Resume Example
Accountant Resume Example
Highlight close process ownership, reconciliations, and reporting accuracy. This sample focuses on audit-ready execution.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Shortened month-end close from 7 to 4 days by automating reconciliations.
- Prepared financial statements with 99% audit accuracy across 12 entities.
- Reconciled 40+ balance sheet accounts monthly and resolved variances under $500.
Soft skills
- Attention to detail
- Process discipline
- Deadline management
- Cross-functional communication
Certifications
- CPA
- CMA
Why this works
- Shows faster close cycles and clean audits.
- Highlights precision in reconciliations and reporting.
- Demonstrates process improvements and variance control.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Accountant Resume
Lead with accounting expertise
Your summary should establish your accounting focus: general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, tax, audit, or industry specialty. Include the scale of financials you've managed and any process improvements driven.
Quantify your responsibilities
Include metrics: close cycle time, transaction volume, audit findings, reconciliation accuracy, and budget sizes managed. 'Managed month-end close for $50M revenue entity with 3-day close cycle' shows scope and efficiency.
Highlight technical proficiency
List accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP), Excel expertise (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros), and any ERP implementation experience. Technical skills are often screening criteria.
Show compliance and controls
Include experience with GAAP/IFRS, SOX compliance, internal controls, and audit support. Mention clean audit results or control improvements you've implemented.
Include credentials prominently
CPA, CMA, or other certifications should be featured prominently. Include progress toward credentials ('CPA candidate') if not yet complete. Education (accounting degree) matters for this field.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Senior Accountant with 6 years managing full-cycle accounting for SaaS companies. Reduced month-end close from 10 to 5 days through process automation. CPA with expertise in NetSuite and revenue recognition (ASC 606).”
Clear improvement metric, relevant industry (SaaS), credential, and specific technical knowledge.
“Detail-oriented accountant with strong analytical skills. Proficient in Excel and accounting software with excellent organizational abilities.”
Generic skills expected of all accountants. No scope, no achievements, no specific expertise areas.
“Staff Accountant supporting $200M manufacturing company through month-end close, inventory accounting, and cost analysis. Zero audit adjustments over 3 consecutive years. Advanced Excel and SAP user.”
Clear scope ($200M), specific responsibilities, quality metric (zero adjustments), and tools.
“Accounting professional seeking growth opportunity. Team player with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.”
No accounting specifics. 'Attention to detail' and 'meet deadlines' are baseline expectations.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Accountant Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying the scale of financials managed (revenue, transaction volume)
- ✗Missing close cycle metrics that show efficiency
- ✗Omitting CPA or other credentials that differentiate you
- ✗Being vague about accounting software and ERP experience
- ✗Not mentioning compliance frameworks (GAAP, SOX) and audit experience
- ✗Listing responsibilities without showing improvements or achievements
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 55,000-75,000 | EUR 40,000-52,000 | CAD 50,000-65,000 |
| Mid | USD 70,000-95,000 | EUR 52,000-72,000 | CAD 65,000-90,000 |
| Senior | USD 80,000-110,000 | EUR 65,000-95,000 | CAD 85,000-120,000 |
US hot markets
- New York
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Atlanta
EU hot markets
- London
- Frankfurt
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should accountants highlight?
Close timelines, reconciliation accuracy, and GAAP compliance.
Which tools matter most?
ERP systems, Excel, and close management tools like Blackline.
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