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.
Pro tip
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:
- Font type and size: While the ATS is generally indifferent to resume fonts, choose a legible and professional font for your resume.
- Colors: Incorporate a limited amount of color on your resume to emphasize headings or sections without overwhelming the reader.
- Backgrounds: Utilize simple backgrounds that don't distract from the content, ensuring readability and a polished look.
- Icons: Strategically place resume icons to highlight key information or skills, but don't overdo it.
- Photo: Including a resume photo is optional and dependent on the industry and geographic location.
Pro tip
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.
What’s good about this example:
- 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:
- Properly name the section for the ATS, such as "Experience" or "Work Experience."
- Use reverse chronological order to showcase your most recent and relevant work experiences first.
- Include job title, company's name, location, and a brief description of the company.
- Date of employment: Ensure proper date formatting to make it ATS-friendly.
- List achievements and responsibilities using a suitable number of bullet points and job positions (typically 3-5 jobs).
- Focus on the relevancy of your experience to the position you're applying for.
- Address employment gaps and provide explanations if necessary.
02/2020 - 11/2023 - •Handled accounting tasks
- •Worked with finance team
- •Managed invoices
- •Maintained records
What’s bad about this example
- 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.
02/2020 - 11/2023 
- •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.
08/2010 - 05/2014 - •Relevant coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Taxation
What’s good about this example
- 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
Pro tip
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
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
Pro tip
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 #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.
- Cover letter body:
- 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]
[City, State, Zip Code]
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.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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
- Financial analysis
- Financial reporting
- GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
- IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Tax preparation
- Payroll management
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Auditing
- Internal controls
- Compliance
- Cost accounting
- Risk management
- QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
- Data analysis
- Financial modeling
- Cash flow management
- Management accounting
Top soft skills for your accountant resume
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Ethical integrity
- Critical thinking
- Client relations
- Organizational skills
Top action verbs for your accountant resume
- Analyzed
- Managed
- Streamlined
- Prepared
- Reconciled
- Optimized
- Forecasted
- Monitored
- Implemented
- Evaluated
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.
By Experience
Accounting Intern
View Accounting Intern Resume
Entry-Level Accountant
Junior Cost Accountant
Senior Accountant
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Senior Tax Accountant
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By Role
Accounting Analyst
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Accounting Assistant
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Accounting Supervisor
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Big 4 Accounting
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Construction Accounting
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Corporate Accounting
View Corporate Accounting Resume
Cost Accounting
View Cost Accounting Resume
CPA
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Director of Accounting
View Director of Accounting Resume
Financial Accounting
View Financial Accounting Resume
Forensic Accounting
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Full Cycle Accounting
View Full Cycle Accounting Resume
Functional Accounting
View Functional Accounting Resume
Fund Accountant
View Fund Accountant Resume
General Ledger Accounting
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Government Accounting
View Government Accounting Resume
Hotel Accounting
View Hotel Accounting Resume
Management Accounting
View Management Accounting Resume
Oracle Project Accounting
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Project Accounting
View Project Accounting Resume
Public Accounting
View Public Accounting Resume
Purchase Accounting
View Purchase Accounting Resume
Tax Accountant
View Tax Accountant Resume
Onboarding Accountant
Staff Accountant
View Staff Accountant Resume
