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23 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  23 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.

Project Accountant Resume

• Ready to move your resume from the backlog to the done folder? First, let’s embellish it – use a different color to distinguish the header, and then choose a larger and legible font for section subheadings. You can even bolden them to improve visibility and make the resume easier to scan.

Senior Tax Accountant Resume

• For your work history section, use numbers (and percentages, too) to back up your vast experience as a senior tax accountant. Take a look at how Kevin capitalizes on this strategy – Directing a team of six in conducting in-depth analysis…, …reducing errors by 12%, and improving financial reporting accuracy to a rating of 9 out of 10- effectively presenting himself as an outcome-oriented expert.

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!

• • 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

Your accounting resume must showcase your proficiency with financial software and your attention to detail. It should clearly illustrate your ability to organize and analyze financial data. Do not forget to highlight your understanding of various accounting principles and regulations. Employers are looking for your experience with tax preparation and auditing processes to stand out.

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?

• Resume Examples

Frequently asked questions about accountant resumes

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Chronological Resume - Writing Guide With 5 Free Templates

The chronological resume - also known as the “reverse chronological resume” - is the most popular resume format out there.

Particularly advisable for those with rich work history, the chronological resume prioritizes and lists your work experience and achievements from most to least recent.

This article is here to teach you all there is to know about creating a chronological resume.

• What is a Chronological Resume? 

Chronological Resume Structure 

• When to Use a Chronological Resume Format? 
• 4 Free Chronological Resume Templates
• How to Create a Chronological Resume - Step by Step
• 9+ Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

What is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume lists your work experiences and achievements starting from the current or most recent one, and following up with previous jobs below.

For this exact reason, the chronological resume is the perfect choice for job-seekers who have plenty of experience and achievements to list on their resume .  

What’s most important, studies point to the chronological resume being a favorite among recruiters, too.

Why? Well, because you are applying for a job, so work experience in your resume will be the first thing a recruiter looks out for.

But worry not, you can structure your resume in a chronological format even as a recent graduate too. Or, you can opt for other popular formats fitter to your profile.

But first, let’s go through the basics. 

The chronological resume follows a straightforward structure. The only thing to keep in mind is that your current or most recent experience - be it professional or educational - comes first.

The second most recent will follow, and so on.

Here are the main and most popular sections for the chronological resume structure:

• Contact information
• Professional title and resume summary/objective
• Work experience and achievements
• Education section
• Your top soft/hard skills
• Include optional sections (languages, certificates, volunteer experience, etc)

If you’re a recent college graduate and want to build your resume in the chronological structure format, you still can.

All you have to do is rearrange the order of your resume sections so that the education resume section comes first.

Here, too, make sure that your education entries are listed from the most to least recent, and you’re good to go!

If reading this is already looking too complicated and time-consuming, try out the Novorésumé online resume builder . Novorésumé provides 8+ free resume templates that follow the chronological resume structure. 

When to Use a Chronological Resume Format

The three main types of resume formats are the chronological, functional/skills-based one, and a combination resume format of the two. What you choose to use will depend on the type of job you are applying for and your experience level.

In the majority of cases, the obvious choice is the chronological resume. It is common, it highlights just the right sections, and job recruiters prefer it over the other formats.

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean you should just cross the other options off your list, especially if your work experience doesn’t amount to much.

Consider these other two formats, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages as well: 

Functional Resume

• Perfect for students or recent graduates, as it highlights your skills. 
• Offers creative space for a varied portfolio 
• Difficult to pass through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that most companies use to scan through countless resumes they receive daily. 
• It conceals your experiences, however minor they might be. 

Combination Resume

• A great choice for job-seekers with a diverse skill-set, because it highlights both skills and experiences. 
• It can mask gaps in your employment history since you can also list your skills, so it’s the second-best option for those who lack work experience. 
• It is a really good fit only for highly specialized professionals who have a very diverse skill-set. Say, for example, that you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in 3-4 different fields, and you want to show all that in your resume - then, the combination resume really is the one for you.
• It is hard to organize. As a professional with a diverse skill-set, it might be a challenge to decide which part of your expertise to prioritize in the combination resume format.

4 Chronological Resume Templates 

Below, you will find 5 chronological resume templates out of many free resume templates. Dig right in to find the best match for you. 

#1. Creative Chronological Resume Template 

#2: Modern Chronological Resume Template 

#3: Professional Chronological Resume Template

#4: Functional Chronological Resume Template

How to Create a Chronological Resume

Now that we mentioned the traditional structure, let’s go through each section one by one to create the perfect chronological resume. 

#1: Start With a Contact Information Section 

Depending on the template you have chosen for your chronological resume, there is a possibility that your name will be directly followed by your professional title right at the top.

How do you fill up your professional title in chronological resume format? Easy. If you’re not looking to change career paths your professional title should be your current title. However, if you’re changing career paths, then choosing the combination resume mentioned above might be a better option for you.

Regarding the rest of the contact information section on your chronological resume, it should be current and lacking any typos. The mandatory elements of the information section include: 

• First and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn URL (optional)

#2: Add a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

  Second in the chronological resume comes your ‘profile’ as a candidate, which is expressed through a resume summary or a resume objective .

Wondering what the difference is?

Well, the summary is a short (2-3 sentences) overview of your career so far and it is used in 90% of resumes - especially by those with two or more years of work experience. A summary is a perfect fit for the chronological resume.

On the contrary, a resume objective represents your aspirational career goal and highlights your skills, making it perfect for entry-level professionals with little work experience, or job-seekers looking to completely switch career paths. 

#3: Fill in Your Work Experience 

This is, without a doubt, the section that weighs the most when it comes to the chronological resume, so it’s vital that you get it right.

Your work experience section is there to show the recruiter what you can bring to the table through your past accomplishments and responsibilities and what the company would be gaining were they to hire you.   

Feeling pressured? Don’t. There are many practices to help your work experience section stand out in the eyes of the recruiter.

If you are looking for more tips and tricks to help you take your resume to the next level, head over to our beginner’s guide on how to write a resume . 

Here are the key points you should keep in mind when it comes to the work section:

• This is the most important so we’ll be repeating it as many times as it takes: your current or latest job position should be placed on top. Then come the previous ones, all the way to your earliest job position. 
• For each entry, list your job title and position, the company and its location, as well as the dates when you were employed. 
• List your achievements and responsibilities, with a higher focus on quantifiable achievements, whenever you can. 
• Use bullet points instead of just text to express what you have achieved and what you were responsible for in every job entry. 
• Tailor the resume to the position you are applying for. For example, if you’ve had too many jobs in the past and some of them don’t relate to the field you are now applying for, then they are just taking space. Feel free to omit them.

Here’s a close-up of a work experience section in the chronological resume:   

#4: Add an Education Section

Generally, the education section comes right after work experience. 

If, however, you have just graduated college and want to create a chronological resume to start applying for jobs, the education section can replace the experience section that you’d be lacking. 

Either way, the education section should be brief but jam-packed with information that can communicate your values and skills to the recruiter.

Here’s what the education section consists of: 

• Program Name: E.g. “MA in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies” 
• University Name: E.g. “University of Greenwich”
• Period Attended: E.g. “08/1214 - 05/2018”
• (Optional) GPA: E.g. “3.9 GPA”
• (Optional) Honors: E.g. “ Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude”
• (Optional) Academic Achievements: E.g. Papers you might have published, or awards received.  
• (Optional) Minor: E.g. “Minor in Political Science”  

#5: Spice Up Your Chronological Resume With Your Skills

Needless to say, the reverse-chronological order doesn’t really apply in the skills section. 

What you can do, however, is begin by listing your hard skills and then your soft skills. 

Unsure of what this means? 

• Hard skills are measurable abilities. These can range from programming in Python language to knowing how to use Photoshop and InDesign.
• Soft skills are personal skills. They vary from attitude to flexibility, motivation and teamwork. 

Listing your skills has its own peculiarities, so don’t pay this section less attention than the ones above it, especially if you’re a recent college student. Pay attention to skills specifically required at the job ad and if you have them, make sure to include them. 

Here’s an example of how your skills section can look like:  

#6: Include Any of These Optional Sections

Last but not least, come these optional sections.  

Having them in your resume can earn you extra points and even separate you from the competitors, but only if they don’t make your resume longer than it should be (1-2 pages maximum) and if they are relevant to the job position.

Some of those sections include (but are not limited to):

• Languages : If you speak two or more languages, don’t fail to put that in your resume. To list them, simply categorize your proficiency level into native, fluent, proficient, intermediate, or basic . 
• Hobbies & Interests : They can help humanize you and show a part of your personality that work and education can’t. If
• Volunteering Experience : Studies show that volunteering experience actually raises your chances of getting hired . 
• Certification & Awards : If you have awards that make you stand out in your field or certifications from experts that are relevant to the position you are applying for, don’t hesitate to show them off!

Not sure how adding volunteering experience works? Check our article on how to list volunteer experience on your resume .  

10 Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

Now let us walk you through a few practical examples of what the chronological resume looks like depending on the industry. 

#1. Business Chronological Resume

In the world of business, accomplishments matter. This is why in this business chronological resume , the work experience section is jam-packed with measurable information on what the employee achieved in his previous professional experiences. 

#2. Computer Science Chronological Resume

Computer science jobs are heavily based on hard skills - in addition to your previous work experiences, that is. So, make sure to include your hard skills on your computer science resume to impress recruiters. 

#3. Architect Chronological Resume 

As you can see from the example above, the sections that follow your work experience and education can be placed according to your profile. If, for example, you’ve worked on some side projects that you feel do your resume more justice than your skills, feel free to prioritize those projects.

In this article, you can find what’s expected from an architect’s resume in more detail.

#4. Nurse Chronological Resume  

Action verbs can really make an active professional like that of a nurse shine. So when you list your achievements under your experience, use strong verbs that can paint a picture of who you are and what you can do.

#5. Pharmacist Chronological Resume 

With plenty of attributes up their sleeve, the chronological format is the perfect choice for a pharmacist’s resume . 

#6. Project Manager Chronological Resume 

Project manager resumes have good chances to show industry expertise - given they hold the manager title - and highlight successful projects. Feel free to do both in your chronological resume, as shown above. 

#7. Web Developer Chronological Resume

As you can see in the example, the candidate has chosen to place his courses and training above his education. When you have followed courses or have been trained in the exact field of work where you’re applying, it makes sense to rank the field-specific courses and training higher than your university education. 

This article has more information on how to perfect your Web Developer Resume .

#8. Teacher Chronological Resume 

This is another “special” example of a chronological resume. Right after the experience section, the candidate has listed their volunteering experience. Not normally the case, it makes sense here because the volunteering experience has been as a tutor - which is pretty much the same thing as a teacher in the teacher resume . 

In cases when your volunteering experience is directly connected to the job you are applying for, feel free to list it under professional experience as well. 

#9. Bar Manager Chronological Resume 

For more info on how to update your own bar manager chronological resume for 2024, this is the article for you. 

#10. Human Resources Chronological Resume

The example says it all: the chronological resume does wonders showing the peak of your work experience first, and then going back to your professional history and skills. This article on the HR chronological resume has more tips on how to perfect it.

Discover More Resume Templates

• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• Functional Resume Templates
• Minimalistic Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Word Resume Templates

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Let’s do a quick recap of the main points covered in this article: 

• The chronological resume - or reverse chronological - is a top choice among candidates with years of professional experience and a favorite among recruiters.
• The chronological resume focuses on your work experience, starting your current or most recent one, and following up with the rest - from most to least recent.
• Recent college graduates that want to use this format can - simply replace the work section with the education section, following the same reverse-chronological order.
• Save time and energy building the reverse chronological resume from scratch by using online resume builders , such as the one Novorésumé offers.   

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Accountant Resume Example

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

Our resumes have been proven to work.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

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

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

How to Write a Summary for an Accountant

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

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

How to List Your Work Experience as an Accountant

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

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

Senior Level Work Experience as an Accountant

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

Junior Level Work Experience as an Accountant

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

How to List Your Skills as an Accountant

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

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

How to List Your Education as an Accountant

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

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

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

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

Accountant Career Overview

Job Outlook

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

Average Salary 

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

Top Paying Salaries by State

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

Search for Accountant Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

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

1. Student Accountant Resume Sample

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Numbers don't lie.

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

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

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

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

Student Accountant Resume Sample

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

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

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

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

Accounting Specialist Resume Example

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

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

Entry-level Accountant Resume Sample

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

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

Senior Accounting Manager Resume Example

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

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

Senior Accountant Resume Example

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

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

Mid-Level Accountant Resume Example

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

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

Tax Accountant Resume Sample

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

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

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

Financial Accountant Resume Example

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

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

Accounting Manager Resume Sample

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

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

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

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

DB Schenker Accountant Resume Example

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

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

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

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

Accounting Auditor Resume Sample

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

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

Financial Auditor Resume Example

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

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Impress HR managers with a stunning template.

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

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Accountant resume example

Accountants are central to the financial well-being of an organization. Beyond analyzing accounts, they ensure accuracy in financial documents, offer insights on risk management, and forecast future financial trends. Their role spans from auditing to tax preparation, aiding businesses in making informed decisions. In this guide, we'll help you craft a concise yet impactful accounting resume that highlights your expertise and showcases your role in driving a business's financial success.

Key sections to include in a resume

The structure of your resume should be straightforward and concise and include key information about your accounting experience, skills, affiliations, and interests.

Your header is the simplest part of your resume. It should list your name, job title, and contact information. You can also list your LinkedIn profile here if you have one.

Anna Hughes Senior Accountant [email protected] (678) 392-8182 Atlanta, GA LinkedIn.com/in/anna.m.hughes

Objective or summary

Your resume objective or summary statement is an opportunity to help hiring managers understand the value you’ll bring to their company before they read your cover letter .

As the title suggests, your objective or summary should summarize your qualifications and show the company who you are as a professional accountant. In this section of your accounting resume example, you should:

• Highlight your relevant experience
• Describe the position you hope to get
• Share your unique strengths and accomplishments
• Explain how you add value and help companies meet goals

The statement should be no more than a few sentences long and quantify your experience as much as possible.

Certified Public Accountant with a history of accurately and efficiently supporting accounting activities for businesses in the manufacturing and logistics sectors. 10-plus years of experience presenting data, analyzing cost control, providing financial reports, and delivering profit and loss statements under time constraints. Achievements include saving Atlanta Steel Corp. $375,000 by correcting a tax reporting error.

Work experience

Next, list your work experience in reverse chronological order, with your most recent position first. State the position, the name of the company, the dates you worked there, and your various responsibilities and achievements. Here’s an example accounting resume to help you get started:

Senior Accountant Atlanta Steel Corp. 09/2020–Present

• Review and analyze the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statements, and variance narratives
• Establish new fund distribution rules to define and standardize key metrics and tolerances 
• Monitor the status of transactions and coding structures to ensure alignment with company policy and guidelines

Accountant 404 Logistics 03/2015–08/2020

• Analyzed budgets, financial reports, and projections for accurate reporting of financial standing
• Reviewed accounting structures and procedures on a regular basis to identify areas in need of improvement
• Managed, tracked, and monitored financial updates, watch lists, and insurance files

If you like, you can add a section to the above accounting resume example to focus on your hard and soft skills.

• Liability calculation
• Account reconciliation processes
• Growth expansion strategies
• Expense account variance
• Advanced bookkeeping skills
• Familiarity with invoice coding
• Analytic intervention

Make sure each skill listed is specific to the accounting industry. Additionally, try to incorporate some of the same skills-based language from the job description to help you make it past any resume screening software the company uses.

Education and certifications

Your accounting education is key to ensuring that you’re equipped to handle business and personal finances. Obtaining certifications builds trust with employers by showing that your skills are verified and endorsed by a third party. Those that take years to obtain are especially desirable and should be highlighted on your resume .

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants — August 2015 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting Clark-Atlanta University — Atlanta, Georgia Graduated May 2013, magna cum laude

Professional memberships

In the accounting industry, professional associations provide continuing education and an opportunity to network with other professionals. Listing these on your accounting resume example shows your commitment to professional development and the profession as a whole. 

American Accounting Association

• Held the position of Nominations Committee Co-Chair since 2020
• Selected to lead a breakout session at the 2024 Leadership in Accounting Summit on attracting more young professionals to the industry amid the severe CPA shortage

Optional sections

The final option section is where you should place any personal information that may be relevant to the job or interesting to the hiring manager. If you speak a different language, for instance, you can say so in this section, especially if the business you hope to work for serves clients who also speak that language. 

You can also list any hobbies, interests, or volunteer work relevant to the position. For example, you may have volunteer experience providing free accounting services for a nonprofit organization, which sheds light on your good character, sense of integrity, and commitment to service.

Additional Languages: Fluent in Mandarin (10 years) and currently learning American Sign Language

Community Service: Providing pro bono accounting services to Atlanta-based homeless shelter Safehouse Outreach since August 2021

Tips for writing the role-specific resume

Because accounting roles require many hard skills, a reverse chronological resume format that showcases your concrete work history is ideal, especially if you have several years of experience in the role.

If you’ve just completed your education and lack experience, you might consider using a combination resume format. This type of resume highlights your skills first so you can show hiring managers how you can add value as a member of the company’s financial team.

While using an accounting resume example as a starting point is a good idea, it’s also vital to ensure that you tailor your resume for the role. Accounting involves a lot of very specific skills that are critical to maintaining a company’s financial health and regulatory compliance status.

The hiring manager will want to know that you’re organized and have great customer service skills, but it’s even more important for you to be able to prove that you understand the principles of quantitative methods and analysis. Consequently, hard skills like these should take precedence on your resume.

Similarly, quantifying your achievements is more important in accounting than in other roles (it is a “numbers” job, after all). Here are a few of the ways you can quantify your accomplishments in accounting:

• How much money you’ve saved a business
• What percentage you lowered spending
• How much time you saved on a project
• How many people you supervised
• How many employees you trained

Finally, make sure your certifications, education, and memberships in any professional organizations occupy a prominent place on your resume. Use one of our resume templates to present your information in an effective manner.

As an accountant, it’s important to have proof that others have confirmed your skill set, and your certificates, degrees, and memberships demonstrate this fact. These elements also show businesses that you’re truly committed to your career and want to stay on the cutting edge of what’s happening in the field.

Demonstrate your value with the right accountant resume

Accountants play a critical role in their organizations. Not only do they consult with business leaders about handling company finances, but they also ensure that the business remains compliant to avoid fines, penalties, and reputational damage. 

Because the role demands so many technical skills, resume examples and for accounting like the ones presented here tend to be clear, quantified, and tailored to the industry. Above all, make sure all key sections are present, including the summary, work experience, certifications, and professional memberships.

If you’re ready to land your next (or first) accounting role, start creating your accounting-specific resume today with our easy-to-use resume and cover letter templates and tools.

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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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10 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume Examples & Tips

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an individual who has passed the Uniform CPA Examination and fulfilled specific education and experience requirements in order to become a licensed accountant.

Importance of a Resume for a CPA

A resume is your first impression to potential employers and a crucial tool that helps to land you an interview. As a CPA, your resume should highlight your technical skills, professional competencies, educational qualifications, and relevant work experience.

Brief Overview of the Article

This article provides 20 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) resume examples and tips to help you craft a winning resume. The article features a variety of resume examples, including entry-level resumes, experienced resumes, and resumes for specific accounting roles such as tax accountant and auditor. The article also includes tips on how to customize your resume for specific job postings, how to emphasize your key skills and qualifications, and how to create a visually appealing and professional-looking document. Whether you are just starting out in your accounting career or looking to advance to the next level, this article provides practical advice to help you create a standout CPA resume.

Layout of a CPA Resume

When it comes to creating a resume as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the layout is just as important as the content. A professional layout can make your resume stand out amongst others and increase your chances of getting hired. In this section, we will discuss the basic structure, common formats used, and the importance of a professional layout for a CPA resume.

Basic Structure

The basic structure of a CPA resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information: This should include your full name, phone number, email address, and physical address.
• Professional Summary: This section should highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications.
• Education: List your degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework.
• Work Experience: This section should include your previous work experience, including job titles, dates of employment, and your job duties.
• Skills: List your relevant skills, such as financial analysis, tax planning, or auditing.
• Awards and Honors: This section should highlight any professional recognition you have received.

Common Formats Used

There are three common formats used in creating a CPA resume:

• Chronological: This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.
• Functional: This format focuses more on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history.
• Combination: As the name suggests, this format combines both the chronological and functional formats by highlighting both your skills and work experience.

It is important to choose the format that best showcases your strengths and aligns with the job posting.

Importance of a Professional Layout

A professional layout can make your CPA resume stand out amongst other candidates. It can also make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to read and understand your qualifications. A professional layout should include a clear and easy-to-read font, consistent formatting, and carefully selected design elements.

Creating a CPA resume with a professional layout is crucial to showcase your qualifications and increase your chances of getting hired. Make sure to follow the basic structure, choose the appropriate format, and pay attention to the details when designing your resume.

Key Components of a CPA Resume

When it comes to crafting a compelling resume for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), there are certain key components that are essential to include. These components will showcase your relevant experience, demonstrate your skillset, and highlight your credentials to potential employers.

1. Core Qualifications

Your core qualifications section of your CPA resume should include a concise summary of your skills and abilities that make you an excellent candidate for the job. Be sure to highlight your most relevant achievements and skills, such as your ability to analyze financial data, interpret tax law, and provide financial advice to clients.

2. Professional Experience

The professional experience section is where you’ll highlight your past work experience as a CPA. This section should include detailed descriptions of your previous roles, your accomplishments, and your contributions to your previous employers. Be sure to highlight any leadership roles you’ve held or projects you’ve led.

3. Education and Credentials

The education and credentials section is where you’ll list your relevant educational background and any certifications you’ve earned. Be sure to include your CPA license and any other relevant certifications or licenses. If you have a graduate degree, list it but include only your highest degree earned.

4. Technical Skills

CPAs are expected to have strong technical skills, and this section is the place to showcase your proficiency in accounting software, Excel, and other relevant technology. Be sure to highlight your experience with data analysis and reporting tools.

5. Additional Certifications

Any additional certifications, such as a certification in fraud examination or financial planning, should be listed in this section. These additional certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.

A well-crafted CPA resume should include a strong core qualifications section, detailed professional experience, relevant education and credentials, proficiency in technical skills, and any additional certifications you hold. By including these essential components, you’ll be able to present yourself as a qualified, experienced, and skilled CPA.

Tips for Writing a Professional CPA Resume

To ensure a successful CPA resume, there are several key elements to consider: consistency and conciseness, use of action verbs, quantifying accomplishments, emphasizing expertise and skills, and proofreading and accuracy.

Consistency and Conciseness

Consistency and conciseness are critical in creating a professional CPA resume. This means that the formatting, font, and design should be consistent and visually appealing. The content of the resume should be concise and straight to the point, with each section contributing to the overall narrative of the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Use of Action Verbs

Using powerful action verbs is an effective way to showcase one’s competencies and qualifications. For example, instead of stating “worked on various accounting projects,” use “managed, analyzed, and completed accounting projects.” The use of action verbs helps to communicate the candidate’s capabilities and achievements in a dynamic and impactful way.

Quantifying Accomplishments

Where possible, it is recommended to quantify accomplishments in a CV, especially for a CPA. Use of quantifiable achievements such as revenue generated, cost savings achieved, and deadlines met helps to highlight one’s tangible accomplishments and experience.

Emphasizing Expertise and Skills

In the competitive job market, highlighting one’s expertise and skills is essential to stand out in a stack of resumes. CPA candidates should emphasize their proficiency in accounting and financial analysis, tax law or accounting standards, financial software programs, and other relevant skills such as communication, leadership, and project management.

Proofreading and Accuracy

Lastly, proofreading and accuracy are crucial in crafting a professional CPA resume. It is essential to eliminate grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies to ensure a polished and professional document. CPA professionals should place a high degree of importance on this aspect, as errors could potentially hurt their chances of landing their next job.

By following these essential tips and guidelines, CPA candidates can create a successful and competitive resume that helps them stand out from the competition.

Sample CPA Resume Formats

As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), having a well-crafted resume can highlight your skills and experiences to potential employers. There are various formats to convey your profile, and your choice should depend on your career goals and the specific job requirements. Here are three common resume formats that can help you tailor a resume that best suits your needs.

Chronological Resume Format

A chronological resume format is the most commonly used type of resume. It presents your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job and moving backward. This type of resume is ideal for applicants with a stable career history who want to highlight their professional progression in the accounting industry.

When creating a chronological resume, you should consider the following components:

• Professional summary or objective statement:  this section should provide an overview of your career, highlighting your experience and skills. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying to.
• Work experience:  list your previous employers, job titles, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements for each position. Use bullet points to make it easier for recruiters to scan through your achievements.
• Education:  list your academic credentials, degrees, and other relevant certifications.
• Skills:  include specific hard and soft skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Functional Resume Format

A functional resume format emphasizes your skills and achievements rather than your chronological work experience. It’s suitable for candidates who are changing careers, have gaps in their employment history, or possess diverse experiences that may not fit neatly into a chronological order.

Components to consider when crafting a functional resume include:

• Professional summary statement:  this should highlight your transferable skills and professional successes in a concise way.
• Skills section:  focus on the skills you have that match the job requirements.
• Professional experience:  list your previous employers and job titles, and provide descriptions of your achievements and accomplishments. This section should be organized thematically rather than chronologically.
• Education:  provide an overview of your academic credentials and relevant certifications.

Combination Resume Format

A combination resume format is a hybrid of the chronological and functional resumes. It combines your work experience in reverse-chronological order with a focus on your skills and achievements. This format is useful for professionals who have a solid work history and skills necessary for the position they are applying for.

Components to consider when crafting a combination resume include:

• Professional summary statement:  this should highlight your skills, experience, and professional accomplishments in a concise way.
• Key skills section:  highlight the skills that match the job requirements.
• Work experience section:  highlight your achievements in each position and provide bullet points of specific skills and accomplishments.
• Education:  list your relevant academic credentials and any professional certifications that may be relevant to the position.

Choose the resume format that best represents your professional profile and career goals.

Tips for Tailoring Your CPA Resume to a Job

One of the most important things that you can do when applying for a CPA job is to tailor your resume specifically to the position and company that you are applying to. Here are three tips to help you create a standout CPA resume:

1. Researching the Company and Position

Before you even start writing your CPA resume, you should research the company and position that you are applying for. Take a look at the job description and the company’s website to get a better understanding of the skills and experience that they are looking for. This will help you to customize your resume to better match the requirements of the job.

2. Identifying Keywords

Once you have a better understanding of the job requirements, you should identify the keywords that are commonly used in the industry and by the company you are applying for. Keywords can be found in the job description, on the company’s website or on professional CPA sites. Including these keywords in your resume can help you to get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

3. Adapting the Format and Content

Finally, you should adapt the format and content of your CPA resume to match the job and company that you are applying to. This may involve rearranging the order of your experience or highlighting certain skills that are particularly relevant to the job.

By following these three tips, you can create a tailored CPA resume that will help you to stand out to potential employers. Taking the time to customize your resume can make a big difference in your job search and increase your chances of success.

10 CPA Resume Examples

Are you a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) looking to improve your resume? Look no further! In this section, we provide a detailed analysis of 10 real-life CPA resumes. We discuss what works and what doesn’t, giving you tips to enhance your resume and stand out from the competition.

Our analysis covers a variety of CPA resumes across different industries, experience levels, and career objectives. We take a closer look at the format, layout, content, and overall presentation to evaluate their effectiveness in conveying the candidate’s qualifications and achievements.

We highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each resume and offer suggestions on how to improve them. Whether you’re a newcomer to the field or a seasoned professional, you’ll find valuable insights on how to make your resume shine.

By learning from successful examples and avoiding common pitfalls, you can increase your chances of landing the CPA job you want. So, take the time to review our analysis and apply the tips to your own resume. With a little bit of effort, you can create a winning CPA resume that showcases your skills and expertise.

Example 1: Recent Graduate CPA Resume

Motivated recent graduate CPA with a strong educational background in accounting. Adept at financial analysis, auditing, and tax preparation. Seeking an entry-level position to apply knowledge and contribute to organizational growth.

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, Year of Graduation
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License, Year of Certification
• Financial analysis and reporting
• Auditing and assurance
• Tax preparation and compliance
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Excel)
• Attention to detail and accuracy

Led a team in conducting financial statement analysis for a local nonprofit organization

Prepared tax returns for individual clients during tax season

Example 2: Experienced CPA Resume

Seasoned CPA with 8+ years of experience in public accounting. Demonstrated expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. Proven track record of delivering accurate and timely financial information to support decision-making.

Work Experience

Accounting firm a.

• Oversee financial statement preparation and month-end close processes
• Perform financial analysis and budget variance analysis
• Provide guidance to junior staff and review their work for accuracy

Accounting Firm B

• Conducted audit engagements for clients in various industries
• Assisted in the preparation of tax returns for corporations and individuals
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address clients’ accounting needs
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, XYZ University, Year of Graduation
• Financial reporting and analysis
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Internal controls and risk management
• GAAP and tax compliance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Example 3: CPA with Financial Planning Expertise Resume

Results-driven CPA with a background in financial planning and analysis. Skilled in developing comprehensive financial strategies, conducting investment analysis, and providing personalized financial advice to clients. Dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.

Financial Advisory Firm A

• Conduct comprehensive financial assessments and develop tailored financial plans
• Provide investment recommendations based on risk tolerance and financial objectives
• Collaborate with clients’ legal and tax advisors to optimize financial strategies
• Prepared tax returns for individuals, partnerships, and corporations
• Assisted clients with tax planning and compliance
• Conducted financial statement audits for nonprofit organizations
• Financial planning and analysis
• Investment management
• Retirement planning
• Tax planning and compliance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Example 4: CPA with Internal Audit Specialization Resume

Detail-oriented CPA with expertise in internal audit and risk management. Proven track record of identifying control weaknesses and implementing effective solutions. Skilled in conducting audits, assessing risks, and providing recommendations to enhance operational efficiency.

Financial Institution A

• Internal Auditor, Year – Present
• Plan and execute internal audits to assess compliance with policies and regulations
• Identify control deficiencies and develop recommendations for process improvements
• Collaborate with management to implement remediation plans and monitor progress
• Conducted financial statement audits for clients in various industries
• Assisted in the evaluation of internal controls and testing of transactions
• Prepared audit reports summarizing findings and recommendations
• Internal audit and risk assessment
• Process improvement and control implementation
• Compliance and regulatory knowledge
• Data analysis and reporting
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities

Example 5: CPA with Taxation Expertise Resume

Experienced CPA with a focus on taxation and tax planning. Proven ability to navigate complex tax laws and provide strategic advice to minimize tax liabilities. Adept at preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

• Managed a team of tax professionals and oversaw tax engagements for clients
• Provided tax planning and advisory services to minimize clients’ tax liabilities
• Resolved tax-related issues and represented clients during tax audits
• Prepared individual and corporate tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Conducted research on tax laws and regulations to stay updated on changes
• Assisted clients with tax planning strategies and identifying tax-saving opportunities
• Tax research and analysis
• Corporate and individual tax returns
• IRS dispute resolution
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Example 6: CPA with Forensic Accounting Expertise Resume

Highly skilled CPA with a focus on forensic accounting and fraud investigation. Experienced in conducting financial investigations, analyzing financial data, and providing expert testimony. Committed to uncovering financial irregularities and assisting in legal proceedings.

Forensic Accounting Firm A

• Conducted investigations into suspected financial fraud and embezzlement cases
• Analyzed financial records and transactions to identify irregularities and patterns
• Prepared forensic reports and provided expert testimony in legal proceedings
• Performed financial statement audits and assessed internal controls
• Assisted in the evaluation of fraud risks and detection procedures
• Collaborated with legal teams in conducting investigations related to financial misconduct
• Forensic accounting and fraud investigation
• Data analysis and financial modeling
• Litigation support and expert witness testimony
• Internal controls assessment
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills

Example 7: CPA with International Accounting Experience Resume

Versatile CPA with extensive experience in international accounting and global financial reporting standards. Proficient in managing multinational accounting operations and ensuring compliance with international regulations. Skilled in cross-border transactions,financial consolidation, and transfer pricing.

Multinational Corporation A

• Managed financial reporting and consolidation for international subsidiaries
• Ensured compliance with international accounting standards and regulations
• Coordinated transfer pricing activities and intercompany transactions
• Conducted audits of multinational clients, focusing on global financial reporting
• Assisted in the implementation of IFRS and GAAP convergence projects
• Advised clients on cross-border transactions and transfer pricing compliance
• International accounting standards (IFRS)
• Transfer pricing and intercompany transactions
• Financial consolidation and reporting
• Cross-border taxation
• Strong cross-cultural communication and teamwork abilities

Example 8: CPA with Governmental Accounting Experience Resume

Dedicated CPA with a focus on governmental accounting and financial management. Experienced in working with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, ensuring compliance with accounting regulations and funding requirements. Proficient in government auditing standards and grant management.

Government Agency A

• Managed financial operations for government programs and grants
• Prepared financial statements and reports in accordance with governmental accounting standards
• Collaborated with auditors to ensure compliance with regulations and funding requirements

Nonprofit Organization B

• Monitored grant budgets and expenditures, ensuring compliance with funding restrictions
• Prepared financial reports for grantors and conducted grant closeout activities
• Assisted in the implementation of internal controls and policies for grant management
• Governmental accounting standards (GAAP and GASB)
• Grant management and compliance
• Financial statement preparation for government entities
• Audit and internal control procedures
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Example 9: CPA with Financial Systems Implementation Expertise Resume

CPA with a proven track record in leading financial systems implementation projects. Experienced in analyzing business requirements, designing system workflows, and overseeing successful system deployments. Skilled in system configuration, testing, and training.

Technology Consulting Firm A

• Led multiple financial systems implementation projects, including ERP and CRM systems
• Gathered business requirements and designed system workflows and configurations
• Conducted user acceptance testing and provided end-user training and support
• Assisted in financial statement audits and evaluated internal controls
• Utilized accounting software to analyze financial data and perform audit procedures
• Collaborated with clients’ IT teams to assess system controls and data integrity
• Financial systems implementation and configuration
• Business process analysis and workflow design
• User acceptance testing and training
• Project management and coordination
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills

Example 10: CPA with Management Consulting Experience Resume

Results-oriented CPA with abackground in management consulting and financial advisory. Experienced in providing strategic financial guidance, conducting financial analysis, and driving organizational improvements. Skilled in business valuation, financial modeling, and process optimization.

Management Consulting Firm A

• Provided financial advisory services to clients, including financial analysis and valuation
• Conducted operational and process improvement assessments
• Developed financial models and forecasts to support decision-making
• Assisted in the evaluation of internal controls and risk management processes
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address clients’ financial challenges
• Financial analysis and valuation
• Business process optimization
• Strategic planning and decision support
• Financial modeling and forecasting
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Mistakes to Avoid in a CPA Resume

When crafting a resume for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) position, there are common mistakes that should be avoided. These include:

Spelling and grammatical errors : A CPA should have sharp attention to detail, and a resume riddled with spelling and grammatical errors can signal otherwise. Always proofread your resume multiple times and consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well.

Using irrelevant information : Your resume should be tailored specifically to the CPA position you are applying for. Including irrelevant experience or skills can make it harder for a hiring manager to see how you are qualified for the position.

Failing to quantify achievements : Highlighting your previous achievements is vital, but using vague language can undermine your accomplishments. Quantifying your achievements in numbers or percentages can provide context and demonstrate your impact in a concrete way.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong CPA resume that accurately reflects your qualifications and experience.

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