The job possibilities for impressive accounting and finance resumes are almost endless. There are many corporate accounting positions that are available to qualified candidates, including payroll, finance director, tax specialist, and accounts payable expert. A good accounting and finance resume can also open up doors to jobs with the government such as grant underwriting, forensic accounting, and budgeting. The list of duties found on an accounting and finance resume include monitoring revenue, tracking expenses, creating executive reports, and filing government forms. The more that you can show on your accounting and finance resume, the higher your salary will be. If you want the truly significant responsibilities with your account and finance resume, then you have to show that you’ve earned those responsibilities with your educational and professional background.
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An accounting and finance resume must include a four-year degree in accounting. In order to maximize your accounting and finance resume, you should also have an MBA or some equivalent business education as well. Given the many different options that an accounting and finance resume offers, it’s helpful to have a specific kind of training and education as part of your background. For example, if you’re trying to develop a strong accounting and finance resume in forensics, then an educational background in law enforcement would be appropriate. You’ll also want to pursue your CPA status to help enhance your accounting and finance resume.

1. Which skills are the best to list on an accounting resume?

Every accounting resume sample in our collection illustrates accounting skill sets to list in your resume if they apply to you. It is also crucial to look at the description of the job to which you are applying to identify the key skills employers want to see in applicants. If you possess those skills, display them prominently in your resume.

Such skills may include expertise in GAAP, auditing, or general ledger reconciliation. You may also want to showcase skills in accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

2. How do you list references on an accounting resume?

The general practice today is to avoid listing references in your resume. The space in your resume is valuable, and it is best to use it to provide as much information as possible regarding your skills, experience, and accomplishments, as our accounting resume sample exemplifies. Have your references on hand to give to hiring managers upon request.

However, there is an exception to this rule. If employers ask in the open job’s listing for resumes that include references, create a section in your document for that purpose. Be sure to make advance contact with the people you plan to provide information for and get their permission to use them as references.

3. What sections should you include in your accounting resume?

The sections your resume needs may vary depending on your specific qualifications. Regardless, there are a few standard sections to include, as shown in each accounting resume sample that we offer. Your resume should begin with a professional summary statement or profile, or, if you are transitioning from another field into accounting or you recently graduated, an objective statement. It should also have skills, work experience, and education sections.

It may seem challenging to determine each section’s position and content within your document. Simplify the process with our effortless resume builder. Use it to create a resume in minutes.

4. How can you separate your accounting resume from other candidates’ resumes?

There are many ways to make your accounting resume stand out to hiring managers. First, make sure every section of your resume relates to the position to which you are applying. Use accounting keywords, particularly those you find in the position’s description, to capture employers’ attention.

Then, use your work experience section to not only describe previous responsibilities, but also show employers what you are capable of professionally. Use strong action words in every line and make your accomplishments memorable by describing them with percentages and other metrics. Use a relevant accounting resume sample to learn how to do this.

5. What goes in the header of an accounting resume?
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​As you study an accounting resume sample to learn how to write your summary, skills, experience, and education sections, don’t forget that your resume needs a professional header as well. Your header belongs at the top of your resume, either in the center of the page or next to the left or right margin.

Display your formal name first, leaving out unprofessional nicknames. Then list your current city and state. Follow with a professional email address that uses a current server. Include a telephone number that you access easily, but not your current work number.