Accountant Resume Example & Writing Guide
Create a professional accountant resume with our expert guide. CPA resume examples, key accounting skills, and ATS-optimized format for Big 4 and corporate roles.
Accountant Resume Example
Here's a professional accountant resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.
Alex Johnson
Accountant
New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson
Professional Summary
CPA-licensed Accountant with 5+ years of experience in financial reporting, tax preparation, and audit management. Expert in GAAP compliance with proficiency in QuickBooks, SAP, and advanced Excel. Managed annual audits for clients with combined revenues exceeding $50M.
Work Experience
Senior Accountant
2022 – Present
ABC Corporation, New York, NY
- •Managed month-end close process for 5 entities, reducing close time from 12 days to 7 days
- •Prepared and filed federal and state tax returns for 50+ clients, identifying $1.2M in aggregate tax savings
- •Led annual audit for a $30M revenue company, achieving clean audit opinion with zero material findings
Accountant
2019 – 2022
XYZ Company, Chicago, IL
- •Implemented automated reconciliation process using Excel VBA, saving 15 hours per month in manual work
- •Supervised team of 3 staff accountants, conducting training on new GAAP revenue recognition standards
Skills
GAAP Compliance • Financial Reporting • Tax Preparation • Audit Management • QuickBooks • SAP • Advanced Excel • General Ledger • Accounts Payable/Receivable • Budget Analysis • Month-End Close • Financial Statements • Reconciliation • Payroll Processing • Regulatory Compliance
Education
B.S. in Accounting
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Accountant Resume Summary Examples
Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for aaccountant with 5+ years of experience:
“CPA-licensed Accountant with 5+ years of experience in financial reporting, tax preparation, and audit management. Expert in GAAP compliance with proficiency in QuickBooks, SAP, and advanced Excel. Managed annual audits for clients with combined revenues exceeding $50M.”
“Hardworking accountant looking for a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience. I am a team player with excellent communication skills.”
Why the first example works: It includes specific years of experience, quantified achievements, technical skills, and certifications — all things ATS systems and hiring managers look for.
Work Experience Bullet Points
Here are powerful, metrics-driven bullet points for a accountant resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:
- Managed month-end close process for 5 entities, reducing close time from 12 days to 7 days
- Prepared and filed federal and state tax returns for 50+ clients, identifying $1.2M in aggregate tax savings
- Led annual audit for a $30M revenue company, achieving clean audit opinion with zero material findings
- Implemented automated reconciliation process using Excel VBA, saving 15 hours per month in manual work
- Supervised team of 3 staff accountants, conducting training on new GAAP revenue recognition standards
Pro Tip: Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result. For example: “Managed” + “team of 12 engineers” + “delivering project 20% under budget.”
Key Skills for a Accountant Resume
Include these skills on your accountant resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:
ATS Keywords for Accountant Resume
These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in accountant resumes. Include them naturally throughout your resume:
Important: Don't stuff keywords. Use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills sections. ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume.
Education & Certifications
Education
- B.S. in Accounting
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Certifications
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
- QuickBooks ProAdvisor
Expert Tips for Your Accountant Resume
Place CPA or CMA certification in your header and certifications section
Quantify financial impact: tax savings, audit results, process improvements
Include specific accounting software proficiency (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle)
Highlight both technical accounting skills and soft skills like attention to detail
Mention specific GAAP standards or regulatory frameworks you've worked with
Accountant Salary & Job Outlook
Entry Level
$55K
Median Salary
$78K
Experienced
$100K
Job Outlook
4% growth (2022-2032), about 126,500 openings per year
Source: BLS 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
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