Creating a resume for an accountant

By Admin Last updated Apr 11, 2025

Creating a resume for an accountant requires a strategic focus on your technical skills, certifications, and relevant work experience. The goal is to demonstrate your proficiency with accounting software, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and your ability to handle financial data accurately and efficiently.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for creating a resume for an accountant:

1. Contact Information

At the top of your resume, include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). You may also want to add your location (city, state), but detailed address information is not necessary anymore.

Example:

javaCopyJohn Doe
(555) 555-5555 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/johndoe

2. Resume Summary or Objective

Your resume summary (or objective) is a short section at the top of your resume that gives the employer an overview of your qualifications. It should be tailored to the job you’re applying for.

If you have experience, write a resume summary that emphasizes your strengths.
If you’re a recent graduate, write an objective statement focusing on your education and enthusiasm for the role.

Example (Summary):

pgsqlCopyDetail-oriented CPA with 5+ years of experience in financial reporting, auditing, and tax preparation. Adept at managing accounting systems, ensuring compliance with regulations, and streamlining financial processes to enhance efficiency. Looking to leverage my expertise to contribute to the accounting team at [Company Name].

Example (Objective):

cssCopyMotivated accounting graduate with a strong foundation in financial accounting and reporting. Eager to apply knowledge of GAAP, financial analysis, and bookkeeping to support the accounting team at [Company Name].

3. Skills Section

The skills section is crucial for an accounting resume. It should highlight both hard skills (technical accounting skills) and soft skills (organizational, problem-solving, communication). Here’s what to include:

Hard Skills:

Accounting Software (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Excel)
Financial Reporting & Analysis
Tax Preparation and Compliance
Budgeting and Forecasting
Internal Auditing
Payroll Management
Financial Statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow)
Reconciliations
Accounts Payable/Receivable
Regulatory Compliance (GAAP, IFRS)

Soft Skills:

Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Time Management
Communication
Problem-Solving
Organization

Example:

markdownCopy**Skills**
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks
- Expertise in GAAP and IFRS accounting principles
- Tax preparation and compliance (1040, 1120, 1065)
- Financial analysis and forecasting
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy

4. Work Experience

This section is where you will highlight your most relevant work experience in accounting. Focus on your achievements and responsibilities that align with the job you’re applying for. Use action verbs and quantifiable results to demonstrate the impact of your work.

When listing job entries:

Use reverse chronological order (most recent job first).
Include job title, company name, and employment dates.
Add bulleted lists of key responsibilities and accomplishments.

Example:

pgsqlCopy**Senior Accountant**  
ABC Financial Services | New York, NY  
March 2020 – Present
- Prepared monthly and annual financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable, reducing processing time by 15%.
- Conducted internal audits, identifying discrepancies that led to a 10% reduction in errors.
- Assisted in preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses, achieving compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Led the implementation of a new accounting software system, streamlining financial reporting and data entry.

**Junior Accountant**  
XYZ Accounting Firm | New York, NY  
June 2017 – February 2020
- Assisted in the preparation of financial reports and balance sheets for multiple clients.
- Reconciled client accounts and bank statements, ensuring 100% accuracy.
- Processed payroll for 50+ employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- Supported senior accountants with audits, tax filings, and year-end financial closing processes.

5. Education

List your highest level of education, including your degree, institution, and graduation year. If you have relevant certifications or courses, you can include them here or in a separate section (such as Certifications or Professional Development).

Example:

yamlCopy**Bachelor of Science in Accounting**  
University of XYZ | Graduated May 2017  
Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Corporate Finance

6. Certifications

Accountants are often required or prefer to have certain certifications. Include any professional certifications you have earned in this section.

Example:

javaCopy**Certified Public Accountant (CPA)**  
State of New York | Licensed January 2018

**Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I** (if applicable)

**Certified Management Accountant (CMA)** (if applicable)

7. Additional Sections (Optional)

You may want to include other sections that can highlight your qualifications further, such as:

Awards and Honors: If you’ve received any awards, recognize them here.
Volunteer Experience: If relevant, especially if you’ve helped with accounting or financial tasks in volunteer positions.
Languages: If you’re fluent in multiple languages, include them here.
Professional Affiliations: Memberships in organizations like the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) or other accounting associations.

Example Accountant Resume:

John Doe
(555) 555-5555 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/johndoe | New York, NY

Resume Summary

Experienced CPA with 5+ years of expertise in financial reporting, tax preparation, and regulatory compliance. Highly proficient in QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and SAP. Proven track record of streamlining financial processes, ensuring accuracy in financial statements, and delivering tax filings with 100% compliance.

Key Skills

Tax Preparation (1040, 1120, 1065)
Financial Reporting & Analysis
GAAP & IFRS Compliance
QuickBooks & SAP Expertise
Budgeting & Forecasting
Payroll Management
Internal Auditing
Accounts Payable/Receivable
Strong Analytical Skills

Work Experience

Senior Accountant
ABC Financial Services | New York, NY
March 2020 – Present

Prepared monthly and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP.
Managed accounts payable and receivable, reducing processing time by 15%.
Conducted internal audits and identified process inefficiencies, resulting in a 10% reduction in errors.
Assisted with tax return preparation for individual and corporate clients.

Junior Accountant
XYZ Accounting Firm | New York, NY
June 2017 – February 2020

Reconciled client accounts and bank statements, ensuring 100% accuracy.
Processed payroll for 50+ employees and prepared tax filings.
Supported audits and year-end financial closing processes.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of XYZ | Graduated May 2017

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), New York (2018)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I (2020)

Professional Affiliations

Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

Final Tips:

Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, include numbers or percentages to show the impact of your work.
Tailor for Each Job: Customize your resume for each role by emphasizing the skills and experience most relevant to the specific accounting position.
Keep It Clean and Professional: Stick to a clear, simple format to ensure readability and professionalism.

By following these steps, you can create a compelling resume that demonstrates your accounting skills and qualifications effectively!