Use this guide to build a targeted, interview-winning Accountant resume that highlights the right mix of technical accounting skills, process improvements, compliance experience, and measurable impact so hiring managers and recruiters can quickly see your fit for finance and accounting roles.

Key Elements to Include in a  Accountant  Resume

Below are the essential components every Accountant resume should include; each element is focused on clarity, relevance, and quantifiable impact so your application performs well with both human reviewers and applicant tracking systems.

Contact Information

Include your full name, phone number, professional email, LinkedIn URL, and city/state so employers can contact you easily. Keep formatting simple and place this section at the top of the resume to ensure visibility.

Professional Summary That Stands Out

Write a concise 2–3 sentence summary that highlights your accounting experience, specialization (e.g., general ledger, tax, audit, payroll), certifications like CPA if applicable, and a measurable achievement. Tailor this snapshot to the job posting keywords and the value you bring in terms of process improvements, cost savings, or compliance.

Work History Highlights

List relevant roles in reverse chronological order with 3–6 bullet points each focusing on achievements rather than duties, using metrics like percentage cost reductions, reconciled balances, audit findings resolved, month-end close days, or transaction volumes. Prioritize accomplishments that show results, leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and technical tools used (e.g., ERP systems, Excel, QuickBooks, Oracle).

Education Background

Include degrees, institution names, graduation years (optional), and relevant coursework only if early in your career or especially relevant (e.g., advanced tax, financial reporting). Add honors or academic distinctions if they contribute to credibility.

Key Skills to Showcase

List technical and soft skills in a concise format: accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS), reconciliations, month-end close, financial reporting, audit support, Excel (advanced), ERP experience, attention to detail, and communication. Align skills with the job description and be prepared to demonstrate them in interviews.

Accountant  Resume Template Example

This resume template provides a clean, scannable structure that hiring managers expect for accounting roles and can be adapted to staff accountant, senior accountant, or accounting manager positions.

Contact Information Basics

[Name]

[Phone Number] • [Email] • [LinkedIn]

[City, State]

Professional Summary That Stands Out

Certified Accountant with 5+ years of experience in month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting for mid-sized manufacturing firms. Proven track record of reducing closing cycle time by 30% and correcting recurring reconciliation discrepancies, improving reporting accuracy for leadership and auditors.

Work History Highlights

[Job Title] — [Company Name], [City, State] — [Month Year] to [Month Year]

- Managed month-end close activities for 8 legal entities, completing close in 5 business days while maintaining GAAP-compliant reporting.

- Reconciled general ledger accounts totaling $50M monthly and resolved variance drivers, reducing outstanding recon items by 45% within 6 months.

- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement a new AP automation tool, decreasing invoice processing time by 40% and saving the company $85K annually.

Education Background

Bachelor of Science in Accounting — [University Name], [City, State]

Relevant coursework: Intermediate Accounting, Cost Accounting, Taxation, Auditing

Key Skills to Showcase

- Financial Reporting (GAAP), General Ledger Management

- Month-End Close, Account Reconciliations, Variance Analysis

- ERP Systems: Oracle, NetSuite, QuickBooks; Advanced Excel: VLOOKUP, PivotTables, Macros

- Audit Support, Internal Controls, Regulatory Compliance

Certifications That Add Value

- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) — [State Board], [Year]

- Certified Management Accountant (CMA) — [Year] (if applicable)

- QuickBooks ProAdvisor or ERP-specific certifications (if relevant)

Additional Sections (Optional)

- Professional Affiliations: AICPA, State CPA Society

- Tools & Technologies: Excel (advanced), Tableau/Power BI (for reporting), SQL basics

- Languages or cross-border accounting experience, if relevant

Tips for Writing Accountant Resume

• Customize your resume for each job by mirroring keywords from the job posting, especially technical terms like “accounts payable automation,” “SOX,” or specific ERP software names.
• Highlight measurable outcomes: include percentages, dollar values, time savings, and volumes to quantify your impact and make achievements concrete.
• Prioritize clarity and scannability: use short bullet points, consistent tense and formatting, and keep the resume to one page for early-career accountants or two pages for senior roles.
• Showcase both technical and soft skills: accounting accuracy matters, but also emphasize communication, process improvement, and ability to work with auditors and stakeholders.
• Proofread thoroughly and use consistent formatting: minor errors in an accounting resume can undermine perceived attention to detail, so check numbers, dates, and alignment carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

•  How long should my Accountant resume be?
  One page is ideal for early-career accountants; two pages are acceptable for senior roles with extensive relevant experience, projects, or certifications.  
•  Should I include my GPA and coursework?
  Include GPA and relevant coursework only if you are a recent graduate or the coursework is directly applicable to the job; otherwise focus on practical experience and certifications.  
•  How do I show technical proficiency with accounting software?
  List specific ERP and accounting systems (e.g., Oracle, NetSuite, QuickBooks) and cite examples in bullet points where you used those tools to improve processes or reporting.  
•  Do employers expect a CPA on an Accountant resume?
  A CPA is often preferred for senior or specialized accounting roles, but many staff accountant positions hire strong candidates without a CPA if they demonstrate relevant skills and experience.  
•  How can I tailor my resume for industry-specific accounting roles?
  Emphasize domain knowledge (e.g., manufacturing cost accounting, nonprofit fund accounting, or retail inventory accounting) and relevant compliance or reporting experience that aligns with the industry.  

Conclusion

Use the template and guidance above to craft a focused Accountant resume that emphasizes measurable achievements, relevant technical skills, and a concise professional summary tailored to the job you want. Start by replacing placeholders with your details, quantifying your top accomplishments, and aligning skills with the job posting before submitting your application.