Accounting Resume Samples (+ Formats & Templates)

As one of the most in-demand and highest-paid professions in the corporate world, accounting is a great profession to get into or progress in.

An accountant's primary duties involve interpreting financial data and budgeted forecasts. In addition, they create balance sheets, profit, and loss reports and help companies organize their financial resources effectively.

Because of the high demand for accounting jobs, having a professional resume as an accountant is extremely important. Every job posting attracts 250 applicants on average. Only 2% of these will go on for an interview and only 1 will end up with the job offer.

Having a thoughtfully constructed accounting resume helps you stand out and increases your chances of landing the job tenfold.

Here are 6 steps you need to follow to craft the perfect accounting resume.

Step 1: Understand the difference between an accountant CV and an accountant resume.

In simple terms, a CV is more general whereas a resume is more specific to a particular job.

Besides the design and layout differences, a CV is more suited for jobs in academia, medicine, or science-related fields. A resume is a better fit for more general jobs like accounting.

Step 2: Choose from 4 general accounting resume formats.

Step 3: Refer to online accounting resume examples.

Now that you have a format, it’s important to reference and read several accounting resume samples from a variety of sources to get a feel of how and what you should write.

You should also take a look at accounting resume templates that will help consolidate your understanding even more.

Step 4: Tailor the resume for accounting job.

You have to tailor your accounting resume for the specific job you’re applying for. Read the job description and learn more about the company itself to get an idea of what their values are and what they look for in applicants.

Step 5: Craft an accounting cover letter.

A cover letter is going to be a very important addition to an accountant’s resume. It helps showcase your unique combination of skills and experience and plays a role in helping you stand out.

Step 6: Proofread.

Run your accounting resume through a spell checker and beware of mistakes and typos.

Here are the main sections you should focus on when writing a accounting resume:

This section provides the recruiter with key information about you and your accounting resume which helps them determine whether you’re well suited for the job.

A resume headline is a brief line that summarizes your entire resume. It helps create a good first impression and dictates how the recruiter will read the information that follows it.

You should include your experience and important information only. Remember this just a teaser for what can be expected from your accounting resume.

3. Resume Summary

A resume summary is a one or two-sentence outline that describes you, your experience, and your skills. It should be carefully crafted to highlight your very best features.

4. Career Objective for Accountant Resume

An accounting resume objective is the goal or purpose of your career. It should be written in about 2-3 lines or at most as a short paragraph. It will be located at the top of your accounting resume.

Career objectives help catch the recruiter’s attention and make your application memorable.

5. Accounting Resume Skills

The skills section is very important for any accountant’s resume as it shows the hiring managers whether you’re a good fit for the job you’re applying for.

It showcases your expertise efficiently and makes comparing your skillset with other candidates very easy.

6. Work Experience

Arguably one of the most important parts of your accounting resume, the work experience section shows your professional prowess and who you’ve worked for in the past.

7. Education

List the highest academic qualifications you’ve attained in this section. Particularly important for accounting resumes as a degree in the subject matter will most probably be a compulsory requirement.

8. Certification

Including relevant accounting certifications is vital for your accountant resume. This will help solidify your image as an expert and may be the differentiating factor in competitive jobs.

Like we mentioned previously, cover letters are a great way to let the employer know you better and supplement your accounting resume.

Your application letter for accountant jobs shouldn’t be more than 1 page long and should have the following 5 parts: