aspects of resume formatting you need to know.

Here are some other essential elements of resume formatting that you should pay attention to:

• Resume length:  Always ensure your resume is a full, single-sided page.
• Bullet points:  Break up large text sections about your work experience with classic round bullet points.
• Avoiding icons/images:  The ATS does not seem to appreciate icons/images; neither will recruiters.
• Listing the title of the position you’re seeking:  Specialize your resume for each job you apply for to show respect and genuine interest in the job. (This is especially useful for a company that may be hiring for multiple positions.)
• Objective/Summary:  Only use one when necessary (hang tight—we’re about to cover this in-depth).

Remember these formatting tips, and you’ll be confident that your resume is ATS-friendly and easy to read for recruiters. 

Understand the elusive resume objective and summary

All right, back to the objective and summary.  A resume objective  is one of the most misunderstood sections of your resume. Most people think objectives are outdated and pointless, but that’s only the case if you don’t tailor them and keep them short. 

But what exactly is a resume objective? And what’s the difference between that and a resume summary? Let’s dive in!

A resume objective and summary statement are both short, two to three-sentence paragraphs at the top of a resume to express your interest in a position or a brief career synopsis. Both require customization and should be avoided if you don’t plan on writing a new one for every job application. 

However, these two types of paragraphs differ in how they communicate interest in the job. An objective describes  the value you’ll add to a company  and  why you want the job . Objectives are best suited to accountants who are just starting their careers or going through a career change (like from a staff accountant to an accounts payable specialist). 

A  resume summary  highlights  your past work experience , leveraging it to  prove your qualifications and skills . Because the summary relies on many past job experiences, it’s only recommended for senior accountants with many years of industry experience. 

Let’s work through a few examples together, so you can better understand all the moving parts: 

Poor resume objective:  Years of experience in the industry, looking for a full-time job in the accounting field with benefits. 

• There are multiple issues at play here. First, it’s uninformative. The applicant doesn’t list anything that provides concrete evidence of their skills. Secondly, it’s not specific. They don’t mention a particular job title, applicable skills, or the company to which they’re applying. Lastly, this candidate is only focused on what the job will do  for   them . You need to mention why you’ll be an asset to the company, not what the job will provide for you personally.

Better resume objective:  Detailed junior accountant with 4+ years of experience working for Big Four accounting firms. Seeking an opportunity as a staff accountant at a smaller-scale operation like Fender Co., where my specializations in optimizing pricing through software adoption and systems streamlining would positively impact sales. 

• This resume objective makes the case that the applicant is valuable to the company by highlighting relevant skills and years of experience. Furthermore, it’s customized to the specific job the candidate is seeking, which is a major green flag for employers. 

Poor summary statement:  Experience as an accountant for 3 businesses. My role, which was providing organized, detailed work for all 3 companies, positively impacted the companies. 

• This statement is vague and confusing, not to mention it’s poorly worded. Would you trust this person with your company’s financial accounts? 

Better summary statement:  Data-driven certified accountant with specialized work in small and mid-size businesses for 22 years. Dedicated to providing services that adhere to GAAP standards while optimizing operations and financial performance. Expertise in many types of accounting software relevant to business size, including Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, and SAP. Experience supervising and collaborating across cross-functional teams and departments while increasing ROI by 5%+ YTD. 

• This summary statement provides specific metrics, specialized skills, and a job title. It’s a great example of a strong statement that would impress a hiring team. 

Quantify your positive impact as an accountant

If you want to prove to a company that you’re an excellent accountant, you’ll want to focus on numbers. Quantifying your impact on your accountant resume provides concrete proof that you’re an asset to the company.

Fortunately, as an accountant, there are many ways to quantify your impact, such as:

• Internal company operations:  Have you worked with company executives to propose financial incentives to improve employee retention? Have you instituted software adoption that reduced error rates? 
• Leadership:  Do you manage, mentor, or collaborate with a team? Do you work across several departments? 
• Work with vendors:  Do you assess vendor invoicing or review vendor statements? Do you manage accounts payable for vendors? 
• Clients:  How many clients do you advise if you work with individual clients? How long have you retained these clients? 
• Revenue:  How much revenue does the company you work for generate? How many assets do you oversee? How much have you saved in potential penalty costs? 
• Reductions in error rates:  Have you reduced errors during employment at your past jobs? Do you use specific types of software to minimize mistakes? 

Based on the above, check out these examples that demonstrate how metrics can fuel your bullet points: 

• Proactively identified and communicated potential problem areas related to a client’s reporting issue, saving the client $2K+ in penalty fees
• Supported management in executing an employee equity compensation plan to improve employee retention by 11%
• Led a team of 2 junior accountants, providing mentorship and feedback through weekly 1:1 sessions
• Reconciled vendor statements in QuickBooks, investigating and correcting any discrepancies within 48 hours 

Optimize your accountant resume for each job

Unfortunately, you can’t just have one copy of your resume that you submit for every accountant job application. Every application deserves a tailored resume.

With the job description in view, these are the areas you’ll need to pay special attention to:

• Objective/summary statement:  Remember how we encouraged you to include specific company names? One of an applicant’s worst mistakes is failing to change the company name on multiple job applications. Make sure you read over your statement (if included) before submitting your resume, changing the job title, skills, and company name.
• Skills:  To customize your skills section, read the job description. Often, hiring managers will overtly say what skills are important for the specific accounting job (but be careful not to plagiarize). 
• Job description bullet points:  Are you applying to a job that needs you to interface with clients? Or maybe you’ll be working behind the scenes with data? Think about how you can shift how you discuss your work experience to highlight what’s important for each particular job. 

We know it’s frustrating to focus on customizations when you want to submit multiple applications in a short amount of time. Consider creating a document with a master list of job description bullet points and skills, sorted into groups based on the skills you need to highlight (e.g., one section that demonstrates your accuracy, another for client interactions, another for public speaking, etc.). Then, you can pick and pull things from this document to create fully customized resumes in no time. 

For now, we think you’ll find something to help you get started on your accountant resume, no matter the exact role: 

Accountant resume 

• Do you have experience in general ledger (GL) accounting? 
• Remember, you don’t need to include all of these accounting skills in each position, but they must be covered at least once somewhere on your accountant resume. 

Senior accountant resume 

• Underscore things like extensive improvements in efficiency rates, accuracy, and year-to-year financial growth. 
• Have you collaborated with upper management to set company-wide standards or implement internal policies or financial work incentives? 
• Highlight your ability to step into leadership and mentorship roles. 

Accounts payable resume 

• Hone in on what matters by discussing payment processing and review, tracking business expenses (such as vendor invoices), and ensuring GL and GAAP compliance. 
• Highlight your attention to detail and how it has saved revenue for companies you’ve worked for in the past.

Entry-level accountant resume 

• You can leverage almost any job position to highlight particularly relevant skills in accounting. For example, a restaurant server can still balance payments, check receipts against bills, etc. 
• Read the job description carefully, noting what skills are most important to the hiring team and emphasizing your capacity to work in accounting based on their requirements. 

Staff accountant resume

• Your staff accountant resume should focus on general ledger maintenance/oversight, tax revenue billing, accounts payable/receivable, reports, and general record-keeping. 
• Don’t forget to showcase your potential for job advancement down the road by highlighting any aspects in which you provided management/supervisory work. 

Final takeaway for improving your accountant resume

The hardest part of writing your accountant resume is getting started, so congratulate yourself on starting your resume journey! You’re one step closer to creating your best-ever accounting resume. We’ve laid out all the essential tips, including optimizing your skills section, formatting, metrics, and resume customizations, so you can write an amazing resume in no time. 

We also have a host of tools to make resume writing easier. See how your resume stacks up against our AI-powered tips. Or, if it’s time to  write your resume  for the first time, you can use our  resume builder  with built-in formatting standards and corresponding recommendations to keep the process stress-free, easy, and quick—leaving you time also to craft a killer  accountant cover letter  for your dream role. 

No matter what stage you’re at, we’re here to help, and we wish you the best of success!

13 Accountant Resume Examples to Land You a Role in 2023

Accountants are experts at managing financial data and ensuring accuracy. As an accountant, your resume is just like a financial statement. It should be organized, accurate, and provide a clear picture of your qualifications and experience. In this guide, we'll review X accountant resume examples to help you create a resume that will get you hired.

Resume Examples

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• Related Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Accountant Resumes:

• Prepare financial statements and reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows
• Analyze financial information to recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures
• Compile and analyze financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts, and document business transactions
• Establish, maintain, and coordinate the implementation of accounting and accounting control procedures
• Analyze and review budgets and expenditures for local, state, federal, and private funding sources
• Monitor and review accounting and related system reports for accuracy and completeness
• Prepare and review budget, revenue, expense, payroll entries, invoices, and other accounting documents
• Reconcile and maintain balance sheet accounts
• Research and resolve billing and invoice discrepancies
• Prepare and review tax returns and research tax issues for individuals and businesses

You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.

Accountant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a new accounting control procedure, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Analyzed and reviewed budgets and expenditures for a federal funding source, identifying cost savings opportunities and successfully negotiating a 10% reduction in expenses.
• Prepared and reviewed tax returns for a portfolio of 50 clients, resulting in a 95% accuracy rate and a 20% increase in client satisfaction.
• Managed the preparation of financial statements and reports for a publicly traded company, ensuring compliance with GAAP and SEC regulations and achieving a 100% accuracy rate.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a new expense tracking system, resulting in a 30% reduction in processing time and a 20% increase in data accuracy.
• Provided financial analysis and recommendations to senior leadership, resulting in a successful merger with a competitor and a 10% increase in market share.
• Implemented a new accounts payable system, reducing processing time by 50% and improving vendor relationships by 25%.
• Developed and maintained a budget for a non-profit organization, resulting in a 15% increase in funding and a 10% increase in program offerings.
• Managed the reconciliation of balance sheet accounts for a portfolio of 100 clients, resulting in a 98% accuracy rate and a 20% increase in client retention.
• Customer retention strategies
• Contract negotiation
• Data analysis and trend identification
• Account portfolio management
• Presentation development and delivery
• Cross-functional team collaboration
• CRM system implementation
• Sales strategy development and execution
• Team management and leadership
• Billing system implementation
• Relationship building
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and flexibility

Entry Level Accountant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a new internal control system, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Assisted with the preparation of tax filings and returns, ensuring compliance with all regulations and saving the company $10,000 in penalties.
• Reviewed and analyzed budget variances, identifying areas for cost savings and recommending changes that resulted in a 10% reduction in expenses.
• Reconciled and maintained balance sheet accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial data and reducing errors by 20%.
• Assisted with month-end and year-end close process, completing all tasks ahead of schedule and improving overall efficiency by 15%.
• Prepared and reviewed financial statements and reports, providing valuable insights to management and contributing to a 5% increase in revenue.
• Analyzed and reviewed accounting and related system reports for accuracy and completeness, identifying discrepancies and implementing solutions that improved accuracy by 30%.
• Assisted with audits, ensuring compliance with all regulations and reducing audit findings by 50%.
• Developed and maintained internal control and procedures, improving overall efficiency and reducing errors by 20%.
• Financial analysis
• Internal controls
• Tax preparation and compliance
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Balance sheet reconciliation
• Month-end and year-end close process
• Financial reporting
• Audit assistance
• Accounting software proficiency
• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Adaptability

Staff Accountant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented new financial controls and procedures, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Analyzed and presented financial data to senior management, leading to a 10% reduction in expenses and a 5% increase in revenue.
• Managed the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting and reducing the close time by 20%.
• Managed the preparation and filing of all sales and payroll taxes, resulting in a 100% compliance rate and avoiding any penalties or fines.
• Developed and maintained relationships with vendors and suppliers, negotiating favorable payment terms and reducing accounts payable by 15%.
• Provided support for external audits, resulting in a clean audit report and no material weaknesses identified.
• Implemented a new budgeting and forecasting process, resulting in a 10% increase in accuracy and a 5% reduction in variances.
• Managed the reconciliation of all financial accounts, identifying and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner and reducing errors by 20%.
• Developed and presented financial reports to department heads, providing insights and recommendations for improving financial performance and achieving KPIs.
• Month-end close process
• Tax preparation and filing
• Accounts reconciliation
• Financial controls and procedures
• Vendor and supplier relationship management
• External audit support
• Data presentation and communication
• Process improvement
• Accounts payable management
• Compliance and regulatory knowledge
• Time management and efficiency
• Attention to detail and accuracy

Cost Accountant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a new cost accounting system, resulting in a 20% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Analyzed and reported on cost trends, identifying areas for cost savings and reducing overall expenses by 10%.
• Prepared and analyzed variance reports, providing insights to management that led to a 5% increase in profit margins.
• Managed the development and maintenance of standard costs, resulting in a 15% reduction in production costs and a 10% increase in profitability.
• Assisted in the preparation of the annual budget, providing accurate cost estimates that helped the company achieve a 95% budget accuracy rate.
• Monitored and analyzed labor costs and productivity, implementing process improvements that led to a 20% increase in productivity and a 5% reduction in labor costs.
• Analyzed and reported on the cost of goods sold and other expenses, identifying areas for cost savings and reducing overall expenses by 10%.
• Prepared and analyzed cost estimates for new products and services, providing accurate cost estimates that helped the company achieve a 95% budget accuracy rate.
• Monitored and analyzed actual costs against budgeted costs, providing insights to management that led to a 5% increase in profit margins.
• Cost accounting systems
• Variance analysis
• Standard costing
• Budget preparation
• Labor cost management
• Productivity analysis
• Cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis
• Cost estimation
• Actual vs. budgeted cost analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking

Junior Accountant Resume Example:

• Implemented new financial reporting procedures that reduced the time required to prepare monthly financial statements by 20%.
• Developed and maintained a system for tracking and analyzing accounts receivable, resulting in a 15% reduction in outstanding balances.
• Assisted with the preparation of tax returns, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and minimizing the risk of penalties.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a new budgeting process, resulting in a 10% reduction in expenses and improved financial forecasting accuracy.
• Managed the accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate payments to vendors and reducing the number of payment errors by 25%.
• Prepared and reviewed payroll, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and minimizing the risk of errors.
• Developed and implemented new internal controls, reducing the risk of fraud and errors in financial reporting by 30%.
• Analyzed financial data to identify trends and opportunities for cost savings, resulting in a 5% reduction in expenses.
• Assisted with the preparation for an external audit, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and minimizing the risk of penalties.
• Accounts receivable management
• Payroll processing and compliance
• Internal controls implementation
• Financial data analysis
• External audit preparation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Proficiency in accounting software

Payroll Accountant Resume Example:

• Implemented a new payroll software system that reduced processing time by 50% and improved accuracy by 25%, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and reduced payroll errors.
• Collaborated with HR to develop and implement a new onboarding process for new employees, resulting in a 30% reduction in onboarding time and improved accuracy of employee data.
• Developed and implemented a new payroll audit process, resulting in a 40% reduction in payroll discrepancies and improved compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Managed the preparation and submission of all payroll tax returns, resulting in a 100% compliance rate with federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Developed and implemented a new payroll budgeting process, resulting in a 20% reduction in payroll expenses and improved accuracy in forecasting payroll costs.
• Streamlined the payroll reconciliation process, reducing the time required by 50% and improving accuracy by 30%.
• Developed and implemented a new payroll policy and procedure manual, resulting in improved consistency and accuracy in payroll processing across the organization.
• Managed the preparation and distribution of all payroll reports, resulting in improved transparency and communication with employees and management.
• Researched and resolved complex payroll discrepancies, resulting in a 95% reduction in payroll errors and improved accuracy in employee pay.
• Payroll software proficiency
• Payroll processing and auditing
• Tax compliance and reporting
• Reconciliation and discrepancy resolution
• Policy and procedure development
• Onboarding and employee data management
• Collaboration and communication
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations

General Ledger Accountant Resume Example:

• Implemented a new budget tracking system, resulting in a 25% reduction in budget variances and improved accuracy in financial reporting.
• Developed and implemented new accounting policies and procedures, resulting in a 15% increase in compliance with GAAP and other accounting regulations.
• Analyzed and reconciled complex general ledger accounts, identifying and resolving discrepancies that resulted in a 10% reduction in errors.
• Managed the month-end close process for multiple entities, resulting in a 20% reduction in close time and improved accuracy in financial reporting.
• Developed and implemented a new chart of accounts structure, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Assisted with the successful completion of multiple internal and external audits, resulting in zero findings and improved audit scores.
• Prepared and analyzed financial reports for multiple entities, resulting in a 15% increase in accuracy and improved decision-making for senior management.
• Lead the implementation of a new accounting software system, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Developed and implemented a new account reconciliation process, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and improved accuracy in financial reporting.
• General ledger management
• GAAP compliance
• Account reconciliation
• Internal and external auditing
• Chart of accounts development
• Multi-entity accounting
• Team collaboration

Accountant Assistant Resume Example:

• Managed accounts payable and accounts receivable, reducing payment processing time by 20% and improving accuracy by 15%.
• Prepared and filed tax returns, resulting in a 100% compliance rate and saving the company $10,000 in penalties.
• Assisted with audits, ensuring all financial records were accurate and up-to-date, resulting in a successful audit with no findings.
• Prepared and processed payroll for 100+ employees, reducing errors by 25% and improving timeliness by 20%.
• Assisted with budget preparation and analysis, identifying cost-saving opportunities that resulted in a 10% reduction in expenses.
• Monitored and reconciled inventory, reducing discrepancies by 15% and improving accuracy in financial reporting.
• Reconciled bank accounts and credit card statements, identifying and resolving discrepancies that resulted in a 95% accuracy rate.
• Prepared financial statements and reports, providing key insights to management that led to a 5% increase in revenue.
• Assisted with financial forecasting and planning, contributing to the development of a successful growth strategy that resulted in a 10% increase in profits.
• Accounts Payable Management
• Accounts Receivable Management
• Tax Preparation and Filing
• Audit Assistance
• Payroll Processing
• Budget Preparation and Analysis
• Inventory Reconciliation
• Bank Account Reconciliation
• Financial Statement Preparation
• Financial Forecasting and Planning
• Credit Card Statement Reconciliation
• Cost-saving Analysis
• Financial Reporting
• Revenue Growth Strategies
• Proficiency in Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks, Excel)
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Strong Communication Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration

Senior Accountant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a new financial reporting system, resulting in a 25% reduction in reporting errors and a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Analyzed and identified cost-saving opportunities, resulting in a 10% reduction in expenses and a $500,000 increase in annual revenue.
• Managed the preparation and submission of tax returns, resulting in a 100% compliance rate and a $50,000 reduction in tax liability.
• Lead the implementation of a new accounting software, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity and a 10% reduction in errors.
• Developed and implemented internal control policies and procedures, resulting in a 30% reduction in fraud and a 15% increase in accuracy.
• Managed the preparation and submission of financial statements, resulting in a 100% compliance rate and a 5% increase in investor confidence.
• Analyzed and identified opportunities for process improvement, resulting in a 20% reduction in the time required to close the books each month.
• Developed and implemented a new budgeting process, resulting in a 10% reduction in expenses and a 5% increase in revenue.
• Managed the preparation and submission of external audit materials, resulting in a 100% compliance rate and a 15% reduction in audit time.
• Financial reporting and analysis
• Cost-saving identification and implementation
• Accounting software implementation and management
• Internal control policies and procedures
• Financial statement preparation and submission
• Process improvement and optimization
• External audit preparation and compliance
• Team leadership and collaboration
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Advanced Excel and data manipulation skills
• Knowledge of GAAP and IFRS accounting standards

Public Accountant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented new accounting policies and procedures, resulting in a 20% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Conducted audits of financial statements and internal controls, identifying and mitigating financial risks and saving the company $500,000 in potential losses.
• Analyzed financial data and made recommendations to management, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue and a 5% decrease in expenses.
• Prepared and reviewed tax returns for individuals and businesses, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations and saving clients an average of $10,000 in taxes.
• Assisted with mergers and acquisitions, conducting due diligence and providing financial analysis, resulting in successful acquisitions and integrations.
• Developed and maintained internal control systems, improving accuracy and reliability of financial data and reducing audit findings by 25%.
• Prepared financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, accurately and timely, resulting in improved financial reporting and decision-making.
• Assisted with budgeting and forecasting, providing financial analysis and recommendations to management, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue and a 5% decrease in expenses.
• Prepared reports for internal and external stakeholders, including investors and regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance and transparency and improving stakeholder relations.
• Internal controls and auditing
• Financial statement preparation
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Accounting policies and procedures
• Regulatory compliance
• Risk management
• Data analysis
• Financial modeling
• Cash flow management
• Stakeholder communication
• Software proficiency (e.g., QuickBooks, Excel, ERP systems)

Chartered Accountant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a new financial reporting system, resulting in a 25% reduction in reporting time and a 15% increase in accuracy.
• Provided strategic financial advice to clients, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue and a 5% decrease in expenses.
• Conducted a comprehensive audit of a client's financial records, identifying and resolving discrepancies that resulted in a savings of $100,000.
• Managed a team of accountants to prepare and file tax returns for a portfolio of clients, resulting in a 95% on-time filing rate and a 10% increase in client satisfaction.
• Developed and implemented a new budgeting process for a client, resulting in a 20% reduction in expenses and a 5% increase in revenue.
• Provided financial analysis and recommendations to a client, resulting in a successful merger and a 30% increase in market share.
• Developed and implemented internal controls and accounting policies for a client, resulting in a 20% reduction in financial errors and a 10% increase in efficiency.
• Conducted a financial analysis of a client's operations, identifying areas for improvement that resulted in a 15% increase in revenue and a 5% decrease in expenses.
• Prepared financial statements and reports for regulatory bodies, resulting in a 100% compliance rate and a 10% increase in stakeholder confidence.
• Strategic financial planning and advice
• Auditing and compliance
• Financial management and control
• Regulatory reporting
• Internal controls and accounting policies
• Client relationship management
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Cost reduction and revenue optimization
• Financial software proficiency (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Time management and organization
• Adaptability and continuous learning

Property Accountant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a new rent roll system, resulting in a 20% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Managed the preparation and review of monthly financial statements for a portfolio of 10 properties, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all financial data.
• Implemented new processes for CAM reconciliations, resulting in a 25% reduction in discrepancies and a 10% increase in cost savings.
• Managed the successful completion of a property tax appeal, resulting in a 15% reduction in property tax expenses for the company.
• Developed and implemented a new budgeting process, resulting in a 10% reduction in budget variances and a 5% increase in cost savings.
• Streamlined the monthly mortgage payment process, resulting in a 20% reduction in processing time and a 10% increase in efficiency.
• Developed and implemented a new system for monitoring and reconciling tenant accounts, resulting in a 30% reduction in errors and a 20% increase in efficiency.
• Managed the preparation and review of monthly accruals for a portfolio of 15 properties, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all financial data.
• Implemented new processes for insurance reconciliations, resulting in a 25% reduction in discrepancies and a 10% increase in cost savings.
• Financial analysis and reporting
• Rent roll management
• CAM reconciliations
• Property tax appeals
• Mortgage payment processing
• Tenant account monitoring and reconciliation
• Accruals management
• Insurance reconciliations
• Process improvement and implementation
• Strong communication skills
• Advanced Excel proficiency
• Knowledge of property management software (e.g., Yardi, MRI, or AppFolio)

Fund Accountant Resume Example:

• Implemented new reconciliation processes, resulting in a 30% reduction in errors and a 25% increase in efficiency.
• Developed and implemented a new investor reporting system, resulting in a 40% reduction in report preparation time and a 20% increase in accuracy.
• Collaborated with the investment team to implement new investment strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in fund performance.
• Managed the successful completion of a complex regulatory filing, resulting in a 100% compliance rate and a 15% reduction in audit findings.
• Developed and implemented new expense monitoring processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in expenses and a 10% increase in profitability.
• Collaborated with the operations team to streamline trade settlement processes, resulting in a 30% reduction in settlement time and a 20% increase in efficiency.
• Developed and implemented new NAV calculation processes, resulting in a 25% reduction in calculation time and a 15% increase in accuracy.
• Collaborated with the finance team to implement new financial reporting processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in report preparation time and a 10% increase in accuracy.
• Managed the successful completion of a fund migration project, resulting in a 100% completion rate and a 20% reduction in operational costs.
• NAV calculation
• Reconciliation processes
• Expense monitoring and reduction
• Trade settlement processes
• Fund migration and operational efficiency
• Investment strategy implementation
• Investor reporting
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Project management
• Adaptability to industry changes

High Level Resume Tips for Accountants:

When creating a resume as an Accountant, it is important to keep in mind that potential employers are looking for someone with the right skills and experience to fill the role. To make sure your resume stands out, here are some high-level tips to keep in mind: 1. Highlight Your Accounting Experience: Make sure to include any relevant accounting experience you have, such as internships, certifications, or any other relevant experience. 2. Showcase Your Technical Skills: Accountants need to be proficient in a variety of software programs, so make sure to include any technical skills you have. 3. Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills: Employers want to know that you can think critically and solve problems. Include any examples of problem-solving skills you have, such as how you solved a difficult accounting problem or how you identified a potential issue and took steps to address it. 4. Showcase Your Communication Skills: Accountants need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, so make sure to include any examples of communication skills you have, such as how you successfully communicated with a client or how you effectively presented a financial report. 5. Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills: Employers want to know that you can take initiative and lead a team. Include any examples of leadership skills you have, such as how you successfully managed a team or how you effectively delegated tasks. By following these high-level tips, Accountants can ensure that their resume stands out and that they are presenting themselves in the best light possible.

Must-Have Information for a Accountant Resume:

Here are the essential sections that should exist in an accountant 8resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience & Achievements
• Skills & Competencies

Additionally, if you're eager to make an impression and gain an edge over other accountant candidates, you may want to consider adding in these sections:

• Certifications/Training

Let's start with resume headlines.

Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important for Accountants:

Accountant resume headline examples:, strong headlines.

• Experienced Accountant with a track record of improving financial processes and increasing profitability for Fortune 500 companies
• Detail-oriented CPA with expertise in tax planning and compliance for small businesses and individuals
• Strategic Financial Analyst with a background in financial modeling and forecasting for multinational corporations

Why these are strong:

• These resume headlines are impactful for Accountants as they showcase key strengths and accomplishments that are relevant to their roles. The first headline emphasizes the candidate's experience in improving financial processes and increasing profitability for large companies, which is a crucial factor that hiring managers look for in Accountants. The second headline highlights the candidate's expertise in tax planning and compliance, which is a highly sought-after skill in the industry. Finally, the third headline showcases the candidate's strategic mindset, financial modeling skills, and experience working with multinational corporations, which are all valuable assets for Accountants in today's job market.

Weak Headlines

• Experienced Accountant
• Professional Accountant

Why these are weak:

• These headlines are too generic and lack specificity. They do not provide any insight into the Accountant's experience or qualifications, and do not make the resume stand out.

Writing an Exceptional Accountant Resume Summary:

Accountant resume summary examples:, strong summaries.

• Detail-oriented Accountant with 5 years of experience in financial reporting and analysis, skilled in identifying and resolving discrepancies in financial statements. Proficient in GAAP and IFRS, with a proven track record of streamlining accounting processes and reducing month-end close time by 30%.
• Experienced Tax Accountant with 7 years of experience in tax planning and compliance for individuals and businesses. Expertise in federal, state, and local tax laws, with a strong focus on minimizing tax liabilities and maximizing deductions. Successfully managed a portfolio of 50+ clients, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue.
• Strategic Financial Analyst with 4 years of experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling. Skilled in identifying trends and providing actionable insights to senior management, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue and a 10% reduction in expenses. Proficient in Excel and SQL, with a strong ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• These resume summaries are strong for Accountants as they highlight the candidates' key skills, accomplishments, and industry-specific experience. The first summary emphasizes the candidate's attention to detail and their ability to streamline accounting processes, making them highly appealing to potential employers. The second summary showcases the candidate's expertise in tax planning and compliance, as well as their success in managing a portfolio of clients. Lastly, the third summary demonstrates the candidate's strategic thinking and their ability to provide valuable insights to senior management, making them a valuable asset to any organization.

Weak Summaries

• Experienced Accountant seeking a challenging role in a reputable organization where I can utilize my skills and knowledge to contribute to the company's financial success.
• Detail-oriented Accountant with expertise in financial analysis and reporting, seeking a position that allows me to apply my skills and experience to support business growth.
• Highly motivated Accountant with a strong background in tax preparation and compliance, seeking a role that allows me to utilize my skills to help clients achieve their financial goals.
• These resume summaries need improvement for Accountants as they are too generic and lack specific examples of the candidate's achievements or areas of expertise. The summaries do not effectively showcase the candidate's unique value or accomplishments, and do not provide any quantifiable results or details on the candidate's successes in implementing their skills and knowledge.

Resume Objective Examples for Accountants:

Strong objectives.

• Detail-oriented and highly motivated Accounting graduate seeking an entry-level position to utilize my strong analytical skills and knowledge of accounting principles to contribute to the success of a growth-oriented company.
• Recent CPA candidate with experience in financial analysis and reporting, seeking an Accounting position to apply my knowledge of GAAP and tax regulations to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Goal-driven and organized Accounting professional with experience in accounts payable and receivable, seeking an Accounting position to leverage my skills in financial management, budgeting, and forecasting to contribute to the growth of a forward-thinking organization.
• These resume objectives are strong for up and coming Accountants because they showcase the candidates' passion, education, and relevant skills, while also highlighting their eagerness to learn and contribute to the success of the organization. The first objective emphasizes the candidate's motivation and analytical skills, which are important attributes for an Accountant. The second objective showcases the candidate's educational background and knowledge of accounting principles, demonstrating a strong foundation for success in the role. Lastly, the third objective highlights the candidate's experience in financial management and forecasting, making them a promising fit for an Accounting position where they can further develop their skills and contribute to the company's growth.

Weak Objectives

• Seeking an entry-level Accountant position where I can utilize my skills and gain experience in the field.
• Aspiring Accountant with a degree in Accounting, seeking a position to kickstart my career in the industry.
• Recent graduate with a background in Finance, looking for an Accountant role to learn more about the field and develop my skills.
• These resume objectives need improvement for up and coming Accountants because they lack specificity and don't effectively showcase the unique value or skills the candidates possess. The first objective is generic and doesn't provide any information about the candidate's background, passion, or relevant experience. The second objective mentions a degree in Accounting, but it doesn't mention any specific achievements, certifications, or industries the candidate is interested in. The third objective, although it mentions a background in Finance, doesn't elaborate on the candidate's expertise, skills, or any particular area of accounting they are passionate about, which would make their profile more appealing to potential employers.

Generate Your Resume Summary with AI

Speed up your resume creation process with the ai resume builder . generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your accountant work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.

• Use specific accounting software and tools that you have experience with, such as QuickBooks, Excel, or SAP.
• Highlight your experience in managing financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Showcase your experience in managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, including your ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate payment terms.
• Demonstrate your experience in managing payroll and employee benefits, including your knowledge of tax laws and regulations.
• Highlight your experience in managing audits and compliance, including your ability to prepare for and respond to audits from regulatory bodies.
• Showcase your experience in managing budgets and forecasting, including your ability to analyze financial data and make strategic recommendations.
• Mention any certifications or licenses you hold, such as CPA or CMA.
• Lastly, ensure that the language you use is clear and concise, avoiding industry jargon and acronyms that may not be familiar to HR, recruiters, and hiring managers.

Example Work Experiences for Accountants:

Strong experiences.

• Conducted financial analysis and created detailed reports for a Fortune 500 company, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue and a 5% reduction in expenses.
• Developed and implemented new accounting procedures, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting.
• Led a team of 5 accountants in the preparation and submission of quarterly and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and SEC regulations.
• These work experiences are strong because they demonstrate the candidate's ability to deliver quantifiable results, implement process improvements, and lead a team effectively. The use of specific metrics and action-oriented language highlights the candidate's expertise in financial analysis, accounting procedures, and regulatory compliance. These experiences are highly relevant to the role of an Accountant and showcase the candidate's value as a competent and skilled professional.

Weak Experiences

Prepared financial statements and reports for clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.

Assisted in the preparation of tax returns and audits, reviewing documents and identifying potential issues.

Conducted research on accounting regulations and industry trends, presenting findings to senior staff.

Managed accounts payable and receivable processes, reconciling accounts and resolving discrepancies.

Prepared and analyzed financial data, identifying trends and making recommendations for improvement.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline financial processes and improve efficiency.

• These work experiences are weak because they lack specificity and quantifiable results. They provide generic descriptions of tasks performed without showcasing the impact of the individual's work or the benefits brought to the company. To improve these bullet points, the candidate should focus on incorporating metrics to highlight their achievements and providing clear context that demonstrates their leadership qualities and direct contributions to successful outcomes.

Top Skills & Keywords for Accountant Resumes:

Top hard & soft skills for accountants, hard skills.

• Tax Planning and Compliance
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Cost Accounting
• Auditing and Assurance
• Financial Analysis
• Risk Management
• GAAP and IFRS Knowledge
• Accounting Software Proficiency (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero)
• Payroll Processing and Reporting

Soft Skills

• Analytical Thinking
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Ethics and Integrity
• Organizational Skills
• Leadership and Management Skills
• Technical Proficiency
• Customer Service Orientation

Go Above & Beyond with a Accountant Cover Letter

Accountant cover letter example: (based on resume).

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Today’s Date]

[Company Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Accountant position at [Company Name]. With over [Number of Years] years of experience in accounting and finance, I am confident that my skills and expertise align with the requirements of this role.

In my current role as an Accountant at [Current Company], I have developed and implemented new accounting control procedures that resulted in a 25% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in efficiency. I have also analyzed and reviewed budgets and expenditures for a federal funding source, identifying cost savings opportunities and successfully negotiating a 10% reduction in expenses. Additionally, I have prepared and reviewed tax returns for a portfolio of 50 clients, resulting in a 95% accuracy rate and a 20% increase in client satisfaction.

Prior to my current role, I managed the preparation of financial statements and reports for a publicly traded company, ensuring compliance with GAAP and SEC regulations and achieving a 100% accuracy rate. I also collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a new expense tracking system, resulting in a 30% reduction in processing time and a 20% increase in data accuracy. Furthermore, I provided financial analysis and recommendations to senior leadership, resulting in a successful merger with a competitor and a 10% increase in market share.

In my previous role, I implemented a new accounts payable system, reducing processing time by 50% and improving vendor relationships by 25%. I also developed and maintained a budget for a non-profit organization, resulting in a 15% increase in funding and a 10% increase in program offerings. Additionally, I managed the reconciliation of balance sheet accounts for a portfolio of 100 clients, resulting in a 98% accuracy rate and a 20% increase in client retention.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to [Company Name] and contribute to the success of your organization. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

[Your Name]

As an Accountant, you understand the importance of attention to detail and accuracy in your work. Similarly, pairing your resume with a well-crafted cover letter can showcase your professionalism and attention to detail, setting you apart from other applicants. A cover letter is an extension of your resume, an opportunity to highlight your relevant experience and demonstrate your passion for the role. Contrary to common belief, crafting a compelling cover letter doesn't have to be a daunting task, and the benefits far outweigh the effort required.

Here are some compelling reasons for submitting a cover letter as an Accountant:

• Personalize your application and showcase your genuine interest in the company and role
• Illustrate your unique value proposition and how your skills align with the specific job requirements, such as experience with tax preparation or financial analysis
• Communicate your understanding of the company's financial needs and how you plan to address them
• Share success stories and achievements that couldn't be accommodated in your resume, such as improving financial processes or saving the company money
• Demonstrate your writing and communication skills, which are essential for Accountants
• Highlight any relevant certifications or licenses that make you stand out from other applicants
• Address any potential red flags in your resume, such as gaps in employment or a change in career path
• Differentiate yourself from other applicants who might have opted not to submit a cover letter, showing your dedication and commitment to the role.

In summary, a well-crafted cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview or not. It allows you to showcase your unique skills and experience, demonstrate your passion for the role, and set yourself apart from other applicants. As an Accountant, attention to detail and accuracy are essential, and a cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate these qualities in your application.

Resume FAQs for Accountants:

How long should i make my accountant resume.

An Accountant's resume should ideally be one to two pages long. The length of the resume depends on the individual's experience, skills, and relevant accomplishments in the accounting field. For entry-level Accountants or those with only a few years of experience, a one-page resume is usually sufficient. It should focus on education, relevant coursework, internships, and any entry-level accounting positions held. For more experienced Accountants, a two-page resume may be necessary to showcase a more extensive work history, professional certifications, and accomplishments. It is essential to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements that demonstrate your expertise in accounting and make you stand out as a candidate. Regardless of the length, it is crucial to keep the resume concise, well-organized, and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Focus on including relevant information that showcases your accounting skills, knowledge, and experience, and avoid

What is the best way to format a Accountant resume?

The best way to format an Accountant resume is to focus on clarity, organization, and showcasing relevant skills and experiences. Here are some key elements to consider when formatting an Accountant resume: 1. Choose a clean and professional layout: Use a simple font like Arial or Calibri, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Use consistent formatting for headings and bullet points. Make sure there is enough white space to make the resume easy to read. 2. Start with a strong header: Include your name, contact information, and a professional email address. You may also include your LinkedIn profile URL if it's up-to-date and relevant. 3. Write a concise objective or summary statement: In a few sentences, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and career goals. This statement should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and should demonstrate your value as an Account

Which Accountant skills are most important to highlight in a resume?

As an AI language model, I can provide the following response: When highlighting skills on a resume as an Accountant, it is important to focus on both technical and soft skills. Technical skills such as proficiency in accounting software, financial analysis, and tax preparation are essential. Additionally, highlighting soft skills such as attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving abilities can set you apart from other candidates. It is also important to showcase your ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as your experience in managing projects and meeting deadlines. Lastly, highlighting any relevant certifications or licenses, such as a CPA or CMA, can demonstrate your commitment to the field and your expertise in the industry.

How should you write a resume if you have no experience as a Accountant?

If you have no experience as an Accountant, it is important to focus on highlighting your relevant skills, education, and any relevant work experience you may have. Here are some tips for writing a resume as an aspiring Accountant with no experience: 1. Start with a strong objective statement: Use this section to highlight your career goals and how you plan to use your skills and education to contribute to the accounting field. 2. Highlight your education: List your degree, major, and any relevant coursework or certifications you have completed. If you have a high GPA, be sure to include it. 3. Emphasize your skills: Focus on highlighting your transferable skills, such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are essential for success in the accounting field. 4. Include any relevant work experience: Even if you have not worked as an Accountant before, you may have relevant experience in other fields. For example, if you have worked in customer service, you

Compare Your Accountant Resume to a Job Description:

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Accountant job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Related Resumes for Accountants:

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Accountant Resume - Writing Guide & Example for 2024

As an accountant, you’re a trusted individual that requires accuracy at all times.

You’ll be faced with many challenging tasks that you must get right, but perhaps you didn’t expect to face one so soon.

Your resume!

What does a good accountant resume look like, anyway?

With so many individuals competing for the top roles, you can’t leave any questions unanswered. 

But don’t worry, this guide has you covered!

• An example of a finished account resume that works
• How to write an accountant resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your accountant resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we get into the details, here’s an example of a finished accountant resume, created with our very own resume builder :

Looks good, right?! Follow the steps below to create an accountant resume that get results, just like the above example.

Check out these related resume examples if you're on the lookout for a different position in the field:

• Bookkeeper Resume
• Business Analyst Resume
• Financial Analyst Resume
• Bank Teller Resume
• Banking Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Consultant Resume
• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Career Change Resume

How to Format an Accountant Resume

Before you can impress the hiring manager with your accounting talents, you need pick the best format.

So which resume format should you choose?

The “ reverse-chronological ” format is the most used, and we understand why. The format is easy to read and allows the hiring manager to immediately see why you’ll make a great accountant. 

The following resume formats can also work:

• Functional Resume – If your accountancy skills are stronger than your on-the-job experience, this resume format is recommended. It’s also ideal if you have gaps in your employment history or have changed career path
• Combination Resume – This format is a hybrid between the “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats. As such, it values both skills AND work experience. People use a combination resume when they have a lot of experience

Once your format is ready, you need to organize your resume layout .

Use an Accountant Resume Template

As an accountant, you present data in a structured way.

Your resume is no different.

You can try creating your own resume with Word, but you will likely run into a bunch of formatting issues.

This is why we recommend accountants to use a resume template .

What to Include in an Accountant Resume

The main sections in an accountant resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

Read on to learn what to write for each of these sections.

You can learn even more by viewing our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Just like your client’s accounts, this section just needs to be factually-correct. 

Mistakes in this section can result in the hiring manager not being able to contact you – disaster! 

The contact information section must include:

• Title – Align this to the exact role you’re applying for, which is “Accountant”
• Phone Number – Check this for accuracy
• Email Address – Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not your childhood email ([email protected])
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location
• Edward Fakester - Accountant. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Edward Fakester - Numbers king. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write an Accountant Resume Summary or Objective

Here’s a fact for you – recruiters only spend a few seconds on each resume !

But should we really be surprised by this?  

Well, not when you consider the competitive nature of the accounting market. 

This means you have to hook the recruiter in just a few seconds.

But how can you do this?

The answer is simple: use an objective or resume summary .

Essentially, these are powerful introductions that are placed on top of your resume.

So, what is the difference between the two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

• Accountant with a history of accurately and efficiently supporting accounting activities for a diverse range of clientele. 5+ years of experience in presenting data, analyzing cost control, providing financial reports, and delivering profit and loss statements under time pressures. Achievements include saving Company X $52,000 by fixing a tax reporting error.

On the other hand, a resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

• Motivated accountancy student looking for a junior accounting job at Company X. Passionate about attention to detail and numbers. Experience balancing the books for local food stalls while at University X. Skilled in MS Office, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Sage, and Microsoft Dynamics

So, which one is best, summary or objective?

Generally, experienced accounts should go with a summary. An objective is suited to those accounting graduates who lack the industry experience.

How to Make Your Accountant Work Experience Stand Out

An accountant’s job is all about accuracy.

As such, the recruiter needs to know that you can do a perfect job.

The easiest way to do this is to list your work experience.

Here’s the best structure:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

DiscoverGrowthDigital

03/2016 - 07/2020

• Corrected account errors, which saved a total of $94,000
• Set-up a digital accountancy system for a 10% efficiency increase
• Processed 230+ Final Account Statements annually
• Complied with company procedures and federal laws

To make your work experience stand out from the crowd, you should focus on your most notable achievements. That way, your value is clear to see.

Instead of saying:

“In charge of accounts”

“Corrected account errors, which saved a total of $94,000”

Simply, the first statement is way too generic. It shows you were in charge of accounts, but it doesn’t show if you were successful or not. 

The second statement shows that you saved the company $94,000. Hard numbers that prove your skills – nothing beats that!

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Finished education and are now looking for your first accounting job?

Or maybe, you’ve learnt accounting from online courses, but have no real experience in the field?

No company wants to hire an inexperienced accountant.

But don’t threat – there are ways to show you have the skills to do a great job.

What really matters here is your accounting portfolio.

If you already have any examples of your accounting skills, feel free to upload them online and link it in your resume (we’re going to explain how in a bit).

If not, it isn’t too late.

Here are a couple of easy ways to build a portfolio (and get paid for it):

• Use a freelance platform, like UpWork, to pick up some gigs
• Offer your accounting knowledge to friends & acquaintances at a reduced price

If you’re a recent graduate, you might want to check out our guide on how to make a student resume !

Use Action Words to Make Your Accountant Resume POP!

…are just some of the words that are repeated in every single resume. 

Do you want to separate your resume from the competition?

Then use some power words to make your achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to Correctly List your Education

It’s important for an accountant to have relevant qualifications.

With that said, you can keep your educational section simple.

Simply enter your qualifications in the follow format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Relevant Courses.

B.A. in Accounting & Finance

Boston State University

• Relevant Courses: Finance Accounting, Foundations of Microeconomics, Management Accounting, Advanced Taxation, Auditing, International Banking

If you have some questions unanswered, the following information may help you: 

What if I am still in education?

• Regardless of whether you’re a graduate of accountancy or still studying, you should still mention every year of education to date.

Should I include my education before degree level?

• Generally, only include your highest education. So, include your high school education if you don’t have a relevant degree for accountancy.

What wins, education or experience?

• Real accountancy experience trumps education, so work experience goes first on your resume. 

Still not sure? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 25 Skills for an Accountant Resume

You need to do two things when writing a skills section:

• Look at the required skills that are listed in the job description
• Prove you have the skills

It’s as simple as that!

Here are some of the most common accountant skills:

Hard Skills for Accountants:

• Financial Statements
• Asset Management
• State Tax Law
• Tax Compliance
• Corporate Tax
• Account Analysis
• Regulatory Filings
• Revenue Projections
• Account Reconciliation
• Profit and Loss
• Tax Returns
• Payroll Taxes
• General Ledger

Soft Skills for an Accountant:

• Creative Thinking
• Communication
• Time-Management
• Organization
• Generally, only list your best soft skills. You see, every applicant puts a massive list of soft skills that are hard to back-up. Anyone can say they work well in a team, but not many are well-versed in tax compliance.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 101+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include in an Accountant Resume?

So, those are the most important sections to put on an accountant resume.

But you can do even more.

Covering the most important sections should get you shortlisted, but adding a few extra sections can get your resume to the top of the pile.

Awards & Certifications

Have you won an award in an accountancy-related field?

Have you completed a course to improve your knowledge?

Whatever it is, make sure to mention it in your resume!

Here’s an example:

Awards & Certificates

• “Financial Accounting Fundamentals” – Coursera Certificate
• “Apprentice of the Year 2016” – LUCA Awards
• “Critical Thinking Masterclass” – MadeUpUniversity

Even though accountants deal with numbers, not words, being able to speak multiple languages is a useful skill to have. As such, list your languages if you have space.

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you’re likely thinking, “why do I need to tell the recruiter about my book club?”

Well, your personal interests give an idea into the person you are.

Hobbies show that you’ll be a good part of the team, especially if you enjoy social activities. 

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Want to separate your application from the competition?

Craft a compelling cover letter!

This personal piece of content shows the company that you want to work for them, which is in direct contrast to other applicants that send dozens of generic resumes.

Here’s how to structure a winning cover letter:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, and location

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, and email.

Opening Paragraph

You don’t have long to catch the recruiters attention, so use concise language to mention:

• The accountancy position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve captured their interest, you can delve into the following specifics:

• Why you want to be an accountant for the company
• What you know about the company
• How are your accounting skills relevant for the job
• Which similar industries or positions have you worked in before

Closing Paragraph

End the letter in a friendly way, you should:

• Conclude the main points of the letter
• Thank the hiring manager for the opportunity
• Finish with a call to action that allows the conversation to continue. We recommend, “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help company X”

Formal Salutations

End the letter in a professional manner. Something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter.

Key Takeaways

You’ve just given yourself the best chance of landing that accounting role. 

But before you go, let’s total-up everything you’ve learned:

• Format your accounting resume correctly. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
• In your work experience section, highlight your best achievements, rather than your daily responsibilities
• Defeat the competition with a convincing cover letter

Suggested Reading:

• Use Resume Keywords to Land the Job [880+ Keywords]
• 101+ Achievements to List On Your Resume [In 2024]
• What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment? [3 Proven Answers]

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10+ Accountant Resume Samples That’ll Make Your Application Count

• Martin Poduska , 
• Updated September 8, 2023 7 min read

If you're an accountant who wants to land a job, there are several simple rules to follow when it comes to writing a resume. In this article, you'll find the perfect accountant resume samples that will serve as an inspiration for you, so you can learn from the best.

Remember, on average, your resume has only 6 seconds to leave a lasting impression. A well-written and visually pleasing resume ensures your professional qualities get the attention they deserve. 

And in the end, it may be the resume that gets you the dream accountant job. 

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

• What is expected of an accountant's resume: the basics

1. Student Accountant Resume Sample

2. accounting specialist resume example, 3. entry-level accountant resume sample, 4. senior accounting manager resume example, 5. senior accountant resume example, 6. mid-level accountant resume example, 7. tax accountant resume sample, 8. financial accountant resume example, 9. accounting manager resume sample, 10. senior accountant resume example, 11. db schenker accountant resume example, 12. accounting auditor resume sample, 13. financial auditor resume example, what is expected of an accountant's resume: the basics.

As an accountant, what you want to do first and foremost, is to stand out while communicating dependability and attention to detail. For this reason, flashy resume templates are a big no-go in the world of accounting resumes. 

Each of the accountant resume samples below uses a minimalistic template that implies these qualities. 

The language has to follow the same principle as the design. It needs to be precise, straight to the point, and contain all the important keywords.

How you structure the information in your CV is equally important. 

For this reason, in designing these accountant resume samples we’ve paid most attention to their structure and formatting. Each of the individual sections is divided into bullet points, which facilitates easy reading. You want to do the same. 

But enough words! Learn what you can from these 10 accountant resume samples !

Numbers don't lie.

Scan your resume for issues and find out your resume score. Learn how to improve it.

This resume sample exemplifies what an accounting student resume should look like. 

At this point in your career, you probably don’t have much experience to show. For this reason, the education and skills sections dominate this resume. Each of these two sections is quite extensive in this accountant resume sample and describes in detail what skills did the candidate acquire and how.

Finally, when you cannot depend on previous experience, related extracurricular activities can help support your candidacy too.

Student Accountant Resume Sample

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

When you’re applying for an accounting specialist position, you need a very strong resume. Once you’ve acquired two or more years of professional experience , the only remaining challenge is to articulate it well on a resume.

Notice how this resume opens with a professional summary . By doing this, it allows hiring managers to immediately find what they want to see.

In this resume sample, we’ve put the education section right after the profile. Although it’s not a big mistake, you might want to consider putting it below your work history section. After all, two years into your career education becomes less relevant.

Accounting Specialist Resume Example

This graduate accountant resume sample is razor-sharp in its focus. Naturally, education comes first — straight out of college , your degree is still your strongest asset. 

Since this particular candidate did multiple internships during his studies, the rest of the resume simply lists the experience he acquired during that time. And does it in an easy-to-read and structured manner.

Entry-level Accountant Resume Sample

As a seasoned professional, you could easily write a resume more packed with relevant information than this one. Despite that, we wanted to show that sometimes it’s equally useful to let your resume breathe a little. 

This resume doesn’t overwhelm hiring managers with walls of text but makes great use of white space and straight-to-the-point bullet points. Something to keep in mind while writing your own resume. You don’t always need to include every piece of information to make a lasting impression.

Senior Accounting Manager Resume Example

This accountant resume sample packs a lot of information on a single page. If you’ve ever felt like you can’t possibly make your resume shorter, this sample proves you wrong. 

Note the use of past tense in the first two bullet point sections as compared to the last section’s simple list of responsibilities. The lesson is clear — what you did is always more impressive than what you were supposed to do.

Senior Accountant Resume Example

This accountant resume sample is designed to do a lot with little . In spite of the candidate’s limited experience, the resume succeeds in making it look more robust than it actually is. 

One of the reasons behind this is a smart choice of a resume template — it makes the space reserved for text more conflated. Another reason is its use of strong visual elements, such as charts and sliders. It’s a great example of how the content of your resume has to go in hand with its form.

Mid-Level Accountant Resume Example

When applying for a job as a CPA tax analyst, you need a very strong resume. The resume below has an air of steadfast responsibility about it. 

The template design is very formal and doesn’t seek to impress in anything but its minimalism. Similarly, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything irrelevant on this resume. Instead, this accountant resume sample packs an impressive number of keywords to ensure that it gets through any ATS.

Tax Accountant Resume Sample

A pretty standard mid-level accountant resume sample. The opening career summary outlines the candidate’s strongest qualities while remaining concise.

If you want to improve on it, structure your summary using bullet points to make it easier to read. Second, notice the use of past tense in each of the subsections. Such use of language has a much greater impact on the reader than a simple list of responsibilities . 

Finally, even if keywords are missing in the main body of the resume, the strengths section makes up for it.

Financial Accountant Resume Example

In many ways, the resume below is a great example of how not to do it . Although it belongs to a candidate who held multiple managerial positions, it hardly ever presents any quantifiable accomplishments. Numbers are impactful and you should never pass on an opportunity to present your experiences by using them.

Otherwise, this resume sample is clear and well-structured. The use of a two-column template design allows it to pack a lot of information on a single page.

Accounting Manager Resume Sample

An accountant resume like the one below impresses with the candidate’s sheer wealth of experience and skills. Remember, it’s all about those first 6 seconds.

This accountant resume example catches the recruiters’ attention by making it visually apparent that this candidate’s experience is extensive . The takeaway is clear — once you’ve become a seasoned professional, even a wall of text on your resume doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing.

This resume stands out from the crowd. It was provided by one of the Kickresume clients who, also thanks to this resume, managed to land a job at DB Schenker as an accountant. 

It's easy to see why. Even though Emma used one of the most basic (and free!) templates, when it comes to applying for an accountant job, this isn't a problem. Simplicity is the vibe that you want to go for. Moreover , this resume has the perfect length. It's no longer the rule that a resume should be only a page long. One to two pages are ideal.

DB Schenker Accountant Resume Example

This resume sample was contributed by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

This resume template allows the CV to have a clear structure and while it has a little color, it creates a highly professional and sleek impression.

What we can learn from this accountant resume sample is that sticking to rules will get you far. This resume has all the predictable parts that it needs , including the accountant resume profile. 

Work experience is placed first (as it should be), which is then followed by the education and skills sections. The resume of this type is welcomed by hiring managers as it is familiar and well-structured  — and therefore easy to read.

Accounting Auditor Resume Sample

This template is a little too colorful for an average accountant's resume. However, the overall impression remains professional and highly structured. 

Moreover, this accountant resume sample is the perfect example of how extra sections on your resume can enhance the quality of the whole CV. If you have a volunteering experience or a special certificate, make sure that you always include it.

Financial Auditor Resume Example

Finally, if you feel like you still need more advice, check out our ultimate resume guide . Or even better, get your own resume analyzed and see what you can improve!

Get a resume that really counts.

Impress HR managers with a stunning template.

Martin Poduska is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. He leads Kickresume’s team of writers and is the main person responsible for upholding the standards of expertise and quality on the blog. In addition to having written nearly 100 in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles, as chief editor he has also edited and revised every single article on this blog. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. Martin holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam.

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Accountant Resume Example

Accountants are using our resume examples and career advice to land jobs at top firms nationwide.

Our resumes have been proven to work.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Forget CEOs — accountants are the backbone of modern business. They keep track of finances to ensure that the organization runs smoothly and effectively. Their findings and recommendations also help managers make decisions about which markets to enter and what contracts to pursue. 

Let’s review the steps to creating an effective resume for an accountant that will appeal to renowned firms like Ernst & Young.

How to Write a Summary for an Accountant

• Mention your previous experience . Note how long you’ve been in the finance sphere and what firms you’ve been employed at. Most accounting firms prefer candidates with two years of experience, whether it’s a combination of internships or full-time employment.
• Describe your greatest strength . Do you excel at auditing reports? Are you punctual and timely in submitting financial documents? Are you on point for spotting trends in the marketplace? If so, put it in your summary, along with any other strengths that show your competency. ‍
• Explain what you’re eager to accomplish in the next stage of your career . What are you hoping to achieve in your next position? What areas are you looking to grow in? What aspects of your career are you eager to develop?

Tip: Be specific about your experiences and use strong verbs. The following is a weak example, "Searching for an accounting job at a reputable firm," whereas this is stronger, "Accountant with 10 years of experience analyzing and submitting financial reports for companies Friedman LLP and Crowe LLP. Exceptional ability to ensure report accuracy and provide managers with financial trends to direct business strategy. Seeking to progress my career and continue to help companies reach their potential."

How to List Your Work Experience as an Accountant

• Use reverse chronological format . List your most recent jobs first, as this shows managers how you’ve gained experience in the industry. 
• Use action verbs related to accounting . Verbs are critical to demonstrating what you can do for the company. Review the following list for some powerful examples.
• Interpreted
• Recommended
• Recommended 

See our list of over 350 action verbs to find more.

Senior Level Work Experience as an Accountant

• Prepared and recorded asset, liability, revenue, and expenses entries by compiling and analyzing account information
• Filed annual financial statements and quarterly reports as fitting GAAP standards
• Interpreted financial data in the marketplace to provide management with recommendations for business strategies 
• Protected the organization’s integrity and confidentiality by ensuring the accuracy and privacy of financial reports
• Maintained general ledger to record and balance transactions
• Completed external audit by analyzing the general ledger and providing the auditor with necessary information

Junior Level Work Experience as an Accountant

• Posted journal entries to ensure accuracy of financial transactions
• Updated financial statements with balanced entries, accounting for occurrences like bad debt expense
• Paid monthly payroll for 75 employees
• Assisted senior accountants with the filing of 10-K annual financial reports
• Protected the organization’s integrity and confidentiality by ensuring the accuracy and privacy of financial data
• Updated financial data in databases to ensure that information will be immediately available when needed

How to List Your Skills as an Accountant

Accountants must improve and add to their skill-set in order to keep apace with changing technology. Emphasize some of the skills you’ve developed to help your resume stand out.

• ‍ Software Proficiency    
• Attention to Detail        
• Effective Communication
• Critical Thinking       
• Problem-Solving       
• Standards of Accounting
• Data Analysis
• Data Forecasting
• Punctuality

How to List Your Education as an Accountant

Accountants generally require a bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience, though some companies even prefer master’s degrees. You also need to be versed in the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which are the standards set forth by the US government. Some accountants undergo training to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) since it licenses them to make more high-level business and tax decisions. Accountants without CPA certification are relegated to more routine financial accounting work.

Requirements for accounting licensure vary by state but generally involve the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree in finance, accounting, economics, business, or a related field
• Consider take the CPA exam
• Acquire other certifications like Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). The more certifications you have, the more you will stand out as a qualified and competent candidate. 
• Complete a background check
• Apply for a license in the state you’re located in 

You can find more details about certifications at Best Accounting Certifications for 2020 . 

Accountant Career Overview

Job Outlook

The job outlook for accountants is growing at 6% per year, which is considered average. In 2018 there were 1,424,000 jobs available.

Average Salary 

Accountants make $70,500 per year on average. However, salaries could be as high as $122,140 depending on the number of certifications you have acquired. 

Top Paying Salaries by State

• $102,090 -- New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
• $97,640 -- California
• $95,570 -- District of Columbia
• $92,770 -- Connecticut
• $90,880 -- Michigan 

Search for Accountant Jobs

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Samples › Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant Sample

Download and customize our resume template to land more interviews. Review our writing tips to learn everything you need to know for putting together the perfect resume.

Not sure how to format your resume? Download our free guide and template .

Financial Accountants play a vital role in many companies’ operations, helping drive growth and maintain financial transparency. If you’ve chosen this career path, then you already understand how important this work is. 

Unlike many accountants who are focused on day-to-day financial activities, the Financial Accountant’s responsibilities involve not only preparing and managing the company’s financial documents but also analyzing data to ensure that the company’s executives have the insight they need to make great decisions for their stakeholders.

It’s a highly competitive field, though, and you’ll need an outstanding resume if you want to differentiate yourself from rival candidates. That’s why we’ve created this Financial Accountant resume guide that contains all the critical tips and tricks you need to know to craft your own resume. It also includes key insights and Financial Accountant resume examples that you can use as a reference during your resume creation efforts.

How to write a resume

Many job seekers fill out their resumes as though they’re filling out a simple job application. As a result, they end up with a finished product that’s anything but captivating. 

The problem with that approach is that today’s companies are often forced to wade through dozens or even hundreds of resumes just to fill one open position. If your resume doesn’t deliver a powerful message about your potential value, chances are that you’ll struggle to separate yourself from the crowd.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to follow to craft a compelling resume narrative that captures employers’ attention. We’ll explain how to choose the right resume format and structure, which sections to include in your document, and how to demonstrate your value to prove that you have the skills you claim.

Related post : How to Make Your Resume Stand Out in 2024

Picking a format

Make sure that you choose the right format for your Financial Accountant resume. There are three main options that you can use:

Functional . This format is typically used by people who have little experience or major gaps in their work history . To mask that inexperience, a functional resume places the work experience section at the end of the document, after the skills and education sections. We recommend that job seekers avoid this option whenever possible since many employers view it with skepticism.

Reverse-chronological . If you have at least a few years of experience that relates to the job you’re seeking, then this is the format for you. The reverse-chronological resume is a great way to provide a detailed overview of your career trajectory since it lists your job roles in reverse order. To use it, simply start your work experience section by listing your most recent or current job. Then, list the next ten years of job roles in reverse order.

Combination . The combination format was designed to employ the best features of the other two options. It still allows you to focus on relevant skills but also lists your work experience in reverse chronology. If you’re trying to change careers, then this resume format could be just what you need to convey your transferable skills and major achievements to potential employers.

In most cases, we recommend that job seekers use the reverse-chronological resume format. It’s sure to be instantly recognized by hiring managers, who typically prefer that candidates present their resume information in a clear and transparent manner.

The importance of structure

Structure is also a vital component of any successful resume document. The structure that you choose needs to be simple and straightforward so that hiring managers can easily skim through your resume to find the information they’re looking for. To make that information more accessible, you need to group distinct types of information into specific sections. We’ll examine each of the most important sections below.

Contact information

Always place your contact details at the top of your resume to ensure that employers can quickly find your information when they need to schedule an interview or present you with a job offer. While this section might seem like window-dressing, it’s a vital component of any successful resume. Here are the details you should include:

Your first and last name . Make sure that you use a slightly larger text and bold it for emphasis.

Your location . This should just be your city and state – don’t include your street address.

Your phone number . Use a working cell or home phone number that enables employers to reach you.

Your email address . Use a professional email address that you regularly check. If you don’t have one, create a new Gmail address.

Your LinkedIn URL if you have one.

Resume headline

Some resume experts will suggest that you add your job title to the contact section of your resume, but we usually recommend a different approach. Simply take that job title and add some descriptive text to create a resume headline that grabs an employer’s attention. In other words, don’t just write the job title, Financial Accountant. Instead, add some flourish that sets you apart from rival job seekers. For example:

Data-driven and Insightful Financial Accountant and Growth Advisor

That headline should help differentiate you from every other candidate for the position. It focuses on key skills and specialties, using dynamic language that will help inspire your reader to dig deeper into your resume.

Related post : 30+ Resume Headline Examples (2024 Update)

Resume summary

The resume summary section goes right below your headline and provides your first real introduction to the employer. As the name suggests, this section should be a summarization of your experience, key skills, and measurable achievements. If you prefer, you can think of it as a basic elevator pitch – a brief paragraph of no more than four or five sentences – that highlights your qualifications and potential value as an employee. Here’s an example of a financial accountant resume summary:

Detail-oriented Financial Accounting professional with 8+ years of experience in management of general accounting functions, AP/AR, P&L analysis, and finance project management. Critical thinker committed to identifying improvement opportunities through data-based creative forecasting. Excellent communication and collaborative skills. Led financial department reorganization project at ABC Corp. that reduced inefficiencies and costs by more than 30% annually.

Core competencies

This section is the first one to warrant a heading. You can label it Core Competencies, Relevant Skills, or just Skills. Don’t get too creative with the name. Within this section, you should list all the most relevant skills that highlight your qualifications for the job. List these skills using bullet points, and then format that entire list into two or three columns. Try to limit the total number of skills to no more than twelve or fifteen abilities.

Also, make sure that you include all the skills listed in the job posting. If the employer cited them as qualifications, then there’s a good chance that those words are keywords that will be used to screen your resume. Many companies use applicant tracking systems to perform these screenings, and your failure to include those exact keywords in your resume could cause it to be rejected by the machines.

Related post : ATS Resume Test: Free ATS Checker & Formatting Examples (2024)

Work experience

Your work experience section deserves special attention since it’s the best place to demonstrate the type of value that you can provide for any new employer. Begin by listing each job you’ve held for the last ten years in reverse-chronological order. 

For each role, include the company name and location, dates of employment, and your job title. Once that’s done, you should include four to six bullet-point achievements that demonstrate your results. More on that in a moment.

Your education section should include educational credentials that satisfy the job posting’s requirements. Always include the degree that you earned, the college you attended, and your date of graduation. If your course of study can add anything to your qualifications, include those details too. As a rule, there’s no need to include your GPA – unless the employer requested that information in the job posting.

In addition to those six sections, you can also add optional sections focused on certifications, awards, or other relevant details that can bolster your candidacy.

Demonstrating value through achievements

As promised, it’s time to talk about those achievements for your work experience section. Each of these bullet point examples of your work results should focus on the value you provided. Use real numbers that highlight the money you saved or earned for the company and other measurable results that provide concrete value. 

For example:

Performed regular forensic accounting that identified more than $20 million in savings over a three-year period

Delivered insightful forecasts used by company executives to initiate four $30+million mergers and acquisitions

Developed and implemented process improvements that reduced departmental inefficiencies by 21%

Financial Accountant resume example

Before we look at some examples of the types of skills you’ll need to include in your Financial Accountant resume, it’s time to provide that resume example we promised at the beginning of the guide. You can use this example as a template for your own resume by simply replacing its details with yours. Alternatively, you can just use it for inspiration.

City, State or Country if international

Phone | Email

LinkedIn URL

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT PROFESSIONAL

A highly talented Financial/Accounting professional with demonstrated experience in reconciliations, AP/AR, reporting, P&L analysis and the management of general accounting functions. Superior analytical skills with an expertise in transaction/workflow details in support of process and profit improvement. Collaborate effectively with business managers to resolve variances, refine forecasts, and identify opportunities for improvement. Thrives in fast-paced environments handling numerous deadlines and projects while ensuring high-quality execution. Excellent communicator, presenter and works well with individuals at all levels of a corporation. Out-of-the-box thinker with the ability to integrate technology and best practices to increase accuracy and efficiency of accounting practices.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Accounts Payable

Balance Sheet

Corporate Accounting

Technical Analysis

Accounts Receivable

P&L Analysis

Reconciliation

Forensic Accounting

Process Improvement

Cash Flow Projection

Financial Statements

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Company | Location | Year to Present

Responsibilities

Assist in compilation of statutory accounts up to P&L and Balance Sheet stage for all companies within the group and assist in consolidating these accounts based on AASB.

Oversee transaction and general ledger account reconciliation processes.

Create a consolidated budget for the fiscal year 2013-14 and submitted for management approval.

Update the budget model to account for significant changes in the business environment.

Conduct cost/benefit analysis and report key KPI’s to provide supporting evidence that aids management decisions regarding implementation.

Support organizational process improvement activities including identification, analysis, development and documentation of process improvements.

Prepare weekly cash flow projection.

Prepare and lodge monthly BAS returns.

Prepare and lodge FBT returns.

Prepare group accounts audit pack for the half year audit.

Participate in monthly stock take with operation team.

Analyzed deficiencies and recommended improvements to senior management: numerous ideas were adopted and used as standards to improve efficiency, workflow and accuracy.

Bookkeeper/Accountant

Company | Location | Year to Year

Prepared journals, monthly accruals and general ledger reconciliations with extreme accuracy.

Managed revenue recognition and ensured compliance with contractual terms and conditions.

Prepared and reconciled unearned revenue and accrued revenue schedules.

Maintained asset register; reviewed expenditure accounts and identify asset acquisitions.

Reconciled fixed asset subsidiary ledger to general ledger.

Prepared monthly plan vs. actual variance analysis report for grants as required by the Chief Financial Controller; identify and investigate the differences.

Reconciled multiple bank accounts.

Prepared and lodged monthly BAS returns.

Performed numerous projects for the CFO: prepared lease incentive schedule; prepare FBT return & company tax return for subsidiary.

Complete School Name, City, St/Country: List Graduation Years If Within the Last Ten Years Complete Degree Name (Candidate) – Major (GPA: List if over 3.3)

Relevant Coursework: List coursework taken (even include those you are planning on taking)

Awards/Honors: List any awards, honors or big achievements

Clubs/Activities: List clubs and activities in which you participated

Relevant Projects: List 2-3 projects you have worked on

Key hard & soft skills for a Financial Accountant

You’ll want to include a mix of both hard technical skills and soft interpersonal abilities in your Core Competencies section. Remember, hard skills are usually developed through formal education, training, and hands-on learning. Soft skills include personality traits, thought processes, and key people skills that you use to interact with others. Below are some common skills that you should consider including in your Financial Accountant resume.

Possible Financial Accountant resume hard skills

Accounting software

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Financial statement preparation

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance expertise

Industry-specific knowledge

Corporate accounting

Possible Financial Accountant resume soft skills

Time management

Project management

Critical thinking

Commitment to integrity

Written and verbal communication

Active learning

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Creative thinking

Summary & last words

Hiring managers typically spend no more than a few seconds skimming your resume. Unless you’ve focused on delivering a truly compelling message that captures their attention in that limited time, chances are that your resume will get lost in the crowd. When you create a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and measurable achievements in a way that broadcasts your value to each employer, you can turn those odds in your favor and start landing the interviews you need to secure great job offers.

Related post : Beginner's Guide to How to Write a Resume

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Why you should make use of our resume writing services to land your next job as a Financial Accountant

When it’s time to select a resume-writing service, there’s one clear choice: ZipJob. Our team of professional resume writers has the experience and expertise needed to help you craft a winning resume. Just as important, they have deep industry knowledge and insight that enables them to know what today’s employers want to see when they read your resume. And because they’re well-versed in the latest ATS technology, your resume will be optimized to get past those automated screens.

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Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

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34 Accountant Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Accountants are key players in the daily operations of most businesses. we cover what you need to know to land an accounting job in 2023 (google docs and pdfs attached)..

Practically all businesses need to do some form of accounting. Companies typically manage their finances by monitoring cash flow and keeping records of transactions. In many cases, they also analyze financial data to gain insights about the health of the business. Accountants specialize in providing these financial services. Their duties can overlap with those of a financial analyst -- one major difference is that accountants focus on everyday operations, whereas financial analysts provide big-picture insights and recommendations based on company performance and market conditions over time. In either case, these professionals perform vital work for businesses. Accounting job prospects are expanding and are not likely to disappear anytime soon -- by 2029, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that accounting jobs will grow by 4%. Most accountants are detail-oriented, conscientious, and excellent at working with numbers. If you’re seeking an accounting job, you need a resume that shows you have the right skills for the job. What does it take to build a stellar accounting resume in 2023? Here are some templates to follow that could increase your odds of getting hired.

Accountant Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Accounting Clerk
• Accounting Manager
• Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive
• Entry Level Accountant
• Staff Accountant
• Cost Accountant
• Payroll Accountant
• Accounting Assistant
• Tax Accountant
• Accounting Specialist
• Junior Accountant
• Project Accountant
• Public Accountant
• Fund Accountant
• Senior Tax Accountant
• Property Accountant
• Experienced Accountant
• Construction Accountant
• Fixed Asset Accountant
• Corporate Accountant
• Revenue Accountant
• Chief Accounting Officer
• Director of Accounting

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Accountant Resumes

Accountant Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Bullet Points on Accountant Resumes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related Finance Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 34: Accountant Resume Example

An accountant is a financial professional who keeps track of an organization’s transaction history, including costs and income. They evaluate a company’s financial performance and provide reports to stakeholders. Additionally, an accountant must issue employee payments, record bank statements, and issue taxes. You should demonstrate your impact on the bottom line in your accountant resume. Accountants can help organizations improve their operations, reduce risks, and generate more profit. You can use this as a reference as to what metrics and accomplishments to include in your resume.

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Tips to help you write your Accountant resume in 2024

   highlight your knowledge of relevant (and recent) accounting regulations on your resume..

Accountants should provide accurate and transparent financial information to the government, investors, and banks. That’s why accounting compliance regulates their operations and sets ethical standards that they must follow. Show knowledge of recent developments in your industry by including projects that involved up-to-date or recent laws or accounting frameworks.

   Indicate your area of specialization.

Accountants can specialize in a particular area such as payroll, tax, and inventory accounting. This is something you should specify in your resume, either in your resume's title or summary section. By doing this, you demonstrate more authority in your field, which makes you more competitive for recruiters.

Skills you can include on your Accountant resume

Template 2 of 34: accounting clerk resume example.

An accounting clerk sits on a company’s accounting team within their finance department. These professionals are responsible for administrative accounting tasks such as reporting, bookkeeping, discrepancy identification and resolution, and invoice collection. These professionals deal with the granular aspects of a business's finances, ensuring payments are timely from customers and books are balanced. To become an accounting clerk, you will need a minimum of an associate's degree in accounting. A bachelor’s degree can help you land this role but is not always required. Hiring managers will look for someone with accounting experience, such as a prior role as a bookkeeper or debt collector. Moreover, they’ll look for candidates with a deep understanding of accounting processes, computer literacy, and superb organization and time management skills.

Tips to help you write your Accounting Clerk resume in 2024

   highlight your organizational abilities.

Since accounting clerks are usually responsible for organizing and cataloging important paperwork such as bills, invoices, and payment orders - showing you are highly organized will help you get this role. Highlight your organizational skills by detailing situations where you have successfully kept track of varying documents in prior roles.

   Showcase your experience solving account discrepancies or delinquency

It’s important that the accounting clerk is able to solve financial issues such as delinquent accounts. It’s important to highlight any experience you have identifying discrepancies or delinquent accounts and how you solved them.

Skills you can include on your Accounting Clerk resume

Template 3 of 34: accounting clerk resume example.

Accounting clerks perform various administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, reconciling accounts, tracking payments, and collecting data for audits. To get this job, your resume should reflect that you are highly organized, analytical, and capable of juggling a myriad of responsibilities. Provide examples from your prior work experience to illustrate these skills.

   Uses clear action verbs to discuss accomplishments

Accounting clerks perform a wide array of clerical duties to support their departments. On your resume, you should choose precise action verbs to describe how you’ve handled similar responsibilities at previous jobs. Industry-specific verbs such as “audited”, “processed”, and “reconciled” are especially strong choices to emphasize your accounting skills.

   Resume lists relevant work experience

Although you can find entry-level accounting clerk positions, having prior experience within the field always makes you a stronger job candidate. Focusing your resume on accounting clerk positions (or similar roles) you’ve held in the past is ideal, and shows hiring managers that you are ready to succeed in the role.

Template 4 of 34: Accounting Manager Resume Example

The accounting manager is a senior-level position within the finance team at an organization. Accounting managers are leaders who oversee the accounting team and their day-to-day business processes. As an accounting manager, you may monitor and optimize workflow processes, identify cost-savings opportunities, and provide guidance to junior accountants. To become an accounting manager, you will need demonstrated knowledge in accounting, as well as an eye for detail and great leadership skills. For this role, hiring managers will look for a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business. More importantly, ideal candidates will have significant and progressive experience working in finance roles. Hiring managers may look for someone with previous experience as a junior accountant, budget officer, or controller. It’s important that candidates for this role have leadership abilities as well as project management capabilities.

Tips to help you write your Accounting Manager resume in 2024

   become a cpa (certified public accountant).

The CPA is a credential given to licensed accounting professionals. Having this certification on your resume will show hiring managers you have completed at least 150 hours of accounting education and have a minimum of 2 years of professional accounting experience. Gaining a CPA is a great way to quickly show hiring managers you are knowledgeable.

   Demonstrate your ability to lead others

It’s crucial that the accounting manager is a strong leader as they will oversee junior finance staff who complete important tasks such as payroll, accounts receivable, billing, and more. You should showcase your ability to manage several team members with varying responsibilities on your resume.

Skills you can include on your Accounting Manager resume

Template 5 of 34: accounting manager resume example.

The accounting manager oversees and manages the accounting team. They determine goals, and policies, and delegate tasks to team members. Accounting managers ensure that the organization’s finances are at their best state by auditing their financial reports. Then they identify patterns that allow them to draw conclusions. This is a leadership position, so you should demonstrate your leadership and project management skills in your resume. You can mention previous experiences in which you managed a large team.

   Demonstrate your expertise in the accounting field.

As an accounting manager, you are expected to have several years of experience in the field, so it’s important to include all relevant project and job experience in accounting. This will demonstrate seniority and illustrate your value in the industry.

   Indicate that you are up-to-date with industry trends, such as new accounting software or techniques.

Accounting managers should be computer-literate and up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. Some of the most used programs for accounting in 2023 include Oracle NetSuite Accounting Software, Intuit QuickBooks Online, Melio, and FreshBooks Accounting Software. It might be a good idea to research the company you're applying to by looking at the job description, find out what they're using, and including that exact stack of software on your resume.

Template 6 of 34: Accounting Manager Resume Example

Accounting managers oversee accounting departments, manage financial reporting, and lead their teams to success. To advance to a management position in accounting, you not only need to be a great accountant; you also need to demonstrate leadership and people skills. Make sure your resume reflects your experience in these areas.

   Promotions show proactivity and growth in accounting

Featuring past promotions on your resume tells hiring managers that you are an outstanding employee with the potential to excel. It takes proactivity and drive to rise through the ranks at any job, and those same qualities are essential when you’re seeking a leadership position.

   Cites specific, measurable achievements from past jobs

As a financial professional, you will be expected to produce results for your employers. Quantify your previous successes with specific numbers to show the impact you made at your old jobs. Prior achievements such as “recovered $2M in overstated expenses” or “consolidated sales over $10M” are a strong testament to your skills.

Template 7 of 34: Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive Resume Example

Writing a resume for a Senior Accountant or Accounting Executive role is an exercise in demonstrating expertise and leadership within the finance realm. It's essential to remember that these roles are often the backbone of the finance department, so your resume should reflect the depth and breadth of your experience. In recent times, companies increasingly value accountants who can leverage technological tools for efficiency and accuracy; your knowledge of accounting software should be a shining star on your resume. Furthermore, with the rise of remote work and globalization, Senior Accountants are expected to be comfortable managing virtual teams and handling International Financial Reporting Standards. Ensure to incorporate your experience or training in these areas too.

Tips to help you write your Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive resume in 2024

   highlight technical competency.

Due to the increasing reliance on technology within accounting, ensure that you dedicate space to your proficiency in diverse accounting software and tools. Mention your experience in QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle Financials, or any proprietary software you used.

   Showcase Leadership Skills

Senior roles require you to lead teams and communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Highlight any instances of leading a project, automating a process, or explaining complex data to others in your work experience section.

Skills you can include on your Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive resume

Template 8 of 34: senior accountant / accounting executive resume example.

Senior accountants don’t always supervise other employees, but they are typically experienced professionals who have worked in accounting for a number of years. As a senior accountant, you’ll do some typical accounting tasks, but you’ll also do higher-level analyses of your company’s financial standing. Your resume should show your aptitude for data analysis and your ability to make complex business decisions that lead to positive outcomes.

   Skills section lists relevant accounting technical skills

In your years of accounting, you’ve probably gained experience with software such as QuickBook, Oracle, RSM Auditor Assistant, and others. You’re likely also familiar with concepts such as generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), auditing, and financial analysis. Use a separate skills section to list technical and other hard skills you’ve acquired over the course of your career.

   Accounting-specific action verbs highlight past successes

Strong action verbs are an effective way to introduce achievements from your former jobs. Verbs like “conducted”, “automated”, and “implemented” all demonstrate proactivity, and they paint a clear picture of the role you played in each accomplishment.

Template 9 of 34: Entry Level Accountant Resume Example

Entry level accountants help with maintaining financial records, gathering data, and assembling basic reports. While you don’t need formal accounting experience for this job, it can help to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a similar field. Lead your resume with your educational experience, mentioning any relevant coursework (such as business law or microeconomics), and be sure to also mention any relevant internships you’ve held.

Tips to help you write your Entry Level Accountant resume in 2024

   emphasizes educational history.

At the beginning of your accounting career, you won’t have as much work experience to list on your resume -- so place more focus on your education, especially if you completed a degree in accounting and finance. A high GPA and any academic distinctions you’ve earned can show potential employers proof of your work ethic and dedication.

   Lists relevant internships and community projects

When you have less employment history under your belt, highlight any internships you’ve done in accounting or finance. These positions are valuable because they teach you similar skills to what you might learn in an accounting job. Volunteer projects where you’ve organized meetings, gathered donations, or developed other professional skills are also worth mentioning.

Skills you can include on your Entry Level Accountant resume

Template 10 of 34: staff accountant resume example.

Staff accountants keep track of and oversee all financial records in an organization, including balance sheets and cash flow, equity, and income statements. They must record transactions conduct the billing processes, and help stakeholders make more informed decisions regarding year budgets or new projects. That’s why you might want to highlight your business acumen on your resume by mentioning your impact on previous projects’ bottom line. A staff accountant can work in private, public, and non-profit institutions. Ideally, you should have a bachelor’s degree in finance, administration, or accounting.

Tips to help you write your Staff Accountant resume in 2024

   mention your familiarity with local and state staff accounting regulations..

One of your responsibilities as a staff accountant is to ensure the company is compliant with local and state regulations. You should guarantee that the accounting team is following the best practices to demonstrate transparency and accuracy in financial records.

   Highlight your financial analysis skills.

As a staff accountant, you should compare each year’s transactions to identify patterns in the data. This includes income, spending habits, and budgets. This way, you can help stakeholders make better financial decisions using data-backed insights.

Skills you can include on your Staff Accountant resume

Template 11 of 34: staff accountant resume example.

Staff accountants have a variety of duties that may include bookkeeping, processing payroll, preparing taxes, and generating financial reports and statements. They also help ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

   Focuses on quantifiable achievements from past accounting jobs

When talking about your previous jobs, it’s wise to mention specific results that you achieved in each position so accounting hiring managers can see the extent of your capabilities. When you can say that you “reduced error rates by 20%” or “maintained monthly schedules of 30+ fixed assets”, you show that your actions and decisions had a measurable impact at past jobs.

   Leads accomplishments with action verbs

You should always lead your bullet-point achievements with precise action verbs such as “oversaw”, “maintained”, and “reconciled”. These types of verbs clearly illustrate what you accomplished at past jobs, and they help you position yourself as a skilled professional within your field. If you can choose verbs that are related to accounting and finance, do that!

Template 12 of 34: Cost Accountant Resume Example

Cost accountants analyze and assess the costs of producing products or services. They help businesses identify areas where they could become more profitable. In addition to the math and data analysis skills that most accountants need, cost accountants need strong budgeting skills and the ability to communicate effectively with management about their findings. Use your resume to highlight your accounting background and your skills at collaborating with others.

Tips to help you write your Cost Accountant resume in 2024

   promotions demonstrate a drive to succeed.

If you’ve advanced from less-senior positions to roles with more responsibility in the past, make sure to point out your promotions on your resume. Starting as an auditor and leveling up to a management accountant position demonstrates your financial acumen and tells recruiters that you are likely to thrive in a potential new role.

   Industry-specific action verbs show financial expertise

When you’re pursuing a job in accounting, use verbs specific to finance (such as “analyzed”, “audited”, and “managed”) throughout your resume to talk about your past accomplishments. These verbs are a great way to showcase your knowledge and experience within the financial industry.

Skills you can include on your Cost Accountant resume

Template 13 of 34: payroll accountant resume example.

Payroll accountants supervise and process payments. They are responsible for ensuring that payments are processed efficiently, on time, and following legal regulations. Additional responsibilities include calculating deductions, resolving salary conflicts, and generating salary statements for employees. Generally, payroll accountants have a bachelor’s degree in finance or administration. Keep in mind that it’s important to demonstrate your knowledge of relevant tax laws on your resume.

Tips to help you write your Payroll Accountant resume in 2024

   indicate you have extensive knowledge of payroll functions on your resume..

As a payroll accountant, you should demonstrate proficiency in payroll functions. This includes calculating wages, deductions, bonuses, and processing payments for each employee. That’s why you should include skills such as payroll processing, auditing, tax deduction, and financial reporting.

   Showcase the payroll software that you are familiar with in your resume.

There are numerous tools out there that help you automate payroll tasks. Some of the most popular ones include QuickBooks Payro, Gusto, and OnPay. However, you can mention any payroll tool that you are familiar with. It’s also a good idea to check your potential employer’s requirements to see if they have a particular program they use.

Skills you can include on your Payroll Accountant resume

Template 14 of 34: payroll accountant resume example.

Payroll accountants are responsible for processing companies’ employee compensation. Each pay period, they calculate each employee’s earnings, deduct the proper amounts for income tax and benefits, and issue paychecks. To get a payroll accountant position, use your resume to show that you have general accounting skills, experience using payroll software, and a working knowledge of labor and tax regulations.

   Prominent skills section for hard accounting skills

Payroll accounting requires some specialized knowledge. You’ll need to know your local labor and tax laws to ensure your company is in compliance. You may also use software such as ADP Payroll to process your company’s payroll. A resume skills section allows you to list your job-specific hard skills in a place where they’ll be easy to see.

   Resume is tailored to the specific payroll-related job

Always target your resume to the job you’re applying for. Adding the job title “Payroll Accountant” near the top of the document can help your resume get through automated tracking systems (ATS) and other resume screening tools. Make your resume even more relevant to the position by adding accounting keywords throughout your work experience and skills (“payroll”, “processing”, and “reporting” are just a few of many examples).

Template 15 of 34: Accounting Assistant Resume Example

Being an accounting assistant requires a particular set of skills. You're often the backbone of the accounting department, handling data entry, invoice processing, and overall financial record keeping. The job requires meticulous attention to detail, great numerical skills, and often, a good handle on certain software like Quickbooks or Excel. Lately, due to increased digitalization, many accounting assistant roles may also require familiarity with cloud-based tools and software. As you craft your resume, remember that hiring managers are keen to see your technical skills, your ability to work with a team, and examples of how you've added value in past roles, such as improving processes or saving company resources. Specificity is key, so provide quantifiable achievements whenever possible.

Tips to help you write your Accounting Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight software proficiency.

As an accounting assistant, you'll likely be using a variety of accounting and data management software. Specify which programs you're familiar with, like QuickBooks, MS Excel, or any other cloud-based accounting tools, as this can be a key deciding factor for hiring managers.

   Detail achievements with numbers

When drafting the experience section, don't just list your routine tasks. Instead, highlight achievements and improvements you've brought about, ideally using specific numbers. For example, "Implemented a new data entry method that improved efficiency by 20%".

Skills you can include on your Accounting Assistant resume

Template 16 of 34: accounting assistant resume example.

In an accounting assistant role, you’ll be doing basic accounting tasks such as record keeping, cash handling, and billing to help support your company. You may be able to get this job straight out of school, but some companies may require a few years of accounting experience. Use a resume like this one to showcase the experience you do have, giving specific examples of achievements that illustrate your organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

   Resume is focused on the specific accounting position

Recruiters like to see consistency in resumes, and if you have a lengthy work history within a specific role, you’ll be a desirable candidate for that position. Having held previous accounting assistant positions (including ones of increasing seniority), you’ll have gained many relevant and transferable skills for your new job.

   Relevant educational history is included

Most companies want to hire accounting assistants who at least hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area (such as applied business, accounting, or finance). Be sure to mention your finance-related educational background and credentials on your resume.

Template 17 of 34: Tax Accountant Resume Example

As a Tax Accountant, your resume should show that you're more than just an individual who crunches numbers. Your expertise in complex tax law, vast knowledge about regulations and meticulous nature are important. These days, companies are becoming more and more aware of the importance of abiding by tax laws. They want accountants who are informed and up-to-date with these regulations, both federal and state. Keep in mind, your resume is the first opportunity to showcase these skills to potential employers. Recently, there's been a shift towards valuing soft skills like communication and problem-solving in the Tax Accountant role. It's not enough to just be good with numbers, you should also be able to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals. When writing your resume, it's crucial to demonstrate both technical expertise and these soft skills.

Tips to help you write your Tax Accountant resume in 2024

   include relevant certifications.

Next to your formal education, make sure you include any additional certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or the Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA). These qualifications not only confirm your competence in tax law and regulations, but also display your commitment to the accounting field.

   Showcase your problem-solving skills

Don't just list your roles and responsibilities, but illustrate how you've used your skills to solve real tax issues. Maybe you identified a tax-saving opportunity for your previous employer or assisted in a difficult audit. Concrete examples will make your resume stand out.

Skills you can include on your Tax Accountant resume

Template 18 of 34: tax accountant resume example.

A tax accountant specializes in preparing and filing tax forms for businesses and individuals. These accountants must stay abreast of current tax regulations to help their clients comply with the law. You’ll need specialized knowledge in order to become a tax accountant -- so if you have experience in tax accounting, auditing, or tax preparation, make sure to say so on your resume.

   Skills section highlights specialized tax and accounting knowledge

To become a tax accountant, you’ll need additional training in tax law and preparation beyond what is standard for your industry. Once you’ve acquired these hard skills, list them prominently in your resume skills section.

   Discuss past achievements using specific numbers related to accounting

All types of accountants usually produce tangible results for the companies they work for. Instead of providing vague statements about what you did at past jobs, mention past achievements using specific numbers to measure the scope of what you accomplished (e.g. “resolved over 100 tax issues” or “reduced tax penalty fees by 20%”).

Template 19 of 34: Accounting Specialist Resume Example

As an Accounting Specialist, you're often perceived as the 'financial lifeline' of a company. Your role requires you to masterfully balance numbers and ensure that the financial health of the company is spot on. It's a job that's all about precision and accuracy, and it's gaining more importance as companies evolve in this technology-driven era. With this trend, employers are increasingly looking for people who can navigate not only the traditional accounting tasks but also new age financial software and systems. Therefore, when crafting your resume, it's crucial to convey your in-depth knowledge in accounting principles, alongside your proficiency in financial software. In recent times, companies have been advocating for automation in accounting, aiming to reduce errors and increase efficiency. Not to forget, the accounting field is also adopting machine learning and artificial intelligence to streamline processes. As such, candidates who can demonstrate their adaptability to these evolving trends will have an edge. Your resume should highlight your willingness to learn and adapt, while also showcasing your expertise in the core accounting tasks.

Tips to help you write your Accounting Specialist resume in 2024

   highlight your technology proficiency.

As an Accounting Specialist, you must emphasize your familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, Excel, or any other specific tools you've mastered. Mention any special certifications you have in these tools as it would demonstrate your initiative and proficiency.

   Show Evidence of Your Accuracy and Precision

Accounting is all about accuracy and precision. Ensure to highlight any accomplishments or roles where you've demonstrated these qualities. Use specific numbers or statistics as evidence. For example, you could mention the percentage of accuracy achieved in your previous role or any error reduction initiatives you've spearheaded.

Skills you can include on your Accounting Specialist resume

Template 20 of 34: accounting specialist resume example.

Accounting specialists may have wide ranging responsibilities such as maintaining financial records, processing payroll, generating reports, and making projections. To get this job, focus your resume on accounting skills such as balancing budget sheets, processing invoices, or managing account transfers.

   Uses effective action verbs to talk about achievements

When writing your resume bullet points, consider leading with verbs such as “conducted”, “streamlined”, and “spearheaded” to underscore the impact of your successes. Verbs like these ones show that you are proactive and take your career seriously.

   Relevant technical skills in skills section

As an accounting specialist, you may need to use certain types of software in your daily duties. Create a dedicated skills section on your resume where you can list the programs you’re proficient with, such as Microsoft Access, QuickBooks, or NetSuite ERP.

Template 21 of 34: Junior Accountant Resume Example

This is an entry-level position and you will be working under the supervision of a manager or senior accountant. Tasks you can expect include preparing financial reports, handling payroll, creating and updating financial statements, etc. Your resume must show recruiters your skills in accounting as well as a strong accounting background, Take a look at this resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Junior Accountant resume in 2024

   include accounting-related certifications..

Impress recruiters by listing any accounting certifications you may have gotten. Internationally recognized certifications like a CPA would be particularly impressive, and in some cases required.

   Focus your skills section on accounting-related skills and tools.

Just by taking a look at your skills section, recruiters should be able to tell what you are capable of as an accountant. So make sure you include all industry-standard accounting tools, and mention your experience and skills in all the main tasks in accounting.

Skills you can include on your Junior Accountant resume

Template 22 of 34: project accountant resume example.

As the name suggests, as a project accountant you will be responsible for handling and monitoring the finances of a project. You will approve payments, analyze expenses, and ensure that the project progresses as intended and within the allocated budget. Recruiters will want to see a strong educational background in accounting and will be looking to see experience in accounting and more specifically in project accounting. If you have experience doing accounting in the same industry as the recruiting company, all the better. Take a look at this successful resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Project Accountant resume in 2024

   show a variety of accounting skills in the skills section..

Because you will be in charge of the accounting for a project, you will have a variety of accounting tasks to complete. Show that you are capable of completing all expected tasks by ensuring your skills section lists the various tasks.

   Indicate the financial size of the projects you have worked on.

Give recruiters an idea of what you are capable of handling by adding figures of the financial size of the projects you have worked with. This applicant had worked on a project worth $22M.

Skills you can include on your Project Accountant resume

Template 23 of 34: public accountant resume example.

A public accountant is similar to a freelancer or contractor. You do not work as a full-time employee of one company but you instead offer your services to many companies or individuals. You may be preparing their returns, doing a forensic analysis of their books, or even just giving relevant advice. Your qualifications are of great importance for this title, so ensure they are clearly shown. Above that, individuals and companies will be looking to see the experience you have had doing the kind of tasks they need to be done, so ensure that your experience section reflects all your capabilities.

Tips to help you write your Public Accountant resume in 2024

   indicate the kind of clients you generally work with..

Huge corporations may need very different accounting services than individuals or small businesses. It is therefore very important to indicate who your clients have been so far so potential clients can get an idea of how much experience you have in the tasks they need to be done.

   Use metrics to highlight your achievements.

Metrics are an easy way to quantify your achievements and impress potential clients. So include metrics like how many clients you had, how much much money you saved them, etc.

Skills you can include on your Public Accountant resume

Template 24 of 34: fund accountant resume example.

Fund accountants perform everyday accounting functions for a fund. These functions might include valuing net assets, balancing the books, providing vetted and accurate statements, etc. Apart from these general accounting tasks, you might also be tasked with analyzing financial metrics in the industry to help firms accurately value their funds.

Tips to help you write your Fund Accountant resume in 2024

   show a history in the financial sector..

Because this position is in the financial sector, clients would prefer to hire someone with a long history doing accounting tasks for firms in the financial sector. So make sure your experience section concentrates on your financial sector past jobs.

   Write ‘Fund Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS.

Most recruiters use ATS resume filters, so you must clearly state your title to help you bypass these filters. Writing ‘Accountant’ only for your title may not be enough to get you through. Be specific.

Skills you can include on your Fund Accountant resume

Template 25 of 34: senior tax accountant resume example.

As the name suggests, this is an experienced tax accountant. Tasks you can expect include preparing all tax documentation, training junior tax accountants, and ensuring your client remains tax compliant. Recruiters expect to see a resume that shows at least 5 years of experience and a strong accounting background. Evidence of managerial or leader experience would be an extra benefit. Here is a recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Senior Tax Accountant resume in 2024

   get certified as a tax professional..

Accounting certifications are always nice, but for this position, you should aim to get tax-specific accounting certifications. It will set you apart from all the more generic accountants you are competing with and will show recruiters that you are highly skilled and passionate about the field.

   Include tax-specific keywords.

Using job-specific keywords in your resume may help you bypass ATS resume filters put in place. So use keywords relevant to tax accounting like ‘IRS’, ‘corporate tex’, and ‘compliance’.

Skills you can include on your Senior Tax Accountant resume

Template 26 of 34: property accountant resume example.

This accountant handles the financial documents associated with real estate. You may assist in valuing properties, preparing financial reports, or figuring out your client's tax obligations and preparing the correct documentation. Recruiters will be looking to see if your resume indicates expert knowledge in real estate and the accounting and tax processes and obligations associated with real estate. Ensure that your experience in this industry is well-highlighted. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Property Accountant resume in 2024

   include property-specific skills in your skills section..

Accounting largely requires the same basic skills regardless of the industry you are working in. But if you are a specialized accountant as this title positions you to be, ensure that your skills section indicates skills in this particular industry. Skills like ‘property accounting’ and ‘property management’ would be effective.

   Get property-specific certification.

Show recruiters that you are particularly skilled and knowledgeable in property accounting by getting certified. This applicant’s certification in property management is a good example of a certification that would give an applicant an edge.

Skills you can include on your Property Accountant resume

Template 27 of 34: experienced accountant resume example.

An experienced accountant, sometimes called a senior accountant, is a professional who has worked successfully in the field for many years (at least 5). Your tasks may be the same as more junior accountants but you may be tasked with the most important and central accounting functions. This position requires accuracy, interpersonal skills, and a strong accounting skill set. Here is a successful resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Experienced Accountant resume in 2024

   list your expertise on various functions in the introduction section..

Start your resume strong by including the accounting functions you are particularly skilled at, and include a key achievement that shows the outcome of your skills. Starting your resume off strong will help your resume look more impressive overall.

   Use metrics to quantify your accounting success.

Metrics jump out among the text in a resume and are an easy way to impress recruiters. A great accountant will work to maintain the financial health of the company, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs. If you have done any of the 3, include metrics to prove them.

Skills you can include on your Experienced Accountant resume

Template 28 of 34: construction accountant resume example.

Construction accountants have the same functions as project accountants, except they operate solely on construction projects. Tasks you can expect include planning budgets, updating financial records, approving payments to suppliers, etc. You are basically in charge of ensuring that the budget allocated is used as it was intended. Extensive knowledge about the workings of the construction business is expected, as is experience being an accountant for projects. Take a look at this recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Construction Accountant resume in 2024

   use strong action verbs that indicate a variety of experiences..

Action verbs can be really powerful in shaping your experience. Use strong and varied action verbs like ‘supervised’ and ‘analyzed’ to show recruiters that you can perform a variety of accountant functions.

   Write ‘Construction Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS.

Most recruiters use ATS resume filters, so you must clearly state your title to help you bypass these filters. Writing ‘Accountant’ only for your title may not be enough to get you through. Be industry-specific.

Skills you can include on your Construction Accountant resume

Template 29 of 34: fixed asset accountant resume example.

As the name suggests, you will be in charge of accounting tasks related to fixed assets. Tasks you can expect include valuing, recording, and even identifying fixed assets. You will also be responsible for providing financial reports to decision-makers, and doing other general accounting tasks. You must have an in-depth knowledge of fixed assets and must be a talented accountant. Your resume should show your strength in both. Here is a resume sample that does that effectively.

Tips to help you write your Fixed Asset Accountant resume in 2024

   show career progression through promotions..

Show recruiters that you are a hardworking and successful employee by showing promotions in your career. It will also show recruiters your dedication to your profession. This applicant started as an audit intern and moved their way up to a fixed asset accountant position.

   Include the skills level for skills you are excellent at.

An easy way to impress recruiters and also show them your strengths is by including proficiencies for some of your skills. This applicant has listed ‘advanced’ for some skills and ‘experienced’ for others.

Skills you can include on your Fixed Asset Accountant resume

Template 30 of 34: corporate accountant resume example.

In this position, you will specialize in accounting for a business or company. Your tasks may include preparing financial documents, maintaining good financial records, preparing tax documents, and ensuring that the business is compliant with all relevant financial or tax regulations and laws. You need to show that you are experienced working in this type of accounting. Ensure both the experience and skills sections of your resume show that. Here is a good resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Corporate Accountant resume in 2024

   highlight your accountant certifications and qualifications..

Because of the large budgets and complicated accounting processes attributed to corporations, your formal qualifications are particularly important and in many cases required. So ensure you highlight your internationally recognized certification like your CPA.

   Write ‘Corporate Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS.

Skills you can include on your Corporate Accountant resume

Template 31 of 34: revenue accountant resume example.

A revenue accountant is in charge of monitoring a company’s incoming revenue. You will create invoices, track payments, update transaction records, and ensure that all incoming revenue is accounted for. You need to have a strong understanding of the company and its processes concerning revenue. You also need to show a strong accounting background to attract recruiters. Here is a recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Revenue Accountant resume in 2024

   concentrate on revenue-related experience..

You want to show that you are an all-rounded accountant but you need to show that you have a wealth of experience doing revenue-related accounting tasks, so focus on highlighting those.

   Highlight revenue accounting technical skills.

Your skills section is small and should include the skills most relevant to the job position. So ensure that your skills section focuses on revenue accounting skills like revenue recognition.

Skills you can include on your Revenue Accountant resume

Template 32 of 34: chief accounting officer resume example.

As the CAO you are in charge of the entire accounting department and its operations. Tasks you can expect include compiling financial reports, overseeing payroll, Analyzing and developing budgets and other accounting goals, etc. Most companies will expect you to have a master’s degree in accounting or a related field and you will need to have at least 5 years of experience. Most companies will also ask for a CPA certification so make sure your certifications are clearly listed on your resume. Here is a successful resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Chief Accounting Officer resume in 2024

Show recruiters your upward progression in your career. It will show recruiters your dedication to your profession and give them a better idea of the relevant skills you have gained along the way. This applicant started as a financial controller and moved their way up to a CAO position.

   Include any accounting-related certification.

Apart from the expected CPA certification, include any other certifications you have gained related to accounting or management. It will give recruiters a better idea of your specializations or your styles of management. This applicant has an internal auditor certification which indicates their accounting specialization and could have listed an Agile certification which would have indicated their management ideology.

Skills you can include on your Chief Accounting Officer resume

Template 33 of 34: director of accounting resume example.

A Director of Accounting role is about leading the finance team and making high-impact decisions, but remember, it's not all about numbers. It's how you articulate your strategic mindset to transform raw data into actionable insights in your resume that sets you apart. Recently, there's been a trend towards placing a higher value on those who can demonstrate their ability to implement new technologies, such as AI or blockchain, to streamline financial operations. Writing a resume for this position is more than just listing your achievements. It's about showcasing your leadership style, your ability to influence others and the strategic thinking behind your decisions. To truly stand out, you need to capture your holistic view of a company's financial health and how you've driven companies to thrive, not just survive.

Tips to help you write your Director of Accounting resume in 2024

   show your experiential proficiency with financial technology.

Showcase your experience with modern financial tools, ERP systems, or even AI-powered accounting software. Demonstrate how you've used these technologies to increase efficiency or accuracy in your previous roles. This will show that you're forward-thinking and readily adapt to technological advancements.

   Exhibit your strategic financial planning skills

In the Director of Accounting role, it's essential to look beyond the numbers. Hence, you need to include instances where you've developed strategic financial plans which successfully drove company growth. Show how you've worked with different departments to achieve these financial goals.

Skills you can include on your Director of Accounting resume

Template 34 of 34: director of accounting resume example.

A director of accounting is a senior, experienced accounting professional. They will lead the way in financial reporting, international exchanges, intercompany transactions, and audits. They may also be tasked with optimizing internal controls, preparing detailed financial reports for investors, and more. This position oversees direct reports in the accounting department making managerial skills also important. When looking for a director of accounting, hiring managers will be looking for someone with at least a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, though a Master’s degree may give a candidate a competitive edge. Hiring managers will want a candidate with 5+ years of progressive professional accounting experience. Having accounting specific certifications will also be desirable to hiring managers.

   Obtain a CMA or CPA credential

Certifications show hiring managers you have studied and been tested on core aspects of accounting and financial management. Obtaining your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Managerial Accountant) credential can show employers you’re well-versed in accounting principles.

   Show your experience managing teams in a financial setting

As a director of accounting, you’ll be expected to lead junior accountants in daily processes and operations. To land this role, it’s wise to show you have the leadership skills to do this. If you’ve previously overseen a team, or led your team in accounting projects or overhauling processes, it’s wise to detail your success with it in your resume.

As a hiring manager who has recruited accountants at top companies like PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG, I've seen countless resumes over the years. The best ones always stand out by showcasing the candidate's skills, experience, and achievements in a clear and compelling way. In this article, we'll share some tips to help you create a strong accountant resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

   Highlight your accounting certifications and education

Make sure to prominently feature your accounting certifications, such as CPA, CMA, or CIA, as well as your educational background in accounting or a related field. Here are some examples:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), [State], [Year]
• Master of Science in Accounting, [University Name], [Graduation Year]
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, [University Name], [Graduation Year]

Avoid simply listing your certifications or degrees without providing context:

   Emphasize your experience with accounting software and tools

Highlight your proficiency with commonly used accounting software and tools, such as:

• Microsoft Excel (including advanced functions like VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables)
• Oracle NetSuite

Provide specific examples of how you've used these tools to improve processes or solve problems in your previous roles. For instance:

Implemented a new invoicing system using QuickBooks, reducing payment processing time by 30% and improving cash flow.

   Quantify your achievements with metrics and data

Use numbers and percentages to quantify your accomplishments and show the impact of your work. Here are some examples:

• Reduced accounts receivable aging by 25% through proactive collection efforts and improved invoicing processes
• Identified and corrected errors in financial statements, saving the company $50,000 in potential penalties
• Managed a team of 5 accountants, overseeing the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports for 20+ clients

Avoid using vague or generic statements that don't provide any context, like:

• Responsible for accounts receivable
• Prepared financial statements
• Managed a team of accountants

   Tailor your resume to the specific job description

Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. For example, if the job description emphasizes experience with tax accounting, make sure to focus on your tax-related projects and achievements.

Here's an example of a tailored bullet point:

• Prepared and filed federal and state income tax returns for individuals and small businesses, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations

Avoid using a generic resume that doesn't address the specific requirements of the job, like:

• Assisted with various accounting tasks

   Showcase your problem-solving skills with specific examples

Demonstrate your ability to analyze financial data, identify issues, and recommend solutions by providing concrete examples from your previous experience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.

Situation: Noticed discrepancies in the company's financial statements during month-end close Task: Investigate the source of the discrepancies and recommend corrective actions Action: Analyzed financial data, traced transactions, and identified a systemic issue with the revenue recognition process Result: Implemented a new revenue recognition policy, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with GAAP

Avoid simply stating that you have strong problem-solving skills without providing any evidence to support your claim.

   Include relevant volunteer experience or professional affiliations

If you have volunteered in a financial capacity or are a member of professional accounting organizations, include this information on your resume. It can demonstrate your commitment to the field and provide additional evidence of your skills and experience.

For example:

• Volunteer Treasurer, [Non-Profit Organization], [Dates]
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), [Dates]

However, avoid listing memberships or volunteer experiences that are not directly relevant to accounting or finance, as they may distract from your core qualifications.

Ready to start preparing your accounting resume? Keep these tips in mind as you write to maximize your chances of getting the job you want.

   Make sure to include relevant education and certifications

Most companies today want prospective accountants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or another finance-specific area. Accounting jobs are growing more competitive, so having an educational background in accounting might give you the edge you need to get hired. Although not all accounting positions require you to have additional certifications (such as CPA, CFA, and others), acquiring these will add to your training and help you advance to more senior roles. Don’t skip including your accounting-related education and credentials on your resume.

   Create a skills section to list your hard and technical accounting skills

Accounting professionals should be familiar with generally accepted accounting practices, relevant laws, and business concepts. They may have specialized knowledge of tax, auditing, financial analysis, or other areas. Often, accountants need to be comfortable using software like QuickBooks or NetSuite ERS. Because there are so many hard skills associated with accounting, it’s smart to create a section in your resume to showcase these abilities. Note that your skills section is ideal for listing hard and technical skills only; it’s better to illustrate soft skills like communication or teamwork through examples in your work experience section.

   Target your resume to the specific role you’re applying for

Be sure to tailor your resume to the particular accounting position you want. Whether you’re hoping to become a tax accountant or accounting manager, your resume should mention the specific job title you’re applying for. Focus on your most relevant work experience and skills, and add accounting and finance-related keywords (such as “payroll”, “tax”, “reconciliation”, and others) wherever possible. Adding keywords and tailoring your work history to the position is beneficial for several reasons. First, it shows recruiters that you are interested in the specific job they’re offering -- a much better strategy than firing off generic resumes to dozens of hiring managers. And second, a tailored resume with relevant keywords is more likely to get through automated resume-filtering systems (such as ATS) that employers commonly use.

Writing Your Accountant Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. include your name, email, and phone number.

Your header should prominently feature your full name at the top, followed by your email address and phone number. Make sure to use a professional email address that includes your name, rather than a casual or outdated one.

Here's an example of a well-formatted header for an accountant resume:

• John Smith, CPA
• [email protected] | 555-123-4567

Avoid cluttering your header with unnecessary details like:

• John Smith, CPA, MBA, EA
• 123 Main St, Anytown USA 12345
• [email protected]

2. Highlight your accounting credentials

If you have earned a CPA license or other relevant accounting certifications, be sure to include them after your name in your header. This immediately conveys your expertise and qualifications to employers.

• Jane Doe, CPA
• Bob Johnson, CMA, CFE

However, avoid listing all of your credentials if you have many. Focus on the most impressive and relevant ones for the specific accounting role. For example:

Sarah Lee, CPA, CIA, CFE, EA, CGMA, CISA, MBA

3. Consider including your LinkedIn profile URL

In today's digital age, many employers will look up candidates on LinkedIn. You can make it easy for them by including a link to your LinkedIn profile in your resume header.

• linkedin.com/in/john-smith-cpa

Just be sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and presents you in a professional light before linking to it. Avoid linking to a bare-bones profile, or one that has discrepancies from your resume.

  Summary

A resume summary is an optional section that provides a brief overview of your qualifications, experience, and career goals. While it's not a required component of a resume, it can be a valuable addition for experienced accountants or those seeking a career change. A well-crafted summary can quickly capture the attention of hiring managers and showcase your most relevant skills and achievements.

However, it's important to note that you should never use an objective statement in place of a summary. Objective statements are outdated and focus on what you want from an employer, rather than what you can offer them. Instead, use your summary to highlight your unique value proposition and demonstrate how you can contribute to the organization's success.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Accountant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Accountant Resume Summary Examples , or Accountant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the specific accounting role

When writing your summary, it's crucial to align your qualifications with the requirements of the specific accounting position you're targeting. Research the company and the job description to identify the key skills, certifications, and experience they're seeking.

For instance, if you're applying for a tax accountant role, your summary might look like this:

CPA with 5+ years of experience in corporate tax accounting. Skilled in preparing and filing federal and state tax returns, identifying tax savings opportunities, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. Proven track record of successfully managing multiple client accounts and delivering timely and accurate results.

On the other hand, a generic summary that fails to address the specific requirements of the role might read:

Experienced accountant with a strong work ethic and attention to detail. Proficient in various accounting software and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

2. Highlight your most relevant skills and achievements

Your summary should showcase your most impressive and relevant accomplishments, skills, and qualifications. Focus on the aspects of your background that directly relate to the accounting position you're seeking and demonstrate your ability to excel in the role.

When highlighting your skills and achievements, be specific and quantify your results whenever possible. For example:

• Managed accounts payable and receivable for a $10M company, ensuring 98% on-time payment and reducing outstanding receivables by 25%
• Implemented a new financial reporting system that streamlined processes and reduced month-end close time by 40%

Avoid using vague or generic statements that don't provide concrete evidence of your abilities, such as:

• Experienced in various accounting functions
• Strong problem-solving skills

  Experience

Your work experience section is the core of your resume. It's where you have the chance to showcase your career trajectory, key accomplishments, and the impact you've made at previous companies. In this section, we'll break down step-by-step what you should include and how to write about your experience to impress hiring managers.

1. Highlight your accounting specialization

As an accountant, you likely have experience in a specific area of accounting, such as tax accounting, auditing, or financial accounting. Make sure to highlight your specialization in your work experience section.

Here are a few examples of how to showcase your accounting specialization:

• Managed tax accounting for a portfolio of 50+ clients, ensuring compliance with federal and state tax laws
• Conducted financial audits for public and private companies, identifying areas of risk and providing recommendations for improvement
• Prepared and analyzed financial statements for a $50M company, providing insights to senior management

2. Quantify your impact with metrics

Numbers are a powerful way to demonstrate your impact and value to a company. Use metrics to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Here are some examples of how to use metrics in your work experience section:

• Reduced accounts receivable by 30% by implementing a new collections process
• Identified and corrected errors in financial statements, saving the company $100,000 in potential fines
• Managed a team of 5 accountants to complete month-end close process in 3 days, a 50% reduction from previous timeline

Avoid using vague statements like this that don't quantify your impact:

• Assisted with financial statement preparation

3. Showcase your progression and promotions

Hiring managers love to see candidates who have progressed and been promoted within their previous companies. It shows that you were a valued employee and were able to take on increasing levels of responsibility.

Here's an example of how to showcase your progression:

Senior Accountant, XYZ Company, New York, NY (2018-Present) - Promoted to Senior Accountant after 2 years as a Staff Accountant - Manage a team of 3 junior accountants to complete financial reporting and analysis - Prepare and review complex tax returns for high-net-worth individuals Staff Accountant, XYZ Company, New York, NY (2016-2018) - Assisted with preparation of monthly financial statements - Reconciled bank statements and credit card accounts - Prepared individual and business tax returns

4. Highlight relevant tools and technologies

Accounting roles often require proficiency in specific software or tools. Highlight your experience with these tools in your work experience section to show hiring managers that you have the necessary skills for the job.

Some common tools and technologies for accountants include:

• Microsoft Excel

Here are a couple examples of how to incorporate these tools into your work experience:

• Managed financial reporting using Oracle NetSuite ERP system
• Created complex financial models and forecasts using Microsoft Excel

  Education

Your education section shows hiring managers that you have the necessary knowledge and training for the accountant role. It also gives them a sense of your career trajectory and goals. Here are some tips for crafting a strong education section on your accountant resume.

1. Put your education section near the top if you're a recent grad

If you graduated within the last few years, your education is likely your strongest qualification for the job. In this case, put your education section above your work experience.

Include any relevant coursework, academic achievements, or extracurricular activities that show your accounting skills:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, 2020
• Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation
• GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Treasurer, Accounting Students Association

2. Keep your education section brief if you're an experienced accountant

If you have several years of accounting experience, your work history is more important than your education. Keep your education section short and to the point.

Bad example:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, 1995-1999
• Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Law, Economics, Statistics
• GPA: 3.6/4.0
• Accounting Club Member

Good example:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University
• CPA, ABC State Board of Accountancy

3. Include your CPA license and other relevant certifications

Many accountant jobs require or prefer candidates with a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. If you have your CPA, make sure to include it in your education section.

You can also include other relevant certifications, such as:

• CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
• CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
• EA (Enrolled Agent)

Education Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University CPA, ABC State Board of Accountancy CMA, Institute of Management Accountants

Action Verbs For Accountant Resumes

When discussing your accounting experience on your resume, you’ll want to lead into your achievements with strong action verbs. Choose the clearest, most concise word to express the role you played in your accomplishment. Active, specific verbs like “managed” or “developed” are always a stronger choice than vague phrases like “assisted with” or “was responsible for”. Finally, remember that finance comes with its own specialized “language” and vocabulary. As much as possible, pick verbs that are industry-specific to convey your expertise.

• Administered
• Restructured

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Accountant Resumes

How to write an accountant resume.

Here we take you through the process of creating a resume for an accountant position. These steps will help you whether you are applying for an entry-level or senior accounting position.

Start by completing the essentials on any Accounting resume

1.1: your resume header should capture your key information..

A resume header is one of the first things that many recruiters see, and so it should include essential details like your name, location (your full address is not required), and your email address. You can optionally include the job title of the job you are applying for - especially if you're making a career change into accounting.

1.2: Use conventional resume section titles

In general, your resume will have at least 3 core sections: Experience, Education, and Skills. Make sure you have a clear section title for each section. If you have a lot of experience outside of accounting, you might find it useful to create a separate section for those called "Other Experience", while creating a dedicated section for accounting called "Accounting Experience" or "Relevant Experience."

Demonstrate your experience as an Accountant using bullet points

2.1: highlight relevant achievements using bullet points..

Bullet points make resumes easy to skim through for the hiring managers who are actually going to read your resume. Plus, they're also the most conventional resume format and is what hiring managers expect to see. Remember to always focus your bullet points on clear achievements, ideally involving accounting with things like accounts reconciliation or bookkeeping. For example: Identified discrepancies in reports totaling $125,000, resulting in crediting money back to the direct group This is a good example of a bullet point to use in your accounting resume.

2.2: Emphasize your attention to detail by using action verbs

Use strong action verbs to demonstrate your achievements as an accountant. Strong action verbs like "analyzed," "audited," "calculated," and "computed" show that you were tasked with accounting-related responsibilities and highlight your attention to detail - an important skill set recruiters want to see through your bullet points.

2.3: Emphasize your accomplishments.

Avoid things that fit more into a job description, like "I was tasked with keeping books." Instead, focus on achievements by saying something like, " Reduced the company's tax penalties by 10% in just one financial year as a tax accountant."

Optimize your skills to make them easier for an Applicant Tracking System to pick out

3.1: tailor your resume to the specific accounting job posting..

Tailoring your resume to suit the specific accounting job ensures the Applicant Tracking System finds it relevant to the job posting. For example, if applying for a Payroll Accountant position, your resume should show you have skills in payroll administration, payroll processing, and ADP payroll.

3.2: Include relevant keywords in the skills section.

Ensure you include skills relevant to the accounting job you are applying for in the skills sections, as these are the keywords the ATS system will look for as it scans the resume. For example, if applying for a tax accountant position, include keywords like "tax" and "reporting."

Polish up your Accountant resume

4.1: add a summary section if you are applying for a senior accountant position..

A summary is optional, but it is good to have it at the top of your resume if applying for a senior accountant position or switching careers to an accountant role. Summaries provide an easy way to direct the hiring manager to particular achievements that don't have space on other parts of your resume.

4.2: Include relevant certifications.

If you have any relevant certifications, honors, or awards related to your accounting profession, including them is a good idea. For example, you can include your CFA, CPA, or CMA certifications even if the job advertisement does not require you to have them.

Skills For Accountant Resumes

Many people think of accounting as a data-centric job -- and it is. You do need to have excellent math and data analysis skills because you’ll spend much of your time working with numbers. However, there is also a collaborative aspect to being an accountant; you’ll probably work in teams with others, and in some roles, you’ll give presentations and reports to management that will help guide their financial decision-making. Being a great accountant requires a blend of technical and people skills. So give plenty of examples from your prior work experiences where you’ve developed and used these abilities. Talk about how you’ve successfully managed expenses, conducted account analyses, and worked on project teams. Make sure to also list your software proficiencies (such as QuickBooks and Oracle) and other hard skills in a separate skills section.

• Accounts Receivable (AR)
• Account Reconciliation
• Accounts Payable
• General Ledger
• Journal Entries
• Bank Reconciliation
• Financial Reporting
• Financial Statements
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Analysis
• Accounts Payable & Receivable
• Cash Collection

Skills Word Cloud For Accountant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Accountant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Resume bullet points from accountant resumes.

You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your Accountant resume. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:

Collaborated with 10 department managers and peers to develop and implement policies and procedures that increased internal efficiency by 20%.

Provided excellent customer service, effectively reducing customer complaints from 65% to 23% within the first 8 months.

Introduced a new invoicing system that reduced month-end turnaround time by 15%.

Filed payroll tax and sales tax for over 50 international customers each month.

Led annual budget preparation, performed departmental and account variances, and managed the standard costing globally for 4 sites.

For more sample bullet points and details on how to write effective bullet points, see our articles on resume bullet points , how to quantify your resume and resume accomplishments .

Frequently Asked Questions on Accountant Resumes

What should be in your resume to get a job as an accountant, what resume skills should you include in your accounting resume, what are examples of strong accounting accomplishments i can include on my resume.

• Saving money: Explain how your accounting methods helped reduce accounting error rates and resulted in savings for the organization.
• Revenue: Explain the extent to which your work helped your company generate revenue. List the value of assets you oversaw and the amount of money under your care.
• Regulatory compliance: How did your interpretation of accounting rules help your company stay compliant and save money in fines and fees?
• Vendor and client relations: State the number of individual client accounts that you handled and the period that you retained them. Explain how you assessed vendors and handled their invoices.
• Management: Mention the number of junior accountants that you mentored and how you liaised with senior executives to achieve the company’s vision.

What should a senior accountant include on their resume?

What are examples of strong bullet points i can include on my accounting resume.

Audited departmental acquisition protocols and recovered $10M in overstated expenses. Managed a team of 13 tax specialists, increasing division’s revenue by 15% year-on-year. Implemented simpler journaling systems using Excel for a team of 70+ accounting clerks, reducing closing time by an average of 3 days.

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Accountant Resume Guide

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• Accountant Resume Example
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• Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive Resume Example
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• Fixed Asset Accountant Resume Example
• Corporate Accountant Resume Example
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• Chief Accounting Officer Resume Example
• Director of Accounting Resume Example
• Tips for Accountant Resumes
• Skills and Keywords to Add
• Sample Bullet Points from Top Resumes
• All Resume Examples
• Accountant CV Examples
• Accountant Cover Letter
• Accountant Interview Guide
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5 Amazing accounting Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

Build your resume in 15 minutes, accounting: resume samples & writing guide, quentin white, professional summary, employment history.

• Analyze and advise on business operations including revenue and expenditure trends, financial commitments and future revenues
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors in completing audits
• Monitor and analyze accounting data and produce financial reports or statements
• Manage accounting assistants and bookkeepers
• Participate in financial standards setting and in forecast process
• Analyze financial information and summarize financial status
• Maintain and reconcile accounts
• Assist with tax preparation and tax returns
• Prepare and review budget, revenue, expense, payroll entries, invoices, and other accounting documents

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Jack Bailey

• Coordinate and complete annual audits
• Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential

Ursula Taylor

• Establish and enforce proper accounting methods, policies and principles
• Prepare financial statements and reports
• Review and recommend modifications to accounting systems and procedures
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls

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Table of Content

• Introduction
• Resume Samples & Writing Guide
• Resume Example 1
• Resume Example 2
• Resume Example 3
• Resume Example 4
• Resume Example 5
• Jobs Description
• Jobs Skills
• Technical Skills
• Soft Skills
• How to Improve Your Resume
• How to Optimize Your Resume
• Cover Letter Example

accounting Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an accounting position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers. When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

• Prepared documents for projects in accordance with project manager, team or client specifications.
• Led development and review of contractual documents binding relationship between company and clients, partners, vendors and employees.
• Analyzed contract documents to identify ambiguity and conflicts between documents and specifications.
• Worked with internal staff to process documents and sent for closing. 
• financial reporting
• tax preparation
• Bank operation
• Preparation and submission of tax returns to the Revenue Service
• Accounting and control of primary documents 
• Process and prepare payrolls
• Process new trainees 
• Reconcile employee deduction
• Create Memorandum
• Make a list of replenish stocks when they come, check and input it to the store inventory system
• Make a list of decreasing stocks
• Make a bill of the stocks bought by the customer
• Count the income of that day 
• Receive order from customer via phone or whatsapp, check, and process the order

accounting/admin assistant

• Prepare Check Vouchers and Check Payables for Internal and External Payments ( Utility Bills, Rentals, CA, BIR(EFPS) SSS, Philhealth, Pag-ibig and other regulatory Agencies.
• Handle and Monitor Petty Cash
• Prepare Payroll for all Employees
• Summarizing VAT, Withholding Tax

accounting Job Skills

For an accounting position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few. Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

• Financial Reporting
• Tax Preparation
• Bookkeeping
• Cost Accounting
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Financial Analysis
• Cash Flow Management
• Reconciliation
• Financial Forecasting
• Internal Controls
• Financial Modeling
• Regulatory Compliance
• Business Analysis
• Financial Planning
• Investment Analysis
• Data Analysis
• Compliance Auditing.

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently. Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

• Communication
• Interpersonal
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Organization
• Public Speaking
• Negotiation
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to Detail
• Self-Motivation
• Stress Management
• Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Professionalism
• Computer Literacy
• Project Management
• Customer Service
• Presentation
• Written Communication
• Social Media
• Troubleshooting
• Quality Assurance
• Supervisory
• Risk Management
• Database Management
• Documentation
• Financial Management
• Visualization
• Business Acumen
• Process Improvement
• Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your accounting Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Adam Wilson

Provide your contact information and address year gaps, always explain any gaps in your work history to your advantage..

• Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to explain any gaps using a professional summary.
• Adding extra details and context to explain why you have a gap in your work history shows employers you are a good fit for the position.

How to Optimize Your accounting Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Francis Hawkins

• Manageing accounting assistants and bookkeepers
• Co-ordinate and completing annual audits
• Protecting organization's value by keeping informations confidential.
• Maintaine and recocile accounts
• Prepare and reveiw budget, reveune, expence, payroll entires, invoices, and other accounting documentes
• Prepares financial statements and reportes
• "I have been to the store
• I have bin to the store.

Include Job Descriptions and Avoid Bad Grammar

Avoid sending a wrong first impression by proofreading your resume..

• Spelling and typos are the most common mistakes recruiters see in resumes and by simply avoiding them you can move ahead on the hiring process.
• Before submitting your resume, double check to avoid typos.

accounting Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an accounting position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

To Whom It May Concern

I am excited to apply for the Senior Accounting role at Ernst & Young. As a highly skilled Accounting, I am confident that I have the necessary experience and abilities to make a valuable contribution to your organization.

My diverse life experiences have taught me the importance of adaptability, creativity, and resilience. Whether it was on the job, or simply on my day to day, I have learned to navigate challenges and find innovative solutions. I am confident that I possess the skills and expertise necessary to excel in the position at Ernst & Young and I am excited about the opportunity to grow with a team that values these qualities and contribute to your organization's growth and success.

Thank you for considering my application for the Senior Accounting role at your organization. I am dedicated to continuous improvement, and elated about the opportunity to join your team and work towards achieving our shared goals together.

Showcase your most significant accomplishments and qualifications with this cover letter. Personalize this cover letter in just few minutes with our user-friendly tool!

Related Resumes & Cover Letters

Contemporary

Professional

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Accountant Resume Examples

Writing a great accountant resume is important because it is one of the first things a potential employer will see when they are considering you for a position. It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Create your resume Select from 7 professional resume templates

If you're looking for inspiration when it comes to drafting your own accountant resume, look no further than the samples below. These resumes will help you highlight your experience and qualifications in the most effective way possible, giving you the best chance of landing the accountant job you're after.

or download as PDF

Essential Components of an Accountant's Resume

For accounting professionals, a compelling resume is a crucial tool in the quest for career advancement. It serves as a reflection of your expertise, precision, and dedication—qualities that are paramount in the field of accounting. This guide will walk you through the critical elements to include in an accountant's resume, ensuring that each section is crafted to stand out to potential employers. By adhering to these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to present a resume that not only highlights your credentials but also sets you apart from the competition.

Contact Information

At the top of your resume, ensure your contact information is prominently displayed and up-to-date. This section should include your full name, phone number, and a professional email address—preferably one that incorporates your name.

Consider adding your LinkedIn profile or professional website to showcase your expertise. If you're open to relocation, mention your current location to inform potential employers of your availability.

Remember to exclude personal information such as your social security number or bank details.

Objective Statement

The objective statement is your resume's opening pitch. Positioned right after your contact details, it should succinctly convey your career goals and the value you can bring to the prospective employer.

Customize your objective statement for each application, aligning it with the job description and the employer's needs.

Example: " Detail-oriented Certified Public Accountant with over 5 years of experience seeking a position at XYZ Company to leverage my expertise in budgeting and financial forecasting. "

Related : Top Accountant Resume Objective Examples

Education and Certifications

Your education and certifications are a testament to your accounting knowledge and skills. List your degrees and relevant certifications, such as CPA or CMA, including the granting institutions and dates obtained.

Include any additional coursework, licenses, or ongoing professional development that demonstrates your commitment to staying current in the field.

Related : Accountant Certifications

Relevant Skills

The " Key Skills " section is where you highlight your technical prowess and soft skills. Tailor this list to match the job description, emphasizing your proficiency with accounting software, analytical abilities, and communication skills.

Provide concrete examples of how you've applied these skills in practice to reinforce your claims.

Related : Accountant Skills: Definition and Examples

Work Experience

The "Work Experience" section chronicles your professional journey. List your roles in reverse chronological order, detailing your responsibilities and achievements with quantifiable metrics to illustrate your impact.

Highlight any specialized software or systems you've used, especially those mentioned in the job posting.

If you have limited full-time experience, emphasize internships or part-time roles, showcasing relevant skills and software proficiency.

Achievements and Awards

The " Achievements and Awards " section is your opportunity to shine. Detail your most significant accomplishments with measurable results and list any industry recognition you've received, providing context to underscore their significance.

Ensure all information is accurate and verifiable to maintain credibility with potential employers.

Professional Affiliations or Memberships

Membership in professional organizations, such as the AICPA or IMA, demonstrates your commitment to the accounting field. List these affiliations in reverse chronological order, noting any active roles or contributions you've made.

This section not only showcases your dedication to professional development but also your ability to collaborate and lead within the industry.

Incorporating these elements into your accountant resume will create a robust representation of your professional identity, positioning you as an ideal candidate in the eyes of potential employers.

Related Resume Examples

• Associate Accountant
• Chief Accountant
• Corporate Accountant
• Cost Accountant
• Financial Accountant
• Forensic Accountant

Senior Accountant Resume Example

Home » Resume Samples » Senior Accountant Resume Example

Are you a Senior Accountant by profession and looking for an exciting career? We have good news for you! use our professional Senior Accountant Resume example. You don’t have to start writing from scratch. Just click “Edit Resume” and modify it with your details. Update the template fonts and colors to have the best chance of landing your dream job. Find more resume samples .

Kevin Frank

Senior accountant.

Experienced Accountant with nine years record in billing and collections combined with solid understanding of legal procedures and legislation. Proficient with wide variety of software applications, including QuickBooks, Odoo and custom accounting software.

• Misrosoft Office
• ERP Systems, Peach tree, Comsys.
• Organizational Skills
• Documentation
• Poised under pressure

Work Experience

Senior accountant & customer reference.

• See the contract between the company and the customer and review the terms of payment and guarantees and any other conditions and save the contract files.
• Following up the opening of the insurance file and paying the insurance percentage for the contract.
• Recording the value of the contract assistants and customer reports as a guide.
• Issuing an internal memo to the bank accountant to issue the letters of guarantee related to the terms of payment, if stipulated in the contract.
• Follow-up of the cash collection or check of the submitted abstract and review the deductions on the check  (insurance, taxes, fines, etc.)  and to ascertain the percentage of value added taxes on the contracting, whether the supply of  installation / rental equipment
• The work of a daily manual and entry to the daily value of the extract and deductions in case of deductions
• Record the abstract on the American Journal and the assistants.
• The work of the settlement restrictions required to prove taxes and deductions manual or through the program
• Reducing the customer’s indebtedness to the value of collection and proof of the assistants and the work of daily hand-held restrictions according to the attached documents from the treasury or the bank accountant.
• Prepare daily and weekly reports on customer attitude
• Review the accounts of customers and work with customer approvals for periodic reconciliation of the account.

Bank Accountanat

• Prepared journal entries, complete general ledger operations, monthly, year-end closings and draw up financial reports.
• Reconcile and maintain balance sheet accounts
• Ensured proper recognition of revenue and expenses for departmental cost center activity.
• Administer accounts receivable and accounts payable from our banks and treasury
• Handled our account in banks and confirm the balances with our system
• Monitored and resolved bank issues including fee anomalies and check differences account/bank reconciliations
• Assisted preparation and coordination of the audit process ,implementing and maintaining internal financial controls and procedures
• Reconcile and examine statements to ensure accuracy, organize and maintain financial records

Accountant for Contractors

• Receipt of a copy of the (subcontract) from the project management or technical office and prepare a database for the subcontractors (file) and review the terms of the contract, payments and fines and the contracting surface – lump – diary – etc.
• Receiving the original extract of the subcontractor from the accountant of the site after being approved by the project manager and matching it with the contract technically and financially.
• Receipt of an asset from the warehouse owner’s permits for the contractor at the site from the warehouse controller (contractor withdrawals).
• Receipt of the original assets of the equipment and diaries from the accountant of the site after being approved by the operating officer and project manager to ensure financial compliance.
• Receipt of any documents concerning site discounts to the contractor from the website accountant.
• Preparation of the entry of the daily Journal and Post Journal and his deportation in the notebook of the subcontractors’ consultants, the analysis of the contractors, and to ensure that the site’s sergeants and the exchange permissions are in line with the abstract technically and financially.
• Receipt of a copy of the cash permit from the treasurer – or the official in charge of the sites in the case of cash payment – and a copy of the check permission checks and a copy of the check in the case of payment checks by the Issuer of checks to prepare the payment and transfer it to the analysis of contractors.

Bank Accountant

• Make special files for each bank separately and include the following (bank statements, bank reconciliation, checkers, issuing bank, bank account, etc.)
• Preparing bank reconciliation and preparing weekly reports.
• Preparing daily limits for bank reconciliation.
• Follow up the opening of banking facilities of all kinds and conditions and thepreservation of documents in the files.
• Issuing letters of guarantee (primary / batch / final) and keeping them in their files.
• Preparation of daily restrictions on the issuance or cancellation of letters of guarantee.
• Refund of letters of guarantee or letters of guarantee and the preparation of restrictions.
• Preparation of the supporting accounts (analytical book) for each of (. Banks – – Checks under collection) and prepare their reports weekly.
• Follow up statements of account and collections and seals with the bank official (daily – monthly – monthly)
• Review and follow-up issuance of checks and technical and financial compliance before being approved by the authorized signatory.
• Review and follow-up receipt of checks and save copies of checks in the files for that.
• Preparing the restrictions for the issuance and receipt of checks.

Bachelor Of Commerce

Masters in business administration, career expert tips:.

• Always make sure you choose the perfect resume format to suit your professional experience.
• Ensure that you know how to write a resume in a way that highlights your competencies.
• Check the expert curated popular good CV and resume examples

How to write a Senior Accountant Resume

Are you a senior accountant and looking for a new job? Here we bring you the best senior accountant resume sample to help you to write a senior accountant resume.

In this article, we would like to share with you the best strategies that will help you create a perfect resume for an accounting job. There are plenty of people who compete for each accounting position, and it is very important for recruiters or employers to understand why you are better than the rest. A resume is an amazing tool as it allows employers to get an idea about what type of candidate they can expect from a particular applicant.

What should a senior accountant put on a resume?

A senior accountant’s resume must include a lot of key elements like job objective, skills, work experience, and education. In this post, we would discuss all these topics in detail so that you can make an amazing senior accountant resume for your job application.

Tips to Write Senior Accountant Job objective:

When writing a senior accountant job objective, you should think about your main goal. The job objective can give you an idea of the employer about what type of experience, skill, and education you possess. It’s important to mention the skills required by a senior accountant in your resume.

The job objective is an excellent way to grab the recruiter’s attention. It gives them a summary of your accomplishments and also tells them more about what you want to do in the future. A well-written job objective will help you get recruited by top employers fast and can also help add extra value to your resume. It’s very important to include accounting skills on your resume if they are related to the position that you are applying for.

Tips to Write Senior Accountant Skills:

The skills of a senior accountant are very important for employers and also for applicants. Employers are looking to see what kind of expertise you have in different areas. One of the best ways to show your skills is by attaching a detailed resume that highlights all your work experience and education.

The most important things to include on your resume are accounting-related skills such as accounting software, non-profits, payroll, CPA, etc. It’s also fine if you have some additional skills that can help you in doing your job such as communication skills, problem-solving skills, etc. It’s recommended not to go beyond three lines in your career summary section so that the recruiter can get interested in reading the entire resume easily.

List of Top Senior Accountant Skills:

• Accounting: a senior accountant must have good accounting skills that include understanding of different financial reports, budgeting, managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, tax planning and strategies, preparing financial statements, etc.
• Communication Skills: verbal communication skills are very important when it comes to accounting because most of the job involves talking with different stakeholders such as other employees, clients, etc.
• Problem-Solving Skills: problem-solving skills are very important for any accounting position because he/she will have to deal with several challenges that come while working on complex financial problems.
• Business Acumen: is important for accounting professionals because they will have to deal with various stakeholders like investors, clients, suppliers, etc.
• Financial Reporting: it’s very important for a senior accountant to understand the financial reporting process so that he/she can prepare accurate reports.
• Research Skills: research skills are also very important on the part of a senior accountant because they will have to do a market analysis and also keep themselves updated on the latest industry trends in their job role.
• CPA: if you have to become a senior accountant, then it’s very important for you to have CPA certification because it will prove that you are able to work independently and also understand financial reports.
• Accounting software skills: if you want to get a senior accountant job, then your resume must have good accounting software-related skills so that the employer/recruiters can imagine how they can use them in their company.

Tips to Write Senior Accountant Work Experience:

A senior accountant’s resume must include the work experience section, in case of any numerical data, you can easily cite the figures from your resume. While working as a senior accountant, it’s also okay to include the previous job-related experiences on your resume if they are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Your work experience must be represented by:

• Workplace history: listing out all the job roles performed by you in various firms or companies.
• Responsibilities: stating the responsibilities of each role that you held.
• Skills and competencies: listing the technical skills and data analysis skills of each role that you have performed.
• Education history: mentioning any training that you have received or attended in previous years.
• Additional information: sharing any other information relevant to your work experience.

Final conclusion:

If you want to get a senior accountant job, then you should know how to write a senior accountant resume. To get the attention of employers, you need to make sure that your resume is well written and error-free. In order to make an ideal resume for a senior accountant position, you have to learn about the skills required by an employer and also what kind of work experience is good for them.

Use our resume builder to customize a resume template. Our resume samples can be modified to make it the perfect fit for you.

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