In the competitive field of accounting, a well-crafted resume can be your ticket to landing your dream job. Your resume should showcase your skills, experience and accomplishments in a way that captures the attention of hiring managers. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to write a killer accounting resume that gets you hired.
1. Start with a Strong Summary
Your resume summary should be a concise statement that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. It should be tailored to the accounting role you are applying for and immediately grab the reader’s attention.
Example: "Detail-oriented Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 5 years of experience in financial analysis, auditing and tax preparation. Proven track record of reducing costs and improving financial processes. Seeking to leverage expertise in a challenging accounting role at XYZ Company."
2. Highlight Your Professional Experience
Your professional experience section should showcase your relevant work history, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on quantifiable accomplishments.
Example: Senior Accountant, ABC Corporation January 2018 – Present
- Managed monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for a $50M company.
- Implemented new accounting software, reducing financial reporting time by 30%.
- Conducted internal audits, resulting in a 15% increase in compliance accuracy.
- Led a team of 4 junior accountants, providing training and mentorship.
3. Showcase Your Skills
Include a skills section that highlights both hard and soft skills relevant to the accounting profession. Focus on skills that match the job description.
Example: Skills:
- Financial Analysis
- Auditing
- Tax Preparation
- GAAP and IFRS
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Advanced Excel
- ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Communication
4. Detail Your Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications. Include the name of the institution, degree earned and graduation date.
Example: Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of ABC, May 2016
Certifications:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of XYZ, June 2017
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Institute of Management Accountants, April 2018
5. Include Relevant Keywords
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To pass through these systems, include relevant keywords from the job description.
Example Keywords: Financial Reporting, General Ledger, Reconciliation, Variance Analysis, Cost Accounting, Payroll, Financial Compliance, Internal Controls
6. Emphasize Professional Development
Show your commitment to continuous learning by listing any professional development courses, workshops or seminars you have attended.
Example: Professional Development:
- Advanced Financial Modeling Workshop, XYZ Training Institute, March 2019
- Tax Law Update Seminar, National Association of Tax Professionals, November 2020
7. Proofread and Format Your Resume
Ensure your resume is free of errors and professionally formatted. Use a clean, easy-to-read font and consistent formatting for headings and bullet points. Proofread multiple times to catch any typos or grammatical mistakes.
Example:
- Use bold headings for sections.
- Use bullet points for listing responsibilities and achievements.
- Keep the resume length to one or two pages.
To stand out from others, having a well-crafted resume is essential. By following these tips, you make sure to showcase your knowledge and skills and maximize your chance to get hired in the accounting industry.
