As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you may struggle to differentiate your resume in a market saturated with finance professionals. Our guide offers tailored strategies that can elevate your professional narrative, ensuring your unique expertise and accomplishments stand out to potential employers.
Prepare to audit, craft, and submit an outstanding CPA resume with this Enhancv guide. We'll provide you with effective strategies and insights on how to:
- Incorporate CPA job advert keywords into key sections of your resume, such as the summary, header, and experience sections;
- Quantify your experience using achievements, certificates, and more in various CPA resume sections;
- Apply practical insights from real-life CPA resume examples to enhance your own profile;
- Choose the most effective CPA resume format to succeed in any evaluation process.
- Cost Accounting Resume Example
- Public Accounting Auditor Resume Example
- Forensic Accounting Resume Example
- Management Accounting Resume Example
- Financial Auditor Resume Example
- Financial Consultant Resume Example
- Payroll Director Resume Example
- Construction Accounting Resume Example
- Project Accounting Resume Example
- Senior Finance Manager Resume Example
How to style your CPA resume: layout and format
When creating your CPA resume, have you ever wondered how long it should be? Experts point out that it should be between one and two pages. Choose the longer format, if you happen to have over a decade of relevant experience. What is more, resume formats play a crucial role in presenting your experience. Use the:- Reverse-chronological resume format to highlight your experience;
- Functional skill-based resume format if you have less experience and want to focus on skills;
- Hybrid resume format to guide recruiters through both your experience and skills.
- Make sure your headline is simple and includes the job you're applying for or your current role, an abbreviation of a certificate you have, or even your professional area of interest;
- Always tailor your CPA resume to the role you're applying for by matching job requirements to your experience via different resume sections;
- Once you've created your resume, download it in PDF (unless otherwise specified). This is to ensure readability and that the layout remains fixed.
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Listing your relevant degrees or certificates on your CPA resume is a win-win situation. Not only does it hint at your technical capabilities in the industry, but an array of soft skills, like perseverance, adaptability, and motivation.
Essential sections that should make up your CPA resume include:
- The header - with your contact details (e.g. email and telephone number), link to your portfolio, and headline
- The summary (or objective) - to spotlight the peaks of your professional career, so far
- The experience section - with up to six bullets per role to detail specific outcomes
- The skills list - to provide a healthy mix between your personal and professional talents
- The education and certification - showing your most relevant degrees and certificates to the CPA role
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Relevant Certifications (CPA licensure and other accounting or industry-specific certifications)
- Technical Proficiency (experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Oracle, SAP, or advanced Excel skills)
- Accounting Experience (demonstration of experience in financial reporting, tax preparation, auditing, or compliance)
- Attention to Detail (specific examples of meticulous work with financial data and error-free reporting)
- Soft Skills (communication skills and ability to work on a team, as well as leadership experience if applicable)
Quick formula for writing your CPA resume experience section
Have you ever wondered why recruiters care about your CPA expertise?
For starters, your past roles show that you've obtained the relevant on-the job training and expertise that'd be useful for the role.
What is more, the resume work experience section isn't just your work history , but:
- shows what you're capable of achieving based on your past success;
- proves your skills with (oftentimes, tangible) achievements;
- highlights the unique value of what it's like to work with you.
To ensure your resume work experience section is as effective as possible, follow this formula:
- start each bullet with a powerful, action verb , followed up by your responsibilities, and your workplace success.
The more details you can include - that are relevant to the job and linked with your skill set - the more likely you are to catch recruiters' attention.
Additionally, you can also scan the job advert for key requirements or buzzwords , which you can quantify across your experience section.
Not sure what we mean by this? Take inspiration from the CPA resume experience sections below:
Work Experience
Senior CPA and Audit Manager
KPMG LLP
04/2017-Ongoing
- Managed a portfolio of financial audits for mid-sized corporations, ensuring compliance with GAAP and reducing average audit completion times by 20%.
- Streamlined tax planning processes for a diverse clientele, resulting in a 15% reduction in clients’ annual tax liabilities through strategic deferral and tax credit application.
- Led a cross-departmental team to implement a new financial reporting software, improving reporting accuracy and reducing report generation times by 35%.
Work Experience
Head of Corporate Finance
Deloitte & Touche LLP
01/2015-12/2019
- Directed a financial team in restructuring the company's debt portfolio, saving the company an average of $2 million per annum in interest expenses.
- Oversaw the successful external audit processes annually, with zero non-conformance issues reported over a five-year period.
- Implemented a continuous financial monitoring system that increased the operational fund's efficiency by 25%, supporting strategic business expansion.
Work Experience
International Tax CPA
Ernst & Young
05/2012-08/2016
- Developed and executed a robust tax strategy for international operations, reducing the effective tax rate by 10% through the utilization of foreign tax credits.
- Enhanced internal audit procedures by incorporating risk-based audit techniques, significantly improving the detection of fiscal discrepancies and vulnerabilities.
- Trained and mentored a team of 15 junior accountants, raising the department's overall productivity and accuracy in financial reporting.
Work Experience
CPA Financial Analyst
PricewaterhouseCoopers
06/2009-09/2013
- Played a key role in advising on a high-profile merger worth $30 million, conducting due diligence and financial analysis that informed the successful negotiation strategy.
- Executed a company-wide cost-reduction initiative by analyzing expenditure patterns, leading to a sustained 15% reduction in operational costs.
- Collaborated with IT to co-develop a custom accounting software module to handle industry-specific financial transactions, increasing processing efficiency by 40%.
Work Experience
Forensic CPA Specialist
Grant Thornton LLP
03/2014-11/2018
- Provided expert witness testimony on financial matters in 20+ legal cases, which contributed to favorable outcomes in highly contested financial disputes.
- Led the initiative to automate the accounts payable process, cutting down transaction processing time by 30% and reducing manual errors significantly.
- Mastered the application of blockchain technology in accounting, enhancing data security and integrity across financial operations.
Work Experience
Sustainability Financial CPA
BDO USA, LLP
02/2010-08/2014
- Championed the adoption of a new financial modeling protocol which accurately projected fiscal outcomes and influenced the company's long-term strategic decisions.
- Prepared detailed quarterly financial statements and reports for executive management that enhanced the decision-making process regarding new market ventures.
- Integrated sustainable financial practices by advising on the adoption of green investments, leading to a recognized 5% improvement in corporate social responsibility ratings.
Work Experience
Non-Profit Sector CPA
Moss Adams LLP
11/2013-05/2017
- Performed comprehensive research and analysis to navigate complex tax legislation, resulting in the recapture of $500,000 in overpaid taxes for a number of clients.
- Crafted and executed a strategic plan to manage a $25 million non-profit portfolio, achieving a consistent 8% return on investments annually.
- Facilitated in-depth internal control assessments which identified key areas for improvement, subsequently enhancing operational efficiency by 20%.
Work Experience
Corporate Restructuring CPA
Crowe Horwath LLP
07/2011-02/2016
- Contributed to a vigorous restructuring of the company's payroll system, which supported a 10% increase in employee satisfaction relating to payroll accuracy and timeliness.
- Identified and implemented cost-saving measures in procurement and supply chain management, leading to a reduction in costs of goods sold by 12%.
- Assisted in the successful negotiation of a major vendor contract, securing favorable terms that saved the company $1.2 million over the duration of the contract.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Highlight the volume of financial transactions processed or audited to demonstrate efficient handling of high-volume workloads.
- Emphasize the size of budgets managed or financial portfolios to show capability in overseeing substantial fiscal responsibilities.
- Quantify any cost savings achieved through process improvements to showcase a direct impact on the company's bottom line.
- Include the percentage of compliance issues resolved to illustrate problem-solving abilities and attention to regulatory standards.
- Detail the number of tax filings completed to display proficiency in managing complex tax-related tasks.
- Present the amount of financial reports prepared to evidence thoroughness in financial documentation and reporting.
- Mention the scope of any financial analysis conducted to highlight strategic thinking and decision-support capabilities.
- Specify the extent of cross-departmental collaboration to demonstrate interpersonal skills and the ability to work in team-oriented environments.
Action verbs for your CPA resume
Action or power verbs add depth to your experience. They also help you prove that you’ve taken charge of things in the past and are great at problem-solving and decision-making. Use them instead of buzzwords to make your CPA resume the center of attention!
No experience, no problem: writing your CPA resume
You're quite set on the CPA role of your dreams and think your application may add further value to your potential employers. Yet, you have no work experience . Here's how you can curate your resume to substitute your lack of experience:
- Don't list every single role you've had so far, but focus on ones that would align with the job you're applying for
- Include any valid experience in the field - whether it's at research or intern level
- Highlight the soft skills you'd bring about - those personality traits that have an added value to your application
- Focus on your education and certifications, if they make sense for the role.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
List your educational qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order.
Defining your unique CPA skill set with hard skills and soft skills
In any job advertisement, a blend of specific technologies and interpersonal communication skills is typically sought after. Hard skills represent your technical expertise and indicate your job performance capacity. Soft skills, on the other hand, demonstrate how well you would integrate within the company culture.
Incorporating a balanced mix of both skill types in your CPA resume is crucial. Here's how you can do it:
- In your resume summary or objective, incorporate up to three hard and/or soft skills. Make sure to quantify these skills with relevant or impressive achievements; less
- The skills section should list your technical know-how.
- The strengths section is an ideal place to quantify your competencies by focusing on the achievements facilitated by these skills.
Top skills for your CPA resume:
HARD SKILLS
Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage)
Microsoft Excel
Tax Preparation Software (e.g., TurboTax, H&R Block)
Financial Modeling
Audit Software (e.g., ACL, CaseWare)
ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Data Analysis Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Payroll Systems
Regulatory Compliance Tools
Accounting Standards (GAAP, IFRS)
SOFT SKILLS
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving
Ethical Judgment
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Client Management
Leadership
PRO TIP
The more trusted the organization you've attained your certificate (or degree) from, the more credible your skill set would be.
Qualifying your relevant certifications and education on your CPA resume
In recent times, employers have started to favor more and more candidates who have the "right" skill alignment, instead of the "right" education.
But this doesn't mean that recruiters don't care about your certifications .
Dedicate some space on your resume to list degrees and certificates by:
- Including start and end dates to show your time dedication to the industry
- Adding credibility with the institutions' names
- Prioritizing your latest certificates towards the top, hinting at the fact that you're always staying on top of innovations
- If you decide on providing further information, focus on the actual outcomes of your education: the skills you've obtained
If you happen to have a degree or certificate that is irrelevant to the job, you may leave it out.
Some of the most popular certificates for your resume include:
The top 5 certifications for your CPA resume:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- 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)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - CFA Institute
PRO TIP
List your educational qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order.
Recommended reads:
Adding a summary or objective to your CPA resume
One of the most crucial elements of your professional presentation is your resume's top one-third. This most often includes:
- Either a resume summary - your career highlights at a glance. Select the summary if you have plenty of relevant experience (and achievements), you'd like recruiters to remember about your application.
- Or, a resume objective - to showcase your determination for growth. The perfect choice for candidates with less experience, who are looking to grow their career in the field.
If you want to go above and beyond with your CPA resume summary or resume objective, make sure to answer precisely why recruiters need to hire you. What is the additional value you'd provide to the company or organization? Now here are examples from real-life CPA professionals, whose resumes have helped them land their dream jobs:
Resume summaries for a CPA job
- Seasoned CPA with over 12 years of experience in financial strategy and tax planning for multinational corporations. Amassed expertise in managing end-to-end accounting processes, reducing tax liabilities by 30%, and leading teams to successfully navigate complex audits. Known for precise financial analysis and robust strategy development.
- Dedicated financial researcher, transitioning to the CPA field, brings a Ph.D. in Economics and 5 years of experience in data-driven financial policy development. Adept in advanced statistical analysis and a proven track record in academic research focused on fiscal efficiency and reform.
- Adept in providing exceptional financial services with over eight years in the accounting industry, managing portfolios exceeding $50 million. Leverage expertise in GAAP, tax compliance, and strategic cost reduction initiatives, having achieved a 20% increase in cost savings for previous employers through meticulous financial oversight.
- Forward-thinking professional with a background in management consulting, eager to leverage a strong foundation in business analytics and strategy to embark on a career in accounting. With 5 years of formulating data-informed business solutions, keen to apply analytical and problem-solving skills in a new CPA context.
- Recent finance graduate fueled by a desire to contribute fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic to the field of accounting. Eager to apply comprehensive knowledge from a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, coupled with hands-on internship experience in financial reporting and tax preparation.
- Aspiring CPA with a solid foundation in business administration, including recent coursework in accounting principles and corporate finance. Combining enthusiasm for learning and professional development with a commitment to applying academic knowledge and strong analytical skills to excel in the world of accounting.
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Other relevant sections for your CPA resume
Apart from the standard CPA resume sections listed in this guide, you have the opportunity to get creative with building your profile. Select additional resume sections that you deem align with the role, department, or company culture. Good choices for your CPA resume include:
- Language skills - always ensure that you have qualified each language you speak according to relevant frameworks;
- Hobbies - you could share more about your favorite books, how you spend your time, etc. ;
- Volunteering - to highlight the causes you care about;
- Awards - for your most prominent CPA professional accolades and achievements.
Make sure that these sections don't take too much away from your experience, but instead build up your CPA professional profile.
Key takeaways
- Your resume layout plays an important role in presenting your key information in a systematic, strategic manner;
- Use all key resume sections (summary or objective; experience; skills; education and certification) to ensure you’ve shown to recruiters just how your expertise aligns with the role and why you're the best candidate;
- Be specific about listing a particular skill or responsibility you've had by detailing how this has helped the role or organization grow;
- Your personality should shine through your resume via the interests or hobbies, and strengths or accomplishments skills sections;
- Certifications go to provide further accreditation to your technical capabilities, so make sure you've included them within your resume.
CPA resume examples
Explore additional cpa resume samples and guides
and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior CPA
As a Junior CPA, you are responsible for assisting with audits, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. On your resume, highlight your internship experience, proficiency in accounting software, and your role in team projects. Emphasize skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication. Demonstrate your worth by including examples of how you improved financial processes and supported successful audit outcomes.
Senior CPA
As a Senior CPA, you are responsible for overseeing the financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing strategic financial advice to support organizational decision-making. On your resume, you should discuss your experience with financial reporting, your ability to conduct audits, and your expertise in tax planning. Incorporate skills such as leadership, analytical thinking, and proficiency with accounting software. Highlight your achievements in improving financial processes and your success in leading cross-functional teams to demonstrate your contributions effectively.
CPA Internal Auditor
As a CPA Internal Auditor, you are responsible for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes within an organization. On your resume, be sure to highlight your experience in financial analysis, compliance auditing, and process improvement. Include skills such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and proficiency in accounting software. It's important to mention your ability to reduce financial risk and your success in enhancing overall operational efficiency to demonstrate your contributions.
By Role
Staff CPA
As a Staff CPA, you're responsible for preparing and analyzing financial reports, ensuring compliance with accounting regulations, and assisting in audits. On your resume, you should highlight your experience with financial statement preparation, proficiency in accounting software, and your ability to work effectively in team settings. Include skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities to stand out. To demonstrate your worth, highlight instances of improving financial processes and playing a critical role in successful audits or projects.
CPA Manager
As a CPA Manager, you are responsible for overseeing financial audits, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and providing strategic financial advice. When crafting your resume, be sure to discuss your experience with financial reporting, successful project management instances, and any leadership roles you have undertaken. Highlight your proficiency in analytical thinking, communication skills, and knowledge of accounting software. To demonstrate your worth, mention your ability to drive financial efficiency and foster team development.
CPA Supervisor
As a CPA Supervisor, you are responsible for overseeing the accounting team, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations. On your resume, highlight your experience in managing accounting projects, improving process efficiencies, and leading successful audits. Include your proficiency in financial analysis, leadership, and attention to detail. Demonstrate your worth by mentioning any awards you've received for excellence in accounting and instances where you've significantly increased team productivity or achieved cost savings for the organization.
CPA Director
As a CPA Director, you are responsible for overseeing financial reporting, auditing processes, and ensuring regulatory compliance within your organization. On your resume, make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams, managing complex financial projects, and driving strategic financial initiatives. Be sure to add skills such as advanced financial analysis, exceptional leadership abilities, and strong regulatory knowledge. Demonstrate your worth by mentioning successful cost-saving initiatives you've implemented and any recognitions or awards you have received for financial excellence.
CPA Partner
As a CPA Partner, you are responsible for overseeing client relationships, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and guiding your firm’s strategic direction. On your resume, highlight your leadership experience, successful client engagements, and contributions to firm growth. Incorporate skills such as financial analysis, strategic planning, and client communication. Demonstrating your role in increasing firm profitability and showcasing your extensive network in the industry will effectively illustrate your contributions.
CPA Consultant
As a CPA Consultant, you are responsible for providing expert financial advice, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and optimizing financial processes for clients. On your resume, highlight your extensive experience in financial analysis, your proficiency in tax strategy, and any certifications or continuing education you've pursued. Be sure to add skills that demonstrate your analytical proficiency, attention to detail, and exceptional communication abilities. Finally, emphasize your track record of successfully reducing client expenses and your ability to develop strategic financial plans that drive business growth.
CPA Advisor
As a CPA Advisor, you are responsible for providing expert financial guidance and planning to your clients. On your resume, be sure to highlight your experience with tax planning, financial reporting, and client relationship management. Include skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and proficiency in financial software. To demonstrate your worth, emphasize your ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and your track record of successfully navigating complex financial challenges.
CPA Analyst
As a CPA Analyst, you are responsible for analyzing financial data to help organizations make informed business decisions. On your resume, be sure to discuss your experience with financial reporting, your ability to interpret complex financial data, and your proficiency in compliance and regulatory standards. Highlight skills like advanced Excel proficiency, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication. Demonstrate your worth by mentioning your track record of improving financial processes and your role in driving cost-efficiency within a team.
CPA Auditor
As a CPA Auditor, you are responsible for examining financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations, and efficiency in financial operations. On your resume, make sure to discuss your experience with auditing procedures, any certifications you hold, and your ability to improve financial processes. Highlight your analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in accounting software. Mention your track record of identifying cost-saving opportunities and your role in maintaining regulatory compliance to demonstrate your worth to potential employers.
CPA Tax Specialist
As a CPA Tax Specialist, you are responsible for preparing and reviewing tax returns, advising clients on tax strategies, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. On your resume, make sure to highlight your experience with tax planning, knowledge of tax software, and your ability to handle complex tax scenarios. Include skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities. Lastly, demonstrate your value by mentioning any successful tax-saving strategies you’ve developed for clients and your track record of maintaining compliance during audits.
CPA Forensic Accountant
As a CPA Forensic Accountant, you are responsible for investigating financial discrepancies, analyzing complex financial data, and providing litigation support. When crafting your resume, highlight your experience in fraud detection, your knowledge of financial regulations, and your ability to conduct thorough financial investigations. Be sure to include skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication. To emphasize your contributions, mention any successful case resolutions you’ve been part of and the impact your findings had on legal proceedings.
CPA Financial Planner
As a CPA Financial Planner, you are responsible for providing comprehensive financial planning and advisory services to clients, helping them achieve their financial goals. On your resume, highlight your experience with financial analysis, client relationship management, and tax planning strategies. Include your proficiency in analytical thinking, communication, and financial software. Emphasize results from past projects and certifications that reinforce your expertise in the field.
CPA Controller
As a CPA Controller, your primary responsibility is to oversee financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance within your organization. On your resume, highlight your experience with financial analysis, proficiency in regulatory compliance, and your role in strategic planning. Include skills like advanced proficiency in accounting software, leadership in financial management, and strong analytical abilities. Emphasize your achievements in improving financial efficiency and your ability to lead and mentor a team effectively.
CPA Compliance Officer
As a CPA Compliance Officer, you are responsible for ensuring that your organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and policies. On your resume, be sure to discuss your experience in developing compliance programs, conducting audits, and managing risk assessments. Highlight your strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and communication skills. To demonstrate your contributions, clearly mention your track record of successful audits and your role in implementing processes that improved compliance by a significant margin.
CPA Cost Accountant
As a CPA Cost Accountant, you are responsible for creating and managing financial plans, analyzing cost efficiencies, and ensuring accurate financial reporting to guide business decisions. On your resume, focus on highlighting your experience with budgeting and forecasting, proficiency in financial analysis, and history of successful project management. Include skills such as data analysis, attention to detail, and proficiency in accounting software to strengthen your qualifications. Mention your proven ability to reduce costs while maintaining quality and your track record of improving financial processes to demonstrate your prowess in adding substantial worth to any organization.
CPA Budget Analyst
As a CPA Budget Analyst, you are responsible for analyzing financial data, preparing budget reports, and ensuring that the budget aligns with organizational goals. On your resume, be sure to highlight your experience in budget management, proficiency with financial software, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams. Consider adding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel as key skills. Demonstrating your ability to drive cost savings and improve financial processes will emphasize your contribution to the organization.
