How to write an accountant resume

A resume is a commonly expected document for anyone looking for a job or pursuing a particular career, including accounting.

Who is an accountant? 

An accountant is a professional who works in the accounting field and is fully involved in the management of financial records, preparation of financial statements, initiating tax compliance, and providing financial documents and advice. 

Job description of an accountant 

An accountant manages all financial data, large, or small owned by a business/organization. They are also responsible for the compilation, tracking, rectification, and communication of a company's financial stance. 

Responsibilities of an accountant

• Internal and external audits to eliminate discrepancies and ensure accuracy.

• Using accounting software to manage financial records and generate financial reports. 

• Presenting financial data to managers and other stakeholders. 

• Creating reports to reveal profits and losses accrued over time. 

• Teaming with other professionals to review the financial health of the organization.

Types of accountants who need a resume

All levels of accountants should have a resume. However, the content and structure of the resume will vary depending on the level of experience. An entry-level accountant will have a resume different from that of a mid or senior-level accountant. 

Usually, entry-level accountants may have little or no experience which may require that they focus on highlighting their education, relevant projects, internships, and experience (if any). Also, they can point out proficiency in relevant skills or software such as Quickbooks, Microsoft Excel, and GAAP.

A mid-level accountant has more experience and should emphasize this in the resume. The experience can reveal how much time you spent executing tasks and skills in financial analysis, auditing, or tax preparation. You can also highlight your core skills and proficiencies. 

The highest level of accountant is the senior accountant and they must have spent a lot of years in the field. Their resume should center on their extensive experience in accounting and finance and also, the different professional certifications they have acquired. 

Read also >>> Top leadership skills to build your resume

How to write an accountant resume

The resume should be designed to have different important sections such as: 

• Objective/Summary

• Work experience

• Personal information

• Skills

• Education

You can also add:

• Languages

• Awards/Achievements

Objective/Summary

This section gives you the first opportunity to shoot your shot at the potential employer. It simply allows you to state what you need from the employment. The section would differ for each level of accountant: 

An entry-level accountant can say- 

I am seeking an entry-level position that will help me to utilize the knowledge and skills gained through internships, while also providing opportunities for professional growth. 

A mid-level accountant can say- 

I am an experienced accountant with 4 years of experience in financial analysis, auditing, and tax preparation. I am eager to use these skills to continuously ensure good financial health for the organization. 

Senior level accountant - 

Efficient and reliable senior accountant with 10+ years of experience in financial planning and analysis, consulting, and managing large financial operations. Proficient in GAAP and IFRS accounting standards with a deep knowledge of tax policies and regulations. 

It is important to note that objectives should be tailored to the particular position/role you are applying to. 

Work Experience 

Your work experience should follow a particular structure: 

• Role

• Name of company

• Date

• Responsibilities and Achievements 

Example:

Accountant

Chowdeck Nigeria

05/2016 - 09/2018

• Rectified discrepancies in financial statements and reports.

• Established new accounting policies to improve accuracy and reduce errors

• Created detailed financial reports.

Note that it is important to use action words as seen above to reiterate your skills and achievements to your potential employers.

If you don't have any work experience, you can include highlights from your projects/portfolio using words like: 

• Assisted

• Collaborated

• Analyzed

• Researched

Personal Information 

This section should include:

• Name in full: Toluwalope Akinsete

• Title: Accountant

• Phone number: 0907456****

• Email address: Note that only professional email addresses are acceptable.

PrettyTolubaby69@gmail.com ❌

ToluwalopeAkinsete@gmailmcom or AkinseteT@gmail.com ✅

• Location: You don't need to include your street name or number. 

No 4, Aragba street, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria.❌

Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria. ✅

Education

This is another important section of your resume and you can't afford to make mistakes. Use this structure:

• Degree Type

• Name of University/Polytechnic/College

• Years of study

• Accounting course/relevant course studied

• GPA (optional)

Skills

This is the part of your resume that shows your potential employer what you bring to the table. Check the job description on the job advert, be sure that you possess the skill then proceed to put it on your resume. Some common skills that an accountant should possess include:

• MS Office

• MS Excel

• Budget and forecasting

• Payroll

• Invoices

• Quick books

• Ledger books

• Taxation

• Cost accounting 

• Account reconciliation

• IT skills

• Communication skills

• Organizational skills

• Account analysis

• Time management

• Attention to details

Languages

If you speak English or any other language, you can create a section and include them in your resume.

Awards and Achievements 

If you have awards and achievements relevant to the role or field, you can add up this section to show your potential employer how much talent you have got. 

Your resume does the bulk of the work in getting you a job as an accountant. Invest enough time in creating a strong resume that will get you noticed by your potential employer.