Best Staff Accountant Resume Examples For 2024 (Template & Guide)

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Staff Accountant Resume: Choose a Format

Choosing the right resume format is essential to effectively highlighting your strengths and experience.

When writing a resume for a staff accountant, there are three main resume formats to consider: chronological, functional, and combination.

Chronological Resumes for Staff Accountants

A chronological resume format lists your work history in reverse chronological order, making it ideal if you have a solid track record in accounting. This format highlights your career progression and stability, which is appealing to employers.

Chronological resumes showcase your most recent and relevant experience first, making it easy for hiring managers to see your career growth. They are also highly compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which are programmed to scan for dates of employment and relevant job titles.

However, there might be better choices than this format if you have significant employment gaps or are changing careers.

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Functional Resumes for Staff Accountants

A functional resume format focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. This format is helpful if you’re changing careers, have gaps in your employment, or possess extensive skills relevant to the job.

Functional resumes allow you to highlight your capabilities and achievements without tying them to exact job titles or dates of employment.

However, some employers may view it as an attempt to hide a lack of experience or inconsistent work history, so use caution when choosing a functional format. It can also be less compatible with ATS, as these systems often prioritize chronological data, potentially missing key information if not properly formatted.

Combination Resumes for Staff Accountants

A combination resume format merges elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It allows you to showcase your skills while also providing a clear employment history, making it a versatile choice for many job seekers.

This format highlights your most relevant skills and experiences at the top, followed by a detailed work history. It is particularly beneficial if you have a solid work history and significant skills or accomplishments to emphasize.

If formatted correctly, combination resumes can be compatible with ATS, ensuring both skills and chronological work history are easily scannable. However, this format can be more challenging to organize and can make for a lengthy document.

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Choosing a Resume Format

When creating a resume for a staff accountant position, choosing the best format to showcase your qualifications is crucial. If you’re not sure which format to use, a chronological format is often your best bet.

Chronological resumes are the most ATS-friendly, meaning they can easily be scanned by applicant tracking systems that employers use to filter resumes. Plus, they showcase your career growth, which is appealing to hiring managers.

But what if you don’t have much experience as a staff accountant? Don’t worry! You can still make a chronological resume work for you. Start by emphasizing any relevant internships, volunteer work, or coursework.

For instance, if you interned in the finance department of a company, highlight that experience. Likewise, if you’ve worked on projects in school or in other jobs that involved budgeting, financial analysis, or similar tasks, include those and describe your role.

Focusing on your relevant skills and experiences, even if they weren’t gained in a traditional accounting role, can help you create a compelling chronological resume that captures the attention of employers.

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How to Write a Staff Accountant Resume

Once you have chosen a resume template and format, the process of writing your resume is straightforward.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through writing the five essential sections that outline a staff accountant’s resume:

• Contact Information
• Summary or Objective Statement
• Work History
• Skills
• Education

Each section plays a part in landing your next accounting job! We’ll show you how to make the most of each section to help you get noticed by potential employers!

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Summary or Objective

Next, you will write a brief introduction to your resume to entice potential employers to learn more about you! This introduction can be written as either a resume summary or an objective statement. Let’s break down the differences and help you decide which one is right for you.

A resume summary is a brief overview of your experience and skills, making it ideal if you already have some accounting experience under your belt.

It’s a snapshot of what you bring to the table, highlighting your key achievements and areas of expertise. This helps potential employers quickly see your value and understand how you can benefit their organization.

For example, a resume summary for a staff accountant resume might say:

“Detail-oriented staff accountant with 5+ years of experience in financial reporting and auditing. Proven track record in improving financial operations and ensuring compliance with GAAP.”

Use a resume summary if:

• • • • • You have relevant work experience in accounting or a related field.

• • • • • You want to emphasize your career accomplishments and skills.

• • • • • You’re looking to move to a similar role and wish to show continuity in your career path.

On the other hand, an objective statement focuses on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role you’re applying for. It works well if you’re new to accounting, changing careers, or have limited professional experience.

An objective statement allows you to convey your enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute to the company while showcasing any relevant skills or education.

For example, an objective statement for a staff accountant resume might say:

“Recent accounting graduate seeking to leverage education and internship experience as a staff accountant at XYZ Corp. Eager to apply strong analytical skills and attention to detail in a dynamic environment.”

Use an objective statement if:

• • • • • You are a recent graduate or have limited experience in accounting.

• • • • • You are transitioning from another career field into accounting.

• • • • • You want to highlight your career goals and your enthusiasm for the position.

No matter which one you choose, make sure to customize it for each job application. Tailor your statement to the specific job description and use keywords from the job listing to stand out to the hiring manager and the ATS (Applicant Tracking System).

This approach ensures your resume gets noticed and sets you up for success in your job search.

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Work History

Next, you’ll craft the work history section of your resume. This is where you get to show off your experience and achievements. Start by listing your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.

For each position, include your job title, the company name and location, dates of employment, and a series of bullet points detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Pro Tip: To make your resume shine, each bullet point should start with a strong action verb and, whenever possible, include quantifiable achievements. This makes your responsibilities clear and highlights your impact in previous roles.

By using action verbs like “prepared,” “managed,” “conducted,” “streamlined,” and “coordinated,” you convey a sense of initiative and responsibility.

Likewise, quantifying your achievements with numbers and percentages, such as “reducing outstanding receivables by 15%” or “cutting completion time by 20%,” helps potential employers see the tangible impact of your work.

For instance, instead of saying “Handled accounts payable,” you could say “Managed accounts payable, ensuring timely payments and reducing overdue invoices by 15%.”

Remember, your work history is more than a list of tasks. It’s your chance to show how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles and how you can bring that same value to your next employer.

For example, a job entry on a staff accountant’s resume might look like this:

Staff Accountant
ABC Corporation, Columbus, OH January 2020 – Present

• • • • • Prepared and analyzed financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP.

• • • • • Managed accounts payable and receivable, reducing outstanding receivables by 15%.

• • • • • Conducted monthly reconciliations of 50+ accounts with a 98% accuracy rate.

• • • • • Streamlined the monthly closing process, cutting completion time by 20%.

• • • • • Coordinated with auditors to ensure successful quarterly audits with no discrepancies.

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Skills

Now, let’s talk about the skills section of your resume. This is your chance to showcase what makes you a great candidate for the staff accountant position.

A well-crafted skills section should include both hard skills and soft skills. Why?

Hard skills are the technical abilities you need to perform your job duties, like proficiency in accounting software or knowledge of GAAP compliance.

Soft skills are personal attributes that help you work effectively, like attention to detail or communication skills.

Including a mix of both on your resume gives a balanced view of your capabilities and shows employers that you’re well-rounded.

For inspiration, here are some of the top hard and soft skills for a staff accountant’s resume:

Top 5 Hard Skills for Staff Accountant Resumes

• • • • • Financial Analysis: Essential for evaluating financial data and preparing accurate reports. This skill helps you interpret complex financial information and make sound recommendations.

• • • • • GAAP Compliance: Critical for ensuring all financial statements adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Employers need to know you can produce compliant and reliable financial reports.

• • • • • Account Reconciliation: Important for maintaining accurate financial records. Regular reconciliation ensures all accounts are consistent and accurate, preventing errors.

• • • • • Budgeting and Forecasting: Useful for planning and controlling financial resources. This skill allows you to create realistic budgets and anticipate future financial needs.

• • • • • Accounting Software Proficiency: Expertise in tools like QuickBooks and SAP is often required. Being proficient with these computer skills means you can efficiently manage financial data and processes.

Top 5 Soft Skills for Staff Accountant Resumes

• • • • • Attention to Detail: Vital for accuracy in financial reporting. As a staff accountant, small errors can have big consequences, so being meticulous is key.

• • • • • Analytical Thinking: Helps in interpreting financial data and making informed decisions. This skill enables you to solve problems and provide valuable insights based on data analysis.

• • • • • Communication: Important for explaining financial information to non-accounting staff. Being able to clearly convey complex information helps ensure everyone is on the same page.

• • • • • Time Management: Crucial for meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Effective time management allows you to handle multiple tasks efficiently without compromising on quality.

• • • • • Problem-Solving: Useful for identifying and resolving discrepancies in financial records. Strong problem-solving skills help you address issues promptly and maintain the integrity of financial information.

For example, a skills section on a resume for a staff accountant might look like this:

Skills

• • • • • Financial Analysis
        • GAAP Compliance
        • Account Reconciliation
        • Budgeting and Forecasting
        • Accounting Software Proficiency (QuickBooks, SAP)
        • Attention to Detail
        • Analytical Thinking
        • Communication
        • Time Management
        • Problem-Solving

Including a well-rounded skills section highlights your qualifications and shows employers that you have the technical know-how and personal qualities needed to excel as a staff accountant.

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Education

When it comes to the education section of your resume, you want to keep it straightforward and informative. Start by listing your most recent degree first. Include the degree you earned and the name and location of the institution.

However, it’s usually best to leave out the graduation date. This can help you avoid any potential age bias and keep potential employers focused on your qualifications, especially if you graduated a long time ago or very recently.

Pro Tip: Remember, your skills and experience are what truly matter to potential employers.

An education section for a staff accountant resume will look something like this:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of Finance, San Diego, CA

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Additional Sections

Once you have carefully crafted the above sections of your resume, consider adding extra sections to make your resume more compelling.

If space allows, you can enhance your resume with sections like:

• • • • • Certifications
        • Professional Affiliations
        • Volunteer Experience
        • Languages
        • Awards or Honors

These optional sections can help you showcase your unique skills and qualifications. However, make sure this is related to a role in accounting. Don’t waste valuable page space on details that aren’t relevant to hiring managers!

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Top Certifications For Staff Accountants

A list of professional certifications is one of the best additions to your resume. Continuing your education and keeping your skills sharp makes you a valuable asset to any organization.

Here are the top certifications for a staff accountant resume:

• • • • • Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This designation is highly regarded in accounting and is often considered a gold standard. It demonstrates your extensive knowledge of accounting practices, tax laws, and financial regulations. A CPA certification can open doors to advanced career opportunities and is often required for higher-level positions.

• • • • • Certified Management Accountant (CMA): The CMA certification showcases your expertise in financial management and strategic decision-making. It is particularly valuable for accountants who are involved in budgeting, performance management, and cost management. This certification indicates that you have a strong understanding of both financial accounting and business operations.

• • • • • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): This designation is crucial for those specializing in internal auditing. It demonstrates your ability to assess and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes within an organization. This certification is highly respected and can enhance your credibility in auditing roles.

• • • • • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA): The CGMA credential focuses on management accounting and is globally recognized. It signifies that you have advanced skills in finance, operations, strategy, and leadership. This certification is beneficial for accountants who are involved in driving business decisions and managing company finances on a global scale.

• • • • • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): The CISA certification is essential for accountants who audit IT systems. It demonstrates your expertise in assessing the control and security of information systems and your ability to identify risks and ensure compliance. This certification is beneficial in organizations where IT and financial auditing intersect.

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10 Tips for Writing a Staff Accountant Resume

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description: Take the time to read the job description carefully and adjust your resume accordingly. Highlight the skills and experiences that match what the employer is looking for. For example, if the job emphasizes experience with GAAP compliance, be sure to mention your expertise in that area prominently.

Use Strong Action Verbs: Start each bullet point in your work history with a strong action verb. Words like “managed,” “analyzed,” “prepared,” and “reconciled” make your responsibilities and achievements sound more dynamic. For instance, instead of saying “Responsible for managing accounts,” say “Managed accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance.”

Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. This helps employers see the impact you’ve made. For example, “Reduced outstanding receivables by 20% through improved invoicing processes” is much more impressive than simply stating “Handled accounts receivable.”

Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure your skills section includes both hard and soft skills relevant to a staff accountant role. For instance, list skills like financial analysis, account reconciliation, proficiency in accounting software, and soft skills like attention to detail and time management.

Include a Professional Summary or Objective: Start your resume with a brief summary or objective statement. If you have experience, go for a summary that highlights your key accomplishments. If you’re a recent graduate or changing careers, use an objective to focus on your career goals and what you aim to achieve.

Showcase Your Education and Certifications: List your educational background and any relevant certifications. For example, if you have a CPA certification or have taken courses in advanced accounting, be sure to include these. Remember to omit your graduation date to avoid potential age bias.

Use a Clean, Professional Layout: A clean, professional layout makes your resume easy to read. Use consistent formatting, bullet points, and clear headings. Avoid clutter and keep the design simple. This helps ensure your resume is ATS-friendly and easy for hiring managers to skim.

Proofread Thoroughly: Errors can make a bad impression. Proofread your resume multiple times, and consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well. Pay close attention to details, as accuracy is a key trait for a staff accountant.

Customize Each Job Entry: For each job in your work history, customize your entries to highlight relevant experiences. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements. For example, “Prepared monthly financial statements that contributed to a 15% reduction in budget variances.”

Highlight Key Projects: If you’ve worked on significant projects, include these in your resume. Projects can demonstrate your ability to handle complex tasks and show your hands-on experience. Describe your role and the outcome, such as “Led a team to implement a new accounting software system, improving data accuracy by 25%.”