Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume Example & Writing Guide
Build a job-winning CPA resume. Includes certified public accountant resume examples, tax and audit skills, and tips to highlight your CPA license.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume Example
Here's a professional certified public accountant (cpa) resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.
Alex Johnson
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson
Professional Summary
Certified Public Accountant with 8+ years of experience in tax planning, financial auditing, and advisory services for corporate and individual clients. Expertise in GAAP, IFRS, and IRS compliance with a proven ability to identify $1M+ in tax savings. Licensed CPA with Big Four experience and deep knowledge of multi-state taxation.
Work Experience
Senior Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
2022 – Present
ABC Corporation, New York, NY
- •Managed tax compliance for 200+ corporate and individual clients with combined assets exceeding $500M
- •Identified $1.2M in tax savings through strategic R&D credits, depreciation optimization, and entity restructuring
- •Led financial audits for 15 clients annually with zero restatements required over 5 years
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
2019 – 2022
XYZ Company, Chicago, IL
- •Supervised a team of 6 staff accountants, delivering 100% on-time filing across all engagements
- •Developed tax planning strategies that reduced effective tax rates by an average of 8% for corporate clients
Skills
Tax Planning & Compliance • Financial Auditing • GAAP/IFRS • IRS Regulations • Corporate Tax Returns • Individual Tax Returns • Financial Statement Analysis • Audit Management • Risk Assessment • Advisory Services • Multi-State Taxation • Tax Software (CCH, ProConnect) • Excel (Advanced) • Client Relations • Team Leadership
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Master of Science in Taxation
Master of Accountancy
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume Summary Examples
Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for acertified public accountant (cpa) with 8+ years of experience:
“Certified Public Accountant with 8+ years of experience in tax planning, financial auditing, and advisory services for corporate and individual clients. Expertise in GAAP, IFRS, and IRS compliance with a proven ability to identify $1M+ in tax savings. Licensed CPA with Big Four experience and deep knowledge of multi-state taxation.”
“Hardworking certified public accountant (cpa) 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 certified public accountant (cpa) resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:
- Managed tax compliance for 200+ corporate and individual clients with combined assets exceeding $500M
- Identified $1.2M in tax savings through strategic R&D credits, depreciation optimization, and entity restructuring
- Led financial audits for 15 clients annually with zero restatements required over 5 years
- Supervised a team of 6 staff accountants, delivering 100% on-time filing across all engagements
- Developed tax planning strategies that reduced effective tax rates by an average of 8% for corporate clients
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 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume
Include these skills on your certified public accountant (cpa) resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:
ATS Keywords for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume
These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in certified public accountant (cpa) 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
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Taxation
- Master of Accountancy
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Enrolled Agent (EA)
Expert Tips for Your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume
Display your CPA license prominently with state and license number
Quantify tax savings and clients managed with asset values
Show progression from staff accountant to senior/manager roles
Include Big Four or regional firm experience if applicable
Highlight advisory and consulting services beyond compliance work
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary & Job Outlook
Entry Level
$60K
Median Salary
$80K
Experienced
$130K
Job Outlook
4% growth (2022-2032), about as fast as average
Source: BLS 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
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