Accountant Resume: Tips, Templates & Examples

An accountant's resume must be well-organized, easy to read, and tailored to the specific job being applied for. The first step in creating an effective accounting manager resume is to choose the best format. The most common format is reverse chronological, which first lists the most recent work experience. The resume title must be specific and mention the job title being applied for. Include contact information, name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile at the top of the resume.

Next, write a clear and concise accountant objective resume tailored to the job being applied for. Mention the company name, the position sought, and what is hoped to be achieved in the next role. The work experience section must list previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job. Include the company name, job title, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements. Use the job description to tailor the resume to the specific requirements of the job being applied for. Highlight any relevant accounting skills on a resume or experience that match the job description. Mentioning relevant skills for an accountant's resume shows the hiring manager that the job posting has been carefully read and that there are necessary qualifications for the position.

The education section must list degrees chronologically, starting with the most recent degree. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, and dates of attendance. Include a list of relevant hard, soft, and technical skills on the resume. Mention any relevant qualifications or certifications, such as a CPA or CMA, on the resume, if there are any. List any awards or recognition received in the field on the resume. Avoid including unnecessary or controversial information on the resume, such as personal details or graphics. Stick to professional and relevant information that helps demonstrate qualifications for the job.

Tailor the resume to the specific job being applied for by reading the job description and highlighting relevant accounting skills to list on the resume and experience. Use keywords from the job description throughout the resume to improve its chances of being noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Some common accounting resume buzzwords include “taxation compliance,” “valuation,” “portfolio analysis,” and “reconciliations.”

Look at examples of successful accounting resumes to get ideas on how to format and organize the resume. Many online resources provide inspiration and guidance on how to write an effective resume by giving accounting resume examples. Resume examples for accounting positions offer inspiration and advice on effectively showcasing relevant skills, experience, and achievements in the field.

What is The Best Resume Formats for Accountant?

The best resume format for an experienced accountant is the reverse chronological order format. The chronological format lists the most current and relevant work experience, followed by the most recent one. The chronological resume format showcases the applicant’s professional experience and achievements.

Another format that an accountant uses is the functional resume format. The functional format highlights accountancy skills more than work experience. An accounting functional resume suits applicants with gaps in their employment history or career changes.

There is the combination resume format, which combines the functional and reverse-chronological formats. The combination resume values both the skills and work experience of the accountants.

How to Write an Accounting Resume

To write an accounting resume requires highlighting qualifications, achievements, and skills in the accounting field. The accounting resumes must be well-organized, concise, and tailored to the job being applied for. A vital accounting skills resume helps stand out from other candidates and increases the chances of getting hired. The sections of an accountant's resume and how to write them are below.

Creating a compelling resume for an account assistant must emphasize financial understanding, data analysis expertise, and meticulousness. Likewise, a resume for an accounting assistant must demonstrate expertise in financial tasks and the ability to maintain precise financial records and streamline financial processes. An accounting assistant's resume objective must mention the company name, the position being sought, and what the candidate hopes to achieve in their next role.

A resume for an accounts receivable position highlights relevant skills and experience in managing and collecting customer payments, as well as proficiency in accounting software and financial reporting. A resume for a tax accountant must highlight proficiency in tax preparation software, knowledge of tax laws and regulations, and a degree in accounting or a related field.

Resume Title for Accountant Resume

The resume title for an accountant's resume is a concise statement that identifies the individual as an accounting professional and highlights their specific expertise or qualifications. Placed at the top of the resume, below the name and contact information, the resume title serves as the initial impression for potential employers and significantly impacts their decision to review the resume further.

Clear and specific language must convey the individual’s resume title as an accountant. Generic titles are avoided, and one that identifies the accounting profession is used. Relevant keywords or job titles commonly used in the accounting industry are incorporated to increase visibility in employer searches. A specific area of expertise or specialization within accounting, such as “Tax Accountant” or “Financial Analyst,” must be included in the title to highlight the individual's strengths.

The number of years of experience is included in the title to demonstrate the level of expertise of those with significant accounting experience. The resume title is able to be customized for each job application to align with the specific requirements of the position. Below are examples of accountants’ resume titles.

Contact Info

To include contact information on an accountant’s resume, it is vital to provide essential details that allow potential employers to reach the applicant easily. The full legal name is placed at the top of the resume, using a slightly larger font or bolding to make it stand out. A phone number where potential employers contact the applicant must be included. A mobile phone number or a number where the applicant is easily reached is recommended. A professional and appropriate email address must be listed. Nicknames or unprofessional phrases in the email address are avoided.

The complete address is provided, including the street address, city or locality, state or province (if applicable), postal code, and country. A mention of the address is optional and is able to be omitted if there is discomfort in sharing this information. The URL of the LinkedIn profile or social media is able to be included if it is up-to-date and professional. The profile must be complete and aligned with the information on the resume for accounting staff.

The Objective for Accountant Resume

“What is a good objective for an accounting resume?” is a question many job seekers in the accounting field ask when crafting their resumes. An objective for an accountant's resume summarizes the individual’s career goals and aspirations. It is essential to be specific and clearly state the career objective when writing an objective for resume accounting. An accountant's resume objective must be customized for each job application to align with the position's requirements, showing a genuine interest in the role. Key accounting skills or areas of expertise that make the individual well-suited for the role are included to demonstrate their value as a candidate immediately. Positive language must convey enthusiasm for the resume objective for the accountant position and eagerness to contribute to the company’s success. The accounting objective for the resume has to be kept brief.

Work Experience

The work experience section is crucial to an accountant's resume. The work experience section contains relevant job titles, the companies that employed the person, and the dates of employment. It's essential to highlight achievements and the impact made in previous roles. For instance, mentioning if there were reductions in budget costs or introducing new procedures that improved efficiency.

An individual is able to use relevant academic or personal projects to showcase skills, passion, and capabilities if they are starting as an entry-level accountant or working as an accounting intern. Any work experience is listed, and transferable skills such as written communication, data analysis, and research are emphasized.

Qualifications

Qualifications of an accountant's resume refer to the skills, knowledge, and accomplishments gained through professional roles and experiences. Qualifications provide a detailed overview of the candidate's career journey, highlighting their expertise and contributions in various positions.

Qualifications describe the key responsibilities and duties undertaken in each role. The qualifications part of the resume emphasizes achievements and outcomes that demonstrate impact, such as improving processes, increasing efficiency, or contributing to financial growth.

Accounting Job Description for Resume

The accounting job description for the resume is included in the resume's work experience section. The job description follows the career summary or objective statement and lists the applicant’s work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. Each entry in the work experience section must include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of the key responsibilities and achievements in that role. The accounting description for the resume must concisely highlight the most relevant skills and accomplishments. Using bullet points makes the information easy to read and understand.

An account assistant job description for a resume focuses on the candidate’s ability to provide administrative support to the accounting department, such as managing financial records and assisting with audits.

Education

The education section of an accountant’s resume contains information about the applicant’s educational background, including any degrees or courses related to accounting. The education section follows the work experience and lists the applicant’s academic achievements in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree or certification. Each entry in the education section includes the name of the institution, the location, the degree earned, and the completion date. The applicant is able to include information about their significance or area of study, honors or awards received, and any relevant coursework or projects, if applicable.

Skills for Accounting Resume / Skills to Put on Resume for Accounting

Accountant resume skills allow an individual to accurately and ethically manage financial transactions, analyze financial data, and generate financial reports. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to use bullet points. Using hard and soft skills to put on a resume for accounting is beneficial to show the candidate’s strength effectively.

Infusing industry-specific keywords and terminology pertinent to the accounting realm is essential. Using industry-specific keywords and terminology, strategic integration heightens the visibility of a resume within applicant tracking systems (ATS) and showcases adeptness in accounting conventions.

It is essential to provide specific examples or metrics to demonstrate proficiency in a particular skill. Specific examples of skills for accounting resumes help potential employers understand the applicant’s abilities and expertise in accounting. The accounting skills for a resume have to be concise and focused, including only the most relevant and impressive skills.

Hard Skills for Accounting Resume

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that are defined and measured. Hard skills are often technical and are learned through formal education or training programs. Hard skills refer to the technical knowledge and abilities required to perform the job duties of an accountant in the accounting field. Accounting hard skills include understanding generally accepted accounting principles, mathematical comprehension, and data analysis. Seven primary and 15 other accountant hard skills are given below.

• Financial Statements
• Accounting software - QuickBooks, Xero, MYOB
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Payroll
• Budgets
• Account Analysis
• MS Office
• IT Skills
• Asset Management
• State Tax Law
• Tax Compliance
• Corporate Tax
• Regulatory Filings
• Revenue Projections
• Account Reconciliation
• Profit and Loss
• Quickbooks
• Income Tax
• Invoices
• Tax Returns
• Payroll Taxes
• General Ledger

Soft Skills for Accounting Resume

Soft skills are essential for accountants to be successful in their roles. Soft skills help accountants to work effectively with others, communicate their ideas clearly, and solve problems creatively. Soft skills are essential for accountants to accurately and ethically manage, analyze and report on an organization’s financial activities in addition to technical knowledge. Below is a list of crucial soft skills for an accounting resume.

• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Organization
• Leadership

Technical Skills for Accounting Resume

Technical skills help accountants to accurately and ethically manage financial transactions, analyze financial data, and generate financial reports. Accountants rely on an array of technical skills to perform their roles effectively in managing financial data, ensuring accuracy, and facilitating informed decision-making. The technical skills for an accounting resume encompass a range of specialized tools, software, and methodologies integral to the accounting profession. Below is a list of technical skills that are important for an accountant to have.

• Proficiency in Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle Financials)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel Skills (Formulas, Pivot Tables, Macros)
• Tax Preparation Software Expertise (e.g., TurboTax, TaxAct)
• Financial Analysis and Modeling
• Financial Reporting (GAAP, IFRS)
• Reconciliation (Bank Statements, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable)
• Auditing Principles and Techniques
• Budgeting
• Data Analysis

Certifications

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate expertise and proficiency in accounting. Certifications help accountants stand out from other candidates and increase their chances of getting hired. Obtaining certifications helps accountants advance in their careers and earn higher salaries. Several certifications are available for accountants, each with its requirements and benefits.

One common place to list certifications is in the contact information section of a resume, next to the name. Listing certifications in the contact information is an excellent place to include official credentials, such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant).

Certifications are able to be given in the summary or objective statements. For example, a summary statement for an accountant is read: “Certified Public Accountant with five years of experience in financial reporting and analysis. Proficient in GAAP and knowledgeable in tax compliance. Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organization.” Another option is creating a separate resume section specifically for certifications. The certification section is able to be titled “Certifications” and includes each certification's full title, the host organization's name, and the date earned.

Awards

Awards are a valuable addition to an accountant’s resume. Awards demonstrate the candidate’s achievements and expertise in accounting and set them apart from other applicants. Awards are received from professional organizations, employers, or academic institutions and recognize many accomplishments, such as outstanding performance, leadership, or contributions to the field. It is essential to include the name of the award, the host’s name, and the date/year it was received when listing awards on a resume.

What NOT to Include in an Accounting Resume

To omit certain elements helps detract from the document's professionalism and impact when preparing an effective accounting resume. Professional attributes are vital when creating a resume, and personal details such as age, marital status, and religious affiliation are not included. References are best provided in a separate document. Clear and specific language is preferred, and the resume must be carefully proofread to eliminate errors. A balanced layout that avoids excessive white space helps create a professional and effective resume. Including pictures or graphics is not recommended. Before a person sees a resume, a computer checks it for keywords, and images are difficult for software to understand. The list below shows what to exclude from an accountant's resume.

• Personal Information
• References
• Fluffy Language
• Spelling and Grammatical Errors
• Excessive White Space
• Pictures or Graphics

How to Tailor an Accountant Resume

Tailoring a resume for an accounting position involves customizing the content to match the specific requirements and qualifications of the job. Customizing a resume for an accountant job helps to make a resume stand out and increases the chances of being selected for an interview. Below are some steps to tailor a resume to an accountant position.

• Read the job description carefully: The first step to tailoring a resume is to read the job description carefully. Reading the job description gives the candidate a good understanding of the skills and experience that the employer is looking for.

• Notice what’s mentioned multiple times: Take note of any skills or qualifications mentioned various times in the job description, as these are likely to be particularly important for the position.

• Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job: Once the employer’s needs are understood, highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Adding skills include specific accounting software, auditing experience, or tax preparation experience.

• Use keywords: Be sure to use keywords relevant to the job being applied for when writing a resume. Using keywords helps the resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many employers use to screen resumes.

• Quantify accomplishments: Mention accomplishments whenever possible when listing them. Mentioning accomplishments allows the employer to see the impact of the work. For example, instead of saying, “Improved the financial reporting process,” it could be said, “Improved the financial reporting process by 10%, resulting in a $1 million savings for the company.”

• Use action verbs: Use action verbs when describing skills and experience. Including action verbs makes the resume more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of saying, “Responsible for preparing financial statements,” it is said, “Prepared financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).”

• Get feedback: Once a resume has been drafted, get feedback from others. Feedback is gathered from a friend, family member, or career counselor. Getting feedback allows for identifying any areas that need improvement.

• Proofread carefully: Review it for errors before submitting a resume. Proofreading includes typos, grammatical errors, and formatting errors.

Keywords for Accounting Resume

Keywords for an accounting resume are industry-specific terms and phrases that align with the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities relevant to accounting roles. Accounting resume buzzwords are essential for optimizing a resume's visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and attracting the attention of hiring managers. Below is a list of keywords used in an accounting resume.

• Accounting
• Financial Reporting
• Financial Analysis
• Account Reconciliation
• Financial Accounting
• Microsoft Access
• General Ledger
• Accounts Payable
• Auditing
• Financial Statements
• Tax
• SAP Products
• Accounts Receivable (AR)
• Finance

Accounting Resume Examples

The following are key takeaways on why the example resume for an accountant is good.

• The example resume accounting includes a concise summary highlighting the candidate’s skills and experience.
• The experience section in the resume sample for an accountant is well-organized and details the candidate’s responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Using action verbs and quantifiable achievements makes the resume more dynamic and engaging.
• The education and certifications sections are presented and highlight the candidate’s qualifications.
• The skills section includes relevant keywords that help the resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

FAQ

Should I include references? If so, what's the best way to do that?

No, you should not include references on an accountant's resume. Employers typically don’t request references at the initial stages of job application, so adding them directly to a resume isn’t necessary. Employers are able to later ask for a comprehensive list of professional references when they progress a candidacy.

Crafting a dedicated list apart from the resume when references are required is recommended. Provide each reference's full name, professional title, company details, and contact information. Present at least three professional references. References are arranged chronologically, starting with the most recent collaborator.

How long should I wait to follow-up after I submit a resume for this job?

You should wait around one to two weeks before contacting the hiring manager once a resume has been sent. Companies usually take anywhere from one to two weeks to reply to applications. The duration might differ based on industry, company size, and other variables. It is worth sending a polite follow-up email if the employer hasn’t responded within two weeks of sending the resume and cover letter. Remember to be patient and professional in the follow-up, as repeated follow-ups work against the applicant.

It's crucial to note that resume gaps are less concerning now than in the past. An employment hiatus of six months to a year is generally not a cause for concern. Employers inquire about the reason behind the gap to assess the applicant's dedication to the upcoming position.

Conclusion

Crafting a winning accountant resume demands careful structuring, skillful content selection, and strategic customization. Optimal formats, concise titles, and precise contact information lay a firm groundwork. Aligning objectives, showcasing experience, and highlighting qualifications create a robust profile. The interplay of hard and soft skills, paired with reasonable keyword usage, maximizes impact. The resume is the inaugural step toward potential employers – a potent showcase of accounting expertise and professionalism.