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.

Mid-Level 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.

Senior-Level Accountants

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.