How to Make a Resume for a Job in Accounting

Landing a job in accounting requires more than just technical skills. You need a compelling resume that showcases your qualifications and grabs the attention of hiring managers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of crafting a standout accounting resume that helps you stand out from the competition.

1. Understand the Basics of Resume Formatting

Before diving into content, it's crucial to establish a solid foundation with proper resume formatting. A well-structured resume is easy to read and helps recruiters quickly identify your key skills and experience.

1.1. Choose the Right Resume Format

There are three common resume formats:

1. Chronological Resume: This format lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. It's ideal for experienced professionals with a consistent career path.
2. Functional Resume: This format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It's helpful if you're changing careers, have gaps in your employment, or are early in your career.
3. Combination Resume: This format blends the chronological and functional approaches, highlighting your skills and experience while providing a clear work history.

For accounting roles, a chronological or combination resume is generally preferred. It allows recruiters to easily track your career progression and assess your experience.

1.2. Select a Professional Font

Choose a legible and professional font that is easy on the eyes. Popular choices include:

• Arial
• Calibri
• Times New Roman
• Verdana

Keep the font size consistent throughout the resume, typically between 10 and 12 points.

1.3. Use White Space Effectively

Don't cram your resume with too much text. White space, or negative space, is essential for readability and visual appeal. Use bullet points, headings, and appropriate margins to create a clean and uncluttered layout.

1.4. Proofread Carefully

Errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation can be a major red flag for recruiters. Proofread your resume meticulously before submitting it. You can also ask a friend or colleague to review it for any mistakes.

2. Crafting the Perfect Accounting Resume Content

Now that you've mastered the basics of formatting, let's move on to the content of your accounting resume. The goal is to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that resonates with potential employers.

2.1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description

Before you start writing, carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Tailor your resume to match these requirements, using relevant keywords and phrases found in the job posting. This helps your resume stand out in the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by many companies.

2.2. Create a Compelling Summary or Objective

Start with a summary or objective statement that captures your most relevant skills and career goals. This is your chance to make a strong first impression and pique the recruiter's interest.

Example Summary Statement:

"Highly motivated and detail-oriented accounting professional with 5+ years of experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and tax preparation. Proven ability to manage complex financial data, analyze trends, and provide timely and accurate financial insights."

Example Objective Statement:

"Seeking a challenging accounting position where I can leverage my expertise in [mention specific skills] to contribute to the success of the organization."

2.3. Emphasize Your Relevant Experience

In your work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of your past roles and responsibilities. Use action verbs to start each bullet point and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Example Bullet Point:

"Streamlined the monthly financial reporting process by implementing new automation tools, reducing reporting time by 20% and improving data accuracy."

2.4. Highlight Your Technical Skills

Accounting roles often require specific technical skills. List your proficiency in software programs such as:

• Microsoft Excel
• QuickBooks
• SAP
• Sage
• Xero

You can also include any relevant industry-specific certifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

2.5. Showcase Your Soft Skills

While technical skills are crucial, employers also value soft skills like:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail

Integrate these skills into your resume by providing examples of how you've demonstrated them in your previous roles.

2.6. Include Education and Certifications

List your educational background, including your degree, major, and graduation date. If you have any relevant certifications, such as CPA or CMA, be sure to include them.

2.7. Consider Adding a Portfolio

If you have a strong portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and experience, consider including a link to it on your resume. This can be a website, a blog, or a document that showcases your accomplishments in accounting.

3. Tips for Making Your Accounting Resume Stand Out

To increase your chances of landing an interview, consider incorporating these additional tips into your resume:

3.1. Quantify Your Accomplishments

Whenever possible, use numbers and data to quantify your achievements. This helps recruiters understand the impact of your work and makes your resume more impressive.

Example: Instead of saying "Managed accounts," say "Managed accounts for 50+ clients, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue."

3.2. Use Action Verbs

Start each bullet point in your work experience section with strong action verbs to showcase your proactive approach and skills. Some examples include:

• Analyzed
• Developed
• Implemented
• Managed
• Streamlined

3.3. Highlight Your Achievements

Don't just list your responsibilities. Focus on your achievements and how you contributed to the success of your previous organizations.

3.4. Use Keywords Relevant to the Industry

Research common keywords used in the accounting industry and incorporate them into your resume. This can help your resume get noticed by recruiters and ATS systems.

3.5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

Don't send out the same generic resume for every job. Take the time to tailor your resume to each specific job description, highlighting the skills and experience most relevant to the role.

3.6. Get Feedback from Professionals

Before submitting your resume, have it reviewed by an experienced accounting professional or career counselor. They can provide valuable feedback and help you make improvements.

4. Conclusion: Stand Out with Your Accounting Resume

Creating a compelling accounting resume is crucial for landing your dream job. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can craft a resume that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that makes you stand out from the competition. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application, use relevant keywords, and quantify your accomplishments. With a well-crafted resume, you'll be well on your way to a successful accounting career.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

5.1. What are the most important skills to include on an accounting resume?

The most important skills to include on an accounting resume are those that are relevant to the specific job you are applying for. However, some common skills that are highly sought after in the accounting industry include:

• Financial reporting
• Budgeting
• Tax preparation
• Auditing
• Financial analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• QuickBooks
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork

5.2. How long should an accounting resume be?

An accounting resume should be one page long, unless you have extensive experience (10+ years). If you have more than one page, make sure the information is concise and easy to read.

5.3. Should I include a cover letter with my accounting resume?

While not always required, a cover letter can be a valuable tool to showcase your personality, interest in the position, and how your skills align with the company's needs. If you choose to submit a cover letter, make sure it is tailored to the specific job description.

5.4. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an accounting resume?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using a generic resume
• Not tailoring your resume to the job description
• Including irrelevant information
• Using unprofessional language
• Not proofreading your resume carefully

5.5. How can I get my accounting resume noticed by recruiters?

To get your accounting resume noticed by recruiters, consider these strategies:

• Use a strong online presence
• Network with professionals in the industry
• Attend industry events and conferences
• Use online job boards and LinkedIn

By following these tips and strategies, you can create a standout accounting resume that helps you land your dream job.