simple resume format for accountant job in word

Accountant Resume Templates

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An  accountant resume  is a document that showcases an accountant’s work experience, education, and certification. The templates accommodate accountants from all backgrounds and experience levels. For instance, an entry-level accountant or a financial executive can complete the following documents to apply for a job position.

Before writing the resume, the applicant should consider its primary purpose: to offer a skill set that the hiring company needs or wants. The candidate achieves this goal by using an organized template that highlights their best and most qualifying skills. The resume must include accurate details about the applicant’s experiences. Interviewers immediately reject prospective employees who lie or enter false information on their applications.

Accounting Resume Examples

Tips for Writing an Accounting Resume

Since accounting jobs require immense attention to detail, the resume must adhere to the same standard. Make sure it is accurate and free from errors or inconsistencies. Regardless of the accountant’s career stage, the applicant must include their title, certification(s), or field-specific markers (i.e., CPA, GAAP, or QuickBooks). Providing this information increases the candidate’s credibility and raises the possibility of an interview. The placement of the title can make a difference, as well. For this reason, be sure to display it in large or bold font on the top of the page.

Accounting Resume Samples

What Experience Should be Included?

The accountant’s experience level influences the information presented in the resume. “Experience” refers to the number of years worked, along with positions held, internships completed, and the names of previous employers.

Regardless of the job’s tier or ranking, the prospective employee must include previous roles or experiences that highlight their competencies. They should specifically focus on large or unique projects that set them apart from other candidates. For example, an applicant would want to include that they “managed private foundation grants totaling over $35 million” or “developed controls to reduce errors by 18%.” Similarly, they would benefit from stating that they “processed 50+ vendor invoices per month with 100% accuracy” or “prepared 10 tax returns in the previous year.”

• Entry-Level-Accountants

Mid-Level Accountants

Senior-level accountants, entry-level accountants.

The profession considers entry-level accountants as individuals that have worked anywhere from zero (0) to two (2) years. Accountants new to the workforce have less experience than those who have been in the profession for a longer amount of time. For this reason, they must include relevant work experience, volunteer work, or additional details that demonstrate their knowledge and/or capabilities. Including applicable skills in a resume (e.g., math, auditing, banking, etc.) helps to give applicants more leverage over more experienced candidates. The goal of entry-level accountants is to find a job that allows them to gain experience and build their resumes to advance their careers. Entry-level accountant jobs include:

• Budget or financial analysts;
• Accounting clerks, assistants, associates, or representatives;
• Bookkeepers;
• Personal or private accountants; and/or
• Junior or staff accountants.

A mid-level accountant has more experience than an entry-level employee as they have been in the career between two (2) and eight (8) years. They gain the critical skills needed to move onto an expert accountant role during this time. They have more responsibility and may take on managerial positions. The following list contains examples of jobs for mid-level accountants:

• Accounting manager or analyst;
• Cost accountant; and/or
• Tax, finance, or audit manager.

An individual only takes on the expert accountant title if they have worked in the field for eight (8) years or more and have taken on a managerial position. Expert accountants are confident in their abilities and have a strong knowledge of the role. They may be responsible for overseeing a larger group of employees, such as a department. In addition, they may have to examine complicated financial documents and reports. Senior-level accountant jobs may have titles, such as:

• Vice president of accounting;
• Director of finance;
• Audit director;
• Senior accountant;
• Controller; and/or
• Chief financial officer.

Entry Level Accounting Resumes

What Resume Format Should be Used?

For jobseekers with little accounting experience, a skills-based or functional resume format is best. This layout highlights the applicant’s transferable skills without spotlighting previous (and perhaps not as relevant) work experience.

Accountants with previous accounting experience should use the reverse-chronological order format. With this type of resume, the applicant lists the most current and relevant work experience first, followed by the next most recent. This style gives the hiring personnel a brief but total picture of the applicant’s professional experience.

Senior Accounting Resumes

Key Takeaways

Accountants are detail-oriented, highly precise, and well-organized, and their resumes should be no different. While there is no right or wrong format or template to use, the form must be free from clutter, gimmicks, and irrelevant or inaccurate information. Most importantly, accountants should design their resumes to fit the employer’s job description.

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7 thoughts on “20+ ACCOUNTANT Resume CV Format in Word (.docx) FREE DOWNLOAD”

I love ur cvs

Thanks buddy, more Templates coming soon

Please send me Chief Accountant CV format

This is a great resume format for an accountant. It is well-organized and easy to read.

very help full resume in word format so nice of you thanks

You are welcome buddy.

resume format provide

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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!

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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Accountant Resume > Accountant Resume .Docx (Word)

Download Accountant Resume > Accountant Resume .Docx (Word)

With this accountant resume sample, you can create your profile in order to accomplish your personal goals. Download this free accountant CV template and start filling it up in Word. We know it isn’t easy to search for a job, but with the right resume, you will be able to introduce your professional information with the best results you can imagine.

• • Reduced errors in financial reports by 20% through implementation of new processes and controls.
• • Managed the successful implementation of a new accounting system, resulting in a 30% decrease in processing time.
• • Collaborated with the tax department to identify and reduce the company's tax liability, resulting in a savings of $500,000.
• • Implemented a new budgeting process, reducing budget variances by 15%.
• • Developed financial models to support the launch of a new product line, resulting in a projected revenue increase of $2 million.
• • Collaborated with the procurement department to negotiate new supplier contracts, resulting in a cost savings of $1 million.
• • Prepared tax returns for individual and corporate clients, resulting in $500,000 in tax savings.
• • Conducted financial statement analysis and identified areas for improvement, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue for a client.
• • Assisted with audit support for a client and helped to identify $1 million in cost savings through process improvement.

32 Accountant Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.

All resume examples in this guide

Accounting Intern

Entry-Level Accountant

Junior Cost Accountant

Senior Accountant

Senior Tax Accountant

Accounting Analyst

Accounting Assistant

Accounting Supervisor

Big 4 Accounting

Construction Accounting

Corporate Accounting

Cost Accounting

Director of Accounting

Financial Accounting

Forensic Accounting

Full Cycle Accounting

Functional Accounting

Fund Accountant

General Ledger Accounting

Government Accounting

Hotel Accounting

Management Accounting

Oracle Project Accounting

Project Accounting

Public Accounting

Purchase Accounting

Tax Accountant

Onboarding Accountant

Staff Accountant

Revenue Tax Accountant

Resume guide.

Making Your Accountant Resume

Resume Writing Tips

By Experience

Crafting an accountant's resume may seem overwhelming, especially when you struggle with quantifying your achievements. Learning how to write an effective accountant resume is crucial to landing your dream job. In this article, you'll discover an actual ready-to-use example, a step-by-step guide for each critical section, and how to tailor your resume to the job description for an ATS-friendly format.

How to make your accountant resume

Now that you're ready to create your accountant resume, let's dive into the essential aspects of formatting, design, and content to make it stand out.

How to format your accountant resume

Consider the following recommendations to ensure your resume is both ATS and reader-friendly:

• Columns: While ATS can read any number of columns, stick to a reverse chronological resume format for simplicity and consider a hybrid resume format when necessary.
• Margins: ATS can read any margins, but for optimal printing and readability, maintain a 1-inch margin on all sides .
• Spacing: Although ATS doesn't have issues with spacing, using 1.15 line spacing ensures optimal readability.
• Length: Keep your resume concise, aiming for one to two pages to capture the most relevant information.
• Format type: Submit your resume in a PDF format to preserve formatting across different devices.

Properly formatting your resume is key to creating a professional first impression. Explore various resume formats to determine which suits your needs best.

When formatting your resume, use a clean, easy-to-read font and avoid excessive use of colors or graphics to ensure a polished appearance.

How to design your accountant resume

In addition to formatting, the design elements of your accountant resume can help you stand out without hindering the ATS parsing of your text content. Here are some recommendations to enhance your resume's visual appeal:

When incorporating design elements, always prioritize readability and professionalism. Choose a cohesive color scheme and design that aligns with the industry you're targeting.

How to write each section of your accountant resume

Now let's dive into crafting each section of your accountant resume, using good and bad examples and a checklist to ensure you include all the necessary details in a step-by-step format.

Step #1. Add your contact information and more in the accountant resume header

An effective resume header is crucial for showcasing your contact information and making a strong first impression. Here's a checklist of essential elements for an accountant resume header:

• Your first name and last name : Use your full name or a professional nickname if preferred.
• Your title : Highlight your relevant experience, such as "Certified Public Accountant" or "Financial Analyst."
• Your phone number: Include a current, professional number where employers can easily reach you.
• Your email address : Use a professional email address, ideally with your name in it.
• Your location : Include your city, state, and country, but avoid listing your full street address for privacy reasons.
• Relevant social media handles (optional) : If applicable, provide links to professional profiles like LinkedIn or industry-specific platforms.

Remember, a well-structured resume header sets the tone for the rest of your resume and ensures that employers can easily contact you.

What’s bad about this example

• The title "Accounting Enthusiast" is too casual and lacks professionalism.
• Full street address is provided, which is unnecessary and raises privacy concerns.

What’s good about this example:

• The title "Certified Public Accountant" reflects the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.
• A professional email address is used, which includes the candidate's name.
• Only the city, state, and country are listed for location, which is sufficient and maintains privacy.

Step #2. Create an impactful accountant resume summary

A well-crafted summary is essential for showcasing your qualifications and capturing the attention of both recruiters and ATS systems. Here's a checklist of crucial elements to include in an accountant resume summary:

• Your title and years of experience: Clearly state your expertise and experience level.
• The most relevant skills in your field: Emphasize key skills that demonstrate your proficiency in accounting.
• Your top 1-2 professional achievements: Showcase your accomplishments to establish credibility and competence.

An effective summary benefits both the ATS and the recruiter by:

• Providing extra real estate for adding keywords from the job description, making your resume more ATS-friendly.
• Offering a concise snapshot of your professional profile, allowing recruiters to quickly assess your suitability for the role.

Ensure you name the section properly for the ATS, such as "Summary" or "Professional Summary."

What’s bad about this example:

• The summary is generic and doesn't emphasize the candidate's specific qualifications or expertise in accounting.
• Lacks mention of relevant skills or software proficiency, which are important for the role.
• Omits any quantifiable professional achievements that can demonstrate the candidate's value to potential employers.
• Clearly states the candidate's title, years of experience, and relevant skills.
• Highlights specific professional achievements that demonstrate the candidate's value to potential employers.

Step #3. Build an experience section for your accountant resume that outshines other candidates

A well-structured experience section with quantified achievements can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise in the accounting field. Follow this checklist to create an impressive resume experience section:

• • Handled accounting tasks
• • Worked with finance team
• • Managed invoices
• • Maintained records
• Vague bullet points that don't highlight specific accomplishments or quantify achievements.
• Missing location and company description, which can make the experience seem less credible.
• • Reduced month-end closing time by 20% through implementing efficient accounting processes.
• • Collaborated with a team of 10 to maintain a $15M budget and ensure timely financial reporting.
• • Managed over 500 invoices monthly, improving accounts payable accuracy by 15%.
• • Maintained financial records in compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.

What’s good about this example

• Clear, quantified achievements that demonstrate the impact on the company.
• Complete information, including location and company description, providing context and credibility to the experience.

Step #4. Make a strong accountant resume education section

An effective education section is essential for accountant resumes, as it demonstrates your expertise and qualifications in the field.

Consider the following recommendations when crafting your education section:

• Degree Name: Clearly state the specific degree you have earned, such as Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• University, college, or other institution: Mention the name of the educational institution where you obtained your degree
• Location (optional): Include the city and state of the educational institution, if relevant
• Years attended: Provide the years of attendance or graduation date
• Coursework: If applicable, highlight relevant coursework that showcases your accounting knowledge
• MBA: If you have an MBA, properly list it on your resume to emphasize your advanced business education
• Incomplete Degree: Address incomplete degrees in a way that emphasizes the knowledge and skills you acquired
• GPA: Decide whether to include your GPA based on its relevance and impressiveness.
• • Relevant coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Taxation
• The degree name is specific and clearly stated
• The institution, location, and years attended are provided
• Relevant coursework is listed to emphasize accounting knowledge
• The GPA is included, as it is both relevant and impressive

Step #5. List your relevant accountant resume skills

A strong skill set is crucial for accountant resumes, as it showcases your expertise and ability to perform the job effectively.

Consider the following recommendations when crafting your skills section:

• ATS-friendly section name: Use a clear and recognizable title, such as "Skills" or "Core Competencies"
• Hard skills: Include relevant hard skills for accountants, such as software proficiency or financial analysis, as they are important for ATS scanning
• Soft skills: List applicable soft skills that demonstrate your interpersonal abilities and work ethic, which are essential for both ATS and recruiters
• Match skills to the job description: Tailor your skills section to the specific requirements listed in the job description to maximize your chances of being shortlisted

Step #6. Add extra sections to your resume

Incorporating extra sections in your accountant resume can help you stand out and demonstrate your cultural fit within the company. Consider adding the following relevant sections:

• Membership of professional associations : Show your commitment to the field by listing relevant organizations you belong to, such as the AICPA or IMA
• Publications : Showcase your expertise by listing published articles, books, or research papers related to accounting
• Conferences: Highlight your dedication to professional development by listing accounting conferences you've attended or presented at
• Volunteering : Share any volunteering experiences related to accounting or financial literacy, demonstrating your community involvement
• Language skills : List any additional languages you speak, which can be an asset when working with international clients or colleagues
• Awards : Mention any relevant awards or recognitions that highlight your accomplishments in the accounting field

Keep the extra sections concise and focused on your target position. Align them with the company values and emphasize how they make you a well-rounded candidate for the accountant role.

Step #7. Finalize your accountant resume

Step #8. create an accountant cover letter to show your extra effort.

A well-crafted accountant cover letter can make a significant difference in your job application by highlighting your achievements, skills, and fit for the role. It serves as a personalized introduction to the hiring manager, showcasing your genuine interest in the position.

Your accountant cover letter should include:

• Contact information that corresponds with the resume: This ensures that the hiring manager can easily reach you and keeps your application consistent.
• Greeting : Address the hiring manager by name if possible, showing that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
• Achievements in the first paragraph : Highlight your most significant accomplishments relevant to the role, which will grab the hiring manager's attention and encourage them to read further.
• Work experience : Detail your relevant experience, emphasizing your successes and the skills you've developed that make you a strong candidate for the position.
• Skills : Discuss both hard and soft skills, demonstrating how they have contributed to your success in previous roles and how they will benefit the company if you are hired.
• Why you'd be a good fit : Explain how your values and goals align with those of the company, and emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and the organization.
• Call to action : Express your interest in discussing your qualifications further in an interview and thank the hiring manager for considering your application. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and leaves a positive impression.

Cover Letter Template:

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Today's Date]

[Recipient's Name]

[Recipient's Job Title]

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As an experienced accountant with a strong background in [relevant technical skills] and a BA in [relevant discipline] from [big US university], I am excited to apply for the accountant position at [Company Name]. My expertise in financial analysis, auditing, and financial reporting, combined with my excellent communication and organizational skills, make me an ideal candidate for this role.

In my previous position as an accountant at [Previous Company], I managed a portfolio of over 50 clients and helped increase overall efficiency by 15% through implementing new accounting software and streamlining processes. My work experience also includes collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing financial audits, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

My technical skills include proficiency in [list relevant accounting software and tools], which enable me to perform accurate and efficient financial analysis. Additionally, I possess strong [mention soft skills, such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and time management], allowing me to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of accounting and finance.

I am confident that my combination of education, experience, and enthusiasm for the field of accounting will make me a valuable asset to [Company Name]. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application.

Additional accountant resume tips and tricks

To make your accountant resume stand out, it's essential to showcase your most relevant hard and soft skills, as well as strong action verbs that convey your expertise and accomplishments. Below are lists of top hard skills, soft skills, and action verbs that are relevant for an accountant resume.

Top skills for your accountant resume:

Top hard skills for your accountant resume

• Management accounting

Top soft skills for your accountant resume

• Organizational skills

Top action verbs for your accountant resume

• Streamlined
• Implemented

Top bullet points for your accountant resume

• Streamlined financial reporting processes, reducing month-end closing time by 25% and improving overall accuracy.
• Implemented new budgeting and forecasting tools, leading to a 15% reduction in annual budget variances.
• Managed a team of 5 junior accountants, providing guidance and training to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Successfully identified and resolved $100K in accounting discrepancies, ensuring accurate financial statements.
• Oversaw a comprehensive internal audit, resulting in the identification of key risk areas and recommendations for improvement.
• Assisted in the preparation and filing of corporate tax returns, saving the company $50K in potential penalties.
• Developed and maintained cash flow projection models, helping to optimize working capital and reduce borrowing costs.
• Conducted cost-benefit analysis for potential investments, contributing to informed decision-making and strategic growth.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams on process improvement initiatives, increasing overall operational efficiency by 10%.
• Implemented new internal controls to enhance compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements, minimizing financial risks.
• Negotiated favorable payment terms with suppliers, leading to a 5% reduction in annual accounts payable expenses.
• Successfully managed the transition to a new ERP system, resulting in improved data accuracy and streamlined financial processes.
• Prepared and presented monthly financial reports to senior management, ensuring timely communication of key performance indicators.
• Coordinated the annual external audit, leading to a clean audit opinion and increased stakeholder confidence.
• Monitored and analyzed financial performance of business units, providing insights to drive revenue growth and cost reduction initiatives.

Top quantifiable achievements or work situations for your accountant resume

• Have you ever implemented new accounting software or tools to increase efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting and analysis?
• Did you ever lead a cross-functional team on a project to improve financial processes and reduce operational costs within the organization?
• Have you ever conducted an in-depth financial analysis to identify potential cost-saving measures and increase overall profitability?
• Were you responsible for managing relationships with external auditors, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and providing required documentation in a timely manner?
• Have you ever participated in the development of strategic financial plans, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial projections to support company growth?

Top summaries for your accountant resume

• Detail-oriented accountant with 7 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, a proven ability to streamline financial processes, and a strong background in cost analysis seeks a position as a Senior Accountant.
• Analytical accountant with 5 years of experience in the non-profit sector, a demonstrated ability to manage budgets and develop financial forecasts, and a deep understanding of grant management seeks a position as a Financial Analyst.
• Certified Public Accountant with 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry, expertise in tax preparation and financial planning, and a strong background in implementing internal controls seeks a position as a Tax Manager.
• Results-driven accountant with 4 years of experience in the technology sector, a proven ability to identify cost-saving opportunities, and a strong background in financial reporting and analysis seeks a position as a Corporate Accountant.
• Proactive accountant with 6 years of experience in the retail industry, expertise in financial management and budgeting, and a solid background in implementing accounting software solutions seeks a position as a Financial Controller.

Top certifications for your accountant resume

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - CFA Institute
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) - Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) - Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
• Enrolled Agent (EA) - Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) - Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) - Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
• Accredited Business Accountant (ABA) - Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT)

Certifications on resumes are important because they demonstrate your expertise, commitment to professional development, and distinguish you from other candidates. When listing certifications, include the following:

• Certification name
• Name of issuer
• Year of obtainment
• Location (if applicable)
• Date of expiration (if applicable)
• Expected date of obtainment (if applicable)

It's appropriate to add certifications in a dedicated section or within your education section, depending on the resume format you choose. Include certifications that are most relevant to the position you're applying for and that highlight your skills and qualifications.

Accounting resume examples

Explore additional accounting resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Accounting resume?

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Frequently asked questions about accountant resumes

How long should i make my accountant resume, what is the best format for an accountant resume, which accountant skills are most important to add to your resume, how can i make my accountant resume stand out, should i include a cover letter with my accountant resume, how can i showcase my achievements on an accountant resume, a guide to finding a headhunter, how to explain employment gap on resume, targeted resume: 3-step process to win any recruiter over, resume job description: samples & tips to help you enhance your application, how to ask an employer for feedback on why you didn't get the job, nickname on a resume.

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• Sample Resumes

FREE 28+ Accountant Resume Templates in MS Word | Pages | PSD

An accountant resume is exactly what the name states—it is a resume specifically designed to showcase a person’s skills and experience involving accounting. What makes this type of resume different from all the other types of resume is that compared to other resumes, this one specializes in displaying your accounting ability, which would make you more likely to be hired, provided that the company you are applying to is searching for a person with accounting experience.

Accountant Resume Format

Sample staff accountant resume - 9+ examples in word, pdf, 33 accountant resume samples, sample accountant resume - 12 + download free documents in ....

You may be wondering, why the need for specialized resumes? Well, the need is simple: it allows for easier segregation and viewing of resumes. At the same time, it allows the employers to easily determine which individual to hire. In every successful business or company, there are always accountants who will overlook the cost of any and all transactions. If you’re an accountant and you want to apply to a company, then check out our available forms for you.

Sample Accountant Auditor Resume Template

Size: A4, US

Sample Accounts Payable Accountant Resume Template

Sample Assistant Accountant Resume Template

Sample Accounting Associate Resume Template

Sample Accounting Administrator Resume Template

Format Senior Accountant Resumes

Senior staff accountant resume.

Size: 77 KB

Senior Tax Accountant

Size: 27 KB

Senior Financial Accountant

Size: 59 KB

Fresher Accountant Resumes

Fresher chartered accountant.

Fresher Accountant Resume Format

Assistant Accountant Resumes

Assistant accountant.

Size: 44 KB

Assistant Accountant with Experience Resume

Size: 16 KB

Assistant Accountant Resume

Size: 308 KB

Experienced Accountant Resume Formats

Experienced chartered accountant resume example.

Size: 40 KB

Experienced Staff Accountant Resume

Size: 13 KB

What Are the Types of Accountant Resume and What Are They For?

An accountant resume is usually used as a means to verify and measure an applicant’s level of experience pertaining to the type of job position that they wish to apply to. The type of resume you will use will affect the chances of you being able to be accepted to the position you are applying to.

Like most forms, there is not just one type of accountant resume, there are several to be exact, each with different employment targets.

• Senior Staff Accountant Resume – This type of senior staff accountant resume  is used as the name suggests, for the submission of a resume that would indicate that the applicant has met all the prerequisite requirements for the position of senior staff accountant. A senior staff accountant is in charge of the company’s financial statements—be it monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the need of the company. They are also in charge of a company’s transaction ledgers.
• Senior Tax Accountant – This type of accountant resume is used as a means to display your experience of being a tax accountant. This should also indicate that you are well aware of the company’s job description and should already know the requirements for applying for this position.
• Senior Financial Accountant – The position of a senior financial accountant is normally a position where you basically play as a consultant to the employer or manager, in which you will guide them on suggested investments and other financial decisions.
• Fresher Chartered Accountant – This resume is for the application of a job position of a junior accountant. This type of resume is most commonly used by either fresh graduates of a school of accountancy, an OJT of a school of accountancy, and basically anyone with little experience in accounting.
• Completion and verification of purchase orders and transactions
• Providing financial information to the senior or higher level accountants
• Assisting the senior level accountants when opening, maintaining, and closing a transaction
• Submission of daily transaction reports
• Encoding information that was given to the assistant accountant by the senior accountant
• Reviewing ledgers and searching for discrepancies
• Experienced Staff Accountant Resume – This type of resume would indicate that you have at least some experience with the job of being an accountant. This is a bonus to your chances of being hired because most companies are always looking for applicants with some experience with their work compared to applicants who have no experience whatsoever. An experienced staff applicant should already know what the job description is about and how to do it.

Junior Accountant Resume Formats

Example of junior accountant resume.

Size: 61 KB

Junior Level Accountant Resume

Cost Accountant Resumes

Manufacturing cost accountant resume.

Size: 23 KB

Project Cost Accountant Resume

Size: 12 KB

Cost Accountant Resume Format

Size: 361 KB

Staff Accountant Resumes

Junior staff accountant.

Professional Staff Accountant

Tax Accountant Resumes

Property tax accountant.

Size: 105 KB

Sales Tax Accountant

Size: 15 KB

Sample Tax Accountant Resume

Size: 37 KB

Financial Accountant Resumes

Assistant financial accountant.

Size: 56 KB

Size: 304 KB

Format Entry Level Accountant Resumes

Entry level staff accountant.

Entry Level Tax Accountant

Size: 24 KB

Importance of Hiring Accountants

An accountant can become an invaluable piece of asset in your company. They are the ones with access to almost all parts of the company and have information that are crucial for the progression of a company’s objectives. Below is a list of some of the importance of having an accountant in a business organization or company.

• Time-Saving – Contrary to popular beliefs about having a long chain of command when conducting a business, the truth is that having accountants as an additional link in your chain of command can be beneficial in the long run. Having an extra link does not necessarily means that the time of processing becomes longer; it instead speeds up the process by including other factors to the process. Allowing accountants to take charge of certain aspects of the business was proven to be beneficial to the company’s growth in the long run.
• Cost – They are useful in terms of reducing the overall cost of the company by identifying and removing unnecessary expenses, such as the removal of unused or unneeded materials. Liquidation of assets to regain some of the company’s lost cost.
• Stocks and Investments – Accountants are normally in charge of a company’s investment or stock decisions. This would allow the company to have a more capable employee to be able to select preferred stocks and investments so as to improve the company’s financial resources. They can also be used to increase a company’s number of investors and in turn, increase the company’s capital. It is well known that a good accountant can manage resources and transactions well enough that there are actually reductions in cost that would increase the amount of profit. However, a great accountant can generate extra funding for the business by means of stocks or by increasing the number of investors to the company.
• Business Progress – Aside from managing the financial aspects of your company, accountants are also known to be able to suggest changes to the company and improve the overall performance of the company. This can be done by removing or transferring an inefficient employee from one section of the company to another section, which that employee has more experience in.

Now that we know the importance of a company, take pride and be confident in your next job interview. Make sure to bring your accountant resume and be proud to have had any experience in accounting whatsoever. In most cases, landing a job requires confidence and a level of humility. Now go out there and land yourself a job in accountancy and be an important and essential member of a company.

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Are you seeking a career as an accountant? Well, you are in luck!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030 , much faster than the average for all occupations.

A growth of this magnitude can provide ample opportunities for job seekers across the United States.

But with the increasing competition in the job market, it is important to have a well-formatted accountant resume that stands out from the crowd.

In 2023, the accountant resume format is evolving, with new trends and best practices emerging to help job seekers showcase their skills and experience effectively.

By the end of this blog, you will have a clear understanding of how to create a standout accountant resume through plenty of accountants' resume examples and tips.

Check out the following FAQs and give your accounting career the boost it deserves!

• What should be included in an accountant resume format?
• What are some formatting tips for accounting resumes?
• What are some accounting resume mistakes that you should avoid?

Also, you can click here to take a long jump straight to one of our accountant resume templates.

Key Components of an Accountant Resume

First things first, your accountant resume format should always follow a reverse-chronological order i.e. all your details should be in descending order with the most recent information stated first.

Now, let us take a step-by-step look at the key components of an accountant resume format:

Contact Information : The resume header is the contact section of your resume which includes your name, phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Make sure to use a professional email address and format your phone number clearly with calling codes and hyphens or spaces.

Professional Summary : A resume summary is a brief statement at the beginning that summarizes your relevant experience, skills, and career goals. A strong and effective accountant resume summary highlights your unique qualifications with the use of action verbs.

Work Experience : Each of your work experiences must include your job title, company name, and job duties through bullet points. Make sure to use the tense right based on whether it is your present role or past, and also focus on professional achievements rather than just responsibilities.

Key Skills : Emphasize your accountant resume skills in this section. Extract keywords from the job description, along with industry-related keywords, and use them wisely in this section as well as your work experience. Some relevant skills and tools you may want to include in your resume are - financial auditing, bank reconciliation, tax preparation, QuickBooks, Oracle Beehive Migration, etc.

Education and Certifications : Include all your relevant degrees and certifications. These qualifications should ideally be divided into two separate sections. Make sure to include the name of your degree, authorizing institution, duration of the course, and relevant coursework.

Check out our finance and accounts resume examples

Formatting Tips for Accounting Resumes

Length and Font : A good accountant resume should generally be one page in length and should use a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Consider using a font size of 11 or 10.5 in case you have a lot of details to fit in, else you can go for 12.

Use of Keywords : Utilizing keywords relevant to the accounting field is significant, such as "tax accounting" or "financial statements''. Make sure to also select keywords that showcase your soft skills, such as "collaborative" or "detail-oriented".

White Space and Design : Use white space and a clean design to make your resume visually appealing and easy to read. Add a touch of color (not too bright) to your section headings as it can help direct the recruiter’s attention to their choice of section.

Formatting Dates and Numbers : Be consistent throughout your resume with the format for all dates and numbers. Make use of symbols or icons to represent data, such as a dollar sign for financial figures or an ‘&’ sign to avoid repetition or to shorten your bullet points.

Hyperlinking : Apart from your LinkedIn URL, you can also include hyperlinks to other relevant sites and pages that may be beneficial for your target job. Always hyperlink keywords within your resume. For example, if you published a blog on ‘branches of accountancy’, write this phrase and hyperlink the same.

Check out our accounting associate resume sample

Mistakes to Avoid on Your Accountant Resume

First of all, avoid common mistakes like typos, grammatical errors, unprofessional email address, and irrelevant work experience.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your accountant resume format and content are free from blunders.

Now let us understand some specific mistakes that can lessen the overall impact of your accounting resume. These mistakes include:

Omitting Relevant Accounting Certifications : If you have relevant accounting certifications, such as a CPA or CMA, be sure to include them on your resume. These certifications can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Neglecting to Mention Your Experience with Financial Statements : If you have experience with financial statements, make sure to highlight this on your resume. This is particularly important if you are applying for a job that involves preparing financial statements or analyzing financial data.

Forgetting to Quantify Your Achievements : When describing your work experience, make sure to quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of simply saying you "improved accounting processes," say that you "streamlined accounting processes, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and a 20% increase in efficiency."

By avoiding these accounting-specific mistakes, you can ensure that your accountant resume format is flawless and it presents you in the best possible light to potential employers.

Check out our accounts payable resume sample

Accountant Resume Format: Sample Resume

Check out more of our accounting sample resumes : Accounts Receivable Resume Sample Accounting Assistant Resume Sample Accounting Clerk Resume Sample

Key Takeaways

• Your accountant resume format should be clear and concise to highlight your accounting skills and experience.
• Tailor your resume work experience and skills to the specific accounting job you are applying for.
• Highlight your relevant accounting certifications and experience with accounting software and financial statements.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact and accomplishments rather than just your responsibilities
• Watch out for common resume mistakes such as typos, irrelevant work experience, and failing to highlight your accounting skills.

You can create a compelling resume within no time with Hiration’s all-encompassing ChatGPT-powered resume builder . If you have any queries, you can write to us at [email protected] .

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Professionals with financial skills and bookkeeping prowess do have a special place in the corporate setup as these individuals are capable enough of bringing a revolutionary change by refurbishing the monetary aspects. Selecting the most preferred individual for a job gets tricky for the organizations and even the professionals often falter owing to the defective resume templates which seldom portray their true skill levels.

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Experienced Accountant Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

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Experienced Accountant Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., experienced accountant resume sample.

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.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

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.

As a hiring manager who has recruited accountants at top companies like PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG, I've seen hundreds of resumes. The best ones always stand out by highlighting the right skills and experiences. Here are some tips to help your accountant resume rise to the top of the pile:

   Showcase your accounting certifications

Employers highly value accounting certifications like CPA, CMA, or CIA. Make sure to prominently feature them on your resume. For example:

• CPA certified since 2018, scoring in the top 10% of exam takers
• Passed all 4 parts of the CMA exam on the first attempt

If you are still pursuing a certification, mention your progress and expected completion date:

Currently preparing for the CIA exam, having passed 2 out of 3 parts. Expect to be fully certified by Q3 2023.

   Highlight your expertise in accounting software

Proficiency in accounting software is a must-have for experienced accountants. Mention the specific tools you are skilled in:

• Advanced user of QuickBooks, having used it daily for 5+ years to manage GL, AP, and AR for a $20M company
• Experienced in using Oracle NetSuite to handle financial reporting and analysis for a Fortune 500 firm

Avoid simply listing the software names without context:

• QuickBooks, Oracle NetSuite, SAP

   Quantify your achievements with numbers

Use metrics to showcase the impact of your work. This helps employers understand the scale and significance of your contributions:

• Implemented a new accounts payable process that reduced processing time by 30% and saved the company $50,000 annually
• Managed the successful year-end close for a $500M business unit, ensuring all deadlines were met

Avoid vague statements that don't convey the impact of your work:

• Responsible for accounts payable process
• Handled year-end close for a business unit

   Demonstrate your leadership and mentorship abilities

As an experienced accountant, you may have led projects or teams, or mentored junior staff. Highlight these experiences to show your leadership potential:

• Led a team of 5 accountants to implement a new financial reporting system, delivering the project on time and under budget
• Mentored and trained 2 junior accountants, helping them advance their skills and take on more responsibilities

Don't just say you have leadership skills without providing evidence:

Strong leadership and mentorship abilities.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Mirror the language and keywords from the job posting to show you are a strong fit. For instance, if the job emphasizes experience with SEC reporting, highlight your relevant skills:

Prepared 10-Q and 10-K reports for a public company, ensuring compliance with SEC regulations.

Avoid using a generic resume that doesn't speak to the specific job requirements. Employers can tell when you haven't tailored your application.

   Include relevant volunteer experience

Volunteer work can be a great way to showcase your accounting skills, especially if you gained experience in areas like tax preparation or bookkeeping. For example:

• Volunteered as a tax preparer for a local non-profit, helping 20+ low-income families file their annual tax returns
• Served as the bookkeeper for a community organization, managing a budget of $50,000 and ensuring timely payment of all expenses

Just make sure the volunteer experience is relevant to accounting and shows off your professional skills. Unrelated volunteer work, while commendable, may not add much value to your resume.

Skills For Experienced Accountant Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Experienced Accountant job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Accounts Receivable (AR)
• Bank Reconciliation
• Financial Reporting
• Account Reconciliation
• Accounts Payable & Receivable

Skills Word Cloud For Experienced Accountant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Experienced Accountant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

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Improve your Experienced Accountant resume, instantly.

Use our free resume checker to get expert feedback on your resume. You will:

•  Get a resume score compared to other Experienced Accountant resumes in your industry.

•  Fix all your resume's mistakes.

•  Find the Experienced Accountant skills your resume is missing.

•  Get rid of hidden red flags the hiring managers and resume screeners look for.

It's instant, free and trusted by 1+ million job seekers globally. Get a better resume, guaranteed .

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