You’re good with numbers and know your way around a spreadsheet, but do you know how to market yourself to a potential employer?
It’s difficult to write a compelling resume which captures an employer’s attention. We’re here to help by giving you everything that you need to write a detailed resume which showcases your experience and skills. In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to crafting each section of your resume.
Choose the best format for your accounts receivable resume
At Enhancv, we are dedicated to crafting better resumes for our clients so that they can land their dream job. Recently, we did a study and compared our resumes to those formatted in Microsoft office On a multitude of ATS software. We found our resumes performed much better and were much easier to scan for ATS software than simple Word documents.
One reason our resumes did much better was the attention to detail when formatting. Here are some other insights about formatting which you’ll find helpful:
- Length/columns: Whether you choose a double or single column resume doesn’t really matter. However, we found that resumes that are one page in length with two columns perform slightly better.
- Section headings: One important thing about section headings is that you need to have the correct information in it. For example, if you’re writing in the “Experience” section, you should only include experience in there.
- Colors and design: Including creative colors and tasteful graphics can help your resume to stand out more.
- Fonts: You don’t have to stick with his boring old Times new Roman or Arial font, and in fact all Google fonts are read just fine by ATS software.
- File Format: PDFs are significantly better for ATS software to scan than word documents.
You should use a reverse chronological format for your resume, as it allows you to list all of your most recent experiences first.
Another unique way to make your resume stand out is by formatting it in a hybrid resume format. This is great for those who are in a creative industry or those who are switching careers because you can showcase your skills right next to your experience.
Pro tip
Try to limit the amount of white space on your resume by using headings of different sizes to show a differentiation between each section.
Add your contact information in the resume header
Your resume header is an opportunity for you to share all of your up-to-date contact information. Make sure that all the information you provide is correct, and that it matches your cover letter.
Below, you can find a list of the most important things to include in your resume header:
- Your first and last name
- Your title
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your location
- Relevant social media handles (optional)
Create a compelling accounts receivable resume summary
Your resume summary is important because it is an elevator pitch, a succinct statement on why you think you are the best person to fill the position. It’s also a great place to include keywords which can be scanned by ATS software. Also, it is really your first chance to share a little bit about yourself with a recruiter, so a good resume summary can help you land an interview.
Here’s a list of the most important things to include on a resume summary:
- Your title and years of experience
- Your most relevant skills in your field
- Your top 1-2 professional achievements
Pro tip
Go through the job description and write down three or four key skills that you find there. Use those key skills as a jumping off point to write your resume summary
Feature a stand-out accounts receivable experience section
Your experience section is the keystone of your resume, and it is likely the first place a potential hiring manager will look to see if you’re qualified. That’s why it’s especially important to quantify your experience by using statistics and real-world data to show how you made an impact in your previous roles.
Here’s a checklist of things to include in your resume experience section:
- Reverse chronological order
- Job title
- Company's name, location, and description
- Date of employment - stress that proper date formatting is important to ATS.
- Achievements and responsibilities
- Resume keywords gleaned from the job description
Three quantifiable achievements in the accounts receivable field
- Reduced outstanding accounts receivable
- Improved efficiency by implementing automated invoicing system
- Achieved a 97% collection rate
02/2020 - 11/2023
- Reduced outstanding accounts receivable by 30%, leading to a profit increase of $30,000.
- Improved efficiency by implementing an automated invoicing system,Which led to a 25% decrease in invoice processing time.
- Achieved a 97% collection rate, while also cultivating strong relationships with customers and identifying potential payment issues in advance
List your education
Although your experience section may be considered the most important section on your resume, your education section is almost as important. In your education section give the ability to share not only where you studied, but also show your career progression and formation all the way back to the schools you attended.
Below, you can find a checklist of the most important things to include in your education section:
- Degree Name
- University, college, or other institution
- Location (optional)
- Years attended
- Dean’s list or other academic achievements
- GPA
02/2010 - 11/2015
List your relevant accounts receivable skills
Almost as important as your education and experience, your skills section helps to showcase each one of your individual skills. Listing your hard and soft skills on your resume can actually be a way for ATS software to more easily scan your resume.
On your resume should include both hard skills, technical skills which are specific to each workplace, as well as soft skills, people skills. Both of which can help to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
Top 3 technical skills for an accounts receivable specialist
- Collections Management
- Financial Analysis
- Accounts Receivable Systems
Soft skills
Instead of just listing the soft skills that you have on your resume, you should back up what you say by sharing your experience and achievements.
Most popular 3 soft skills for accounts receivable
- Customer Satisfaction
- Attention to detail
- Integrity
Include your accounts receivable certificates
When you include certificates on your resume, you help to show a hiring manager you are capable and able to handle the position that you’re applying for. This is especially important for those in the financial sector, as certain certificates can help to prove an aptitude to handle more advanced projects.
Here’s what you should include if you are adding a certificate on your resume:
- Certification name
- Name of issuer
- Year of obtainment
- Location (if applicable)
- Date of expiration (if applicable)
- Expected date of obtainment (if applicable)
Top 3 accounts receivable certificates for your resume
- Certified Credit and Collection Professional (CCCP)
- Certified Receivables Compliance Professional (CRCP)
- Certified Professional Receivables Manager (CPRM)
Use other relevant sections to put the cherry on top
You may wish to include a “Day in my life/My time” To show more of the intricate inner workings of your schedule.For example, Marissa Mayer included a day in my life section on her resume. Although ATS software doesn’t scan for it, can actually help to position yourself better to a potential manager as it can show how you are a fit for the company’s culture.
Here are some other sections that you may wish to include in your resume:
- Membership of professional associations : Certain professional associations might actually give you an advantage when finding a job. Being a certified public accountant (CPA) might be just the bare minimum to be hired in a role for Accounts Receivable. Look for other professional certifications that might give you an edge.
- Conferences: Conferences are great to include on your resume, especially if you are a speaker at one.
- Language skills: It’s always good to list other languages that you’re proficient in. You never know if that skill will help you to get your foot in the door with me.
- Awards: Any awards that you’ve earned either in school or in your professional experience might be worthwhile to include on your resume.
Create a matching cover letter for your accounts receivable resume
A cover letter is your first opportunity to go deeper and share more about yourself with a potential hiring manager. Here are some things you should include in your because where letter:
- Contact information that corresponds with the resume’s.
- Greeting.
- Achievements in the first paragraph.
- Cover letter body:
- Work experience
- Skills
- Why you’d be a good fit
- Call to action
Sample cover letter
Dear Mr. Mueller,
I am writing to express my interest in the accounts receivable manager position at Chart Electronics, as advertised on the job listing. With my extensive experience in accounts receivable management and a strong track record of success, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the financial growth and operational efficiency of your esteemed organization.
As an accomplished accounts receivable professional with over [number of years] years of experience, I have gained comprehensive knowledge of the receivables process, financial analysis, and collections management. In my current role as an accounts receivable manager at ABC Management. I have successfully led a team responsible for the efficient management of accounts receivable operations, resulting in improved cash flow and reduced delinquency rates.
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated exceptional financial acumen and a keen eye for detail. I possess a deep understanding of financial regulations and compliance, enabling me to ensure adherence to legal requirements and maintain accurate financial records. I have also been instrumental in implementing process enhancements, streamlining billing and collections procedures, and enhancing the overall efficiency of accounts receivable functions.
In addition to my technical expertise, I am known for my strong leadership abilities and ability to foster positive relationships. I am skilled at motivating and mentoring teams, empowering them to achieve targets and deliver exceptional customer service. My exceptional communication skills enable me to effectively interact with clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues and optimize financial operations.
I am impressed by Chart Electronics' reputation as an industry leader, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your continued success. I believe that my skills, experience, and passion for delivering results align perfectly with the requirements of the accounts receivable manager role at your organization.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail and to learn more about Chart Electronics' vision and goals. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review, and I look forward to the possibility of an interview.
Sincerely,
Dave Bautista
Key takeaways
- Format your resume with a reverse chronological format to showcase your most recent experience first.
- Make sure that your contact information in your header matches the same information on the cover letter.
- Consider your summary as your own elevator pitch, a short paragraph that shares why you think you’ll be great for the position.
- Your experience is likely the most important section on your resume.
- Soft skills are just as important in the financial field.
- Choose to include other sections if you have accolades that might fall outside of typical resume sections.
- Your cover letter is great place to introduce yourself to a potential hiring manager.
