Your certified public accountant (CPA) resume adds up to success when it includes credentials and skills matching an employer’s needs, such as tax preparation and compliance work. Ensure your education and certifications are easy to find, and create scannable bullet points highlighting your experience and what you can do for an organization. Get tips for creating a CPA resume below, including how to organize your qualifications and what type of format is best.

Most Popular Certified Public Accountant Resumes

Why This Resume Works

 

This resume highlights the candidate's certifications and hands-on experience with forensic accounting and audits. By showcasing leadership experience in managing a team and producing results in legal cases, it demonstrates the candidate’s value to potential employers

Learn how to make your resume stand out here.


Why This Resume Works

 

The resume emphasizes the candidate’s diverse auditing experience and ability to manage teams remotely. The inclusion of quantifiable achievements, such as reducing turnover and maintaining compliance, strengthens the candidate’s credibility.

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Why This Resume Works

 

This resume shows a career progression from staff accountant to advanced tax manager, emphasizing leadership skills, industry expertise, and accomplishments like cost savings and complex project management. The clear focus on tax management experience makes it compelling for senior tax roles.

Explore how to list certifications effectively here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume demonstrates a strong career trajectory with increasing responsibilities in tax management and leadership. The accomplishments, such as reducing effective tax rates and leading tax strategies for mergers, show a high level of expertise and effectiveness in the tax field.

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Why This Resume Works

 

The resume emphasizes leadership and client relationship management skills while highlighting relevant experience with complex tax planning. It also showcases the candidate’s ability to mentor junior staff, which adds leadership depth to the profile.

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Why This Resume Works

 

This resume highlights the candidate’s strong leadership capabilities and ability to implement systems that increase efficiency. The focus on achievements such as reducing errors and improving reporting accuracy makes it stand out.

Learn how to list references on resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume focuses on key responsibilities and accomplishments, such as process improvements and financial reporting. The skills and certifications section is also tailored to show the candidate’s well-rounded abilities in accounting.

Learn how to list your education on a resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume effectively demonstrates experience and results, such as reducing tax liabilities by 12%. It highlights key responsibilities in tax preparation and planning, while the certifications add credibility to the candidate’s qualifications.

Learn how to make your resume stand out here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume demonstrates solid accounting skills and experience, with a clear focus on daily operations such as accounts payable, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting. The skill set section highlights the candidate’s technical abilities in accounting software.

Learn how to list certifications on your resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

The resume focuses on leadership experience and the ability to drive financial strategy that leads to cost savings. Specific achievements like saving $2 million annually make the candidate’s impact tangible and compelling.

Learn how to list your education on a resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume emphasizes key accounting responsibilities such as financial statement preparation and ledger management while showcasing the candidate’s commitment to process improvements. It effectively combines technical skills with practical experience.

Explore how to structure your resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

The resume highlights the candidate’s ability to analyze financial data, manage budgets, and reduce operational costs. It also emphasizes leadership experience in managing a team and working with senior management to improve business performance.

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Why This Resume Works

 

The resume focuses on a strong CPA background, highlighting the candidate’s ability to handle financial statements, tax issues, and audits, as well as leadership experience. Measurable achievements, like reducing tax liabilities by 10%, add impact.

Learn how to put volunteer work on your resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume showcases solid tax consulting experience and emphasizes measurable results, such as reducing tax liabilities. The certifications add credibility, and the combination of technical and client-facing skills makes this a strong resume.

Learn more about how to list relevant coursework here.


Why This Resume Works

 

With a proven track record in managing teams and performing complex audits, the resume focuses on leadership and technical auditing skills. The certifications and client-facing achievements provide a strong foundation for senior positions.

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Why This Resume Works

 

The resume highlights leadership and financial expertise, with a strong focus on results, such as reducing errors by 20% and cutting departmental expenses. It shows the candidate’s ability to manage large-scale budgets and lead a team.

Learn how to list references on your resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume emphasizes Emily’s extensive experience in corporate tax planning and client relationship management, showcasing results like improving team efficiency by 25%. The certifications and solid education provide additional credibility.

Learn how to list your education on a resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume highlights Michael’s proficiency in forensic audits and fraud detection, providing a clear track record of accomplishments, including expertise in providing expert testimony. The certifications add credibility.

Explore the best resume formats here.


Why This Resume Works

 

The resume showcases Jenna’s management experience and highlights specific financial accomplishments, such as overseeing $15 billion in financial reporting. A focus on leadership and results makes this a strong candidate for senior financial roles.

Check out how to list certifications on your resume here.


Why This Resume Works

 

This resume focuses on Liam’s ability to provide actionable financial insights and cost-saving measures, quantifying his impact by showing $500,000 in savings. It highlights strong technical skills and problem-solving capabilities.

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Why This Resume Works

 

Amelia’s resume demonstrates a strong track record of tax-related expertise, from preparation to compliance. The quantifiable result of reducing tax liabilities by 20% strengthens her value as a tax professional.

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Why This Resume Works

 

Daniel’s resume highlights his leadership in audits, while also emphasizing his ability to identify financial risks and propose solutions. His CPA certification and experience with large firms add strong credibility.

Learn how to list certifications effectively here.


Why This Resume Works

 

Tia’s resume demonstrates her leadership capabilities while also showing her technical accounting skills. Her ability to reduce monthly closing times by 15% highlights her problem-solving and efficiency.

Learn how to structure your resume for maximum impact here.


Why This Resume Works

 

Dale’s resume highlights his attention to detail and key accounting skills. The ability to prepare reports and assist with audits makes him a strong candidate for accounting roles.

Learn how to effectively list your work experience here.


Why This Resume Works

 

Charlotte’s resume highlights both leadership and technical auditing skills, with a clear focus on results like helping clients improve financial processes. Her certifications and education further strengthen her candidacy.

Learn how to craft a strong resume summary here.


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Certified Public Accountant Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

  • Professional Forensic Accountant
  • Internal Auditor
  • Advanced Corporate Tax Manager
  • Senior Tax Accountant
  • Tax Manager
  • Accounting Supervisor
  • Mid-Level Staff Accountant
  • Tax Accountant
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Corporate Finance Manager
  • Financial Accountant
  • Management Accountant
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Tax Consultant
  • Auditor
  • Accounting Manager
  • Tax Senior Associate
  • Forensic Auditor
  • Corporate Controller
  • Senior Financial Analyst
  • Experienced Tax Accountant
  • Financial Auditor
  • Accounting Manager
  • Staff Accountant
  • Senior Auditor

Ariel Schaefer
(123) 456-7899
[email protected]
linkedin.com/in/yourname
Bethesda, MD 20909

Profile

Knowledgeable and detail-oriented senior forensic accountant with both Certified Public Accountant and Certified Forensic Accountant designations. Highly skilled at analyzing financial information, creating measurement tools, and maintaining client relationships.

Professional Experience

Senior Forensic Accountant, J.S. Held, Washington, D.C.
March 2019 – Present
[Global consulting firm with 1,000+ employees]

  • Oversee and support the work of 7 entry-level forensic accountants
  • Serve as a back-up expert witness for fraud cases, appearing in 4 winning cases while supervisor was away
  • Audit detailed financial and business data to create a comprehensive analysis that aid in investigations and prosecution
  • Employ financial forensic skills to analyze each criminal’s methods of money laundering and movements within an organization

Auditor/Forensic Accounting Associate Trainee, Binder Dijker Otte, Baltimore, MD
June 2017 – February 2019
[Local branch of prestigious professional services network]

  • Inspected 250 small businesses’ financial data to identify illegal activity
  • Outperformed 95% of other trainees in efficiency and client reviews
  • Assisted in fact-finding and provided basic tech support for teams assigned the investigation of potential tax fraud cases.
  • Investigated inconsistencies, traced assets, and conducted interviews about records in review
  • Worked collaboratively with the legal department to prepare documents for litigation
Skills/Knowledge Areas
  • Corporate fraud
  • Business valuation
  • Investigative accounting
  • Detail-oriented
  • Benford’s Law
  • Data-mining software
Education

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Philadelphia, PA | May 2017

Certifications
  • Certified Public Accountant, Association of Certified Public Accountants, 2016
  • Certified Forensic Examiner, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, 2018

How To Write a Certified Public Accountant Resume

1. Summarize your certified public accountant qualifications in a dynamic profile

In the profile section, catch employers’ interest by naming the major reasons you’re the right person for the job. If they only have time to read one section right now, your profile must be strong enough that your resume ends up in the consideration pile. Mention your certifications and highlight one or two of your top accomplishments before ending with some key skills you can bring to the organization.

Senior-Level Profile Example


Proven corporate tax manager with three years of leadership experience and over 10 years as a CPA. Ensured accuracy and outstanding customer service for tax planning, preparation, and compliance work completed by 50 staff members. Highly educated with a Master of Taxation from Thomas Jefferson University and sought-after expertise in risk management and emerging tax software.

Entry-Level Profile Example


Knowledgeable and detail-oriented senior forensic accountant with CPA and Certified Forensic Accountant designations. Skilled at analyzing financial information, creating measurement tools, and maintaining client relationships.

2. Add your certified public accountant experience with compelling examples

Back up your claims in your profile with results-driven bullet points in your professional experience section. List previous accounting jobs with points for each, including specific successes you brought to your team. Show your ability with facts and figures whenever possible by including actual data and metrics. If you don’t have much accounting experience, highlight relevant skills you gained in previous positions, such as managing the budget at a volunteer organization or attending to the books as an office manager.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example


Senior Corporate Tax Manager 

Grant Thornton, Pittsburgh, PA | November 2017 to present

[Local branch of prestigious accounting and consulting firm with over 500 employees]

  • Plan, manage, and execute full-circle tax projects in over 15 industries by providing top-quality tax planning, consultation, and compliance expertise
  • Manage the corporate tax team within the tax services department, which includes three managers, six senior associates, 12 junior associates, and four interns
  • Conduct primary and secondary review of complex income tax returns including corporate, S corporation, partnership, and individual clients
  • Work with a team of experts to evaluate innovative tax software and seamlessly implement selection within the corporate tax office
  • Remotely assess employee performance for assignments and year-end reviews

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example


Senior Forensic Accountant

J.S. Held, Washington, D.C. | March 2019 to present

[Global consulting firm with over 1,000 employees]

  • Oversee and support the work of seven entry-level forensic accountants
  • Serve as a back-up expert witness for fraud cases, appearing in four winning cases while supervisor was away
  • Audit detailed financial and business data to create a comprehensive analysis that supports investigations and prosecution
  • Employ financial forensic skills to analyze each criminal’s methods of money laundering and movements within an organization

3. Include certified public accountant-related education and certifications

Include the details relevant to your CPA and any accounting or finance degrees you might hold. Also, add other relevant training that may help you stand out among similar CPA candidates. For example, if you have credentials such as Certified Financial Analyst or Certified Fraud Examiner, this points to unique skills and knowledge that may be valuable to a hiring organization.

Education

Template

  • [Degree Name]
  • [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]

Example

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
  • Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | 2017

Certifications

Template

  • [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

Example

  • CPA, Association of Certified Public Accountants, 2016

4. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to certified public accountants

Many businesses use software called applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sort resumes. Resumes that don’t include certain key skills may never be reviewed by a human hiring manager, so feature these relevant skills on your resume if you have them. Focus on your analytic and accounting skills, including general professional skills like time management or collaboration. Some common skills and proficiencies that are required for CPA positions include:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Accounting software Auditing
Bookkeeping Complex problem-solving
Critical analysis Customer service
Data analysis Financial accounting
Financial modeling Forecasting
Leadership Management
Math and computation Microsoft Excel
Taxes

How To Pick the Best Certified Public Accountant Resume Template

Consider a design that balances concision and professionalism with modern visual appeal. Avoid fancy or hard-to-read fonts, and stick with something that puts the focus on your information. When possible, look for templates that align with industry standards or provide areas for things like accounting certifications and education. Choose a template you can easily work with, so if you don’t use word processing programs often, opt for a simple template with basic tabs, spaces, and bullet points.

Frequently Asked Questions: Certified Public Accountant Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for certified public accountant resumes?-

Action verbs move the reader through your information at a good pace and present you as someone who gets things done. By pairing strong accounting-related action verbs with details from your work experience, you can position yourself as a dynamic and well-rounded finance professional. Some verbs you may want to use on your resume include:

Action Verbs
Account Analyze
Audit Balance
Budget Calculate
Certify Create
Document Ensure
Evaluate File
Forecast Perform
Prepare Reconcile
Report Resolve
Save Streamline
How do you align your resume with a CPA job posting?-

Hiring organizations have specific goals when they publish a job posting. When you align your resume with those goals, you increase your chance of moving forward in the screening process. Review the job posting carefully to see what stands out as the employer’s main needs and preferences. Tailor your resume profile to speak to those needs, and update keywords and phrases in the rest of your resume to match the verbiage used in the job listing. With almost 1.5 million accounting positions nationwide, customizing your resume for the exact job you want can help you get noticed.

What is the best certified public accountant resume format?-

Most CPAs should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section and the functional format’s profile section.

A combination resume offers the best of both worlds by fusing these two sections. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section lets you display your career highlights at the top, regardless if they’re from that work history or another part of your background. The resulting resume is straightforward yet strategic. It gives hiring managers the clearest possible view of your background and relevant skills, so they can decide to proceed with your candidacy.

Should my certified public accountant resume be one or two pages?-

Your certified public 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.

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Expert Advice
Include a cover letter with your resume
With a strong cover letter, you can enhance your job application and boost your chances of an interview. Take time to customize every cover letter to the specific job, and use the extra space to connect with the employer when possible. Check out our accountant cover letter guide for ideas.
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