Every business needs an accountant, and every Accountant’s resume worthy of a prospective employer’s attention needs to be measured on multiple counts. The competition in every professional field is increasing, including for accountants. An accountant is a finance professional dedicated to assisting clients in effectively managing their finances. Finance professionals often choose this career path due to its strong job security and competitive compensation, particularly as one gains experience. To become an accountant, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the job responsibilities and customise your resume to match the position’s requirements. Creating a well-organised resume with relevant information can improve your chances of getting a job in this field.
What to Include in Your Resume?
In preparing an accountant’s resume, including several key elements that effectively communicate your qualifications and suitability for the role is crucial. Begin with your contact information, providing essential details such as your name, phone number, email address, location, and, if applicable, a professional website. Craft a concise yet impactful professional summary that encapsulates your relevant experience and skills, serving as an initial introduction to prospective employers.
Highlight your educational background in the education section, emphasising your bachelor’s degree, typically a prerequisite for accountants. The work history section is where you can showcase your practical experience, focusing on key job responsibilities and accomplishments from previous roles, tailored to align with the specialised tasks commonly associated with accounting positions. Incorporate a comprehensive technical and soft skills list in the skills section to provide a well-rounded view of your capabilities. Lastly, include a team dedicated to certifications, as many employers prioritise candidates with relevant certificates in the field.
Expert Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Accountant Resume
Here are valuable tips to guide you in crafting your accountant resume:
Emphasise Relevant Work Experience
Accountants often handle specialised tasks that demand expertise. Highlight your most pertinent work experience to demonstrate your capability in performing the specific responsibilities associated with accounting. If you are new to the field, leverage relevant experiences from job titles with similar skills or processes, such as a bookkeeper or banker.
Employ Clear Action Verbs in Your Work History
Employ intense action verbs in the work history section detailing your job duties. This approach ensures that you include tangible responsibilities that effectively convey your expertise. Powerful verbs underscore your work’s quality and industry knowledge, particularly when incorporating industry-specific terminology.
Select Appropriate Skills
When composing your resume for an accounting position, include specific skills relevant to the role. Ensure that at least two of your skills are technical and directly related to accounting. Additionally, incorporate soft skills transferable to various job contexts, such as communication and customer service abilities.
Highlight Relevant Accounting Certifications
Prominently feature relevant certifications, such as your CPA (Certified Public Accountant), when applying for an accounting role. Consider including the year you obtained the certificate, mainly if it requires periodic renewal. However, only have certifications that are pertinent to your current job search. For instance, if you hold a realtor’s licence acquired through real estate agent training, there’s no need to include it when applying for a CPA position.
Opt for a Clean and Simple Format
Accounting professionals benefit from a conservative resume format. For your main text, use a traditional serif font like Cambria or Times New Roman, and for headings, use a clean sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica. Minimise the use of colour, if any, and avoid elaborate Microsoft Word formatting features like WordArt, Tables, and Text Boxes, as these can interfere with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Chronological vs. Functional Format
Your choice between a chronological and functional resume should align with the job description. A chronological resume, the most common format, lists your past jobs in reverse chronological order, with the current position at the top. When using this format, emphasise recent experiences and achievements, placing older classes lower in the list, especially if they are less relevant to your current accounting career focus.
On the other hand, a functional resume prioritises skills over job titles and accomplishments. It highlights transferable skills applicable across various industries. For instance, skills making you a practical accountant can also serve in business development. A functional resume tailors your application by showcasing the most pertinent skills and experiences for the targeted position. It enables you to emphasise skills spanning multiple job titles and industries, reducing the need for different resumes for various job/industry combinations.
Format and Layout
Ensure your resume is well-organised and easy to read. The logical organisation of information with clearly defined sections is critical. Group your skills and experiences logically. For extensive experience, consider dividing your resume into two sections: “Work Experience” (grouping positions/organisations by industry) and “Education & Training” (grouping courses/certificates by area of study). If your experience is limited, use the Resume Outline to determine the best placement for your personal information and qualifications.
Choosing a Resume Layout
Keep your resume’s layout as straightforward as possible. Avoid overly complex designs that might divert attention from your achievements. A specific structure aids the flow of information and helps readers locate details more efficiently, allowing them to navigate your resume smoothly
Examples
Name
India |Phone Number| Email Id
Summary
Dedicated Accountant with three years of expertise in personal and tax accounting. Possesses mathematical solid aptitude, exceptional communication skills, and a talent for organisation. Proficient in various accounting software.
Education
Cloverfield College Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Experience
LA Certified Public Accountant Oct. 2021 – Present
- Conduct client meetings to assess accounting needs
- Calculate taxes for clients during tax season
- Monitor and record activities for accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Prepare balance sheets for corporate clients
- Generate budget forecasts to aid clients in financial planning
Harrison Money Management, LA Accountant Aug. 2020 – Oct. 2021
- Prepared tax returns for clients during tax season
- Assisted the internal audit team in completing annual audits
- Maintained monthly reports to reflect each client’s financial status
Harrison Money Management, New Orleans, LA Junior Accountant May 2019 – Aug. 2020
- Managed accounts receivable and accounts payable for the department
- Reviewed monthly payroll for accuracy before distribution
- Prepared financial reports for client review
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
Skills
- Proficiency in accounting software
- Strong mathematical skills
- Exceptional organisational abilities
- Keen attention to detail
- Effective communication skills
With the accountant job market experiencing steady growth, the competition for top positions is rising. You must equip yourself with the best tools to craft an exceptional resume to stand out from other candidates. Your resume’s summary section provides an opportunity to prove your technical and soft skills, adding a personal touch that captivates the recruiter’s attention.
If you are anxious about crafting your resume, consider exploring SpotGiraffe, a specialised platform for accounting and finance job seekers. In addition to an extensive job listing database, SpotGiraffe goes the extra mile by offering comprehensive job assistance services. Recognising the importance of continuous support throughout one’s career journey, the platform provides valuable mentorship opportunities at any point in time. SpotGiraffe is committed to assisting job seekers, offering guidance on honing their professional skills within the industry.
