Answers to Your Top 6 Accounting Resume Questions

Crafting a standout resume in accounting takes strategy. This field values precision, analytical skills, and attention to detail, and your resume needs to reflect these qualities while standing out from the crowd. Here are our tips on a structured approach to creating or refining your resume to make a powerful first impression.

1. Where do I start?

Don’t start from scratch. Building a resume from the ground up can be overwhelming. If you already have an older resume, use it as a foundation. You can start with the structure, updating your experiences and skills to fit your current qualifications. For those who don’t have a prior resume, look for a clean, easy-to-edit template. Choose a format that allows you to add new roles, certifications, and skills as you grow in your career.

In Accounting and Finance, a structured, minimalistic resume style works best for hiring managers and recruiters who are screening applicants. Select a template that emphasizes organization and clarity over heavy design. This will ensure that the focus stays on your qualifications, not aesthetics.

2. How do I write it?

Accounting is a detail-oriented profession, so your resume should showcase your qualifications and achievements with accuracy and impact.

Choose the right structure.

A reverse-chronological layout is most effective. Start with your most recent experience at the top and work backward. This layout highlights your latest and most relevant roles, which is particularly important in these fast-evolving fields.

Show, don’t just tell.

‍Avoid listing skills without context. This demonstrates not only your skill but also the value you can bring to a new employer. Look at the examples below to really see how showing instead of telling really makes a difference.

• Posted journal entries and made adjustments
• Identified and corrected journal entry errors, reducing monthly discrepancies by $50,000 and enhancing accuracy in financial reporting

• Proficient in month-end close
• Reduced month-end close time by 25% by implementing automation reconciliation procedures, improving team efficiency and reporting accuracy

Wherever possible, provide a tangible or quantifiable example. This shows that you know how you bring value and track how you are making a direct impact to a bottom-line in terms of saving time or money.

Brevity matters.

Conciseness allows hiring managers and recruiters to quickly identify key skills, accomplishments, and qualifications. It also demonstrates your ability to communicate efficiently and focus on relevant details.

Proofread extensively.

‍Errors on a resume are a red flag, especially in a field like accounting where precision is critical. Double-check your spelling, grammar, and numbers, and ensure your formatting is consistent. Consider having a trusted peer review for you.

3. Should I personalize my resume for each job?

Yes, but there are efficient ways to tailor your resume without reinventing it each time.

Use job-specific language. Carefully review each job description and note the keywords used. If the job emphasizes proficiency in QuickBooks, SAGE, or other relevant programs, ensure these programs appear prominently on your resume if you’re skilled in them.

Highlight key qualifications. If a job specifically requires a CPA certification or an accounting degree, mention these qualifications in a visible part of your resume, such as the summary, key skills, or education section.

Focus on relevancy. Avoid highlighting irrelevant experience. Still include that experience so that there aren't gaps, but make sure anything that would draw the hiring manager to want to learn more about you really stands out. Tailor your resume by emphasizing roles and accomplishments that align closely with the job description, showcasing your fit for the specific role.

4. What is the best way to include references? 

References are important, but they don’t belong on the resume itself.

Keep them separate. Instead of listing references, add a brief note at the bottom of your resume stating that references are available upon request. This keeps your resume concise and leaves space for essential details about your background.

Prepare references in advance. Inform your references before listing them, ensuring they’re willing to provide positive feedback. Select professional references who are familiar with your work in accounting and can speak specifically about your skills in this area.

Have a list ready. If references are requested, prepare a list with at least three references, including names, job titles, companies, and contact information. Confirm with each reference that they’re comfortable with you sharing their contact details.

5. What's the end goal?

Remember, your resume is a marketing tool, and your goal is to secure an interview, not just to list your experiences.

Keep it focused. Emphasize the qualifications that make you a strong candidate. Only include your recent work history and relevant skills—trim anything that doesn’t add value.

Consider resume length. The one-page rule is helpful, but don’t sacrifice essential information just to fit everything on one page. If a second page will better showcase your experience in a meaningful way, expand thoughtfully.

At the end of the day, your resume should present a clear and concise narrative of your professional strengths, demonstrating how you can add value.

6. How do I write a cover letter? 

A well-crafted cover letter complements your resume and adds a personal touch to your application. If you are really interested in a certain company or role, we recommend also submitting a cover letter.

Keep your cover letter as a distinct document. This allows you to tailor it for each application without needing to modify your resume.

The cover letter should serve as a quick introduction and provide insight into your motivations. Include a paragraph on why you’re drawn to this role or the company and what unique qualities you bring.

Mention the company by name, reference specific aspects of the job that excite you, and explain how your skills and goals align with the company's mission.

Be meticulous with proofreading. Just like your resume, the cover letter should be polished. Spelling, grammar, and factual accuracy are crucial—errors here can be incredibly detrimental.

Creating a standout resume and cover letter takes time, but with these steps, your accounting and finance resume will position you as a strong, qualified candidate ready for the next opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Recruiters look at hundreds of resumes daily. A good recruiter will often offer suggestions on enhancing your resume to highlight accomplishments, integrate relevant keywords, optimize formatting, and ensure brevity. At Accountants One, recruiters not only have extensive experience in the accounting and finance space but are also deeply connected to the industry, allowing them to provide specific, targeted feedback that aligns with current market trends and employer expectations.

A connected recruiter who focuses on building long-term relationships, like those at Accountants One, goes beyond simple resume adjustments. They work to understand the unique corporate culture and dynamics of their clients, providing candidates with valuable insights into what specific hiring managers value most in a candidate. This deeper understanding allows them to help candidates frame their experiences and skills in ways that resonate directly with the goals and values of the hiring company, improving the chances of landing an interview. By combining their industry knowledge with a tailored approach, Accountants One recruiters help candidates craft resumes that not only stand out but authentically reflect their strengths in a way that aligns with the needs of prospective employers.