Best Accounting Resume Examples and Writing Tips

Surviving the intricacies of the job application process starts with writing a decent resume. In order to land a position in accounting you need to effectively highlight your expertise in complying with financial rules.

This article provides examples and suggestions to help you create an impactful accounting resume that will showcase your strengths, accomplishments, and what sets you apart.

Use these strategies whether you’re mid-career or fresh out of college to upgrade your application and stand out in the job market.

"Accounting is not just about counting beans; it’s about making every bean count."

William Reed

Accounting resume examples

Entry-level accounting resume sample

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Accounting manager resume example

Jacob Martinez

jacob-martinez@email.com | 617-847-9171 | Amherst, MA

Objective:

Experienced accounting manager with a strong track record in financial oversight and adherence to regulatory standards within the academic sector, seeking to contribute expertise to a leading university. Committed to optimizing financial operations to support institutional goals.

Professional Experience:

Accounting Manager | University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA)
January 2018 - Present

• Manage a team of 5 accounting professionals, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and grants management.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and FASB standards, resulting in zero audit findings over 3 consecutive years.
• Implemented a strategy that helped reduce month-end close time by 15%, improving reporting accuracy.

Senior Accountant | University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA)
June 2013 - December 2017

• Prepared detailed financial statements, including balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Managed the annual audit process, collaborating with external auditors to achieve clean audits with minimal adjustments.
• Implemented a new cost allocation methodology that enhanced transparency and efficiency in budgeting and reporting.

Accountant | Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA)
June 2010 - May 2013

• Processed accounts payable and receivable transactions with a focus on accuracy and timeliness.
• Assisted in the development of annual budgets and performed variance analysis to monitor financial performance.
• Supported the preparation of financial reports and presentations for senior management and board meetings.

Skills:

• Financial management and reporting
• Budget preparation and analysis
• Audit preparation and compliance
• Team leadership and development
• Strategic planning and forecasting

Education:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting
University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA)

• Graduated: May 2012

Bachelor of Science in Finance
Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)

• Graduated: May 2010

Certifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | Board of Public Accountancy (renewed in 2024)

Professional Affiliations:

• Member, Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants
  Since 2013

CPA resume example

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Format recommendations

To ensure clarity and professionalism in presenting your qualifications, consider the following formatting tips for your accounting resume.

Layout:

• Use a clean, professional design with consistent spacing and alignment throughout the accountant resume.
• Ensure headers (e.g., Professional Experience, Education, Skills) are clearly distinguishable with bold or slightly larger font size.

Font:

• Choose a standard, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Use a font size of 10-12 points for the main text and slightly larger (12-14 points) for section headings to make them stand out.

Margins:

• Maintain standard 1-inch margins on all sides to provide sufficient white space and ensure the accounting resume looks balanced.

Whitespace:

• Use adequate whitespace between resume sections and within bullet points to improve readability and clarity.
• Avoid cramming too much text onto the page; prioritize concise and impactful information.

Bold and Italics:

• Use bold sparingly to call attention to section headings, job titles, and company names.
• Italics can be used for emphasis, such as to highlight the name of a degree or certification.

Bullet Points:

• Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities under each job position.
• Start each bullet point with an action verb to convey impact and initiative (e.g., managed, implemented, coordinated).

Alignment:

• Maintain consistent left alignment for text within each section.
• Ensure that your accountant resume is justified (aligned to both left and right margins) for a polished appearance.

Contact information

When listing personal information in an accountant's resume, stay brief, relevant, and professional.

Keeping this section concise and relevant ensures recruiters can easily reach out to you for further communications.

Resume summary

A resume summary is a brief statement at the top of your document that highlights your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements. It serves as a snapshot of your qualifications, helping recruiters quickly understand your professional background and suitability for the job.

Example 1:

Experienced CPA with a solid background in financial management and compliance. Proven track record in leading audits and implementing financial controls to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance. Skilled in financial reporting and analysis, adept at driving process improvements to enhance organizational efficiency.

Example 2:

Seasoned Accounting Manager with over a decade of experience overseeing budgeting and financial operations. Strong leadership capabilities demonstrated in managing cross-functional teams and implementing strategic initiatives to optimize financial performance. Expertise in GAAP principles and financial reporting standards, contributing to effective decision-making and operational excellence.

Tips for writing an effective accounting resume summary for accounting:

1. Keep It Concise. Aim for a summary that is brief and impactful, typically around 3-4 sentences.
2. Focus on Your Achievements. Feature the distinct accomplishments throughout your career rather than simply reciting your responsibilities at each position.
3. Use Relevant Keywords. Include keywords commonly associated with accounting positions or from the particular job description.
4. Tailor to the Job. Customize your summary for each application by emphasizing relevant experience and skills that match the role requirements.
5. Showcase Your Value. Clearly communicate what sets you apart from other candidates and how your skills can benefit the prospective employer.

You don't have to write a summary, especially on an entry-level accountant's resume. Instead, you can opt for an objective that focuses on specific career goals and aspirations rather than work history.

Experience

"In the world of finance, the best accounting is like poetry—precise, impactful, and timeless."

Daniel Adams

When creating an accounting resume, organize your work history in reverse chronological order. This organization allows employers to easily spot your relevant and most recent experience.

For each position, indicate job title, the name of the company, the dates of employment, and the location of the organization.

In bullet points, provide an overview of your most significant achievements and responsibilities. Quantify the results whenever possible.

Education

Education is another key factor in demonstrating your qualifications. On the accountant resume, this section should also start with the most recent credentials.

For every entry, write the type of the degree, the name of the institution, the graduation date ("expected" for those still in school), and the city and state.

You can also mention specialized certifications or training programs you’ve completed to make your profile stronger.

Seeing a degree or certification supplies employers with the assurance of your expertise. They will see your dedication to learning and professional development.

Below are two accountant resume academics examples.

Accounting skills for resume

"Accounting excellence is not just a skill; it’s a mindset of financial mastery."

Melissa Davis

It is essential to include both hard and soft skills in an accountant's resume to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.

Hard skills are the technical capabilities that an accounting specialist must possess. They can be acquired through formal education or work experience.

Soft skills refer to so-called "people’s skills" and emotional intelligence. These are transferable abilities that can be applied to a variety of jobs.

Additional information

Incorporating extra personal facts into an accountant's resume grants recruiters a deeper insight into who you are.

Think about including some of the following sections.

Resume builder recommendation

Are you looking for a new job? Why not use a pre-made accounting resume template from a helpful online service?

Try free online resume builder with pre-made templates!

Utilizing the online resume builder is a smart way of assuring that your application makes an excellent impression on prospective employers. Try using it today!

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Writing an accounting cover letter

Creating an excellent cover letter for an accounting position is vital for increasing your chances of securing an interview.

The cover letter ought to elaborate on your accounting resume as well as explain why you are interested in the job.

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Here are some tips on composing a successful supporting letter:

1. Keep it professional. Ensure that your accounting cover letter adheres to the standards of proper business writing composition. Be sure to include a polite greeting at the top of the page.
2. Highlight qualifications. Emphasize qualifications relevant to the specific role, such as software expertise, experience with financial reporting, or knowledge of auditing procedures.
3. Customize it for each job. Do not send everyone the same cover letter. Instead, adjust it for each role to reflect the particular requirements and company culture.
4. Use a strong closing statement. Conclude the supporting letter with a call-to-action statement. Encourage recruiters to contact you or visit your portfolio or website to learn more.

Now, look at some accounting cover letter examples to get a better idea of what's expected from you.

This is a great example of a cover letter. It showcases the job-seeker's applicable capabilities and experiences while also expressing their eagerness for the position.

This cover letter gives no concrete examples of relevant skills or distinctions that separate the applicant from other candidates seeking the same job. Additionally, it includes vague details that make the letter unfocused.

Accountant’s cover letter example with no experience

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the Entry-Level Accountant position at Coastal Accounting Services, as advertised on your website. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Indiana University, I am eager to launch my career with a company that values excellence and innovation in financial services.

During my academic career, I developed a strong foundation in accounting principles and financial management. My coursework included advanced accounting, financial analysis, and taxation, all of which have equipped me with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to your team.

Additionally, I completed an internship at Pine Financial Solutions, where I assisted with preparing statements, reconciling accounts, and supporting the audit process. This hands-on experience enhanced my attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

I am particularly drawn to Coastal Accounting Services because of your commitment to providing personalized financial solutions and fostering professional growth. I am confident that my strong analytical skills, proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks and Excel, and my dedication to continuous improvement will enable me to be a valuable addition to your team.

My resume is attached. I am available at your earliest convenience for an interview and can be reached at 317-265-3294 or lisa-hill@email.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to Coastal Accounting Services.

Sincerely,

Lisa Hill

Tips on writing a cover letter with no experience:

• Focus on your education. Mention your applicable coursework, GPA, achievements, awards, internships, or volunteer experience.
• Highlight transferable skills. Showcasing transferable skills you gained from previous jobs will set you apart from other applicants who may not have relevant experience.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm. Express your eagerness to start your career in the field and highlight your motivation to develop new skills and grow professionally.

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Proofreading

"An accountant is someone who solves a problem you didn't know you had in a way you don't understand."

Anonymous.

As you finish composing, check your application materials carefully.

Incorrect spelling, grammar, or punctuation can reflect poorly on your professional presentation and can prevent you from getting the job. Employers will be looking for accuracy, meticulousness, and good communication skills.

Taking the time to check your accountant resume and cover letter demonstrates scrupulousness and shows recruiters that you are committed to presenting yourself in the best light possible.

Conclusion

This article shares a step-by-step accounting resume guide to help you create an outstanding application. Follow these simple steps to improve your chances of landing an interview!

Take your time, get it organized, and start writing your accountant resume using the resume builder for free!

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