Accountant Resumes: Overview
As an accountant, you hold a pivotal role in maintaining the financial clarity and compliance of businesses across various sectors. Your expertise not only supports strategic financial planning and reporting but also ensures that organizations adhere to legal standards and ethical practices.
Employment opportunities for accountants can be found in a diverse array of settings, such as:
- Public accounting firms
- Corporate accounting departments
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Independent consulting
Creating an exemplary resume is a crucial step towards securing your next role in the accounting field.
Our expertly designed examples and downloadable resume templates are here to guide you through showcasing your skills, experiences, and the unique value you bring to an accounting role, ensuring you stand out to potential employers.
Accountant Resume: Choose A Format
Selecting the right resume format is the first step in crafting a document that highlights your strengths and aligns with your career objectives as an accountant.
The format you choose should present your qualifications, experience, and skills in the most effective and engaging way possible.
There are three primary resume formats commonly used by professionals in the accounting field: chronological, functional, and combination.
Chronological Resumes for Accountants
The most popular and recommended is the chronological resume format, which strongly focuses on the applicant’s relevant professional experience.
The chronological format is ideal for accountants with a strong and steady work history, as it lists professional experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
It allows you to showcase a progression in your career and highlight significant achievements at each step.
For each position held, include the job title, name of the employer, dates of employment, and a bullet-point list of your key responsibilities and accomplishments.
Functional Resumes for Accountants
The functional resume format focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your job history.
This is particularly useful for those who are changing careers, have gaps in their employment, or are new to the field of accounting.
It allows you to highlight specific accounting skills and how they make you a suitable candidate for the position, regardless of where or how you acquired them.
Because most employers place a higher value on work experience, functional resumes are not usually compatible with most applicant tracking systems (ATS) and do not engage employers as effectively.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever use a functional resume, especially if you lack relevant work experience. However, it is important to understand the limitations of a functional resume.
Combination Resumes for Accountants
A combination resume blends elements of both chronological and functional formats, presenting a comprehensive view of your skills followed by a brief employment history.
This format is beneficial for accountants who want to emphasize a particular set of skills or those with a mix of significant professional experiences and strong, relevant skills.
Choosing a Resume Format
When deciding which format to use, consider your professional background, your target job, and how you can best showcase your qualifications for an accounting role.
The chronological format works well for those with a robust accounting career, while the functional format may be better for career changers or recent graduates.
The combination format can offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.
Regardless of the format you choose, make sure your resume is organized, clear, and focused on your achievements and skills as they relate to the role of an accountant.
How To Write An Accountant Resume
Once you decide on the format for your accountant resume, writing it becomes quite straightforward.
To effectively outline your qualifications, your resume should encompass five essential sections, with the option to include additional sections if they further underline your accounting expertise.
These crucial sections are:
- Contact Information
- Summary or Objective
- Work History
- Skills
- Education
Each section is fundamental in demonstrating your capability for an accounting role, thereby setting the stage for your professional advancement.
Contact Information
Place your contact details prominently at the top of your resume, ensuring potential employers can easily get in touch with you. This section should include:
- Full Name: Displayed clearly to immediately grab attention.
- Phone Number: A direct line where you are readily available.
- Professional Email Address: Should convey professionalism, typically incorporating your name.
- Location: Mentioning your city and state suffices; full addresses are not necessary.
- LinkedIn Profile: An up-to-date LinkedIn profile can offer a more comprehensive look into your professional background. Ensure it’s aligned with your resume’s information.
- Other Relevant Links: If relevant, include links to professional sites or portfolios showcasing your accounting work or projects.
An accountant’s contact information might be presented as follows:
Michael Johnson
Atlanta, GA
m.johnson@email.com
(555) 234-5678
fake.linkedin.com/in/michaeljohnsonaccounting
Ensuring your contact information is easily visible and readable is crucial. While it should stand out to make your name memorable, it should not detract from the content of your resume.
Summary or Objective
Directly below your contact information, your resume should feature a profile section that introduces you to the reader, offering a succinct overview of your professional identity.
You have two options here: a resume summary or an objective, each serving a distinct purpose based on your career stage and aspirations.
Resume Summary: Ideal for those with a significant background in accounting, the summary provides a snapshot of your key skills, experiences, and career achievements. It’s an excellent option for accountants with a wealth of experience to draw from.
Here’s an example of what the resume summary on your accountant resume can look like:
“Seasoned Accountant with over 12 years of experience in financial analysis, tax preparation, and strategic planning. Renowned for streamlining processes that resulted in a 20% reduction in yearly audit times. Demonstrated expertise in developing comprehensive financial reports that have supported senior management in making informed strategic decisions. A committed advocate for continuous improvement and financial integrity.”
Resume Objective: Suited for newcomers to the field or those transitioning from a different career, the objective focuses on your ambitions and how you aim to contribute to potential employers. It’s about showcasing your drive and how your existing skills can translate into success in an accounting role.
Here’s an example of what the resume objective on your accountant resume can look like:
“Dedicated and detail-oriented professional transitioning to an accounting career with a solid foundation in financial coursework and hands-on experience in bookkeeping from a recent internship. Eager to apply analytical skills and a meticulous approach to financial reporting and tax preparation at XYZ Firm. Committed to supporting fiscal accuracy and integrity while pursuing CPA certification.”
Note: Whether opting for a summary or an objective, it’s crucial to tailor this section to reflect the job listing, emphasizing the skills and experiences that align with the accountant position. Incorporating relevant keywords from the job description can also enhance your resume’s visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and with hiring managers, increasing the likelihood that your application progresses.
Work History
The “Work History” section is essential for delineating your professional trajectory and illustrating the depth of your qualifications as an accountant.
This segment of your resume provides potential employers with a clear view of your practical experience and the tangible contributions you’ve made in past roles.
Begin with your most recent job and list your positions in reverse chronological order, prioritizing roles that are directly relevant to the accounting field. This organization helps highlight your growth and the breadth of your experience.
For each job, detail your title, the name of the company, the dates of employment, and use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and achievements.
Emphasize actions that had a measurable impact on your company’s financial health or operational efficiency, using strong action verbs and quantifiable results whenever possible.
Here’s an example of what the work history section on your accountant resume can look like:
Lead Accountant
GHI Enterprises, Boston, MA
March 2018 – Present
- Spearheaded the annual financial audit, identifying cost-saving opportunities that resulted in a 10% reduction in operating expenses.
- Enhanced the accuracy of financial forecasting by implementing advanced data analysis techniques, contributing to a more strategic business planning process.
- Led a cross-departmental team to streamline the monthly close process, reducing the timeline by 5 days while maintaining accuracy in financial reporting.
- Played a key role in the migration to a new accounting software, ensuring a seamless transition that maintained productivity and data integrity.
- Developed and conducted training sessions on tax compliance for small business clients, enhancing their understanding and ability to adhere to complex tax regulations.
Focusing on achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes, ensure compliance, and contribute to financial strategy will make your resume stand out. Showcasing your unique value through specific examples of your work will provide clear evidence of your abilities and what you can offer to a potential employer in an accounting role.
Skills
In the skills section of your accountant resume, you should concisely list your most pertinent hard skills and soft skills.
This section complements your work history by providing a snapshot of your technical abilities and interpersonal skills that are directly relevant to the accounting role you’re applying for.
Although you should tailor your resume to a specific job position, here are some of the most popular skills to find on an accountant resume to help give you some ideas.
Top 5 Hard Skills for Accountant Resumes
- Financial Reporting & Analysis: Mastery in creating detailed financial reports that accurately represent an organization’s financial position.
- Tax Preparation & Planning: In-depth knowledge of tax laws and the ability to develop tax strategies to minimize liabilities and ensure compliance.
- Auditing Procedures: Experience conducting thorough audits, identifying discrepancies, and recommending corrective actions to enhance financial integrity.
- Accounting Software Proficiency: Skilled in using accounting software (such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle) and other computer skills to streamline accounting processes and improve accuracy.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Ability to create and manage budgets, along with forecasting future financial scenarios to guide business planning.
Top 5 Soft Skills for Accountant Resumes
- Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision in managing financial documents, ensuring accuracy down to the smallest detail.
- Analytical Thinking: The capability to analyze financial data, recognize trends, and provide insights for strategic decision-making.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication of complex financial information to non-financial personnel, ensuring clarity and understanding.
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all financial reporting and advising, maintaining trust and compliance.
- Time Management: Efficient management of multiple tasks and deadlines, prioritizing responsibilities to meet the demanding pace of financial cycles.
An accountant’s resume might list skills in the following manner:
Skills
- Proficient in QuickBooks, SAP, and Oracle for comprehensive financial management
- Advanced knowledge in tax law, preparation, and strategic planning
- Experienced in leading and performing financial audits to enhance accountability and compliance
- Strong analytical skills for effective budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
- Excellent communication and ethical standards to maintain accuracy and trust in financial reporting
Education
In the education section of your accountant resume, you’ll detail your academic qualifications, which form the backbone of your expertise in accounting.
This includes your highest level of education, the institution’s name, and its location. You can also mention your graduation date, relevant coursework, honors, and any accounting certifications you’ve achieved.
Depending on the job you’re applying for, certain educational qualifications may be more pertinent. For roles that require specific qualifications or certifications, ensure these are prominently displayed.
Example:
Columbia University, New York, NY
Master of Science in Accounting, June 2022
Additional Sections
To further distinguish your accountant resume, consider incorporating additional sections that showcase a broader scope of your professional and personal achievements. These might include:
- Certifications
- Volunteer Experience
- Professional Associations
- Awards and Honors
- Relevant Hobbies
Example:
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – New York State Board of Accountancy
Professional Associations
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Awards and Honors
- Recipient, AICPA Scholarship Award for Excellence in Accounting, 2021
Incorporating these additional sections not only enriches your resume but also provides a fuller picture of your qualifications and character to potential employers.
Top 5 Certifications for Accountants
Certifications play a significant role in the accounting profession, offering a testament to your expertise, dedication, and compliance with industry standards. They can significantly boost your resume, particularly in a field where trust and precision are paramount.
Here are the top certifications that can elevate your accountant resume:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): The CPA designation is the most recognized in the accounting profession, indicating a high level of expertise and commitment. It’s essential for accountants who file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA): This certification is valuable for accountants focusing on financial analysis and strategic management. It demonstrates your ability to contribute to the financial decision-making process within an organization.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): For accountants specializing in internal auditing, the CIA certification showcases your skills in assessing a company’s financial and operational activities to improve efficiency and compliance.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): If you have a knack for information systems auditing, control, and security, the CISA certification can highlight your ability to manage IT and business systems risks effectively.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Though not exclusive to accounting, the CFA credential is prestigious in the fields of investment management and financial analysis, underscoring your depth of knowledge in finance, ethics, and investment analysis.
9 Tips For Writing an Accountant Resume
Tailor Your Resume: Each accounting role may have unique requirements. Customize your resume to match the job description, highlighting experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position.
Use Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with dynamic verbs that convey your contributions, such as “analyzed,” “streamlined,” “managed,” or “implemented,” to create a powerful impression.
Highlight Achievements: Emphasize measurable accomplishments, such as reducing expenses, improving financial reporting accuracy, or enhancing efficiency. Quantify these achievements with figures to provide context and impact.
Keywords: Incorporate keywords related to accounting from the job posting to ensure your resume aligns with what the employer is seeking and navigates applicant tracking systems successfully.
Financial Acumen: Clearly demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in financial principles, compliance, and regulatory standards. Detail your experience with financial analysis, tax preparation, and audit procedures.
Communication Skills: Accountants must effectively communicate complex financial information. Highlight experiences where you’ve successfully presented reports, explained financial data to non-financial audiences, or collaborated with teams.
Technological Proficiency: Showcase your familiarity with accounting software and systems, such as QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, or Excel. Highlight any experience with financial data analysis tools or ERP systems.
Proofread: An error-free resume is crucial in the accounting profession, where accuracy is paramount. Carefully review your resume for grammar and spelling errors to ensure professionalism.
Continuous Learning: The accounting field is always evolving, so demonstrating a commitment to professional development can be a significant advantage. Mention any recent training, courses, or certifications you’ve pursued to stay current in your field.
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Key Takeaways
- Highlighting a broad range of financial skills, from audit procedures to financial reporting and tax preparation, showcases your versatility and ability to handle various accounting responsibilities.
- Whether it’s chronological, functional, or combination, choose the format that best highlights your strengths and aligns with your career trajectory in accounting.
- Clearly detailing your academic achievements and professional certifications, such as CPA or CMA, is crucial for establishing your credibility and expertise in the field.
- Tailor your skills section to include those most relevant to the accounting job you’re applying for, using specific examples from your work history to demonstrate how you’ve applied these skills in a professional setting.
- Incorporating keywords from the job description and ensuring your resume’s formatting won’t get scrambled by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are key steps to making sure your application gets seen by human eyes.
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FAQ
To make your accountant resume stand out, focus on quantifying your achievements with specific metrics, such as money saved or processes optimized. Tailor your resume for each application, highlighting the experience and skills most relevant to the job description. Additionally, certifications like CPA or CMA can set you apart from other candidates.
For recent graduates, emphasize relevant coursework, academic achievements, internships, and any relevant projects that demonstrate your accounting knowledge and skills. Including a strong objective statement that clearly communicates your career goals and eagerness to learn can also make a significant impact.
While it’s important to showcase your work history, prioritize experiences that are most relevant to accounting. If you have older or less relevant roles, you can either omit them or briefly list them without detailed descriptions to keep your resume concise and focused.
Certifications are highly valuable in accounting and can greatly enhance your resume. They demonstrate a commitment to the profession and a mastery of specific skills. Prominently feature any certifications you have, especially those required or preferred in the job listing, such as CPA, CMA, or CIA.
Yes, volunteer work can be included, especially if it showcases relevant skills or leadership experiences. If you’ve volunteered in roles that involved financial management, fundraising, or budget planning, these experiences can highlight your accounting skills and your commitment to community service.
For most accounting professionals, a one-page resume is ideal, especially if you have less than ten years of experience. If you have a more extensive career history or significant certifications and achievements, a two-page resume can be appropriate, provided all information is relevant and contributes to your candidacy.