Accounting is a competitive field, particularly when looking for senior roles. A great accounting resume template can be the difference for applicants who want to stand out to hiring managers and recruiters.
Precision and an eye for detail are key for accountants, and a template can be the perfect tool to help ensure maximum efficiency. When a new role appears, it’s important to be fast and effective with your actions. A good template means you can react quickly, giving you the best chance to land your dream role.
This guide walks you through how to create an accounting resume step-by-step. Let’s dive in.
Why You Need a Flexible Accounting Resume Template
Every accounting role is unique, and your resume should mirror this.
The aim is to always personalize your resume to fit the specific job. Having a customisable accounting resume template saves you time and ensures consistency when applying for multiple positions.
Step 1: Formatting Your Accounting Resume
Your resume’s layout is just as important as the content. A clean, easy-to-read design helps hiring managers quickly locate key details, and it ensures your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Tips for Professional Formatting:
- Simplicity Is Key: Avoid flashy designs or graphics that could distract from the content or confuse ATS software.
- Choose Clear Fonts: Stick to fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman, and ensure consistent font sizes (10–12 pt for text, slightly larger for headings).
- Use Bullet Points: Organise responsibilities and achievements into concise bullet points.
- Set Clear Margins: Use standard 1-inch margins and keep plenty of white space for readability.
- Save in the Right Format: Always save your resume as a PDF unless the job posting specifically asks for a .doc or .docx file.
- Look for Preferences: Some businesses may have templates or formats that they prefer. Some companies prefer a Harvard resume format or the Google XYZ style for resumes.
Bonus Tip: Before you begin adapting your template, pick out some keywords from the job listing to use in your resume. Mirroring the same language back to the hiring manager is great for highlighting your suitability for the role.
Step 2: Start with Contact Information
Your contact details are really important and should always be placed at the top of your resume.
Here’s what you need to include:
- Full Name: Your name should be the most prominent text on the page.
- Phone Number: Provide a reliable number with voicemail enabled.
- Professional Email Address: Use a professional email (e.g., jane.doe@email.com).
- LinkedIn Profile (Optional): Add a link to your up-to-date LinkedIn profile.
- Portfolio or Website (Optional): Include this if you have a portfolio showcasing relevant work, like financial models or case studies.
Step 3: Highlight Your Professional Experience
The experience section is the backbone of your accounting resume template. This is where you showcase the value you’ve brought to previous employers and highlight the impact you can have on the hiring business.
The structure of this section is important for readability. Here’s how you should approach it:
- Order: Always list your experiences beginning with your most recent role. This is usually your most senior position and likely of the greatest interest to the recruiter.
- Employer and Location: Clearly list the company name and city/state.
- Job Title: Use accurate titles that reflect your role (e.g., Tax Accountant, Audit Associate).
- Dates of Employment: Include the month and year of your employment.
- Key Responsibilities and Achievements: Write bullet points focusing on your contributions and measurable results.
Bonus Tip: When writing bullet points for your resume, try to include measurable examples. Begin each point with an action word to demonstrate your role and then explain the impact of your action on the business with real examples.
Accounting Resume Example – Experience
ABC Financial Services
Senior Accountant | Chicago, IL
June 2019 – Present
- Prepared and reviewed financial statements for 15+ corporate clients, ensuring compliance with GAAP standards.
- Implemented a new accounting software system that reduced reporting time by 25%.
- Conducted audits that uncovered process inefficiencies, saving $250,000 annually.
Step 4: Education
Accounting roles in the U.S. often require formal qualifications, so your education section should be clear and concise.
What do you need to include?
- Institution Name: The full name of your college or university.
- Degree: Clearly state your degree, such as Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
- Graduation Date: Provide the month and year you graduated.
- Relevant Coursework or Achievements: List courses or honors related to accounting, such as Auditing, Taxation, or Corporate Finance.
Bonus Tip: If you haven’t yet graduated, include your expected graduation date and any information that might indicate your academic performance.
Accounting Resume Example – Education
University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Science in Accounting | May 2018
- Relevant Coursework: Auditing, Taxation, Financial Analysis
- Honors: Graduated with Distinction
Step 5: Include Certifications and Skills
Certifications and technical skills are crucial in accounting. This section allows you to demonstrate your expertise and differentiate yourself from other candidates.
Key Skills to Highlight:
- Technical Skills: Include proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Microsoft Excel (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP).
- Certifications: Add professional credentials like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
- Soft Skills: Mention transferable skills such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, or presentation skills.
Accounting Resume Example – Skills and Certifications
- Software Proficiency: Advanced in QuickBooks, SAP, and Excel.
- Certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
- Soft Skills: Analytical mindset, problem-solving, team leadership.
Get Your Accounting Resume Template
Now that you know how to build a standout accounting resume, it’s time to put it into action.
Whether you’re applying for a public accounting role, an auditing position, or a corporate finance job, a well-crafted resume will help you stand out.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Download our professional accounting resume template and get started today!
About the author
Mollie Buttery
Writer | SEO | Articles & Blog Posts | Social Media
Mollie supports ULTMECHE through website growth, social media, SEO, and also other digital marketing tricks. Mollie has 10+ years experience of in house and freelance marketing experience in industries such as Finance, Law, SAAS, Automotive, Building Services, Commerce, and more. Some of her favorite writing topics consist of sports and finance. Mollie has been key to the growth of ULTMECHE’s SEO and digital marketing efforts.