Accountant Resume Templates

resume template word accounting

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An  accountant resume  is a document that showcases an accountant’s work experience, education, and certification. The templates accommodate accountants from all backgrounds and experience levels. For instance, an entry-level accountant or a financial executive can complete the following documents to apply for a job position.

Before writing the resume, the applicant should consider its primary purpose: to offer a skill set that the hiring company needs or wants. The candidate achieves this goal by using an organized template that highlights their best and most qualifying skills. The resume must include accurate details about the applicant’s experiences. Interviewers immediately reject prospective employees who lie or enter false information on their applications.

Accounting Resume Examples

resume template word accounting

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

resume template word accounting

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.

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.

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

resume template word accounting

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

resume template word accounting

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.

Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

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34 Accountant Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Accountants are key players in the daily operations of most businesses. we cover what you need to know to land an accounting job in 2023 (google docs and pdfs attached)..

Hiring Manager for Accountant Roles

Practically all businesses need to do some form of accounting. Companies typically manage their finances by monitoring cash flow and keeping records of transactions. In many cases, they also analyze financial data to gain insights about the health of the business. Accountants specialize in providing these financial services. Their duties can overlap with those of a financial analyst -- one major difference is that accountants focus on everyday operations, whereas financial analysts provide big-picture insights and recommendations based on company performance and market conditions over time. In either case, these professionals perform vital work for businesses. Accounting job prospects are expanding and are not likely to disappear anytime soon -- by 2029, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that accounting jobs will grow by 4%. Most accountants are detail-oriented, conscientious, and excellent at working with numbers. If you’re seeking an accounting job, you need a resume that shows you have the right skills for the job. What does it take to build a stellar accounting resume in 2023? Here are some templates to follow that could increase your odds of getting hired.

Accountant Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

  • Accounting Clerk
  • Accounting Manager
  • Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive
  • Entry Level Accountant
  • Staff Accountant
  • Cost Accountant
  • Payroll Accountant
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Tax Accountant
  • Accounting Specialist
  • Junior Accountant
  • Project Accountant
  • Public Accountant
  • Fund Accountant
  • Senior Tax Accountant
  • Property Accountant
  • Experienced Accountant
  • Construction Accountant
  • Fixed Asset Accountant
  • Corporate Accountant
  • Revenue Accountant
  • Chief Accounting Officer
  • Director of Accounting

Jump to a resource:

  • Keywords for Accountant Resumes

Accountant Resume Tips

  • Action Verbs to Use
  • Bullet Points on Accountant Resumes
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Related Finance Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 34: Accountant Resume Example

An accountant is a financial professional who keeps track of an organization’s transaction history, including costs and income. They evaluate a company’s financial performance and provide reports to stakeholders. Additionally, an accountant must issue employee payments, record bank statements, and issue taxes. You should demonstrate your impact on the bottom line in your accountant resume. Accountants can help organizations improve their operations, reduce risks, and generate more profit. You can use this as a reference as to what metrics and accomplishments to include in your resume.

An accountant resume template using metrics to highlight achievements.

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Tips to help you write your Accountant resume in 2024

   highlight your knowledge of relevant (and recent) accounting regulations on your resume..

Accountants should provide accurate and transparent financial information to the government, investors, and banks. That’s why accounting compliance regulates their operations and sets ethical standards that they must follow. Show knowledge of recent developments in your industry by including projects that involved up-to-date or recent laws or accounting frameworks.

Highlight your knowledge of relevant (and recent!) accounting regulations on your resume. - Accountant Resume

   Indicate your area of specialization.

Accountants can specialize in a particular area such as payroll, tax, and inventory accounting. This is something you should specify in your resume, either in your resume's title or summary section. By doing this, you demonstrate more authority in your field, which makes you more competitive for recruiters.

Indicate your area of specialization. - Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Accountant resume

Template 2 of 34: accounting clerk resume example.

An accounting clerk sits on a company’s accounting team within their finance department. These professionals are responsible for administrative accounting tasks such as reporting, bookkeeping, discrepancy identification and resolution, and invoice collection. These professionals deal with the granular aspects of a business's finances, ensuring payments are timely from customers and books are balanced. To become an accounting clerk, you will need a minimum of an associate's degree in accounting. A bachelor’s degree can help you land this role but is not always required. Hiring managers will look for someone with accounting experience, such as a prior role as a bookkeeper or debt collector. Moreover, they’ll look for candidates with a deep understanding of accounting processes, computer literacy, and superb organization and time management skills.

A resume for a accounting clerk with a bachelor's degree in financial management and previous experience as an account clerk.

Tips to help you write your Accounting Clerk resume in 2024

   highlight your organizational abilities.

Since accounting clerks are usually responsible for organizing and cataloging important paperwork such as bills, invoices, and payment orders - showing you are highly organized will help you get this role. Highlight your organizational skills by detailing situations where you have successfully kept track of varying documents in prior roles.

Highlight your organizational abilities - Accounting Clerk Resume

   Showcase your experience solving account discrepancies or delinquency

It’s important that the accounting clerk is able to solve financial issues such as delinquent accounts. It’s important to highlight any experience you have identifying discrepancies or delinquent accounts and how you solved them.

Showcase your experience solving account discrepancies or delinquency - Accounting Clerk Resume

Skills you can include on your Accounting Clerk resume

Template 3 of 34: accounting clerk resume example.

Accounting clerks perform various administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, reconciling accounts, tracking payments, and collecting data for audits. To get this job, your resume should reflect that you are highly organized, analytical, and capable of juggling a myriad of responsibilities. Provide examples from your prior work experience to illustrate these skills.

Accounting clerk resume with relevant work experience and strong action verbs

   Uses clear action verbs to discuss accomplishments

Accounting clerks perform a wide array of clerical duties to support their departments. On your resume, you should choose precise action verbs to describe how you’ve handled similar responsibilities at previous jobs. Industry-specific verbs such as “audited”, “processed”, and “reconciled” are especially strong choices to emphasize your accounting skills.

Uses clear action verbs to discuss accomplishments - Accounting Clerk Resume

   Resume lists relevant work experience

Although you can find entry-level accounting clerk positions, having prior experience within the field always makes you a stronger job candidate. Focusing your resume on accounting clerk positions (or similar roles) you’ve held in the past is ideal, and shows hiring managers that you are ready to succeed in the role.

Resume lists relevant work experience - Accounting Clerk Resume

Template 4 of 34: Accounting Manager Resume Example

The accounting manager is a senior-level position within the finance team at an organization. Accounting managers are leaders who oversee the accounting team and their day-to-day business processes. As an accounting manager, you may monitor and optimize workflow processes, identify cost-savings opportunities, and provide guidance to junior accountants. To become an accounting manager, you will need demonstrated knowledge in accounting, as well as an eye for detail and great leadership skills. For this role, hiring managers will look for a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business. More importantly, ideal candidates will have significant and progressive experience working in finance roles. Hiring managers may look for someone with previous experience as a junior accountant, budget officer, or controller. It’s important that candidates for this role have leadership abilities as well as project management capabilities.

An accounting manager's resume with a master's in business adminstration and previous experience as an accounting supervisor.

Tips to help you write your Accounting Manager resume in 2024

   become a cpa (certified public accountant).

The CPA is a credential given to licensed accounting professionals. Having this certification on your resume will show hiring managers you have completed at least 150 hours of accounting education and have a minimum of 2 years of professional accounting experience. Gaining a CPA is a great way to quickly show hiring managers you are knowledgeable.

Become a CPA (certified public accountant) - Accounting Manager Resume

   Demonstrate your ability to lead others

It’s crucial that the accounting manager is a strong leader as they will oversee junior finance staff who complete important tasks such as payroll, accounts receivable, billing, and more. You should showcase your ability to manage several team members with varying responsibilities on your resume.

Demonstrate your ability to lead others - Accounting Manager Resume

Skills you can include on your Accounting Manager resume

Template 5 of 34: accounting manager resume example.

The accounting manager oversees and manages the accounting team. They determine goals, and policies, and delegate tasks to team members. Accounting managers ensure that the organization’s finances are at their best state by auditing their financial reports. Then they identify patterns that allow them to draw conclusions. This is a leadership position, so you should demonstrate your leadership and project management skills in your resume. You can mention previous experiences in which you managed a large team.

An accounting manager resume template prioritizing technical skills.

   Demonstrate your expertise in the accounting field.

As an accounting manager, you are expected to have several years of experience in the field, so it’s important to include all relevant project and job experience in accounting. This will demonstrate seniority and illustrate your value in the industry.

Demonstrate your expertise in the accounting field. - Accounting Manager Resume

   Indicate that you are up-to-date with industry trends, such as new accounting software or techniques.

Accounting managers should be computer-literate and up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. Some of the most used programs for accounting in 2023 include Oracle NetSuite Accounting Software, Intuit QuickBooks Online, Melio, and FreshBooks Accounting Software. It might be a good idea to research the company you're applying to by looking at the job description, find out what they're using, and including that exact stack of software on your resume.

Indicate that you are up-to-date with industry trends, such as new accounting software or techniques. - Accounting Manager Resume

Template 6 of 34: Accounting Manager Resume Example

Accounting managers oversee accounting departments, manage financial reporting, and lead their teams to success. To advance to a management position in accounting, you not only need to be a great accountant; you also need to demonstrate leadership and people skills. Make sure your resume reflects your experience in these areas.

Accounting manager resume with promotions and measurable achievements

   Promotions show proactivity and growth in accounting

Featuring past promotions on your resume tells hiring managers that you are an outstanding employee with the potential to excel. It takes proactivity and drive to rise through the ranks at any job, and those same qualities are essential when you’re seeking a leadership position.

Promotions show proactivity and growth in accounting - Accounting Manager Resume

   Cites specific, measurable achievements from past jobs

As a financial professional, you will be expected to produce results for your employers. Quantify your previous successes with specific numbers to show the impact you made at your old jobs. Prior achievements such as “recovered $2M in overstated expenses” or “consolidated sales over $10M” are a strong testament to your skills.

Cites specific, measurable achievements from past jobs - Accounting Manager Resume

Template 7 of 34: Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive Resume Example

Writing a resume for a Senior Accountant or Accounting Executive role is an exercise in demonstrating expertise and leadership within the finance realm. It's essential to remember that these roles are often the backbone of the finance department, so your resume should reflect the depth and breadth of your experience. In recent times, companies increasingly value accountants who can leverage technological tools for efficiency and accuracy; your knowledge of accounting software should be a shining star on your resume. Furthermore, with the rise of remote work and globalization, Senior Accountants are expected to be comfortable managing virtual teams and handling International Financial Reporting Standards. Ensure to incorporate your experience or training in these areas too.

Senior Accountant's resume showcasing technical proficiency and leadership experience.

Tips to help you write your Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive resume in 2024

   highlight technical competency.

Due to the increasing reliance on technology within accounting, ensure that you dedicate space to your proficiency in diverse accounting software and tools. Mention your experience in QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle Financials, or any proprietary software you used.

Highlight Technical Competency - Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive Resume

   Showcase Leadership Skills

Senior roles require you to lead teams and communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Highlight any instances of leading a project, automating a process, or explaining complex data to others in your work experience section.

Showcase Leadership Skills - Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive Resume

Skills you can include on your Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive resume

Template 8 of 34: senior accountant / accounting executive resume example.

Senior accountants don’t always supervise other employees, but they are typically experienced professionals who have worked in accounting for a number of years. As a senior accountant, you’ll do some typical accounting tasks, but you’ll also do higher-level analyses of your company’s financial standing. Your resume should show your aptitude for data analysis and your ability to make complex business decisions that lead to positive outcomes.

Senior accountant and accounting executive resume with hard skills section and bullet points with action verbs

   Skills section lists relevant accounting technical skills

In your years of accounting, you’ve probably gained experience with software such as QuickBook, Oracle, RSM Auditor Assistant, and others. You’re likely also familiar with concepts such as generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), auditing, and financial analysis. Use a separate skills section to list technical and other hard skills you’ve acquired over the course of your career.

Skills section lists relevant accounting technical skills - Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive Resume

   Accounting-specific action verbs highlight past successes

Strong action verbs are an effective way to introduce achievements from your former jobs. Verbs like “conducted”, “automated”, and “implemented” all demonstrate proactivity, and they paint a clear picture of the role you played in each accomplishment.

Accounting-specific action verbs highlight past successes - Senior Accountant / Accounting Executive Resume

Template 9 of 34: Entry Level Accountant Resume Example

Entry level accountants help with maintaining financial records, gathering data, and assembling basic reports. While you don’t need formal accounting experience for this job, it can help to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a similar field. Lead your resume with your educational experience, mentioning any relevant coursework (such as business law or microeconomics), and be sure to also mention any relevant internships you’ve held.

Entry level accountant resume with educational history, relevant internships, and volunteer projects

Tips to help you write your Entry Level Accountant resume in 2024

   emphasizes educational history.

At the beginning of your accounting career, you won’t have as much work experience to list on your resume -- so place more focus on your education, especially if you completed a degree in accounting and finance. A high GPA and any academic distinctions you’ve earned can show potential employers proof of your work ethic and dedication.

Emphasizes educational history - Entry Level Accountant Resume

   Lists relevant internships and community projects

When you have less employment history under your belt, highlight any internships you’ve done in accounting or finance. These positions are valuable because they teach you similar skills to what you might learn in an accounting job. Volunteer projects where you’ve organized meetings, gathered donations, or developed other professional skills are also worth mentioning.

Lists relevant internships and community projects - Entry Level Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Entry Level Accountant resume

Template 10 of 34: staff accountant resume example.

Staff accountants keep track of and oversee all financial records in an organization, including balance sheets and cash flow, equity, and income statements. They must record transactions conduct the billing processes, and help stakeholders make more informed decisions regarding year budgets or new projects. That’s why you might want to highlight your business acumen on your resume by mentioning your impact on previous projects’ bottom line. A staff accountant can work in private, public, and non-profit institutions. Ideally, you should have a bachelor’s degree in finance, administration, or accounting.

A staff accountant resume template showcasing academic value.

Tips to help you write your Staff Accountant resume in 2024

   mention your familiarity with local and state staff accounting regulations..

One of your responsibilities as a staff accountant is to ensure the company is compliant with local and state regulations. You should guarantee that the accounting team is following the best practices to demonstrate transparency and accuracy in financial records.

Mention your familiarity with local and state staff accounting regulations. - Staff Accountant Resume

   Highlight your financial analysis skills.

As a staff accountant, you should compare each year’s transactions to identify patterns in the data. This includes income, spending habits, and budgets. This way, you can help stakeholders make better financial decisions using data-backed insights.

Highlight your financial analysis skills. - Staff Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Staff Accountant resume

Template 11 of 34: staff accountant resume example.

Staff accountants have a variety of duties that may include bookkeeping, processing payroll, preparing taxes, and generating financial reports and statements. They also help ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

Staff accountant resume with measurable achievements and clear action verbs

   Focuses on quantifiable achievements from past accounting jobs

When talking about your previous jobs, it’s wise to mention specific results that you achieved in each position so accounting hiring managers can see the extent of your capabilities. When you can say that you “reduced error rates by 20%” or “maintained monthly schedules of 30+ fixed assets”, you show that your actions and decisions had a measurable impact at past jobs.

Focuses on quantifiable achievements from past accounting jobs - Staff Accountant Resume

   Leads accomplishments with action verbs

You should always lead your bullet-point achievements with precise action verbs such as “oversaw”, “maintained”, and “reconciled”. These types of verbs clearly illustrate what you accomplished at past jobs, and they help you position yourself as a skilled professional within your field. If you can choose verbs that are related to accounting and finance, do that!

Leads accomplishments with action verbs - Staff Accountant Resume

Template 12 of 34: Cost Accountant Resume Example

Cost accountants analyze and assess the costs of producing products or services. They help businesses identify areas where they could become more profitable. In addition to the math and data analysis skills that most accountants need, cost accountants need strong budgeting skills and the ability to communicate effectively with management about their findings. Use your resume to highlight your accounting background and your skills at collaborating with others.

Cost accountant resume with promotions and industry-specific action verbs

Tips to help you write your Cost Accountant resume in 2024

   promotions demonstrate a drive to succeed.

If you’ve advanced from less-senior positions to roles with more responsibility in the past, make sure to point out your promotions on your resume. Starting as an auditor and leveling up to a management accountant position demonstrates your financial acumen and tells recruiters that you are likely to thrive in a potential new role.

Promotions demonstrate a drive to succeed - Cost Accountant Resume

   Industry-specific action verbs show financial expertise

When you’re pursuing a job in accounting, use verbs specific to finance (such as “analyzed”, “audited”, and “managed”) throughout your resume to talk about your past accomplishments. These verbs are a great way to showcase your knowledge and experience within the financial industry.

Industry-specific action verbs show financial expertise - Cost Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Cost Accountant resume

Template 13 of 34: payroll accountant resume example.

Payroll accountants supervise and process payments. They are responsible for ensuring that payments are processed efficiently, on time, and following legal regulations. Additional responsibilities include calculating deductions, resolving salary conflicts, and generating salary statements for employees. Generally, payroll accountants have a bachelor’s degree in finance or administration. Keep in mind that it’s important to demonstrate your knowledge of relevant tax laws on your resume.

A payroll accountant resume template demonstrating their value in the industry.

Tips to help you write your Payroll Accountant resume in 2024

   indicate you have extensive knowledge of payroll functions on your resume..

As a payroll accountant, you should demonstrate proficiency in payroll functions. This includes calculating wages, deductions, bonuses, and processing payments for each employee. That’s why you should include skills such as payroll processing, auditing, tax deduction, and financial reporting.

Indicate you have extensive knowledge of payroll functions on your resume. - Payroll Accountant Resume

   Showcase the payroll software that you are familiar with in your resume.

There are numerous tools out there that help you automate payroll tasks. Some of the most popular ones include QuickBooks Payro, Gusto, and OnPay. However, you can mention any payroll tool that you are familiar with. It’s also a good idea to check your potential employer’s requirements to see if they have a particular program they use.

Showcase the payroll software that you are familiar with in your resume. - Payroll Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Payroll Accountant resume

Template 14 of 34: payroll accountant resume example.

Payroll accountants are responsible for processing companies’ employee compensation. Each pay period, they calculate each employee’s earnings, deduct the proper amounts for income tax and benefits, and issue paychecks. To get a payroll accountant position, use your resume to show that you have general accounting skills, experience using payroll software, and a working knowledge of labor and tax regulations.

Payroll accountant resume with hard skills, job title, and relevant keywords added

   Prominent skills section for hard accounting skills

Payroll accounting requires some specialized knowledge. You’ll need to know your local labor and tax laws to ensure your company is in compliance. You may also use software such as ADP Payroll to process your company’s payroll. A resume skills section allows you to list your job-specific hard skills in a place where they’ll be easy to see.

Prominent skills section for hard accounting skills - Payroll Accountant Resume

   Resume is tailored to the specific payroll-related job

Always target your resume to the job you’re applying for. Adding the job title “Payroll Accountant” near the top of the document can help your resume get through automated tracking systems (ATS) and other resume screening tools. Make your resume even more relevant to the position by adding accounting keywords throughout your work experience and skills (“payroll”, “processing”, and “reporting” are just a few of many examples).

Resume is tailored to the specific payroll-related job - Payroll Accountant Resume

Template 15 of 34: Accounting Assistant Resume Example

Being an accounting assistant requires a particular set of skills. You're often the backbone of the accounting department, handling data entry, invoice processing, and overall financial record keeping. The job requires meticulous attention to detail, great numerical skills, and often, a good handle on certain software like Quickbooks or Excel. Lately, due to increased digitalization, many accounting assistant roles may also require familiarity with cloud-based tools and software. As you craft your resume, remember that hiring managers are keen to see your technical skills, your ability to work with a team, and examples of how you've added value in past roles, such as improving processes or saving company resources. Specificity is key, so provide quantifiable achievements whenever possible.

A well-crafted resume for an Accounting Assistant role, highlighting specific software skills and quantifiable achievements.

Tips to help you write your Accounting Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight software proficiency.

As an accounting assistant, you'll likely be using a variety of accounting and data management software. Specify which programs you're familiar with, like QuickBooks, MS Excel, or any other cloud-based accounting tools, as this can be a key deciding factor for hiring managers.

Highlight software proficiency - Accounting Assistant Resume

   Detail achievements with numbers

When drafting the experience section, don't just list your routine tasks. Instead, highlight achievements and improvements you've brought about, ideally using specific numbers. For example, "Implemented a new data entry method that improved efficiency by 20%".

Detail achievements with numbers - Accounting Assistant Resume

Skills you can include on your Accounting Assistant resume

Template 16 of 34: accounting assistant resume example.

In an accounting assistant role, you’ll be doing basic accounting tasks such as record keeping, cash handling, and billing to help support your company. You may be able to get this job straight out of school, but some companies may require a few years of accounting experience. Use a resume like this one to showcase the experience you do have, giving specific examples of achievements that illustrate your organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Accounting assistant resume focused on specific position with educational history

   Resume is focused on the specific accounting position

Recruiters like to see consistency in resumes, and if you have a lengthy work history within a specific role, you’ll be a desirable candidate for that position. Having held previous accounting assistant positions (including ones of increasing seniority), you’ll have gained many relevant and transferable skills for your new job.

Resume is focused on the specific accounting position - Accounting Assistant Resume

   Relevant educational history is included

Most companies want to hire accounting assistants who at least hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area (such as applied business, accounting, or finance). Be sure to mention your finance-related educational background and credentials on your resume.

Relevant educational history is included - Accounting Assistant Resume

Template 17 of 34: Tax Accountant Resume Example

As a Tax Accountant, your resume should show that you're more than just an individual who crunches numbers. Your expertise in complex tax law, vast knowledge about regulations and meticulous nature are important. These days, companies are becoming more and more aware of the importance of abiding by tax laws. They want accountants who are informed and up-to-date with these regulations, both federal and state. Keep in mind, your resume is the first opportunity to showcase these skills to potential employers. Recently, there's been a shift towards valuing soft skills like communication and problem-solving in the Tax Accountant role. It's not enough to just be good with numbers, you should also be able to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals. When writing your resume, it's crucial to demonstrate both technical expertise and these soft skills.

A Tax Accountant's resume showing key skills, certifications, and problem-solving experiences.

Tips to help you write your Tax Accountant resume in 2024

   include relevant certifications.

Next to your formal education, make sure you include any additional certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or the Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA). These qualifications not only confirm your competence in tax law and regulations, but also display your commitment to the accounting field.

Include relevant certifications - Tax Accountant Resume

   Showcase your problem-solving skills

Don't just list your roles and responsibilities, but illustrate how you've used your skills to solve real tax issues. Maybe you identified a tax-saving opportunity for your previous employer or assisted in a difficult audit. Concrete examples will make your resume stand out.

Showcase your problem-solving skills - Tax Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Tax Accountant resume

Template 18 of 34: tax accountant resume example.

A tax accountant specializes in preparing and filing tax forms for businesses and individuals. These accountants must stay abreast of current tax regulations to help their clients comply with the law. You’ll need specialized knowledge in order to become a tax accountant -- so if you have experience in tax accounting, auditing, or tax preparation, make sure to say so on your resume.

resume template word accounting

   Skills section highlights specialized tax and accounting knowledge

To become a tax accountant, you’ll need additional training in tax law and preparation beyond what is standard for your industry. Once you’ve acquired these hard skills, list them prominently in your resume skills section.

Skills section highlights specialized tax and accounting knowledge - Tax Accountant Resume

   Discuss past achievements using specific numbers related to accounting

All types of accountants usually produce tangible results for the companies they work for. Instead of providing vague statements about what you did at past jobs, mention past achievements using specific numbers to measure the scope of what you accomplished (e.g. “resolved over 100 tax issues” or “reduced tax penalty fees by 20%”).

Discuss past achievements using specific numbers related to accounting - Tax Accountant Resume

Template 19 of 34: Accounting Specialist Resume Example

As an Accounting Specialist, you're often perceived as the 'financial lifeline' of a company. Your role requires you to masterfully balance numbers and ensure that the financial health of the company is spot on. It's a job that's all about precision and accuracy, and it's gaining more importance as companies evolve in this technology-driven era. With this trend, employers are increasingly looking for people who can navigate not only the traditional accounting tasks but also new age financial software and systems. Therefore, when crafting your resume, it's crucial to convey your in-depth knowledge in accounting principles, alongside your proficiency in financial software. In recent times, companies have been advocating for automation in accounting, aiming to reduce errors and increase efficiency. Not to forget, the accounting field is also adopting machine learning and artificial intelligence to streamline processes. As such, candidates who can demonstrate their adaptability to these evolving trends will have an edge. Your resume should highlight your willingness to learn and adapt, while also showcasing your expertise in the core accounting tasks.

An example of a well-structured resume for an Accounting Specialist role.

Tips to help you write your Accounting Specialist resume in 2024

   highlight your technology proficiency.

As an Accounting Specialist, you must emphasize your familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, Excel, or any other specific tools you've mastered. Mention any special certifications you have in these tools as it would demonstrate your initiative and proficiency.

Highlight Your Technology Proficiency - Accounting Specialist Resume

   Show Evidence of Your Accuracy and Precision

Accounting is all about accuracy and precision. Ensure to highlight any accomplishments or roles where you've demonstrated these qualities. Use specific numbers or statistics as evidence. For example, you could mention the percentage of accuracy achieved in your previous role or any error reduction initiatives you've spearheaded.

Skills you can include on your Accounting Specialist resume

Template 20 of 34: accounting specialist resume example.

Accounting specialists may have wide ranging responsibilities such as maintaining financial records, processing payroll, generating reports, and making projections. To get this job, focus your resume on accounting skills such as balancing budget sheets, processing invoices, or managing account transfers.

resume template word accounting

   Uses effective action verbs to talk about achievements

When writing your resume bullet points, consider leading with verbs such as “conducted”, “streamlined”, and “spearheaded” to underscore the impact of your successes. Verbs like these ones show that you are proactive and take your career seriously.

Uses effective action verbs to talk about achievements - Accounting Specialist Resume

   Relevant technical skills in skills section

As an accounting specialist, you may need to use certain types of software in your daily duties. Create a dedicated skills section on your resume where you can list the programs you’re proficient with, such as Microsoft Access, QuickBooks, or NetSuite ERP.

Relevant technical skills in skills section - Accounting Specialist Resume

Template 21 of 34: Junior Accountant Resume Example

This is an entry-level position and you will be working under the supervision of a manager or senior accountant. Tasks you can expect include preparing financial reports, handling payroll, creating and updating financial statements, etc. Your resume must show recruiters your skills in accounting as well as a strong accounting background, Take a look at this resume sample.

A junior accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s accounting certifications and accounting skills.

Tips to help you write your Junior Accountant resume in 2024

   include accounting-related certifications..

Impress recruiters by listing any accounting certifications you may have gotten. Internationally recognized certifications like a CPA would be particularly impressive, and in some cases required.

Include accounting-related certifications. - Junior Accountant Resume

   Focus your skills section on accounting-related skills and tools.

Just by taking a look at your skills section, recruiters should be able to tell what you are capable of as an accountant. So make sure you include all industry-standard accounting tools, and mention your experience and skills in all the main tasks in accounting.

Focus your skills section on accounting-related skills and tools. - Junior Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Junior Accountant resume

Template 22 of 34: project accountant resume example.

As the name suggests, as a project accountant you will be responsible for handling and monitoring the finances of a project. You will approve payments, analyze expenses, and ensure that the project progresses as intended and within the allocated budget. Recruiters will want to see a strong educational background in accounting and will be looking to see experience in accounting and more specifically in project accounting. If you have experience doing accounting in the same industry as the recruiting company, all the better. Take a look at this successful resume sample.

A project accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s accounting skills and project experience.

Tips to help you write your Project Accountant resume in 2024

   show a variety of accounting skills in the skills section..

Because you will be in charge of the accounting for a project, you will have a variety of accounting tasks to complete. Show that you are capable of completing all expected tasks by ensuring your skills section lists the various tasks.

Show a variety of accounting skills in the skills section. - Project Accountant Resume

   Indicate the financial size of the projects you have worked on.

Give recruiters an idea of what you are capable of handling by adding figures of the financial size of the projects you have worked with. This applicant had worked on a project worth $22M.

Indicate the financial size of the projects you have worked on. - Project Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Project Accountant resume

Template 23 of 34: public accountant resume example.

A public accountant is similar to a freelancer or contractor. You do not work as a full-time employee of one company but you instead offer your services to many companies or individuals. You may be preparing their returns, doing a forensic analysis of their books, or even just giving relevant advice. Your qualifications are of great importance for this title, so ensure they are clearly shown. Above that, individuals and companies will be looking to see the experience you have had doing the kind of tasks they need to be done, so ensure that your experience section reflects all your capabilities.

 A public accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s accounting skills and quantifiable success.

Tips to help you write your Public Accountant resume in 2024

   indicate the kind of clients you generally work with..

Huge corporations may need very different accounting services than individuals or small businesses. It is therefore very important to indicate who your clients have been so far so potential clients can get an idea of how much experience you have in the tasks they need to be done.

Indicate the kind of clients you generally work with. - Public Accountant Resume

   Use metrics to highlight your achievements.

Metrics are an easy way to quantify your achievements and impress potential clients. So include metrics like how many clients you had, how much much money you saved them, etc.

Use metrics to highlight your achievements. - Public Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Public Accountant resume

Template 24 of 34: fund accountant resume example.

Fund accountants perform everyday accounting functions for a fund. These functions might include valuing net assets, balancing the books, providing vetted and accurate statements, etc. Apart from these general accounting tasks, you might also be tasked with analyzing financial metrics in the industry to help firms accurately value their funds.

 A fund accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s history in the financial sector and relevant skills acquired.

Tips to help you write your Fund Accountant resume in 2024

   show a history in the financial sector..

Because this position is in the financial sector, clients would prefer to hire someone with a long history doing accounting tasks for firms in the financial sector. So make sure your experience section concentrates on your financial sector past jobs.

Show a history in the financial sector. - Fund Accountant Resume

   Write ‘Fund Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS.

Most recruiters use ATS resume filters, so you must clearly state your title to help you bypass these filters. Writing ‘Accountant’ only for your title may not be enough to get you through. Be specific.

Write ‘Fund Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS. - Fund Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Fund Accountant resume

Template 25 of 34: senior tax accountant resume example.

As the name suggests, this is an experienced tax accountant. Tasks you can expect include preparing all tax documentation, training junior tax accountants, and ensuring your client remains tax compliant. Recruiters expect to see a resume that shows at least 5 years of experience and a strong accounting background. Evidence of managerial or leader experience would be an extra benefit. Here is a recruiter-approved resume sample.

A senior tax accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s certifications and lengthy experience.

Tips to help you write your Senior Tax Accountant resume in 2024

   get certified as a tax professional..

Accounting certifications are always nice, but for this position, you should aim to get tax-specific accounting certifications. It will set you apart from all the more generic accountants you are competing with and will show recruiters that you are highly skilled and passionate about the field.

Get certified as a tax professional. - Senior Tax Accountant Resume

   Include tax-specific keywords.

Using job-specific keywords in your resume may help you bypass ATS resume filters put in place. So use keywords relevant to tax accounting like ‘IRS’, ‘corporate tex’, and ‘compliance’.

Include tax-specific keywords. - Senior Tax Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Senior Tax Accountant resume

Template 26 of 34: property accountant resume example.

This accountant handles the financial documents associated with real estate. You may assist in valuing properties, preparing financial reports, or figuring out your client's tax obligations and preparing the correct documentation. Recruiters will be looking to see if your resume indicates expert knowledge in real estate and the accounting and tax processes and obligations associated with real estate. Ensure that your experience in this industry is well-highlighted. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

A property accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s certifications and property-specific skill set.

Tips to help you write your Property Accountant resume in 2024

   include property-specific skills in your skills section..

Accounting largely requires the same basic skills regardless of the industry you are working in. But if you are a specialized accountant as this title positions you to be, ensure that your skills section indicates skills in this particular industry. Skills like ‘property accounting’ and ‘property management’ would be effective.

Include property-specific skills in your skills section. - Property Accountant Resume

   Get property-specific certification.

Show recruiters that you are particularly skilled and knowledgeable in property accounting by getting certified. This applicant’s certification in property management is a good example of a certification that would give an applicant an edge.

Get property-specific certification. - Property Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Property Accountant resume

Template 27 of 34: experienced accountant resume example.

An experienced accountant, sometimes called a senior accountant, is a professional who has worked successfully in the field for many years (at least 5). Your tasks may be the same as more junior accountants but you may be tasked with the most important and central accounting functions. This position requires accuracy, interpersonal skills, and a strong accounting skill set. Here is a successful resume sample.

An experienced accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s numerous accounting skills and quantifiable success.

Tips to help you write your Experienced Accountant resume in 2024

   list your expertise on various functions in the introduction section..

Start your resume strong by including the accounting functions you are particularly skilled at, and include a key achievement that shows the outcome of your skills. Starting your resume off strong will help your resume look more impressive overall.

List your expertise on various functions in the introduction section. - Experienced Accountant Resume

   Use metrics to quantify your accounting success.

Metrics jump out among the text in a resume and are an easy way to impress recruiters. A great accountant will work to maintain the financial health of the company, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs. If you have done any of the 3, include metrics to prove them.

Use metrics to quantify your accounting success. - Experienced Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Experienced Accountant resume

Template 28 of 34: construction accountant resume example.

Construction accountants have the same functions as project accountants, except they operate solely on construction projects. Tasks you can expect include planning budgets, updating financial records, approving payments to suppliers, etc. You are basically in charge of ensuring that the budget allocated is used as it was intended. Extensive knowledge about the workings of the construction business is expected, as is experience being an accountant for projects. Take a look at this recruiter-approved resume sample.

A construction accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s accounting skills and construction-related experience.

Tips to help you write your Construction Accountant resume in 2024

   use strong action verbs that indicate a variety of experiences..

Action verbs can be really powerful in shaping your experience. Use strong and varied action verbs like ‘supervised’ and ‘analyzed’ to show recruiters that you can perform a variety of accountant functions.

Use strong action verbs that indicate a variety of experiences. - Construction Accountant Resume

   Write ‘Construction Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS.

Most recruiters use ATS resume filters, so you must clearly state your title to help you bypass these filters. Writing ‘Accountant’ only for your title may not be enough to get you through. Be industry-specific.

Write ‘Construction Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS. - Construction Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Construction Accountant resume

Template 29 of 34: fixed asset accountant resume example.

As the name suggests, you will be in charge of accounting tasks related to fixed assets. Tasks you can expect include valuing, recording, and even identifying fixed assets. You will also be responsible for providing financial reports to decision-makers, and doing other general accounting tasks. You must have an in-depth knowledge of fixed assets and must be a talented accountant. Your resume should show your strength in both. Here is a resume sample that does that effectively.

A fixed asset accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s career progression and strong skill set.

Tips to help you write your Fixed Asset Accountant resume in 2024

   show career progression through promotions..

Show recruiters that you are a hardworking and successful employee by showing promotions in your career. It will also show recruiters your dedication to your profession. This applicant started as an audit intern and moved their way up to a fixed asset accountant position.

Show career progression through promotions. - Fixed Asset Accountant Resume

   Include the skills level for skills you are excellent at.

An easy way to impress recruiters and also show them your strengths is by including proficiencies for some of your skills. This applicant has listed ‘advanced’ for some skills and ‘experienced’ for others.

Include the skills level for skills you are excellent at. - Fixed Asset Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Fixed Asset Accountant resume

Template 30 of 34: corporate accountant resume example.

In this position, you will specialize in accounting for a business or company. Your tasks may include preparing financial documents, maintaining good financial records, preparing tax documents, and ensuring that the business is compliant with all relevant financial or tax regulations and laws. You need to show that you are experienced working in this type of accounting. Ensure both the experience and skills sections of your resume show that. Here is a good resume sample.

A corporate accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s accounting skills and corporate experience.

Tips to help you write your Corporate Accountant resume in 2024

   highlight your accountant certifications and qualifications..

Because of the large budgets and complicated accounting processes attributed to corporations, your formal qualifications are particularly important and in many cases required. So ensure you highlight your internationally recognized certification like your CPA.

Highlight your accountant certifications and qualifications. - Corporate Accountant Resume

   Write ‘Corporate Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS.

Write ‘Corporate Accountant’ in your title to bypass ATS. - Corporate Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Corporate Accountant resume

Template 31 of 34: revenue accountant resume example.

A revenue accountant is in charge of monitoring a company’s incoming revenue. You will create invoices, track payments, update transaction records, and ensure that all incoming revenue is accounted for. You need to have a strong understanding of the company and its processes concerning revenue. You also need to show a strong accounting background to attract recruiters. Here is a recruiter-approved resume sample.

A revenue accountant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s accounting skills and revenue-related experience.

Tips to help you write your Revenue Accountant resume in 2024

   concentrate on revenue-related experience..

You want to show that you are an all-rounded accountant but you need to show that you have a wealth of experience doing revenue-related accounting tasks, so focus on highlighting those.

Concentrate on revenue-related experience. - Revenue Accountant Resume

   Highlight revenue accounting technical skills.

Your skills section is small and should include the skills most relevant to the job position. So ensure that your skills section focuses on revenue accounting skills like revenue recognition.

Highlight revenue accounting technical skills. - Revenue Accountant Resume

Skills you can include on your Revenue Accountant resume

Template 32 of 34: chief accounting officer resume example.

As the CAO you are in charge of the entire accounting department and its operations. Tasks you can expect include compiling financial reports, overseeing payroll, Analyzing and developing budgets and other accounting goals, etc. Most companies will expect you to have a master’s degree in accounting or a related field and you will need to have at least 5 years of experience. Most companies will also ask for a CPA certification so make sure your certifications are clearly listed on your resume. Here is a successful resume sample.

A chief accounting officer resume sample that highlights the applicant’s career progression and accounting certifications.

Tips to help you write your Chief Accounting Officer resume in 2024

Show recruiters your upward progression in your career. It will show recruiters your dedication to your profession and give them a better idea of the relevant skills you have gained along the way. This applicant started as a financial controller and moved their way up to a CAO position.

Show career progression through promotions. - Chief Accounting Officer Resume

   Include any accounting-related certification.

Apart from the expected CPA certification, include any other certifications you have gained related to accounting or management. It will give recruiters a better idea of your specializations or your styles of management. This applicant has an internal auditor certification which indicates their accounting specialization and could have listed an Agile certification which would have indicated their management ideology.

Include any accounting-related certification. - Chief Accounting Officer Resume

Skills you can include on your Chief Accounting Officer resume

Template 33 of 34: director of accounting resume example.

A Director of Accounting role is about leading the finance team and making high-impact decisions, but remember, it's not all about numbers. It's how you articulate your strategic mindset to transform raw data into actionable insights in your resume that sets you apart. Recently, there's been a trend towards placing a higher value on those who can demonstrate their ability to implement new technologies, such as AI or blockchain, to streamline financial operations. Writing a resume for this position is more than just listing your achievements. It's about showcasing your leadership style, your ability to influence others and the strategic thinking behind your decisions. To truly stand out, you need to capture your holistic view of a company's financial health and how you've driven companies to thrive, not just survive.

A resume screenshot displaying strategic financial planning skills and proficiency in financial technology.

Tips to help you write your Director of Accounting resume in 2024

   show your experiential proficiency with financial technology.

Showcase your experience with modern financial tools, ERP systems, or even AI-powered accounting software. Demonstrate how you've used these technologies to increase efficiency or accuracy in your previous roles. This will show that you're forward-thinking and readily adapt to technological advancements.

Show your experiential proficiency with financial technology - Director of Accounting Resume

   Exhibit your strategic financial planning skills

In the Director of Accounting role, it's essential to look beyond the numbers. Hence, you need to include instances where you've developed strategic financial plans which successfully drove company growth. Show how you've worked with different departments to achieve these financial goals.

Exhibit your strategic financial planning skills - Director of Accounting Resume

Skills you can include on your Director of Accounting resume

Template 34 of 34: director of accounting resume example.

A director of accounting is a senior, experienced accounting professional. They will lead the way in financial reporting, international exchanges, intercompany transactions, and audits. They may also be tasked with optimizing internal controls, preparing detailed financial reports for investors, and more. This position oversees direct reports in the accounting department making managerial skills also important. When looking for a director of accounting, hiring managers will be looking for someone with at least a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, though a Master’s degree may give a candidate a competitive edge. Hiring managers will want a candidate with 5+ years of progressive professional accounting experience. Having accounting specific certifications will also be desirable to hiring managers.

A resume for a director of accounting with a BS in accounting, CMA and CPA license, and experience as a finance manager.

   Obtain a CMA or CPA credential

Certifications show hiring managers you have studied and been tested on core aspects of accounting and financial management. Obtaining your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Managerial Accountant) credential can show employers you’re well-versed in accounting principles.

   Show your experience managing teams in a financial setting

As a director of accounting, you’ll be expected to lead junior accountants in daily processes and operations. To land this role, it’s wise to show you have the leadership skills to do this. If you’ve previously overseen a team, or led your team in accounting projects or overhauling processes, it’s wise to detail your success with it in your resume.

Show your experience managing teams in a financial setting - Director of Accounting Resume

As a hiring manager who has recruited accountants at top companies like PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG, I've seen countless resumes over the years. The best ones always stand out by showcasing the candidate's skills, experience, and achievements in a clear and compelling way. In this article, we'll share some tips to help you create a strong accountant resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

   Highlight your accounting certifications and education

Make sure to prominently feature your accounting certifications, such as CPA, CMA, or CIA, as well as your educational background in accounting or a related field. Here are some examples:

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), [State], [Year]
  • Master of Science in Accounting, [University Name], [Graduation Year]
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, [University Name], [Graduation Year]

Avoid simply listing your certifications or degrees without providing context:

Bullet Point Samples for Accountant

   Emphasize your experience with accounting software and tools

Highlight your proficiency with commonly used accounting software and tools, such as:

  • Microsoft Excel (including advanced functions like VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables)
  • Oracle NetSuite

Provide specific examples of how you've used these tools to improve processes or solve problems in your previous roles. For instance:

Implemented a new invoicing system using QuickBooks, reducing payment processing time by 30% and improving cash flow.

   Quantify your achievements with metrics and data

Use numbers and percentages to quantify your accomplishments and show the impact of your work. Here are some examples:

  • Reduced accounts receivable aging by 25% through proactive collection efforts and improved invoicing processes
  • Identified and corrected errors in financial statements, saving the company $50,000 in potential penalties
  • Managed a team of 5 accountants, overseeing the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports for 20+ clients

Avoid using vague or generic statements that don't provide any context, like:

  • Responsible for accounts receivable
  • Prepared financial statements
  • Managed a team of accountants

   Tailor your resume to the specific job description

Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. For example, if the job description emphasizes experience with tax accounting, make sure to focus on your tax-related projects and achievements.

Here's an example of a tailored bullet point:

  • Prepared and filed federal and state income tax returns for individuals and small businesses, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations

Avoid using a generic resume that doesn't address the specific requirements of the job, like:

  • Assisted with various accounting tasks

   Showcase your problem-solving skills with specific examples

Demonstrate your ability to analyze financial data, identify issues, and recommend solutions by providing concrete examples from your previous experience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.

Situation: Noticed discrepancies in the company's financial statements during month-end close Task: Investigate the source of the discrepancies and recommend corrective actions Action: Analyzed financial data, traced transactions, and identified a systemic issue with the revenue recognition process Result: Implemented a new revenue recognition policy, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with GAAP

Avoid simply stating that you have strong problem-solving skills without providing any evidence to support your claim.

   Include relevant volunteer experience or professional affiliations

If you have volunteered in a financial capacity or are a member of professional accounting organizations, include this information on your resume. It can demonstrate your commitment to the field and provide additional evidence of your skills and experience.

For example:

  • Volunteer Treasurer, [Non-Profit Organization], [Dates]
  • Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), [Dates]

However, avoid listing memberships or volunteer experiences that are not directly relevant to accounting or finance, as they may distract from your core qualifications.

Ready to start preparing your accounting resume? Keep these tips in mind as you write to maximize your chances of getting the job you want.

   Make sure to include relevant education and certifications

Most companies today want prospective accountants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or another finance-specific area. Accounting jobs are growing more competitive, so having an educational background in accounting might give you the edge you need to get hired. Although not all accounting positions require you to have additional certifications (such as CPA, CFA, and others), acquiring these will add to your training and help you advance to more senior roles. Don’t skip including your accounting-related education and credentials on your resume.

   Create a skills section to list your hard and technical accounting skills

Accounting professionals should be familiar with generally accepted accounting practices, relevant laws, and business concepts. They may have specialized knowledge of tax, auditing, financial analysis, or other areas. Often, accountants need to be comfortable using software like QuickBooks or NetSuite ERS. Because there are so many hard skills associated with accounting, it’s smart to create a section in your resume to showcase these abilities. Note that your skills section is ideal for listing hard and technical skills only; it’s better to illustrate soft skills like communication or teamwork through examples in your work experience section.

   Target your resume to the specific role you’re applying for

Be sure to tailor your resume to the particular accounting position you want. Whether you’re hoping to become a tax accountant or accounting manager, your resume should mention the specific job title you’re applying for. Focus on your most relevant work experience and skills, and add accounting and finance-related keywords (such as “payroll”, “tax”, “reconciliation”, and others) wherever possible. Adding keywords and tailoring your work history to the position is beneficial for several reasons. First, it shows recruiters that you are interested in the specific job they’re offering -- a much better strategy than firing off generic resumes to dozens of hiring managers. And second, a tailored resume with relevant keywords is more likely to get through automated resume-filtering systems (such as ATS) that employers commonly use.

Writing Your Accountant Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. include your name, email, and phone number.

Your header should prominently feature your full name at the top, followed by your email address and phone number. Make sure to use a professional email address that includes your name, rather than a casual or outdated one.

Here's an example of a well-formatted header for an accountant resume:

  • John Smith, CPA
  • [email protected] | 555-123-4567

Avoid cluttering your header with unnecessary details like:

  • John Smith, CPA, MBA, EA
  • 123 Main St, Anytown USA 12345
  • [email protected]

2. Highlight your accounting credentials

If you have earned a CPA license or other relevant accounting certifications, be sure to include them after your name in your header. This immediately conveys your expertise and qualifications to employers.

  • Jane Doe, CPA
  • Bob Johnson, CMA, CFE

However, avoid listing all of your credentials if you have many. Focus on the most impressive and relevant ones for the specific accounting role. For example:

Sarah Lee, CPA, CIA, CFE, EA, CGMA, CISA, MBA

3. Consider including your LinkedIn profile URL

In today's digital age, many employers will look up candidates on LinkedIn. You can make it easy for them by including a link to your LinkedIn profile in your resume header.

  • linkedin.com/in/john-smith-cpa

Just be sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and presents you in a professional light before linking to it. Avoid linking to a bare-bones profile, or one that has discrepancies from your resume.

  Summary

A resume summary is an optional section that provides a brief overview of your qualifications, experience, and career goals. While it's not a required component of a resume, it can be a valuable addition for experienced accountants or those seeking a career change. A well-crafted summary can quickly capture the attention of hiring managers and showcase your most relevant skills and achievements.

However, it's important to note that you should never use an objective statement in place of a summary. Objective statements are outdated and focus on what you want from an employer, rather than what you can offer them. Instead, use your summary to highlight your unique value proposition and demonstrate how you can contribute to the organization's success.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for an Accountant resume

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Accountant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Accountant Resume Summary Examples , or Accountant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the specific accounting role

When writing your summary, it's crucial to align your qualifications with the requirements of the specific accounting position you're targeting. Research the company and the job description to identify the key skills, certifications, and experience they're seeking.

For instance, if you're applying for a tax accountant role, your summary might look like this:

CPA with 5+ years of experience in corporate tax accounting. Skilled in preparing and filing federal and state tax returns, identifying tax savings opportunities, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. Proven track record of successfully managing multiple client accounts and delivering timely and accurate results.

On the other hand, a generic summary that fails to address the specific requirements of the role might read:

Experienced accountant with a strong work ethic and attention to detail. Proficient in various accounting software and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

2. Highlight your most relevant skills and achievements

Your summary should showcase your most impressive and relevant accomplishments, skills, and qualifications. Focus on the aspects of your background that directly relate to the accounting position you're seeking and demonstrate your ability to excel in the role.

When highlighting your skills and achievements, be specific and quantify your results whenever possible. For example:

  • Managed accounts payable and receivable for a $10M company, ensuring 98% on-time payment and reducing outstanding receivables by 25%
  • Implemented a new financial reporting system that streamlined processes and reduced month-end close time by 40%

Avoid using vague or generic statements that don't provide concrete evidence of your abilities, such as:

  • Experienced in various accounting functions
  • Strong problem-solving skills

  Experience

Your work experience section is the core of your resume. It's where you have the chance to showcase your career trajectory, key accomplishments, and the impact you've made at previous companies. In this section, we'll break down step-by-step what you should include and how to write about your experience to impress hiring managers.

1. Highlight your accounting specialization

As an accountant, you likely have experience in a specific area of accounting, such as tax accounting, auditing, or financial accounting. Make sure to highlight your specialization in your work experience section.

Here are a few examples of how to showcase your accounting specialization:

  • Managed tax accounting for a portfolio of 50+ clients, ensuring compliance with federal and state tax laws
  • Conducted financial audits for public and private companies, identifying areas of risk and providing recommendations for improvement
  • Prepared and analyzed financial statements for a $50M company, providing insights to senior management

2. Quantify your impact with metrics

Numbers are a powerful way to demonstrate your impact and value to a company. Use metrics to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Here are some examples of how to use metrics in your work experience section:

  • Reduced accounts receivable by 30% by implementing a new collections process
  • Identified and corrected errors in financial statements, saving the company $100,000 in potential fines
  • Managed a team of 5 accountants to complete month-end close process in 3 days, a 50% reduction from previous timeline

Avoid using vague statements like this that don't quantify your impact:

  • Assisted with financial statement preparation

3. Showcase your progression and promotions

Hiring managers love to see candidates who have progressed and been promoted within their previous companies. It shows that you were a valued employee and were able to take on increasing levels of responsibility.

Here's an example of how to showcase your progression:

Senior Accountant, XYZ Company, New York, NY (2018-Present) - Promoted to Senior Accountant after 2 years as a Staff Accountant - Manage a team of 3 junior accountants to complete financial reporting and analysis - Prepare and review complex tax returns for high-net-worth individuals Staff Accountant, XYZ Company, New York, NY (2016-2018) - Assisted with preparation of monthly financial statements - Reconciled bank statements and credit card accounts - Prepared individual and business tax returns

4. Highlight relevant tools and technologies

Accounting roles often require proficiency in specific software or tools. Highlight your experience with these tools in your work experience section to show hiring managers that you have the necessary skills for the job.

Some common tools and technologies for accountants include:

  • Microsoft Excel

Here are a couple examples of how to incorporate these tools into your work experience:

  • Managed financial reporting using Oracle NetSuite ERP system
  • Created complex financial models and forecasts using Microsoft Excel

  Education

Your education section shows hiring managers that you have the necessary knowledge and training for the accountant role. It also gives them a sense of your career trajectory and goals. Here are some tips for crafting a strong education section on your accountant resume.

1. Put your education section near the top if you're a recent grad

If you graduated within the last few years, your education is likely your strongest qualification for the job. In this case, put your education section above your work experience.

Include any relevant coursework, academic achievements, or extracurricular activities that show your accounting skills:

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, 2020
  • Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation
  • GPA: 3.8/4.0
  • Treasurer, Accounting Students Association

2. Keep your education section brief if you're an experienced accountant

If you have several years of accounting experience, your work history is more important than your education. Keep your education section short and to the point.

Bad example:

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, 1995-1999
  • Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Law, Economics, Statistics
  • GPA: 3.6/4.0
  • Accounting Club Member

Good example:

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University
  • CPA, ABC State Board of Accountancy

3. Include your CPA license and other relevant certifications

Many accountant jobs require or prefer candidates with a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. If you have your CPA, make sure to include it in your education section.

You can also include other relevant certifications, such as:

  • CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
  • CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
  • CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
  • EA (Enrolled Agent)
Education Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University CPA, ABC State Board of Accountancy CMA, Institute of Management Accountants

Action Verbs For Accountant Resumes

When discussing your accounting experience on your resume, you’ll want to lead into your achievements with strong action verbs. Choose the clearest, most concise word to express the role you played in your accomplishment. Active, specific verbs like “managed” or “developed” are always a stronger choice than vague phrases like “assisted with” or “was responsible for”. Finally, remember that finance comes with its own specialized “language” and vocabulary. As much as possible, pick verbs that are industry-specific to convey your expertise.

Action Verbs for Accountant

  • Administered
  • Restructured

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Accountant Resumes

How to write an accountant resume.

Here we take you through the process of creating a resume for an accountant position. These steps will help you whether you are applying for an entry-level or senior accounting position.

Start by completing the essentials on any Accounting resume

1.1: your resume header should capture your key information..

A resume header is one of the first things that many recruiters see, and so it should include essential details like your name, location (your full address is not required), and your email address. You can optionally include the job title of the job you are applying for - especially if you're making a career change into accounting.

Your resume header should capture your key information.

1.2: Use conventional resume section titles

In general, your resume will have at least 3 core sections: Experience, Education, and Skills. Make sure you have a clear section title for each section. If you have a lot of experience outside of accounting, you might find it useful to create a separate section for those called "Other Experience", while creating a dedicated section for accounting called "Accounting Experience" or "Relevant Experience."

Use conventional resume section titles

Demonstrate your experience as an Accountant using bullet points

2.1: highlight relevant achievements using bullet points..

Bullet points make resumes easy to skim through for the hiring managers who are actually going to read your resume. Plus, they're also the most conventional resume format and is what hiring managers expect to see. Remember to always focus your bullet points on clear achievements, ideally involving accounting with things like accounts reconciliation or bookkeeping. For example: Identified discrepancies in reports totaling $125,000, resulting in crediting money back to the direct group This is a good example of a bullet point to use in your accounting resume.

Highlight relevant achievements using bullet points.

2.2: Emphasize your attention to detail by using action verbs

Use strong action verbs to demonstrate your achievements as an accountant. Strong action verbs like "analyzed," "audited," "calculated," and "computed" show that you were tasked with accounting-related responsibilities and highlight your attention to detail - an important skill set recruiters want to see through your bullet points.

Emphasize your attention to detail by using action verbs

2.3: Emphasize your accomplishments.

Avoid things that fit more into a job description, like "I was tasked with keeping books." Instead, focus on achievements by saying something like, " Reduced the company's tax penalties by 10% in just one financial year as a tax accountant."

Emphasize your accomplishments.

Optimize your skills to make them easier for an Applicant Tracking System to pick out

3.1: tailor your resume to the specific accounting job posting..

Tailoring your resume to suit the specific accounting job ensures the Applicant Tracking System finds it relevant to the job posting. For example, if applying for a Payroll Accountant position, your resume should show you have skills in payroll administration, payroll processing, and ADP payroll.

Tailor your resume to the specific Accounting job posting.

3.2: Include relevant keywords in the skills section.

Ensure you include skills relevant to the accounting job you are applying for in the skills sections, as these are the keywords the ATS system will look for as it scans the resume. For example, if applying for a tax accountant position, include keywords like "tax" and "reporting."

Include relevant keywords in the skills section.

Polish up your Accountant resume

4.1: add a summary section if you are applying for a senior accountant position..

A summary is optional, but it is good to have it at the top of your resume if applying for a senior accountant position or switching careers to an accountant role. Summaries provide an easy way to direct the hiring manager to particular achievements that don't have space on other parts of your resume.

Add a summary section if you are applying for a Senior Accountant position.

4.2: Include relevant certifications.

If you have any relevant certifications, honors, or awards related to your accounting profession, including them is a good idea. For example, you can include your CFA, CPA, or CMA certifications even if the job advertisement does not require you to have them.

Include relevant certifications.

Skills For Accountant Resumes

Many people think of accounting as a data-centric job -- and it is. You do need to have excellent math and data analysis skills because you’ll spend much of your time working with numbers. However, there is also a collaborative aspect to being an accountant; you’ll probably work in teams with others, and in some roles, you’ll give presentations and reports to management that will help guide their financial decision-making. Being a great accountant requires a blend of technical and people skills. So give plenty of examples from your prior work experiences where you’ve developed and used these abilities. Talk about how you’ve successfully managed expenses, conducted account analyses, and worked on project teams. Make sure to also list your software proficiencies (such as QuickBooks and Oracle) and other hard skills in a separate skills section.

  • Accounts Receivable (AR)
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Accounts Payable
  • General Ledger
  • Journal Entries
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Financial Reporting
  • Financial Statements
  • Financial Accounting
  • Financial Analysis
  • Accounts Payable & Receivable
  • Cash Collection

Skills Word Cloud For Accountant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Accountant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

Top Accountant Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

How to use these skills?

Resume bullet points from accountant resumes.

You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your Accountant resume. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:

Collaborated with 10 department managers and peers to develop and implement policies and procedures that increased internal efficiency by 20%.

Provided excellent customer service, effectively reducing customer complaints from 65% to 23% within the first 8 months.

Introduced a new invoicing system that reduced month-end turnaround time by 15%.

Filed payroll tax and sales tax for over 50 international customers each month.

Led annual budget preparation, performed departmental and account variances, and managed the standard costing globally for 4 sites.

For more sample bullet points and details on how to write effective bullet points, see our articles on resume bullet points , how to quantify your resume and resume accomplishments .

Frequently Asked Questions on Accountant Resumes

What should be in your resume to get a job as an accountant, what resume skills should you include in your accounting resume, what are examples of strong accounting accomplishments i can include on my resume.

  • Saving money: Explain how your accounting methods helped reduce accounting error rates and resulted in savings for the organization.
  • Revenue: Explain the extent to which your work helped your company generate revenue. List the value of assets you oversaw and the amount of money under your care.
  • Regulatory compliance: How did your interpretation of accounting rules help your company stay compliant and save money in fines and fees?
  • Vendor and client relations: State the number of individual client accounts that you handled and the period that you retained them. Explain how you assessed vendors and handled their invoices.
  • Management: Mention the number of junior accountants that you mentored and how you liaised with senior executives to achieve the company’s vision.

What should a senior accountant include on their resume?

What are examples of strong bullet points i can include on my accounting resume.

Audited departmental acquisition protocols and recovered $10M in overstated expenses. Managed a team of 13 tax specialists, increasing division’s revenue by 15% year-on-year. Implemented simpler journaling systems using Excel for a team of 70+ accounting clerks, reducing closing time by an average of 3 days.

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21 Accountant Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Stephen Greet

Accountant Resume

  • Accountant Resumes by Experience
  • Accountant Resumes by Role

Writing Your Accountant Resume

A business is only as valuable as its finances, so successful organizations are built on a foundation of solid accounting practices. To be a successful accountant, you need to be diligent, organized, and an expert with numbers and financial data.

However, to get a role as an accountant, you need to rely on a completely different skill set:  resume writing . (And let’s not forget about cover letter writing! )

That’s where we come in. We’ve reviewed countless accountant resumes, distilling what works and what doesn’t into  21 accountant resume examples that you can use to help you get your next accounting job in 2024!

or download as PDF

Accountant resume example with 7+ years of experience

Why this resume works

  • Our special tip: avoid any images or graphics. Before a recruiter or hiring manager looks at your resume, a computer scans it for keywords, and graphics are hard for software to read. 
  • We’d also recommend putting your experience in reverse-chronological order. By putting your most recent job first, employers will see how you’ve progressed in your career.
  • Include the name of the company you’re applying to, the position you’re seeking, and what you hope to achieve in your next role.

Accounting Intern Resume

Accounting intern resume example with 2+ years of customer service representative experience

  • When you lack paid work experience, use relevant academic or personal projects to showcase your skills, passion, and capabilities.

Accounting Assistant Resume

Accounting assistant resume example  with 2 years of experience

  • In this resume, the candidate carried out a simulated audit of a fictional company and showcased multiple skills that will help them be a better accounting assistant. If you have similar experiences to talk about, you want to add them to your accounting assistant resume .

Entry-Level Accountant Resume

Entry-level accountant resume example

  • Because of your limited background in accounting, don’t worry about trying to extend or fluff your minimal experience.
  • Instead,  list any work experience and highlight transferrable skills , like written communication, data analysis, and research.
  • Try following a  resume outline  to help you organize your thoughts and ensure you’ve put everything you need onto a single sheet of paper.
  • Once you’ve completed the outline, you can use a  resume template  to format your content correctly and make it look great, too.

Junior Cost Accountant Resume

Junior cost accountant resume example

  • Using a  resume objective  can be a great decision if you’re having trouble filling the page or trying to provide hiring managers with more context as to why you want the job. 
  • But please be cautious and  double-check your resume  before submitting an application!
  • Imagine submitting your resume for a position at Instacart and realizing you left the name of another target company in your resume objective. Facepalm anyone?

Junior Accountant Resume

Junior accountant resume example with Global GAAP project experience

  • A ChatGPT resume builder can help you highlight your past accomplishments in any roles or projects that are related to finance or show your knowledge/ability to use an accounting tool. Personalize the objective as much as possible to convey why you’re so passionate about getting hired!

Senior Accountant Resume

Senior accountant resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • You can further support your work by adding metrics to  show how you’ve helped the company , especially when it comes to revenue.
  • But remember that even a spellcheck system misses things, so ask a colleague to review your resume! You’ll be amazed at what they’ll catch before you turn in your application.

Payroll Accountant Resume

Payroll accountant resume example with 8 years of experience

  • Certificates like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) prove that you possess the necessary financial skills , knowledge, and experience to apply for this role! Don’t be too overconfident though. Ensure you back your certification with performance metrics that depict you as a diligent and hard worker.

Accounting Analyst Resume

resume template word accounting

  • As you tailor your accounting analyst resume hoping to get the job, include your measurable impact in expediting accounts, invoices, and response to ad-hoc request processing times.

Fund Accountant Resume

resume template word accounting

  • Felix’s example is the best answer to that question. Everything is displayed for the recruiting team to see and make a quick decision. Follow this lead to boost the chances of your application sailing through.

Accounting Specialist Resume

resume template word accounting

Cost Accountant Resume

resume template word accounting

  • What was your impact in similar or related roles? Tap into you quantifiable achievements, such as accuracy rates, reduction in operational expenses, and workflow improvements.

Staff Accountant Resume

resume template word accounting

  • Beyond just your education section, you can include your progress in a  resume objective  or a  resume summary .
  • A great way to do this is through the use of action verbs like “owned,” “led,” and “advised.”
  • It’s also a good idea to  show how you’ve made a positive difference  in the company. Use metrics to strut your stuff!
  • For example, did you increase revenue or efficiency? Discuss it with numbers and percentages that show your impact.

Forensic Accountant Resume

resume template word accounting

  • Unlike a  resume objective , a summary statement focuses on leveraging the abilities you’ve learned throughout your career.
  • Make sure your summary statement includes your years of experience in accounting and the company to which you’re applying (plus the job title). 
  • Start by putting your work experience in reverse-chronological order, meaning that your most recent work experience will be listed at the top of the page.
  • Then you can consider things like alignment, color, and consistency. Whatever you do, make sure your resume is easy to read at a glance!

Financial Analyst Accountant Resume

resume template word accounting

  • Have you joined or started a group for accountants? Maybe you’ve written a personal finance book? Or perhaps you occasionally discuss financial trends at events outside of work? These are on-point examples of using your skills in unique ways, so they’re perfect resume components.
  • Focus on including projects and volunteer experience that can demonstrate essential skills (like collaboration and communication). 
  • Look for similar structures, word usage, and metrics to see how you can make your resume pop.

Management Accountant Resume

resume template word accounting

  • Make sure that your  management accountant resume  shows your most relevant experience. Include your most significant accomplishments, like if you’ve led any projects or saved your company a lot of money.
  • Although your goal is to show your most relevant work, having a cohesive career progression is more important. Employers want to see that you’ve been consistently working.
  • Look for specific skill keywords and responsibilities listed in the job description and incorporate them into your work experience and skills section to make the best impact.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume

Certified public accountant (cpa) resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • To keep to a single page, make your bullet points short. Ideally, every point should be  one sentence  and a  maximum of three lines long .
  • List accomplishments and achievements by all means, but don’t clutter your space with empty adjectives or adverbs. Words like “successfully” and “as needed” are generally assumed, so leave them out.
  • Certifications need their own section, but you don’t need to add much more than the name of your certificate. You can include the organization that offers the certificate, but most hiring managers will know that information already, so don’t stress about it.

Onboarding Accountant Resume

Onboarding accountant resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • However, your  resume is not your cv . As hard as it is to break up with your old jobs, it’s for the best. The best resumes include just three to six of your most relevant work experience roles. 
  • Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring team reviewing 100+ resumes. What work experience would stand out and be the most relevant for the position?
  • And if you’re worried about forgetting or losing information from your work history that could be relevant later on, don’t sweat it. You can create a separate document with a “master list” of work experience that you can pull from for different jobs.

Accounting Clerk Resume

Accounting clerk resume example with 1+ years of experience

  • Think of the skills section of your resume as a peek into your technical prowess with accounting software. Any tools that help you do your job better are worth adding to this part of your accounting clerk resume .

Tax Accountant Resume

resume template word accounting

  • In this resume example, the candidate’s last job was as a tax accountant—the same position they’re applying to. Putting it at the top highlights what you’ve been able to achieve at your previous job.

Public Accounting Resume

Public accounting resume example with 6+ years of experience

  • Do you hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification? If you’ve completed your CPA, it’s proof that you have a license and the knowledge to provide accounting services to the public.

Related resume guides

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Job seeker reviews qualifications and accomplishments to build job application for next role

As an accountant, you know that precision matters. You’re expected to be an analytical expert who can produce reliable research and solve complex legal and financial problems. So, think of your resume not only as a place to highlight your experience but also as a place to demonstrate your attention to detail and high standard of work.

Boosting your resume’s potential requires special attention to these four areas: 

  • Listing accounting skills 
  • Formatting your accountant resume properly
  • Quantifying your previous impact
  • Customizing your resume to each job

resume template word accounting

List the right accountant skills

When recruiters post an  accountant job description , it’s not unheard of for them to receive upwards of 100 resumes. With the sheer number of applicants, companies can’t carefully review every accountant’s application. The applicant tracking system (ATS) software helps weed out applicants before a recruiter reviews them, which saves time and gets rid of candidates without the right experience.

Applicant tracking systems work by using algorithms that match keywords from the company to keywords in your resume. So even if you’re highly qualified for a job, your resume may be thrown out if it doesn’t include the right keywords. To avoid this, you need to know  how  to include job-appropriate  skills on your resume  (keywords). 

What are the right skills? The right skills will vary depending on the accountant role. Read this excerpt from a sample accountant job description and see if you can pick up on the essential skills: 

Greenhill is seeking a certified accountant who can tackle every level of the accounting process, from balancing ledgers to researching the law and analyzing data to ensure efficient and effective operations. This position is ideal for candidates who are jacks of all trades! Must possess strong public speaking and collaboration skills while demonstrating initiative and the capacity to conduct independent work. 

Based on this small sample, we can create a list of essential skills customized for the job.  You do  not  want to take exact words from the job description or lie about your skill level . Instead, use the accountant job description as a jumping-off point to think about the most relevant skills you possess: 

  • Accounting applications: Quickbooks, ERP, Concur, Taxjar
  • Tax accounting
  • Expense reporting
  • State law compliance
  • Accounts payable/receivable
  • Collaboration and communication
  • Data analysis and research presentations

On other accountant job postings, you can expect to see different skills emphasized, such as:

Accountant resume skills

Choose the best resume format

It’s not just about  what  you write on your accountant resume; it’s about  how  you write it. Your  resume format  is important for ensuring that your resume is visually appealing, easy to read, and easy for the ATS to recognize. For these reasons, we always suggest the reverse-chronological format to keep your most recent job experience listed at the top of your resume, but there are some other aspects of resume formatting you need to know.

Here are some other essential elements of resume formatting that you should pay attention to:

  • Resume length:  Always ensure your resume is a full, single-sided page.
  • Bullet points:  Break up large text sections about your work experience with classic round bullet points.
  • Avoiding icons/images:  The ATS does not seem to appreciate icons/images; neither will recruiters.
  • Listing the title of the position you’re seeking:  Specialize your resume for each job you apply for to show respect and genuine interest in the job. (This is especially useful for a company that may be hiring for multiple positions.)
  • Objective/Summary:  Only use one when necessary (hang tight—we’re about to cover this in-depth).

Remember these formatting tips, and you’ll be confident that your resume is ATS-friendly and easy to read for recruiters. 

resume template word accounting

Understand the elusive resume objective and summary

All right, back to the objective and summary.  A resume objective  is one of the most misunderstood sections of your resume. Most people think objectives are outdated and pointless, but that’s only the case if you don’t tailor them and keep them short. 

But what exactly is a resume objective? And what’s the difference between that and a resume summary? Let’s dive in!

A resume objective and summary statement are both short, two to three-sentence paragraphs at the top of a resume to express your interest in a position or a brief career synopsis. Both require customization and should be avoided if you don’t plan on writing a new one for every job application. 

Accountant resume objective

However, these two types of paragraphs differ in how they communicate interest in the job. An objective describes  the value you’ll add to a company  and  why you want the job . Objectives are best suited to accountants who are just starting their careers or going through a career change (like from a staff accountant to an accounts payable specialist). 

A  resume summary  highlights  your past work experience , leveraging it to  prove your qualifications and skills . Because the summary relies on many past job experiences, it’s only recommended for senior accountants with many years of industry experience. 

Let’s work through a few examples together, so you can better understand all the moving parts: 

Poor resume objective:  Years of experience in the industry, looking for a full-time job in the accounting field with benefits. 

  • There are multiple issues at play here. First, it’s uninformative. The applicant doesn’t list anything that provides concrete evidence of their skills. Secondly, it’s not specific. They don’t mention a particular job title, applicable skills, or the company to which they’re applying. Lastly, this candidate is only focused on what the job will do  for   them . You need to mention why you’ll be an asset to the company, not what the job will provide for you personally.

Better resume objective:  Detailed junior accountant with 4+ years of experience working for Big Four accounting firms. Seeking an opportunity as a staff accountant at a smaller-scale operation like Fender Co., where my specializations in optimizing pricing through software adoption and systems streamlining would positively impact sales. 

  • This resume objective makes the case that the applicant is valuable to the company by highlighting relevant skills and years of experience. Furthermore, it’s customized to the specific job the candidate is seeking, which is a major green flag for employers. 

Poor summary statement:  Experience as an accountant for 3 businesses. My role, which was providing organized, detailed work for all 3 companies, positively impacted the companies. 

  • This statement is vague and confusing, not to mention it’s poorly worded. Would you trust this person with your company’s financial accounts? 

Better summary statement:  Data-driven certified accountant with specialized work in small and mid-size businesses for 22 years. Dedicated to providing services that adhere to GAAP standards while optimizing operations and financial performance. Expertise in many types of accounting software relevant to business size, including Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, and SAP. Experience supervising and collaborating across cross-functional teams and departments while increasing ROI by 5%+ YTD. 

  • This summary statement provides specific metrics, specialized skills, and a job title. It’s a great example of a strong statement that would impress a hiring team. 

resume template word accounting

Quantify your positive impact as an accountant

If you want to prove to a company that you’re an excellent accountant, you’ll want to focus on numbers. Quantifying your impact on your accountant resume provides concrete proof that you’re an asset to the company.

Fortunately, as an accountant, there are many ways to quantify your impact, such as:

  • Internal company operations:  Have you worked with company executives to propose financial incentives to improve employee retention? Have you instituted software adoption that reduced error rates? 
  • Leadership:  Do you manage, mentor, or collaborate with a team? Do you work across several departments? 
  • Work with vendors:  Do you assess vendor invoicing or review vendor statements? Do you manage accounts payable for vendors? 
  • Clients:  How many clients do you advise if you work with individual clients? How long have you retained these clients? 
  • Revenue:  How much revenue does the company you work for generate? How many assets do you oversee? How much have you saved in potential penalty costs? 
  • Reductions in error rates:  Have you reduced errors during employment at your past jobs? Do you use specific types of software to minimize mistakes? 

Based on the above, check out these examples that demonstrate how metrics can fuel your bullet points: 

  • Proactively identified and communicated potential problem areas related to a client’s reporting issue, saving the client $2K+ in penalty fees
  • Supported management in executing an employee equity compensation plan to improve employee retention by 11%
  • Led a team of 2 junior accountants, providing mentorship and feedback through weekly 1:1 sessions
  • Reconciled vendor statements in QuickBooks, investigating and correcting any discrepancies within 48 hours 

resume template word accounting

Optimize your accountant resume for each job

Unfortunately, you can’t just have one copy of your resume that you submit for every accountant job application. Every application deserves a tailored resume.

With the job description in view, these are the areas you’ll need to pay special attention to:

  • Objective/summary statement:  Remember how we encouraged you to include specific company names? One of an applicant’s worst mistakes is failing to change the company name on multiple job applications. Make sure you read over your statement (if included) before submitting your resume, changing the job title, skills, and company name.
  • Skills:  To customize your skills section, read the job description. Often, hiring managers will overtly say what skills are important for the specific accounting job (but be careful not to plagiarize). 
  • Job description bullet points:  Are you applying to a job that needs you to interface with clients? Or maybe you’ll be working behind the scenes with data? Think about how you can shift how you discuss your work experience to highlight what’s important for each particular job. 

We know it’s frustrating to focus on customizations when you want to submit multiple applications in a short amount of time. Consider creating a document with a master list of job description bullet points and skills, sorted into groups based on the skills you need to highlight (e.g., one section that demonstrates your accuracy, another for client interactions, another for public speaking, etc.). Then, you can pick and pull things from this document to create fully customized resumes in no time. 

For now, we think you’ll find something to help you get started on your accountant resume, no matter the exact role: 

Accountant resume 

  • Do you have experience in general ledger (GL) accounting? 
  • Remember, you don’t need to include all of these accounting skills in each position, but they must be covered at least once somewhere on your accountant resume. 

Senior accountant resume 

  • Underscore things like extensive improvements in efficiency rates, accuracy, and year-to-year financial growth. 
  • Have you collaborated with upper management to set company-wide standards or implement internal policies or financial work incentives? 
  • Highlight your ability to step into leadership and mentorship roles. 

Accounts payable resume 

  • Hone in on what matters by discussing payment processing and review, tracking business expenses (such as vendor invoices), and ensuring GL and GAAP compliance. 
  • Highlight your attention to detail and how it has saved revenue for companies you’ve worked for in the past.

Entry-level accountant resume 

  • You can leverage almost any job position to highlight particularly relevant skills in accounting. For example, a restaurant server can still balance payments, check receipts against bills, etc. 
  • Read the job description carefully, noting what skills are most important to the hiring team and emphasizing your capacity to work in accounting based on their requirements. 

Staff accountant resume

  • Your staff accountant resume should focus on general ledger maintenance/oversight, tax revenue billing, accounts payable/receivable, reports, and general record-keeping. 
  • Don’t forget to showcase your potential for job advancement down the road by highlighting any aspects in which you provided management/supervisory work. 

resume template word accounting

Final takeaway for improving your accountant resume

The hardest part of writing your accountant resume is getting started, so congratulate yourself on starting your resume journey! You’re one step closer to creating your best-ever accounting resume. We’ve laid out all the essential tips, including optimizing your skills section, formatting, metrics, and resume customizations, so you can write an amazing resume in no time. 

We also have a host of tools to make resume writing easier. See how your resume stacks up against our AI-powered tips. Or, if it’s time to  write your resume  for the first time, you can use our  resume builder  with built-in formatting standards and corresponding recommendations to keep the process stress-free, easy, and quick—leaving you time also to craft a killer  accountant cover letter  for your dream role. 

No matter what stage you’re at, we’re here to help, and we wish you the best of success!

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Accountant Resume Sample

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Download this accountant resume example for free and customize it in Word

Download this accountant resume example for free in Word format today! Our experts have laid out all the necessary sections for you to not miss any important information that you might want to add. Edit the font and colors to make it your own. Free accounting resume sample . Get it now and start sending it out to recruiters!

  • File format:  Word (Microsoft)
  • File size:  203 KB
  • Ready-to-use:  fast, easy, and free

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Having a well-written resume is essential when you’re in the market for an accountant job . It should showcase your talents and experience, as well as demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the position.

In this guide you will find :

  • Your free accounting resume template in Word.
  • A sample in text that you can copy off this page.
  • Tips on how to write an outstanding resume that wows and raises brows.
  • Real examples of different sections on a teacher resume to help you write your own.

Also download: Finance Resume Example

Accounting Resume Example (Text Format)

John Doe [email protected] (555) 555-5555 linkedin.com/johndoe

  • Profile Summary

Dedicated and detail-oriented accountant with over 7 years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and auditing. Proven track record of improving financial processes and enhancing the accuracy of financial reporting. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and a strong problem solver with a commitment to maintaining the highest level of integrity and compliance.

Professional Experiences

Senior Accountan t, XYZ Company June 2019 – Present

  • Led a team of 4 junior accountants, improving the efficiency of month-end financial closings by 20%.
  • Implemented a new expense tracking system, resulting in a 15% reduction in operating costs.
  • Conducted internal audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, resulting in zero findings for the past 3 years.

Financial Analyst , ABC Corporation May 20XX – May 20XX

  • Collaborated with the finance team to develop annual budgets, and successfully reduced operating expenses by 10%.
  • Conducted in-depth financial analysis, identifying cost-saving opportunities and driving company profits by 8%.
  • Assisted in the implementation of an automated payroll system, reducing processing time by 30%.

Staff Accountant , LMN Accounting Services June 20XX – April 20XX

  • Prepared financial statements and tax returns for a diverse client base, demonstrating strong technical accounting skills.
  • Assisted clients in resolving financial discrepancies and provided tax planning advice, leading to an average 15% tax savings for clients.
  • Implemented new record-keeping procedures, reducing errors and improving client satisfaction.

MBA University of Finance and Accounting May 20XX

BS in Accounting May 20XX

  • Financial Analysis
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Financial Reporting (GAAP/IFRS)
  • Auditing and Compliance
  • Accounting Software (QuickBooks, SAP)
  • MS Excel (Advanced)
  • Team Leadership
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Integrity and Ethics
  • English (Fluent)
  • Spanish (Conversational)
  • Financial Market Analysis
  • Continuous Learning
  • Volunteering for Financial Literacy Programs
  • Hiking and Outdoor Activities
  • Reading Non-Fiction Books
  • Cooking and Culinary Arts

What to Put on an Accountant Resume

You work with numbers, which means that words are most probably not your strongest forté …

Stop panicking. Grab a glass of water. Put your legs up. Relax.

Just follow the tips below while editing your free accountant resume in Word and showcase all your strengths to your future employer without sounding like a fraud.

  • Your accountant resume should include your contact information, education, experience, skills, awards or accolades, and relevant coursework.
  • To further boost your accounting resume, consider including relevant coursework or volunteer experience that demonstrate your expertise in the field. You should also include any awards you have earned while working in the accounting industry to highlight your success and accomplishments.
  • Finally, make sure to double-check for accuracy and proofread your accountant resume before submitting it. This will ensure that all information is correct and up-to-date, as well as ensuring that the formatting is consistent and error-free.

Essential sections

  • Contact Information
  • Summary or Objective Statement
  • Professional Experience
  • Certifications and Licenses
  • Awards and Honors

Optional sections

  • Professional Associations
  • Volunteer Work
  • Publications or Projects

Read: 10 Resume Sections to Include

Accountant Resume Objective Examples

To begin, let’s start with writing an accountant resume career objective . A resume objective is a short statement that outlines your career goals and how you plan to use your skills and experience to benefit the company you’re applying for. This can be tailored to each job application and should be customized for each position.

Example of an accountant manager resume summary

Accountant Manager with a demonstrated track record of achieving financial performance and leading cross-functional teams. Seeking a challenging role where I can apply my experience in financial analysis, strategic planning, and team management to improve financial performance and steer the business toward long-term success.

Resume objective example for an accounting assistant 

Detail-oriented and organized Accounting Assistant with a strong foundation in bookkeeping and financial record maintenance. Dedicated to ensuring seamless financial operations by providing accurate and timely support. Seeking a chance to offer my great organizational skills, accounting software competence, and devotion to accuracy in a fast-paced accounting setting.

Accountant resume objective for an executive

Dynamic and accomplished Accounting Executive with extensive experience in financial management and strategic decision-making. Seeking a position as a leader where I can use my experience in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to increase profitability and maximize shareholder value. Committed to generating creative solutions and cultivating good stakeholder partnerships.

Senior accountant resume summary

Detail-oriented and dedicated Accounting Clerk with a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices. Eager to contribute my skills in financial record-keeping, data entry, and reconciliation to a dynamic team. Adept at managing multiple tasks efficiently and ensuring accuracy in financial transactions. Seeking an opportunity that allows me to grow professionally and use my expertise in maintaining organized and precise financial records.

Profile summary for an entry-level accountant

Motivated and meticulous Entry-level accountant looking to put my solid background in accounting concepts and software expertise to use in a professional setting. Seeking a position where I can contribute to a dynamic accounting team, obtain practical experience, and improve my abilities in financial analysis, reporting, and tax preparation. Committed to surpassing expectations and providing high-quality work.

Experiences in an Accountant Resume

The Experiences section of your accountant resume sample where you demonstrate practical expertise and accomplishments in the field. To help you understand how to format this section in Word, here are three examples of similar positions previously held:

Example of experience on a resume for accountants

Senior Accountant , XYZ Corporation, NY January 20XX – Present

  • Successfully managed a team of three junior accountants, providing guidance and oversight on financial reporting and audits.
  • Implemented process improvements that reduced financial discrepancies by 15% and streamlined month-end closing procedures.
  • Played a key role in preparing annual financial statements and reports for external auditors, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.

Financial Analyst , ABC Financial Services, NY June 20XX – December 20XX

  • Conducted detailed financial analysis and forecasting to support executive decision-making, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue within one year.
  • Created complex Excel models to analyze investment opportunities, enabling the company to identify and capitalize on profitable ventures.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to prepare comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for stakeholders.

Staff Accountant, DEF Accounting Firm, NY March 20XX – May 20XX

  • Assisted in tax preparation for a diverse client base, ensuring compliance with tax codes and regulations, resulting in zero audit issues for clients.
  • Managed accounts payable and receivable processes, improving efficiency and reducing outstanding receivables by 20%.
  • Assisted in financial statement preparation, reconciliation, and audits for clients across various industries.

Education for an Accountant Resume

This section of your accountant resume is where you showcase your academic background and qualifications relevant to the position. Here are examples of concrete studies that could lead to an accountant resume position, including the relevant courses and honors obtained:

Example of resume education section for accountants

BS in Accounting , University of Financial Studies, NY August 20XX – May 20XX

MBA in Finance , Graduate School of Business and Finance, NY September 20XX – May 20XX

Hard Skills for an Accountant Resume

In the competitive world of accounting, the hard skills serve as the foundation upon which a candidate’s qualifications and capabilities are built. These tangible skills are the technical and analytical abilities that are essential for success in the field of accounting.

They demonstrate a candidate’s proficiency in handling the critical aspects of financial management and reporting, and they often serve as the first point of reference for prospective employers.

Resume hard skills for accountants

  • Excel 
  • Data visualization

Check out Good Skills to List on a Resume for more tips

accountant resume template

Soft Skills for an Accountant Resume

Accounting, while inherently analytical, is not solely about numbers. Effective accountants possess soft skills , or qualities, that enable them to communicate complex financial information in a clear and accessible manner.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are paramount , as they facilitate collaboration with clients, colleagues, and auditors.

Resume soft skills for accountants

  • Problem-Solving
  • Organization
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Active Listener

Job Titles for an Accountant Resume

When it comes to adding a job title to your accountant resume , make sure to use clear, concise titles that accurately describe the roles you’ve held.

Examples of accountant job titles

  • Accounting assistant
  • Financial Accountant
  • Accounting intern
  • Accounting clerk
  • Internal Auditor

Also download:  Accounting Cover Letter Sample

Accounting Resume FAQs

How to download this free accountant resume example.

Follow the steps below to get this free accountant resume in Word on your device:

  • Find the download box at the top of this page.
  • Click on the link that corresponds to your version of Word.
  • Download starts automatically.
  • Open the accountant resume template in Word.
  • Edit and send to recruiters.

What should I use to format my accountant resume?

Many employers prefer resumes in PDF format . It is also acceptable to send in word format however, it a PDF adds a professional touch to your application.

How long should an accounting resume be? 

  • Generally, resumes should be no longer than one to two pages .
  • Make sure to only include relevant information that will help you stand out from other applicants.

Download this free accountant resume sample now!

Sarah Shaar

Expert resume and career advice writer

Updated March 13, 2024

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Accountant Resume - Writing Guide & Example for 2024

Background Image

As an accountant, you’re a trusted individual that requires accuracy at all times.

You’ll be faced with many challenging tasks that you must get right, but perhaps you didn’t expect to face one so soon.

Your resume!

What does a good accountant resume look like, anyway?

With so many individuals competing for the top roles, you can’t leave any questions unanswered. 

But don’t worry, this guide has you covered!

  • An example of a finished account resume that works
  • How to write an accountant resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
  • How to make your accountant resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we get into the details, here’s an example of a finished accountant resume, created with our very own resume builder :

accountant resume

Looks good, right?! Follow the steps below to create an accountant resume that get results, just like the above example.

Check out these related resume examples if you're on the lookout for a different position in the field:

  • Bookkeeper Resume
  • Business Analyst Resume
  • Financial Analyst Resume
  • Bank Teller Resume
  • Banking Resume
  • Executive Assistant Resume
  • Consultant Resume
  • Administrative Assistant Resume
  • Office Assistant Resume
  • Career Change Resume

How to Format an Accountant Resume

Before you can impress the hiring manager with your accounting talents, you need pick the best format.

So which resume format should you choose?

The “ reverse-chronological ” format is the most used, and we understand why. The format is easy to read and allows the hiring manager to immediately see why you’ll make a great accountant. 

reverse chronological format accountant

The following resume formats can also work:

  • Functional Resume – If your accountancy skills are stronger than your on-the-job experience, this resume format is recommended. It’s also ideal if you have gaps in your employment history or have changed career path
  • Combination Resume – This format is a hybrid between the “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats. As such, it values both skills AND work experience. People use a combination resume when they have a lot of experience

Once your format is ready, you need to organize your resume layout .

Use an Accountant Resume Template

As an accountant, you present data in a structured way.

Your resume is no different.

You can try creating your own resume with Word, but you will likely run into a bunch of formatting issues.

This is why we recommend accountants to use a resume template .

What to Include in an Accountant Resume

The main sections in an accountant resume are:

  • Work Experience
  • Contact Information

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

  • Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

Read on to learn what to write for each of these sections.

You can learn even more by viewing our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Just like your client’s accounts, this section just needs to be factually-correct. 

Mistakes in this section can result in the hiring manager not being able to contact you – disaster! 

The contact information section must include:

  • Title – Align this to the exact role you’re applying for, which is “Accountant”
  • Phone Number – Check this for accuracy
  • Email Address – Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not your childhood email ([email protected])
  • (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location
  • Edward Fakester - Accountant. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
  • Edward Fakester - Numbers king. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

job search masterclass novoresume

How to Write an Accountant Resume Summary or Objective

Here’s a fact for you – recruiters only spend a few seconds on each resume !

But should we really be surprised by this?  

Well, not when you consider the competitive nature of the accounting market. 

This means you have to hook the recruiter in just a few seconds.

But how can you do this?

The answer is simple: use an objective or resume summary .

Essentially, these are powerful introductions that are placed on top of your resume.

summary for accountant resume

So, what is the difference between the two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

  • Accountant with a history of accurately and efficiently supporting accounting activities for a diverse range of clientele. 5+ years of experience in presenting data, analyzing cost control, providing financial reports, and delivering profit and loss statements under time pressures. Achievements include saving Company X $52,000 by fixing a tax reporting error.

On the other hand, a resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

  • Motivated accountancy student looking for a junior accounting job at Company X. Passionate about attention to detail and numbers. Experience balancing the books for local food stalls while at University X. Skilled in MS Office, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Sage, and Microsoft Dynamics

So, which one is best, summary or objective?

Generally, experienced accounts should go with a summary. An objective is suited to those accounting graduates who lack the industry experience.

How to Make Your Accountant Work Experience Stand Out

An accountant’s job is all about accuracy.

As such, the recruiter needs to know that you can do a perfect job.

The easiest way to do this is to list your work experience.

Here’s the best structure:

  • Position name
  • Company Name
  • Responsibilities & Achievements

DiscoverGrowthDigital

03/2016 - 07/2020

  • Corrected account errors, which saved a total of $94,000
  • Set-up a digital accountancy system for a 10% efficiency increase
  • Processed 230+ Final Account Statements annually
  • Complied with company procedures and federal laws

To make your work experience stand out from the crowd, you should focus on your most notable achievements. That way, your value is clear to see.

Instead of saying:

“In charge of accounts”

“Corrected account errors, which saved a total of $94,000”

Simply, the first statement is way too generic. It shows you were in charge of accounts, but it doesn’t show if you were successful or not. 

The second statement shows that you saved the company $94,000. Hard numbers that prove your skills – nothing beats that!

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Finished education and are now looking for your first accounting job?

Or maybe, you’ve learnt accounting from online courses, but have no real experience in the field?

No company wants to hire an inexperienced accountant.

But don’t threat – there are ways to show you have the skills to do a great job.

What really matters here is your accounting portfolio.

If you already have any examples of your accounting skills, feel free to upload them online and link it in your resume (we’re going to explain how in a bit).

If not, it isn’t too late.

Here are a couple of easy ways to build a portfolio (and get paid for it):

  • Use a freelance platform, like UpWork, to pick up some gigs
  • Offer your accounting knowledge to friends & acquaintances at a reduced price

If you’re a recent graduate, you might want to check out our guide on how to make a student resume !

Use Action Words to Make Your Accountant Resume POP!

…are just some of the words that are repeated in every single resume. 

Do you want to separate your resume from the competition?

Then use some power words to make your achievements stand out:

  • Conceptualized
  • Spearheaded

How to Correctly List your Education

It’s important for an accountant to have relevant qualifications.

With that said, you can keep your educational section simple.

Simply enter your qualifications in the follow format:

  • Degree Type & Major
  • University Name
  • Years Studied
  • GPA, Honours, Relevant Courses.

B.A. in Accounting & Finance

Boston State University

  • Relevant Courses: Finance Accounting, Foundations of Microeconomics, Management Accounting, Advanced Taxation, Auditing, International Banking

If you have some questions unanswered, the following information may help you: 

What if I am still in education?

  • Regardless of whether you’re a graduate of accountancy or still studying, you should still mention every year of education to date.

Should I include my education before degree level?

  • Generally, only include your highest education. So, include your high school education if you don’t have a relevant degree for accountancy.

What wins, education or experience?

  • Real accountancy experience trumps education, so work experience goes first on your resume. 

Still not sure? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 25 Skills for an Accountant Resume

You need to do two things when writing a skills section:

  • Look at the required skills that are listed in the job description
  • Prove you have the skills

It’s as simple as that!

Here are some of the most common accountant skills:

Hard Skills for Accountants:

  • Financial Statements
  • Asset Management
  • State Tax Law
  • Tax Compliance
  • Corporate Tax
  • Account Analysis
  • Regulatory Filings
  • Revenue Projections
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Profit and Loss
  • Tax Returns
  • Payroll Taxes
  • General Ledger

Soft Skills for an Accountant:

  • Creative Thinking
  • Communication
  • Time-Management
  • Organization
  • Generally, only list your best soft skills. You see, every applicant puts a massive list of soft skills that are hard to back-up. Anyone can say they work well in a team, but not many are well-versed in tax compliance.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 101+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include in an Accountant Resume?

So, those are the most important sections to put on an accountant resume.

But you can do even more.

Covering the most important sections should get you shortlisted, but adding a few extra sections can get your resume to the top of the pile.

Awards & Certifications

Have you won an award in an accountancy-related field?

Have you completed a course to improve your knowledge?

Whatever it is, make sure to mention it in your resume!

Here’s an example:

Awards & Certificates

  • “Financial Accounting Fundamentals” – Coursera Certificate
  • “Apprentice of the Year 2016” – LUCA Awards
  • “Critical Thinking Masterclass” – MadeUpUniversity

Even though accountants deal with numbers, not words, being able to speak multiple languages is a useful skill to have. As such, list your languages if you have space.

Rank the languages by proficiency:

  • Intermediate

Now, you’re likely thinking, “why do I need to tell the recruiter about my book club?”

Well, your personal interests give an idea into the person you are.

Hobbies show that you’ll be a good part of the team, especially if you enjoy social activities. 

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Want to separate your application from the competition?

Craft a compelling cover letter!

This personal piece of content shows the company that you want to work for them, which is in direct contrast to other applicants that send dozens of generic resumes.

Here’s how to structure a winning cover letter:

cover letter structure accountant

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, and location

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, and email.

Opening Paragraph

You don’t have long to catch the recruiters attention, so use concise language to mention:

  • The accountancy position you’re applying for
  • Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve captured their interest, you can delve into the following specifics:

  • Why you want to be an accountant for the company
  • What you know about the company
  • How are your accounting skills relevant for the job
  • Which similar industries or positions have you worked in before

Closing Paragraph

End the letter in a friendly way, you should:

  • Conclude the main points of the letter
  • Thank the hiring manager for the opportunity
  • Finish with a call to action that allows the conversation to continue. We recommend, “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help company X”

Formal Salutations

End the letter in a professional manner. Something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter.

Key Takeaways

You’ve just given yourself the best chance of landing that accounting role. 

But before you go, let’s total-up everything you’ve learned:

  • Format your accounting resume correctly. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
  • In your work experience section, highlight your best achievements, rather than your daily responsibilities
  • Defeat the competition with a convincing cover letter

Suggested Reading:

  • Use Resume Keywords to Land the Job [880+ Keywords]
  • 101+ Achievements to List On Your Resume [In 2024]
  • What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment? [3 Proven Answers]

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Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

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  2. 21 Accountant Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

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  3. Accounting Resume Skills List Luxury Accounting Resume Sample

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  4. Accountant Resume Template for Microsoft Word

    resume template word accounting

  5. Accounting Job Resume S

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  6. Senior Accountant Resume Example 2021

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  1. Free Accountant Resume Templates

    Accountant Resume Templates. An accountant resume is a document that showcases an accountant's work experience, education, and certification. The templates accommodate accountants from all backgrounds and experience levels. For instance, an entry-level accountant or a financial executive can complete the following documents to apply for a job ...

  2. 34 Accountant Resume Examples for 2024

    Template 22 of 34: Project Accountant Resume Example. As the name suggests, as a project accountant you will be responsible for handling and monitoring the finances of a project. You will approve payments, analyze expenses, and ensure that the project progresses as intended and within the allocated budget.

  3. Accountant Resume Examples for 2024 (Skills & Templates)

    Accounting Skills: Account reconciliation, IT, financial statements, asset management, payroll, profit and loss, critical thinking, automation, accounts receivable, interpersonal skills, account analysis, communication, house painting... That's the accounting resume equivalent of a junk bond fund. Simply wrong.

  4. 10+ Accounting Resume Examples and Writing Tips

    5. Use key action verbs. Include resume action verbs in your accounting resume to add depth, clarity, and purpose to your work history. Action verbs make great openers for experience bullet points because they provide employers with more details about your previous roles and make you sound like a confident applicant.

  5. Free accounting resume templates to edit and print

    Nab an interview for an internship or assistant post with a resume template showcasing your educational attainment and accounting experience. After selecting a design, edit the placeholder text with your personal information and credentials. Upload your headshot, then crop, resize, and enhance it. Switch up the font and color palette with just ...

  6. 21 Accountant Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

    21 Accountant Resume Examples. That Worked in 2024. Stephen Greet January 22, 2024. A business is only as valuable as its finances, so successful organizations are built on a foundation of solid accounting practices. To be a successful accountant, you need to be diligent, organized, and an expert with numbers and financial data.

  7. Accountant Resume Examples & Templates for 2024

    To write a great accounting resume: Start with our accounting resume template. Your interview account will maximize. Use the one above, or choose one from our best resume templates list or Google Docs resume templates list. Match your accountant resume to the job like GAAP to income statements. Do it with accomplishments that velcro to the job ...

  8. Accounting Accountant Resume Examples for 2024: Templates & Tips

    Format your resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume. For example, "QuickBooks," "Xero" and "accounting software programs.". Lie about your accountant experience and skills. Boast that you're the "best accountant ever.".

  9. Best Accounting Resume Examples for 2024 (Template & Guide)

    Use numbers and percentages to highlight accomplishments, such as "increased revenue by 15%.". Highlight Technical Proficiency: Mention the accounting software, tools, and systems you're proficient in, such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Excel. This demonstrates your technical skills.

  10. Accountant Resume Examples & Writing Tips (2024)

    Accountants are essential in any company, as they analyze budgets, taxes, file financial reports and assess accounting records. However, with digital tools becoming more commonplace, a great resume is vital for landing a job. This Accountant resume example and guide are here to boost your chances! 4.6. Average rating.

  11. Accountant Resume Examples and Template for 2024

    Accountant Resume Examples and Template for 2024. Indeed Editorial Team. Updated February 12, 2024. An accountant is a professional in finance who helps clients manage their money. Many finance professionals pursue this career path because it can offer excellent job security and competitive pay, especially after gaining some experience.

  12. Accounting Resume Examples

    For people who want immediate access to an accounting resume template, there are free downloadable options for Microsoft Word and Google Docs. 43,000,000+ resumes made with Resume Now! Make your resume. Accounting resume examples by experience level. The way you organize your resume is an important decision. Different resume formats highlight ...

  13. Accountant Resume Sample for Word (Free Download Example)

    Edit the font and colors to make it your own. Free accounting resume sample. Get it now and start sending it out to recruiters! File format: Word (Microsoft) File size: 203 KB. Ready-to-use: fast, easy, and free. Download: resume sample in Word.

  14. Accountant Resume

    Here's an example: Accountant. DiscoverGrowthDigital. 03/2016 - 07/2020. Corrected account errors, which saved a total of $94,000. Set-up a digital accountancy system for a 10% efficiency increase. Processed 230+ Final Account Statements annually. Complied with company procedures and federal laws.

  15. Professional Accountant Resume Examples

    Text Example. Visual Example. Beth Warren. Smyrna, GA 30080. (555) 555-5555. [email protected]. Professional Summary. Driven accountant with eight years of experience specializing in accounting, auditing, budgeting, and payroll for diverse organizations. Advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices.

  16. Accounting Resume Template in Word

    Accounting Resume Template in Word. Whether Applying for an Experienced Accountant, Chartered Accountant, or Junior Accountant Job Position, Template.net is the Place to Be! With Vast Selection of Free Accounting Resume Word Templates, Instantly Download and Edit Professional Resumes, Ideal for Senior Accountants, Cost Accountants, Accounts ...

  17. Accounting Resume Templates

    Accounting resume template. Get your an accounting resume template to create a successful resume in half the time. Download your free resume template, add your details, and open a Wise multi-currency account to receive salary fee-free from over 30 countries. Download an accounting resume template Try Wise now.

  18. 18+ Best Financial Accountant Resume Templates (Word

    Following are some of the best financial accountant resume templates: Financial Accountant Resume Template 01. Download. Financial Accountant Resume Template 02. Download. Financial Accountant Resume Template 03. Download. Financial Accountant Resume Template 04. Download.

  19. 42+ Accountant Resume Templates in MS Word

    We can assist you with that. We have here 45+ accountant resume templates that are of great quality and content. A resume templates is a document that is important in any kind of profession, whether it involves accounts bookkeeping, accounting management, or account payable audits. It is undeniable that the accounting field is very competitive.

  20. Accounting Assistant Resume

    Use an AI-powered resume builder and have your resume done in 10 minutes. Just select your template and our software will guide you through the process. Borrow ideas from our accounting assistant resume sample to make your resume stand out. Or download the example as a resume template for free.

  21. Free resume templates to download and print

    Download free resume templates. Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors.

  22. 6 Great Accounting Manager Resume Examples

    Account Reconciliation. Cost Reduction. Tax Preparation. Payroll Management. Payroll Processing. System Development. Quickbooks. You should sprinkle skills and abilities throughout your resume. Include them in your professional summary, work experience blurbs and a dedicated skills section.

  23. 26+ Accounting Resume Templates

    Professional Resume Template For Accountant. Details. File Format. DOC. Size: 8.8 KB. Download Now. While most free templates are over-crowded with many unnecessary data, this neat Sample Accountant Clerk Resume Template goes straight to the point by just covering objective and experience, preceded by contact details.