Top Big 4 Auditor sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers & results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
Writing a memorable experience section: Big 4 Auditor resume edition
Big 4 Auditor Experience Section: Checklist
- List your positions in chronological or reverse-chronological order;
- Go for 4-6 bullet points;
- Add only relevant work experience;
- Include information about the challenges you’ve faced, the actions you’ve taken, and the results you’ve achieved;
- Use action verbs instead of filler words.
Use the examples below to build your own experience section!
- Performed risk assessments and defined testing to be performed for multiple clients
- Drafted and reviewed control documentation and testing workpapers resulting in an 80% reduction in review comments from managers
- Led teams of up to 5 people to complete complex SOX testing, including entity-level controls and IT general controls resulting in 100% completion of testing within deadlines
- Communicated audit results and recommendations to management and senior management resulting in improvements to control environment and reduction in control deficiencies
- Developed audit work programs resulting in a 50% reduction in time required to complete audits
- Led audit teams of up to 3 people to complete audits of manufacturing, logistics, and R&D operations resulting in identification of process improvements and increased efficiency
- Communicated audit findings and recommendations to management resulting in improvements to control environment and reduction in control deficiencies
- Worked with process owners to develop action plans resulting in timely remediation of control deficiencies
- Implemented a more efficient and effective testing process for the ICOFR, reducing the testing timeline by 20% and saving the company $50,000 annually
- Identified and resolved significant deficiencies in the ICOFR that had gone unnoticed in previous years, resulting in improved financial reporting and increased stakeholder confidence
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive SOX training program for the company, resulting in improved understanding and adherence to internal control requirements
- Developed and maintained a robust SOX documentation repository, reducing the time required for annual updates by 30%
- Prepared accurate and timely SOX compliance reports for executive management and the Audit Committee, resulting in improved transparency and understanding of the company's control environment
- Conducted risk assessments for clients in diverse industries, identifying significant financial, operational, and compliance risks
- Developed and executed audit plans and procedures, ensuring compliance with professional standards and client expectations
- Identified and communicated audit findings to clients, including recommendations for process improvements and internal control enhancements
- Coordinated with engagement teams and clients to ensure timely completion of audit deliverables, resulting in improved client satisfaction
- Mentored and trained junior staff on audit methodology and best practices, resulting in improved audit quality and staff development
- Led audit fieldwork for multiple clients, including risk assessments, testing, and reporting, resulting in improved financial performance and compliance.
- Analyzed financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement, resulting in actionable recommendations for clients.
- Collaborated with clients to identify key risks and develop effective risk mitigation strategies, resulting in increased confidence in internal controls.
- Managed the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting processes, including preparation of financial statements and footnotes, resulting in timely and accurate reporting.
- Implemented new accounting software and processes, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting and analysis.
- Supervised and trained a team of accountants, resulting in improved productivity, quality, and employee satisfaction.
- Prepared financial reports and analysis for management and regulatory bodies, resulting in improved decision-making and compliance.
- Conducted due diligence on potential borrowers and evaluated credit risk, resulting in improved risk management and lending practices.
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and improve processes, resulting in increased efficiency and customer satisfaction.
PRO TIP
Don't make the same mistake everyone else does. What we mean is, don't list your Big 4 Auditor job responsibilities instead of your achievements. Recruiters know what you do. They want to know what kind of difference you can bring to their company. Focus on what you've accomplished.
Action Verbs for your Big 4 Auditor Resume
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An Impressive Skills Section for Your Big 4 Auditor Resume
A skills section that shows what you’re capable of includes:
- Keywords from the job advert to help you pass ATS;
- Both hard and soft skills, incl. technical skills and people skills;
- Skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for;
- No more than 15 skills – to keep your resume readable.
Top skills for your big 4 auditor resume
Financial accounting
Audit planning
Risk assessment
Internal controls testing
Data analytics
GAAP
IFRS
SEC reporting
Account reconciliation
Budgeting and forecasting
Critical thinking
Communication
Attention to detail
Time management
Teamwork
Leadership
Objectivity
Professional skepticism
Adaptability
Problem solving
PRO TIP
Don’t feel obliged to spend a separate section for your soft skills - you can weave them throughout your job experience or career summary. But, don’t just write empty words - back them with examples.
Recommended reads:
Big 4 Auditor resume header: tips, red flags, and best practices
Job-winning Big 4 Auditor resume summary checklist:
- Mention your total years of experience in the field;
- Highlight one or two of your top achievements;
- Avoid getting into too much detail – you’ll do that in the experience section;
- Focus on short sentences that are easy to read and add value to your application.
Resume summary formula:
PRO TIP
Highlight specific past projects that you’re most proud of in your summary. It sets an excellent tone for the rest of your resume. You can talk about all of your former jobs in your work experience section later on.
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Big 4 Auditor Resume Format 101
If a couple of years ago Big 4 Auditor resumes could be text files with no graphic elements, today’s recruiters need a bit more to remember you.
And yet, you can still choose between three basic resume formats:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional skills-based resume format;
- Combination (or Hybrid) resume format.
But when it comes to choosing the right format for your Big 4 Auditor resume, there are two factors to keep in mind: your experience and whether you’re looking for an industry change.
The reverse-chronological format is the most common one. That being said, it gives recruiters exactly what they’re used to in terms of order and information. However, it’s not suitable for applicants with employment gaps or not enough experience.
We at Enhancv suggest the functional skills-based resume format for people with limited work experience who find reverse-chronological resumes irrelevant. This format showcases the applicant’s most significant accomplishments, skills, and strengths.
Big 4 Auditor Resume Formatting Checklist
- Choose the resume format based on your level of experience and the company you’re applying for
- Go for a traditional 10-12p font
- Stick to 1-inch page margins to ensure high readability
- Match the length of your resume to your experience, but don’t go for more than two pages!
To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.
