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Accountant resume example & writing guide

The accounting department is often considered to be the backbone of an organization. From budgeting to preparing financial reports, accountants play a crucial role in helping a company assess its resources and evaluate its yearly growth. Your accountant resume should reflect your expertise in reconciling balances, managing payables and receivables, and preparing financial statements such as balance sheets and cash flow statements. You can use our accountant resume template to showcase your skills and stand out among other job applicants.

Why use this accountant resume example?

The example accountant resume is ideal for individuals with prior experience in the field of accounting. The template starts with a powerful and detailed objective statement that covers some of the key duties and responsibilities of an accountant. It also briefly mentions an enterprise resource planning software that showcases your technical expertise and proficiency. Typically, organizations are on the lookout for individuals who are familiar with commonly used accounting software solutions and ERP tools such as QuickBooks.

The areas of expertise section reiterates the key skills an accountant is expected to possess. This section includes a combination of technical and job-related skills (such as bank reconciliation and payroll processing) and soft skills (cross-functional collaboration). Both of these skills are crucial for an accountant.

The professional experience section provides details on each previous job. The content under each job detail is broken down into two sections: day-to-day job duties and key accomplishments. The key accomplishments are written in a bullet list so that they stand out and are easy to read. Whenever possible, quantify those accomplishments with hard data such as dollars saved, time improvements, specific processes created, etc. 

It’s also important to note that most accounting jobs have certain “gatekeeper” credentials. Typically, organizations prefer hiring individuals with a degree in finance and/or a license/certification course in accounting or financial management.  

How to write a great accountant resume

Once you have decided to pursue a career in accounting, your first step should be to tailor your resume according to the job you want to apply for, using relevant keywords and phrases from the job description whenever possible. 

If you possess one or more gatekeeper credentials, such as a CPA, CFA, or CIA license, list those just after your name in the resume. Next, create a strong summary that describes your background and job-specific skills. The summary should contain two to three sentences. 

The skills section comes next and should include a mixture of technical and soft skills that will improve your chances of securing the job. You would want your soft skills to focus on leadership, communication, collaboration, and team building abilities. 

Your job experience should be written in a chronological sequence with the latest job listed first. Each job detail should be split into daily tasks and key accomplishments. Try to quantify each accomplishment. 

Lastly, your education section should contain any accounting or finance courses/certifications you’ve completed at a college, university, or other learning institution along with any relevant degrees earned.

Relevant key skills for an accountant resume

When listing skills for an accountant resume, make sure to review the job duties carefully and try to incorporate as many keywords as you can. Some of the key skills that are relevant for an accountant resume include, but are not limited to:

  • Microsoft Office Suite (especially MS Excel)

  • Data entry and analysis

  • Financial statements preparation

  • Bank reconciliation

  • Accounts payable

  • Accounts receivable

  • Communication skills (written and verbal)

  • Presentation skills

  • Budgeting

  • Detail oriented

  • Organized with good time management

  • Financial risks and governance

  • Knowledge of/experience with the latest software and ERP accounting tools

Accountant resume example

Example

Summary example

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with solid expertise in managing accounting operations, tracking financial transactions, and processing payroll. Adept at accurately completing financial statements, such as cash flow, balance sheet, sales summary, and income statements. Instrumental in coordinating with accounts staff to ensure precise production of accounting/financial reports and managing month-end record-keeping. Track record of compiling financial and transaction data for senior management and external auditors. Skilled in ensuring company’s financial documents comply with laws and regulations, particularly tax laws. Technically proficient in Sage ERP and Microsoft Office Suite.

Employment history example

Accountant, National Hotel Services Company W.L.L, N.H.S.C Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain 2016 — 2022 Prepared and compiled several daily reports for executive management, such as cash flow, invoice list, sales summary, stock sheet, payroll, salary slips, customer-wise report by salesperson, payments for foreign/local suppliers, and credit/debit notes. Managed retail and store inventory, stock levels, cash flow, and damaged items. Performed costing for new products before placing order with suppliers. Opened new items in system and updated prices for new/existing products.

  • Transferred retail data pulling from NPC to Sage server for allocating and posting invoice.

  • Organized marine insurance for foreign suppliers and maintained foreign shipping documents.

  • Prepared Good Received Notes for foreign suppliers-purchase order; received note and costing.

  • Organized Good Received Notes for local suppliers-purchase order; entered receipts and invoices into

    inventory system.

Admin & HR Executive , Sayyar Trading Agencies W.L.L Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain 2015 — 2016

Managed and maintained employee database by entering and updating information on a regular basis. Assessed company’s documents and identified any renewals/updates. Prepared evaluation/appraisal forms of employees during probation period and contract renewal. Maintained seamless communication with other organizations on behalf of executive management. Delivered professional assistance to General Manager by reporting daily financial and disciplinary matters. Oversaw day-to-day administrative activities, including printing, vehicle fleet management, office supplies procurement, and printing. Led end-to-end recruitment activities, such as placing advertisements in newspapers/job portals and contacting multiple recruitment agencies in different countries.

  • Completed documentation and process of visa applications for foreign candidates.

  • Created documents for reimbursement of health insurance company, including BUPA for Directors.

  • Identif ied competent candidates and scheduled interviews with shortlisted applicants for vacant positions.

  • Created and organized monthly reports of employees, including contract expiry and RP/CPR/passport

    renewals.

  • Provided proactive support with IT-related matters, such as setting up new computers and installing

    windows/drivers.

  • Improved employee engagement by strengthening relationships, addressing concerns, and preparing necessary certificates/letters requested by employees.

Education example

Bachelor in Commerce with Computer Application, Kodaikanal Christian College, Tamil Nadu, India

Skills example

  • Account Reconciliation

  • Month-End Journal Entries

  • Invoice Preparation

  • Administrative Assistance

  • Bank Reconciliation

  • Financial Auditing & Reporting

  • Accounts Payable & Receivable

  • Cross-functional Collaboration

  • Supplier Reconciliation

  • Payroll Processing

  • Documentation & Reporting

  • Technical Support

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