The format of a resume plays a big role in its readability. If a hiring manager struggles to find your accomplishments and skills, he or she may disregard you as a candidate. Similarly, using the wrong language, whether too formal or too casual, can cost you your chance for an interview. Because the resume acts as your first contact with an employer, you need to find a way to express your work history in a manner that illuminates your fit for the job.
Most employers expect their accountants to have organizational skills, so your resume should showcase your ability to organize information. As you sit down to build this professional document, you may start to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, you can use the resume format for accountant and writing tips to learn how to best format your own job-search tool. With the right knowledge, anyone can craft a standout resume.
Resume Format for Accountant
Benjamin Wyatt
Lansing, Michigan 11111
E: wyatt.benjamin@anymail T: 555-478-9990
Lansing, Michigan 11111
E: wyatt.benjamin@anymail T: 555-478-9990
Professional Summary
Professional accountant with a history of initiating strategic revenue planning for net revenue, gross revenue and gross margins over the course of 15-year career in the field. Experienced with relationship-building and leadership that helps foster a learning environment for finance personnel and encourages repeat business from clients. Acknowledged as “Accountant of the Year” nine times throughout work history.
Skills & Qualifications
• QuickBooks, payroll software, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials, and other tax preparation software
• Financial planning and profit analysis
• Administrative and clerical procedures
• Business and management principles
• Knowledge of government regulations
• Accounting and economic practices
• Financially responsible for up to $2 million
Work History
Certified Public Accountant – 2010-Present
Max’s Taxes and More, Lansing, Michigan
• Help clients file state and federal taxes; average return of $1,000 keeps customers coming back
• Provide technical expertise to junior accountants
• Design and run yearly IRS update to keep finance personnel in the know
• Supervise 20 junior accountants
• Integrate new tax preparation software to ensure providing fastest service possible
• Attend regular seminars and workshops to stay up-to-date on changing policies and technologies
Business Analyst – 2008-2010
Finance World, Chicago, Illinois
• Performed revenue analysis that improved company’s reporting system by 27% through implementation of new technology
• Managed department of 15 people
• Analyzed various company budgets and prepared reports that compared budgeted costs to actual costs
• Developed new organizational method that increased department efficiency by 15%
• Examined financial statements and found inconsistencies that saved the company $10,000
• Reduced junior accountant turnover by 33% through recruiting and training strategies
Junior Accountant – 2002-2008
Finance World, Chicago, Illinois
• Appraised real property and equipment to record accurate value for tax purposes
• Prepared quarterly reports that reviewed company budget and increased organization by 6%
• Maintained financial records for seven large clients and 15 small clients
• Recommended update of financial software, which saved company 50 hours a week due to increased speed
• Advised clients on the design of data processing systems to ensure quality organization
• Implemented cost saving initiatives that cut annual budget by $3,000
Education & Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Lansing, Michigan
Certified Management Accountant
Institute of Management Accountants, Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Finance
University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
Professional Affiliations
American Association of Finance and Accounting, 2010-Present
Institute of Management Accountants, 2008-Present
Young CPA Network, 1997-2003
Is This a Good Resume Format for Accountant? Let’s Check
1. Does this accountant resume emphasize familiarity with finances?
It does! Notice how our jobseeker mentions his experience with finances and taxes in almost every section of the document. Even though he reiterates his familiarity, he never uses the same experience twice. You can see this experience shine through in every section from the professional summary to the professional affiliations.
2. Does the jobseeker use the top portion of the resume wisely?
He absolutely does. Many experts say the top one-third of a resume plays an important role because hiring managers look through this portion to figure out if they want to keep reading. Our jobseeker quickly demonstrates his professional appeal by delving into his most impressive accomplishments, skills, and qualifications in the first two sections of the document. Notice how he points out what he did for past companies in an effort to show employers what he’ll be able to do for their business.
3. Does the resume format for accountant make it easy to spot accomplishments?
Absolutely! The jobseeker made sure to scatter his accomplishments throughout the document. Not only does he list his history of initiating strategic plans in the job summary, but he also mentions his experience handling large amounts of money in the skills and qualifications section, and delves into numerous impressive accomplishments throughout the experience section. The short paragraphs and bullet points helps employers skim through the document while still spotting important skills, accomplishments, and experiences. The use of metrics makes it easy for readers to spot the accomplishments while comparing the candidate to other applicants.
4. Does the jobseeker list key dates?
Yes! As the hiring manager reads through the resume, he or she will notice the dates that really matter, such as when the applicant held each job and how long he participated in professional clubs. The candidate did not include his graduation dates, which is okay. Graduation dates may make you seem too young or too old to the employer.
5. Does the document include eye-catching keywords?
You bet it does! Incorporating industry-specific keywords throughout your resume may help you get your document to the hiring manager. Many companies use computer programs to sort out top candidates by searching for keywords. Including phrases found in the job posting may increase your chances of impressing employers.
The Most Important Resume Format for Accountant Takeaways
The resume format for accountant and writing tips make it clear that format and content play a big role in whether a hiring manager will want to learn more about you. As you write your own document, remember to use the top one-third of the page as a snapshot of your accomplishments and experiences to ensure the employer will want to continue reading.
Accurately showcasing your skills, accomplishments, and experiences affects how well you’ll impress employers. Remember to read through the job description to get a better idea of the characteristics important to the recruiter. Before you send out the document, make sure you look it over for spelling and grammar errors.
