Whether you’d like to work with companies, nonprofits, or individual clients, you can write a great accountant resume by showing your skill at building financial success and stability. The following tips and examples will assist you in exploring this topic and creating compelling content for each section of your accounting job resume.
Most Popular Accountant Resumes
Entry-Level Accountant Resume Example
Why this entry-level accounting intern resume example is strong:
This resume effectively highlights the candidate's relevant academic achievements, strong GPA, and hands-on internship experience. It includes technical skills, along with quantifiable accomplishments such as ranking No. 3 in efficiency and accuracy, demonstrating the candidate’s potential and drive.
Mid-Career Accountant Resume Example
Why this mid-career accounting specialist resume example is strong:
This resume showcases a solid track record of accomplishments, such as recovering over $250,000 in lost revenue. The candidate’s bilingual skills and recognition for accuracy highlight their value, while a focus on teamwork and client relations demonstrates their ability to handle multiple responsibilities and drive results.
Senior-Level Accountant Resume Example
Why this senior-level accountant resume example is strong:
This resume shows significant leadership and solution-finding abilities, with clear examples of process improvements and revenue recovery. Including CPA certification, project management skills, and proven success in streamlining operations makes it an engaging example of senior-level expertise.
Staff Accountant Resume Example
Why this staff accountant resume example is strong:
This resume highlights key technical accounting skills and specific accomplishments that demonstrate the applicant’s exceptional track record as a finance professional. The focus on accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting demonstrates the candidate’s ability to add immediate value to an organization.
Accounting Clerk Resume Example
Why this accounting clerk resume example is strong:
This resume displays the candidate’s comprehensive knowledge of financial reporting and invoice processing. The bullet points are concise yet descriptive, effectively demonstrating their strong history of reducing processing errors and managing large payments.
Accounts Payable Specialist Resume Example
Why this accounts payable specialist resume example is strong:
The candidate emphasizes their expertise in vendor management, payment processing, and account reconciliation. The bullet points effectively showcase their ability to automate manual processes and manage supplier relationships, which will grab potential employers' attention.
Accounts Receivable Specialist Resume Example
Why this accounts receivable specialist resume example is strong:
This resume example effectively demonstrates the candidate’s expertise in managing billing processes and identifying cost-saving opportunities for businesses. Their efforts to uncover $40,000 in overcharges help illustrate the full breadth of their financial knowledge and analytical talents.
Accounting Assistant Resume Example
Why this accounting assistant resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s experience using organizational talents to support accounting teams. The measurable improvements in document retrieval and contribution to audit success demonstrate value to employers.
Bookkeeper Resume Example
Why this bookkeeper resume example is strong:
This bookkeeper resume does an exceptional job of highlighting the candidate’s comprehensive background in accounting and financial reporting. The bullet points provide compelling examples demonstrating the applicant’s ability to achieve positive business results for clients.
Payroll Specialist Resume Example
Why this payroll specialist resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s hands-on experience managing payroll for large teams and implementing process improvements to existing operations. Highlighting quantifiable achievements such as reducing discrepancies and managing over 50,000 in biweekly payroll adds a sense of scope for the hiring manager.
Senior Cost Accountant Resume Example
Why this senior cost accountant resume example is strong:
This resume effectively highlights cost reduction achievements and the ability to provide financial insights that influence business decisions. The content is fully tailored for senior cost accounting positions, providing tangible examples of how their contributions benefited previous employers.
Tax Accountant Resume Example
Why this tax accountant resume example is strong:
This resume shows significant results in reducing client tax liabilities and increasing refunds while emphasizing strong technical skills in tax preparation software and compliance with IRS regulations.
Auditor Resume Example
Why this auditor resume example is strong:
The resume highlights the candidate’s comprehensive experience performing complex audits and delivering risk management consulting to enterprise companies. The quantifiable impact of identifying financial discrepancies and improving audit efficiency helps further to establish their credibility as a senior finance professional.
Forensic Accountant Resume Example
Why this forensic accountant resume example is strong:
This resumeemphasizes the candidate’s specialized expertise in investigating financial fraud and providing litigation support. The significant accomplishments in uncovering embezzlement and offering expert testimony further validate the candidate’s qualifications.
Budget Analyst Resume Example
Why this budget analyst resume example is strong:
The resume demonstrates the candidate’s ability to manage large budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities. By incorporating actual monetary figures and hard data, the applicant can highlight the full scope of their contributions for the reader.
Financial Analyst Resume Example
Why this financial analyst resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to provide valuable insights that impact business performance. The applicant showcases how they’ve improved profitability and forecasting accuracy for large corporations, which will make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
Accounting Manager Resume Example
Why this accounting manager resume example is strong:
In this resume example, the candidate captures their accounting expertise and strong leadership background. This is especially critical for senior-level positions that require financial knowledge and team management skills.
Controller Resume Example
Why this controller resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s extensive experience managing accounting operations and the ability to implement financial controls and improve processes. The specific achievements in reducing discrepancies and increasing efficiency demonstrate strong financial management skills.
Junior Accountant Resume Example
Why this junior accountant resume example is strong:
This resume emphasizes the strongest aspects of the candidate’s early career experience. Detailing how they worked with accounting teams enhances data entry processes and improves accuracy.
Senior Accountant Resume Example
Why this senior accountant resume example is strong:
The resume focuses on the candidate’s ability to lead financial audits and improve accounting processes. The accomplishments in reducing closing time and achieving successful audits highlight the candidate’s value as a senior-level accountant.
Tax Manager Resume Example
Why this tax manager resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s deep tax management and audit defense expertise. The quantifiable accomplishments in saving clients money and achieving favorable audit outcomes make this resume particularly compelling for tax leadership roles.
Credit Analyst Resume Example
Why this credit analyst resume example is strong:
This resume emphasizes the candidate’s ability to assess credit risk effectively and improve lending decision-making. By augmenting their accomplishments with powerful metrics, the applicant can demonstrate how their contributions have helped to reduce loan default rates, which is incredibly valuable for this type of position.
Chief Financial Officer Resume Example
Why this CFO resume example is strong:
This resume illustrates the candidate’s extensive leadership experience in financial management, including strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and cash flow improvements. The quantifiable impact on revenue growth and liquidity makes the candidate stand out as a strong financial leader.
Certified Public Accountant Resume Example
Why this CPA resume example is strong:
This resume effectively highlights the candidate’s technical expertise as a CPA, including tax planning and audit management. The measurable accomplishments in saving clients money and reducing discrepancies display the candidate’s value and expertise in accounting.
Treasury Analyst Resume Example
Why this treasury analyst resume example is strong:
This resume showcases the candidate’s expertise in treasury management, including cash flow optimization and financial risk mitigation. The quantifiable achievements in reducing borrowing costs and improving forecasting accuracy demonstrate the candidate’s ability to enhance financial efficiency in the organization.
Accountant Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write an Accountant Resume
1. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your accountant qualifications
In a brief paragraph at the top of your resume, the Profile should name three to five key reasons why you deliver strong accounting oversight and support. By showcasing your top qualifications this way, you can assure target employers you’re a fit for the accountant role they want to fill.
For example, maybe you have a reputation for helping businesses find and remove unnecessary costs. Or perhaps you’ve worked on successful initiatives for better legal compliance. Alternatively, you may have years of experience with startup budgets, and that’s a key focus of the accounting jobs you’re now after. You can also cite reasons outside your accounting work experience – for instance, a recently finished master’s degree or advanced certification that sets you apart.
Mid-Career Profile Example
Organized accounting professional with a record of success helping clients decrease costs, balance books, and reconcile accounts. Naturally curious and committed to gaining and applying new expertise. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Certified public accountant (CPA) dedicated to raising companies’ bottom lines. Skilled at preparing financial reports, reconciling accounts, collecting money owed, and completing special projects. Adapt readily to new work challenges and industry conditions.
2. Add a compelling section featuring your accountant experience
Under each past accounting job, give quantified examples of your helping people or organizations improve their financial position. For example, you may have developed cost analyses that enabled your organization to improve its bottom line. Perhaps you designed a system to prepare your taxes faster and more accurately. Or you depleted a backlog of late payments. Examples like these show hiring managers you can generate similar fiscal solutions for their company.
For any non-accounting jobs in your recent work history, focus your description on the transferable skills you gained. Say you worked as a receptionist – you could use this job description to emphasize client relations, careful documentation, or any other skill areas you expect to use in your next accounting job.
Entry-Level Experience Example
Accounting intern, Woolworth’s Incorporated, Los Angeles, CA | August 2021 to present
- Help prepare debit and credit documents for over 100 clients
- Facilitate weekly audit of varying accounts to ensure accuracy
- Organize and maintain records for many clients and vendors
- Collaborate with other interns on key projects
- Perform complex accounting procedures and assist support staff
Highlights:
- Ranked No. 3 out of 15 team members for both efficiency and accuracy
- Helped team leader develop four new initiatives for better internal communications and organization
Mid-Career Experience Example
Accounting Specialist, XYZ Accountants, Sacramento, CA | January 2012 to present
- Ensure accuracy of all transactions with clients, vendors, and employees
- Collaborative role working closely with managers and other staff members
Highlights:
- Identified and averted over $250,000 in lost revenue from bank errors
- Won “Accounting Expert of the Month” five times for outstanding diligence and accuracy
- Enhanced client relationships by actively addressing and resolving late payments
3. Include accountant-related education and certifications
View the Education and Certifications sections as another chance to show your expertise in supporting clients’ or employers’ financial health. Give at least the basic details on your highest degree in finance or accounting and any other postsecondary degrees you’ve earned. Also, share details on your CPA or other accounting-related certifications. With these credentials on your resume, you can assure hiring managers you’ll draw on a solid knowledge base when offering financial analysis and solutions.
Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note that optional template items appear in [brackets].
Education
Template
- Degree Name — [Concentration], School Name, City, ST | [Year]
- [#.# GPA] | [academic honors or awards]
Example
- Bachelor of Science (BS) — Accounting (minor in Business Administration), Los Angeles University, Los Angeles, CA | 2022
Certification
Template
- Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
Example
- CPA, Association of Certified Public Accountants
4. Outline your most useful accountant skills and proficiencies
Include a “Key Skills” section on your resume to show the various ways you help build and ensure financial success. For most accountants, this section should cover expense reduction, financial reporting, and complex problem-solving. You may also want to name the specific technical programs or accounting software you’ve used, like advanced Excel or QuickBooks (but if you have five or more, consider making them their own “Technical Skills” section). Below are some common accounting skills you may add to your “Key Skills” section:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Accounting software (QuickBooks, Quicken) | Account reconciliation |
| Accounts payable and receivable | Advanced mathematics |
| Budget planning and forecasting | Client relations |
| Complex problem-solving | Cost reduction and elimination |
| Data gathering and analysis | Efficiency improvement |
| Financial report preparation | General ledger accounting |
| Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) | Microsoft Office Suite |
| Process streamlining | Project management |
| Regulatory and corporate compliance | Reporting and documentation |
| Risk management and mitigation | Spreadsheets |
| Tax return preparation | Team collaboration |
| Time management | |
How To Pick the Best Accountant Resume Template
As with most vocations, accountants should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your most impressive career details. Use a simple resume font, and avoid any template that has an overly colorful or elaborate design.
Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for accountant resumes?-
One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by using a good mix of action verbs in your Experience section. Strong verbs for accountants include “secure,” “reconcile,” and “reinforce.” The following list will help you brainstorm and write about the various ways you’ve made an impact in your accounting career so far:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Acquire | Audit |
| Avert | Avoid |
| Create | Develop |
| Distribute | Earn |
| Enhance | Estimate |
| Evaluate | Examine |
| Forecast | Garner |
| Generate | Improve |
| Invoice | Manage |
| Organize | Prepare |
| Prevent | Produce |
| Reconcile | Reinforce |
| Report | Schedule |
| Secure | Stabilize |
| Strengthen | Update |
| Verify | |
How do you align your accountant resume with a job posting?-
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for accountants will increase by about 6% between 2021 and 2031. This growth rate is roughly the same as the average for all U.S. vocations.
You can get more interviews in this growing field if you tailor your resume to each application. For example, if the job post calls for someone with a collaborative streak, you may want to emphasize that aspect of your experience in your Profile and Key Skills sections. Or say the company has many non-English speaking clients or business partners. In that case, highlight your foreign language skills both in your Profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each opportunity in your job search.
What is the best accountant resume format?-
In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your relevant skills and experience. It’s also simplest for you to modify based on your job goals. With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and background in your Experience or Work History section and an intro section. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro usually should include a Profile summary and Key Skills section, but you may also include an Awards or Career Highlights section.
Should my accountant resume be one or two pages?-
Your accountant resume should ideally be one page, especially if you have fewer than 10 years of experience. A two-page resume can be effective for seasoned professionals with a longer track record if it highlights accomplishments and skills directly relevant to the job. Every detail should add value and strengthen your candidacy.
Limit your work experience to the past 10 to 15 years, unless earlier positions are highly relevant. Keeping your resume concise and targeted will make a strong and memorable impression on potential employers.
To increase your chances of an interview, write a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each job opening. Read our accountant cover letter guide to learn how. For other related examples, see our bookkeeper and finance cover letter guides.
Craft your perfect resume in minutes
Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!
