How to Format an Accountant Resume

Before you impress the hiring manager with your accounting skills, you need to choose the best format.

So which resume format should you choose?

The “reverse chronological” format is the most used and we understand why. The format is easy to read and allows the hiring manager to immediately see why you would be a great accountant.

The following resume formats can also work:

• Functional Resume – This resume format is recommended if your accounting skills are stronger than your on-the-job experience. It is also ideal if you have gaps in your employment history or if you have changed your career path.
• Combination CV – This format is a hybrid between “Functional” and “Inverse Chronological” forms. Therefore, it values both skills AND work experience. People use a combination resume when they have a lot of experience

Once your format is ready, you need to edit your resume layout.

Use an Accountant Resume Template

As an accountant, you present data in a structured way.

Your resume is no different.

You can try creating your own resume with Word, but you’ll likely run into a series of formatting issues.

This is why we recommend accountants to use a resume template.

What to Include in an Accountant Resume

The main sections in an accountant resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information
• Skills
• Education

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Languages
• Interests & Hobbies

Read on to find out what to write for each of these sections.

You can learn even more by viewing our guide on What to Put on a Resume. How do I write a resume for my accountant?,#What should an accounting resume look like?,#What is the best resume format to use in 2020?,#How do you write a resume for 2020?,#What resume template is most successful?,#What is the best layout for a resume?,#How do you write a killer resume?,#How do I list my skills on a resume 2020?,#How long should my resume be 2020?,#What skills should I put on my resume for accounting?,#What skills are needed to be an accountant?,#What is Profile Summary for accountant?,#What do you write in your career objective?,#How do I write a good CV?,#How do I write a resume for a senior accountant?,#Do accountants need to know SQL?,#What computer skills do accountants need?,#How can I be a good accountant?,#How do I describe my skills on my CV?,#How do I describe my skills on a resume?,#How do I write an impressive resume?

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Just like your client’s accounts, this section should be factual.

Errors in this section could result in the hiring manager not being able to contact you – disaster!

The contact information section should include:

• Name surname
• Title – Align this exactly with the role “Accountant” for which you are applying
• Phone Number – Check this for accuracy
• Email Address – Use a professional email address (ad.lastname@gmail.com), not your childhood email (edloveshamsters@gmail.com)
• (Optional) Location – Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location

How to Write an Accountant Resume Summary or Objective

Here’s a fact – recruiters only spend a few seconds on each resume!

But should we really be surprised at this?

Not when you consider the competitive nature of the accounting market.

This means you have to connect the recruiter in just a few seconds.

But how can you do that?

The answer is simple: use a purpose or keep the summary.

Essentially, these are powerful promotions placed on your resume.

So, what is the difference between the two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

How to Make Your Accountant Work Experience Stand Out

An accountant’s job is all about accuracy.

Therefore, the recruiter needs to know that you can do an excellent job.

The easiest way to do this is to list your work experience.

Here is the best build:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Dates
• Responsibilities & Achievements

To ensure your work experience stands out from the crowd, you must focus on your most important achievements. This way, your worth is clearly visible.

Instead:

“Responsible for accounts”

Say:

“Corrected account errors, saving a total of $ 94,000”

Simply, the first statement is very general. Indicates that you are responsible for the accounts, but does not indicate whether you are successful or not.

The second statement indicates that you are saving the company $ 94,000. Difficult numbers that prove your skills – nothing can replace it!

Use Action Words to Make Your Accountant Resume POP!

• “Made”
• “Worked”
• “Managed”

… Just a few of the words that are repeated in every resume.

Would you like to separate your CV from the competition?

Then use some powerful words to make your achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Determined
• Spearheaded
• Formulated
• Initiated

How to Correctly List your Education

It is important for an accountant to have the relevant qualifications.

However, you can keep your education section simple.

Just enter your qualifications in the following format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Relevant Courses.

If you have some questions unanswered, the following information may help you:

What if I am still in education?

• Whether you are an accounting graduate or still studying, you have to mention every academic year to date.

Should I include my education before degree level?

• Usually, include only your highest education. So include your high school education if you don’t have an accounting-related degree.

What wins, education or experience?

• Actual accounting experience is superior to education, so work experience comes first on your resume.Still not sure? See our guide on how to list training on a resume.

Top 25 Skills for an Accountant Resume

When writing a skill section, you must do two things:

1. See required skills listed in the job description
2. Prove you have the skills

It’s that simple!

Here are some of the most common accountant skills:

What Else Can You Include in an Accountant Resume?

So, these are the most important parts to put on an accountant resume.

But you can do more.

Covering the most important sections will get you shortlisted, but adding a few extra sections can bring your resume to the top of the stack.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Do you want to separate your application from the competition?

Make an impressive cover letter!

This personal piece of content shows the company you want to work for; this is the opposite of other applicants who have submitted dozens of general resumes.

Here’s how to structure a successful cover letter:

You should complete the following sections: