Resume Example
Senior Accountant Resume Example
Highlight close ownership, audit readiness, and GAAP compliance. This sample focuses on accuracy and speed.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Reduced close cycle from 8 to 5 days through checklist automation.
- Owned revenue recognition for $18M ARR with zero audit findings.
- Improved reconciliation accuracy to 99.5% across 20 accounts.
Soft skills
- Attention to detail
- Deadline management
- Process discipline
- Cross-functional communication
Certifications
- CPA
- CMA
Why this works
- Shows faster close cycles and reliable reporting.
- Highlights audit readiness and compliance.
- Demonstrates accuracy in high-volume reconciliations.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Senior Accountant Resume
Lead with accounting scope and complexity
Senior accountants handle complex accounting. Lead with company revenue, accounting areas owned, and close responsibilities. 'Senior Accountant for $200M company owning revenue recognition, intercompany, and consolidations.'
Show technical accounting expertise
Include experience with complex areas: revenue recognition (ASC 606), leases (ASC 842), equity compensation, or consolidations. Technical depth differentiates senior accountants.
Highlight month-end close ownership
Describe close responsibilities, journal entries owned, and any close timeline improvements. 'Own 30+ journal entries and reduced close time by 3 days through automation.'
Include audit and process improvement
Include external audit support, SOX controls, and process improvements implemented. Clean audit sections demonstrate accuracy and control.
Demonstrate mentoring and leadership
Senior accountants often lead junior staff. Include training, review responsibilities, and any supervisory experience.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Senior Accountant for $150M SaaS company owning revenue recognition and deferred revenue. Implemented ASC 606 accounting for complex contracts. Mentor 2 staff accountants and support annual audit with zero adjustments.”
Revenue scale, technical area, implementation, mentoring, and audit results.
“Senior accountant with public and private experience. Strong GAAP knowledge and attention to detail.”
No scope, no technical areas, no achievements. 'Attention to detail' is expected.
“Corporate Accountant managing consolidation of 10 international entities. Reduced close from 15 to 10 days through process improvement. Built Excel models automating 20 hours of manual work monthly.”
Consolidation complexity, close improvement, and efficiency automation.
“CPA seeking senior accountant role. Experience with month-end close and account reconciliations.”
Basic activities without complexity level or improvements.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Senior Accountant Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying company revenue and accounting scope
- ✗Missing technical accounting expertise
- ✗Omitting close responsibilities and improvements
- ✗Being vague about audit support and results
- ✗Not showing mentoring and leadership
- ✗Missing process improvement and automation
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 70,000-95,000 | EUR 52,000-72,000 | CAD 65,000-90,000 |
| Mid | USD 80,000-110,000 | EUR 65,000-95,000 | CAD 85,000-120,000 |
| Senior | USD 95,000-130,000 | EUR 70,000-100,000 | CAD 95,000-130,000 |
US hot markets
- New York
- San Francisco
- Boston
- Chicago
EU hot markets
- London
- Frankfurt
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should senior accountants emphasize?
Close efficiency, compliance, and audit outcomes.
Which metrics help most?
Close days, reconciliation accuracy, and audit results.
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