How To Write a Bookkeeper Resume
As a bookkeeper, your resume must meet the industry’s expectations while showcasing your skills, qualifications, and expertise in financial management. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to maintain accurate financial records, ensure compliance with regulations, and contribute to the overall financial health of an organization. In this guide, we provide real bookkeeper resume examples and share expert advice to make your resume stand out in a competitive job market. You’ll learn how to create an engaging resume that catches the attention of employers and presents you as a highly qualified bookkeeper.
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
1. Create a profile by summarizing your bookkeeper qualifications
When crafting a resume profile, it’s essential to be concise and make a strong first impression on readers. In two to three sentences, capture the attention of employers by incorporating relevant keywords and emphasizing your years of experience in bookkeeping. Your profile should summarize your expertise and show your value as a financial professional. Highlight your proficiency in financial analysis, budget management, and maintaining accurate records. Mention any specialized knowledge, such as expertise in industry-specific software or certifications. Tailor your profile to reflect your commitment to precision, details, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Consider including an impressive statistic or accomplishment to hook hiring managers and entice them to keep reading.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
Bookkeeper with a proven track record of accuracy in budgeting and account reconciliation. Recognized for problem-solving and time management skills in creating invoices and statements. Associate degree in Accounting with 2016 Bookkeeper Certification.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
Organized bookkeeper with two years of experience in a high-pressure work environment. Maintain utmost accuracy in processing and managing payroll, invoices, account transactions, and other financial records. Equally effective working independently or on a team. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.
2. Create a powerful list of your bookkeeper experience
To create this section, show how you executed specific tasks as a bookkeeper, emphasizing the results you achieved. Quantify these accomplishments by including numbers, percentages, and monetary figures. For example, mention how you reduced monthly expenses by a certain percentage, successfully reconciled accounts for a specific number of clients, or implemented a new system that improved efficiency and reduced errors. Show employers the value you can bring to their company. As you write, start each of your bullet points with action verbs to add a dynamic element to your language. These words convey a sense of proactivity and showcase your ability to take the initiative.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Accounts Payable Clerk, F. Milton Corporation, San Antonio, TX | May 2008 – December 2016
- Reviewed invoices and matched them with packing slips
- Entered payment approval and processed checks
- Communicated with merchants on bill discrepancies
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Bookkeeper, Manor & Scholtz Law Firm, Jacksonville, FL | October 2020 to present
- Maintain financial records, including all receipts, invoices, and bank statements
- Prepare payroll and direct deposit accounts
- Closely monitor transactions to ensure compliance with state, federal, and company policies
- Prepare and process payroll for over 100 employees
- Answer client queries about fees and invoices
- Contact clients about outstanding bills and help set up payment plans
- Draft monthly financial summaries and reports
- Work out billable hours for senior attorneys
- Reconcile and balance all accounts
- Check figures on legal documents for accuracy and make any corrections needed
- Enter client data and fees on accounting software
3. Include education and certifications relevant to bookkeeper
Establish your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to professional development by including your relevant academic background. Employers want to see you’ve acquired a strong foundation in accounting principles, financial management, and bookkeeping practices. Starting with your highest level of education, list the degree name, institution, location, and completion date.
Certifications are particularly valuable in bookkeeping as they validate your expertise and specialization. Include credentials such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB), QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, or Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB). List these in a separate section formatted similarly, providing the certificate title, issuing organization, and date received.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example
- Associate of Accounting
- Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX | September 2006 – May 2008
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- CB, American Institute of Bookkeepers | 2020
4. Make a list of your bookkeeper-related skills and proficiencies
Your key skills section should demonstrate to employers you possess the necessary qualifications to perform the responsibilities of a bookkeeper. When including professional skills on your resume, it’s important to tailor them to the requirements of the bookkeeping role you’re applying for. Focus on those directly relevant to the position in question. List specialized skills that set you apart from other candidates. For example, if you have expertise in a specific industry or possess knowledge of regulatory compliance in certain sectors, highlight those abilities. Below we’ve provided a list of skill examples for you to consider:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Accounting reconciliation | Accounts payable and receivable (AP/AR) |
| Analysis and auditing | Audit support |
| Balance sheets | Budget management |
| Cash flow | Complex problem-solving |
| Customer and vendor relations | Data entry |
| Efficiency improvement | Financial reporting |
| Financial software proficiency (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero) | General ledger (GL) maintenance |
| Income statements | Invoice processing |
| Payroll | Profit and loss (P&L) statements |
| Regulatory compliance | Tax preparation |
How To Pick the Best Bookkeeper Resume Template
When selecting a resume template for a bookkeeper, it’s essential to consider a design that reflects professionalism. The best resume template for a bookkeeper is clean, organized, and visually appealing. It should provide a clear structure for showcasing your relevant professional accomplishments and key skills. Choose a template that allows you to emphasize your accuracy and attention to detail, as these are vital traits for a bookkeeper. Keep the style simple, opting for classic fonts and avoiding overly decorative designs. Make your resume easy for employers to scan. They sift through dozens of resumes during the hiring process, so simple and efficient templates will make the best impressions.
Bookkeeper Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Sarah Pettigrew
(987) 654-3210 | [email protected] | 123 South Street, New York, NY 12345
Profile
Bookkeeper with 8+ years of experience managing and organizing financial documents. Draw on broad knowledge of bookkeeping principles and procedures. Skilled at writing accurate financial reports within tight deadlines.
Professional Experience
Bookkeeper, Booker Medical Center, New York, NY | November 2018 to Present
- File and organize records of all financial transactions
- Document weekly and monthly payroll
- Assist with city, state, and federal tax returns
- Process accounts payable and receivable
- Address and answer patients’ invoice questions
- Contact patients about outstanding balances and help set payment plans
- Enter patient details and payment data in spreadsheet
- File medical insurance claims on behalf of patients
Bookkeeper, Goldberg, Miller & Associates Law Firm, New York, NY | September 2014 to October 2018
- Processed payroll for 100+ employees
- Helped address and resolve any billing disputes
- Maintained all receipts, bank statements, and other financial records
- Assisted tax preparer with city, state, and federal returns
- Wrote monthly financial reports and summaries for senior partners
- Mailed credit memos and statements
Education
Associate of Accounting, New York Training College, New York, NY | 2014
Certifications
QuickBooks Expert | 2017
Certified Payroll Professional, American Payroll | 2015
Key Skills
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Customer Service Support
- Data Entry & Analysis
- Efficiency Improvement
- Microsoft Office Suite
- QuickBooks
- Reporting & Documentation
- Sage
- Team Collaboration
Rebecca Finney - Recruiter and Trainer in Financial Industries, LinkedIn
Meet our Expert: Rebecca Finney has spent over five years in agency recruiting, primarily in the banking, finance, and accounting industries for permanent and contract staffing.
1. What are the most in-demand skills for bookkeepers that should be featured on a candidate’s resume?-
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other knowledge of accounting principles
- Proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP Concur, Sage, Great Plains, and such)
- Adaptability
- Professionalism
2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers looking for in a bookkeeper?-
- Ability to work in a sometimes fast-paced or high-pressure environment
- Advanced education in Accounting, Certified Master of Accounting (CMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Mathematics, Finance, or other applicable field
- CB certificate
3. What else, in addition to a resume, should a bookkeeper candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers? -
The resume is typically the most important form of documentation, but a cover letter usually doesn’t hurt. Any license or certificate of further accounting education can be helpful.
4. What advice would you give a bookkeeper candidate about their job search? -
Update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and summary of your professional experience. Utilize your alumni network. Accountants know other accountants.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bookkeeper Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for bookkeeper resumes?-
We understand the challenges that can arise when crafting the professional experience section of your resume. It's common to feel stuck or need help finding the right words to communicate your work responsibilities. To assist you in overcoming this obstacle, we've compiled a list of common action verbs well suited for describing your work. By incorporating action verbs in your resume, you can infuse your bullet points with a dynamic and engaging quality. Action verbs help convey your active involvement in various tasks and highlight your ability to execute important financial functions precisely and efficiently. Consider using some of these words to liven up your bookkeeper resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyze | Answer |
| Audit | Balance |
| Check | Commit |
| Communicate | Compare |
| Correct | Decide |
| Enter | Gather |
| Intersperse | Order / reorder |
| Organize | Pay |
| Reconcile | Record |
| Report | Solve |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts bookkeeper employment will decline by 5% between 2021 and 2031. Although there's an expected decrease in positions, new bookkeepers will continue to be needed as professionals retire or switch occupations. Having a resume that sets you apart is crucial in this competitive market. Stand out from the crowd by aligning your resume to the job description for the position you're applying for.
If you have a specific bookkeeper job opening in mind, it's essential to tailor your resume accordingly. Start by carefully reviewing the job description to identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the company seeks. Then, incorporate relevant keywords and phrases throughout your resume, especially in the professional summary, skills, and work experience sections. Showcase your accomplishments and experiences directly related to the job opening.
What is the best bookkeeper resume format?-
Generally speaking, the chronological resume format is the most suitable choice for bookkeepers. This format emphasizes a clear and concise timeline of your work experience, featuring your career progression and achievements over the years. It's particularly effective for demonstrating steady career growth and continuity in the field.
However, the functional resume format may be more appropriate if you have limited bookkeeping experience or gaps in your employment history. This format focuses on your skills and qualifications, allowing you to highlight relevant abilities in relevant areas. Alternatively, a combination resume format can be useful for bookkeepers with a solid work history who still want to emphasize both their chronological experience and specific skills.
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A strong cover letter is essential to increase your chances of securing an interview while job hunting. Create a compelling cover letter by tailoring your document to the organization you're applying to. We recommend reading our comprehensive guide to learn more about crafting an impactful bookkeeper cover letter. For additional cover letter examples, you can also explore our guides for accountants and finance.
