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.
Most Popular Bookkeeper Resumes
Senior Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
John’s resume demonstrates his ability to lead bookkeeping initiatives and implement process improvements. His experience in audits and compliance ensures he is well-equipped for senior-level bookkeeping roles.
Key Tips: Use quantifiable results: A 30% reduction in reconciliation time showcases efficiency. Emphasize leadership experience in financial management.
For more resume-building strategies, visit: Best Resume Formats
Freelance Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Allison’s resume emphasizes her ability to manage multiple clients while maintaining accuracy in financial reporting.
Key Tips: Highlight the ability to handle diverse financial accounts. Emphasize expertise in audit compliance and tax preparation.
For more resume-building insights, visit: Resume Summary Examples
Assistant Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jasmine’s resume highlights her ability to support bookkeeping functions while identifying cost-saving measures.
Key Tips: Use figures to demonstrate financial impact. Show expertise in financial analysis and compliance.
For expert resume formatting tips, visit: How To Make a Resume
Entry-Level Small Business Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Taylor’s resume effectively showcases relevant coursework and internship experience, making it ideal for an entry-level candidate.
Key Tips: Highlight internship experience to demonstrate practical knowledge. Include software proficiency in QuickBooks and Excel.
For more, visit: How To List Your Education on a Resume
Full-Charge Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Linda’s resume emphasizes her ability to manage all bookkeeping functions, making her an asset for small businesses.
For more resume-building insights, visit: Resume Skills
Bookkeeper Assistant Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Olivia’s resume highlights her practical experience in assisting senior bookkeepers with various financial tasks.
Key Tips: Emphasize financial software proficiency, such as QuickBooks. Showcase attention to detail through reconciliation and reporting experience.
For expert resume formatting tips, visit: Resume Objective Examples
Property Management Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Daniel’s resume demonstrates a clear understanding of property management finances, making him a valuable asset to real estate firms.
Key Tips: Highlight industry-specific expertise in real estate accounting. Showcase experience handling multiple properties.
For more resume-building strategies, visit: Resume Skills
Corporate Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Samantha’s resume effectively highlights her corporate accounting experience and ability to manage high-value financial records.
Key Tips: Emphasize corporate finance expertise. Demonstrate knowledge of tax compliance and audit preparation.
For more resume-building insights, visit: Best Resume Formats
Insurance Agency Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Mark’s resume highlights his expertise in insurance industry bookkeeping, making him an asset to agencies managing financial transactions.
Key Tips: Showcase industry-specific accounting skills. Emphasize regulatory compliance experience.
For more, visit: How To Make a Resume
Experienced Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Rachel’s resume effectively demonstrates her long-standing expertise in bookkeeping, making her a top candidate for senior positions.
For expert resume guidance, visit: Resume Summary Examples
Entry-Level Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Kevin’s resume effectively highlights relevant coursework and internship experience, making him a strong candidate for entry-level bookkeeping roles.
Key Tips: Emphasize hands-on experience from internships. Highlight proficiency in bookkeeping software.
For more, visit: How To List Your Education on a Resume
Office Manager Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Laura’s resume highlights her ability to balance bookkeeping and administrative responsibilities, making her a strong candidate for office management roles.
Key Tips: Showcase experience handling both financial and operational tasks. Highlight payroll processing and financial reporting experience.
For more, visit: Resume Outline Examples
Construction Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Brian’s resume emphasizes industry-specific expertise, particularly in managing finances for construction projects.
Key Tips: Highlight experience in job costing and subcontractor payments. Emphasize financial reporting for project managers.
For expert resume formatting tips, visit: Best Resume Formats
Bookkeeper and Payroll Specialist Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Megan’s resume highlights her expertise in payroll processing and bookkeeping, making her an excellent candidate for payroll-related accounting roles.
Key Tips: Showcase payroll processing experience and tax compliance knowledge. Highlight industry certifications like CPP.
For more, visit: How To List Certifications on a Resume
Tax Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Dylan’s resume effectively showcases his expertise in tax bookkeeping, making him a strong candidate for accounting firms and tax service providers.
Key Tips: Emphasize experience in tax return preparation and compliance. Highlight credentials like the Enrolled Agent (EA) certification.
For more, visit: Resume Skills
Manufacturing Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
David’s resume highlights his specialized expertise in manufacturing bookkeeping, which sets him apart in the field.
Key Tips: Emphasize industry-specific knowledge in cost accounting. Showcase experience handling large-scale financial records.
For expert resume guidance, visit: Resume Summary Examples
Government Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Nancy’s resume effectively showcases her expertise in government bookkeeping and fund accounting, making her a strong candidate for public sector roles.
Key Tips: Emphasize experience with government accounting standards. Highlight expertise in managing public funds and grants.
For additional resume strategies, visit: Best Resume Formats
E-Commerce Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jennifer’s resume highlights her niche expertise in e-commerce bookkeeping, making her highly valuable to online businesses.
Key Tips: Emphasize experience with online payment processing. Highlight knowledge of multi-state sales tax compliance.
For more, visit: Resume Skills
Hospitality Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Michael’s resume effectively highlights his experience in hospitality bookkeeping, making him an ideal candidate for hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
p> Key Tips: Showcase expertise in revenue tracking and vendor management. Emphasize experience with industry-specific accounting software.For more resume-building insights, visit: How To Make a Resume
Health Care Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Emily’s resume highlights her specialized experience in health care bookkeeping, making her a strong candidate for medical practices and hospitals.
Key Tips: Emphasize experience with medical billing and insurance processing. Showcase knowledge of HIPAA compliance in financial transactions.
For expert resume formatting tips, visit: How To List Certifications on a Resume
Nonprofit Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jessica’s resume highlights her ability to manage financial records for nonprofit organizations while ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
Key Tips: Showcase experience in grant tracking and nonprofit financial regulations. Emphasize fund accounting and donor contribution management.
For more, visit: How To List Relevant Coursework on a Resume
Legal Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Robert’s resume effectively showcases his expertise in legal bookkeeping, which is a specialized area requiring strict regulatory compliance.
Key Tips: Emphasize experience handling client trust accounts. Highlight knowledge of legal financial compliance.
For expert resume formatting tips, visit: Best Resume Formats
Real Estate Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Melissa’s resume highlights her industry-specific knowledge in real estate bookkeeping, making her a strong candidate for property management firms.
Key Tips: Showcase experience handling financial records for multiple properties. Highlight property tax and real estate compliance expertise.
For more resume-building insights, visit: Resume Skills
Construction and Contractor Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
James’s resume effectively demonstrates his ability to manage complex financial transactions within the construction industry.
Key Tips: Emphasize expertise in job costing and contractor payments. Highlight experience managing financial records for large-scale projects.
For more resume-building insights, visit: How To Make a Resume
Church Bookkeeper Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Rob’s resume highlights his experience managing finances for religious organizations, making him a great candidate for church bookkeeping roles.
Key Tips: Emphasize experience in tracking tithes and donations. Showcase knowledge of nonprofit financial management.
For more, visit: How To Make a Resume
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Bookkeeper Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Bookkeeper Resume
1. Write a compelling profile 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 resolving issues 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. Maintaining 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. Add an accomplishment-driven professional bookkeeper experience section
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, 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
- Set up 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 relevant bookkeeper education and certifications
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. List relevant key bookkeeper 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 solution-finding |
| 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.
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?-
- Adaptability
- GAAP and other knowledge of accounting principles
- Professionalism
- Proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP Concur, Sage, Great Plains, and such)
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
How do I optimize my Bookkeeper CV to get noticed by hiring managers?-
To optimize your Bookkeeper CV, begin by showcasing measurable achievements that demonstrate the value you’ve brought to previous employers. Use action verbs and specific examples to highlight your contributions. Incorporating industry-specific keywords, particularly in the skills and professional experience sections, will help your CV stand out, especially with ATS systems.
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 need help finding the right words to communicate your work responsibilities. To assist you, 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 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.
How many pages should my bookkeeper resume be?-
Generally, a bookkeeper resume should be one page for candidates with fewer than 10 years of experience. A two-page resume is acceptable if you’re a seasoned professional with extensive accomplishments—but only if it provides meaningful details that strengthen your application. Tailor your content to the job, focusing on your most relevant qualifications.
Work history should typically cover the last 10 to 15 years. Older positions can be excluded or briefly summarized unless they’re highly relevant. A concise, focused resume demonstrates your ability to prioritize and communicate effectively.
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A strong cover letter is essential to increase your chances of securing an interview while job hunting. Create an engaging 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.
