Accountant CV example

How to write a CV for an accountant

Now that you have selected the perfect template, let’s dive into content! The following sections will explain how to write a CV for an accountant from the ground up, with many helpful tips along the way. As well as covering the most important information for you to include, we’re going to explain some of the most common CV writing questions.

Here’s what’s next:

• What contact details should I include in my accountant CV
• Accountant CV personal statement
• Accountant CV work experience
• Great skills to add on your accountant CV
• Get education right on your accountant CV

What contact details should I include in my accountant CV

First off, you’re going to need to add some up-to-date contact details. These should be at the top of your CV so that hiring managers can contact you with ease. It’s best to highlight this information somewhere near the header of your document, preferably in a slightly larger or bold font. Make sure that you include:

• Your full name – no need for middle names
• Location – so that employers know your area
• Phone number – pick a mobile if possible
• Email address – ensure this is a professional email address

Example of contact section for accountant CV

Accountant CV personal statement

Next, you’re going to want to make a strong first impression. Our first move is to create an effective personal statement that will introduce you to the employer. You will want to outline your highest achievements, skills, and qualifications. Although this might seem simple, remember that you will only have a few sentences to get everything down. Unsure how this will work? Let’s take a look at a common formula.

Sentence one is all about getting to the point with your years of experience and career focus. Moving on to sentence two, you will want to explain what you have achieved, using real-world examples. Finally, sentences three and four are all about highlighting any unique skills you have. Let’s say you are an expert at record-keeping – this is something you should outline right away!

What do we mean by ‘real world examples?’ In short, this is a fact or figure that gives evidence that you have previously been effective. Let’s say you have already managed the accounts of a large business, or you have helped a client save a percentage of their yearly income. These are the kinds of things that your employer will want to know about!

What other things are important to include? Make sure to keep the following tips in mind:

• Always write in the third person.
• Don’t exceed 100 words!
• Strike a tonal balance of friendly and professional
• Read the job advertisement and tailor your statement to match it

Example of personal statement for an accountant CV

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Accountant CV work experience

One of the most important parts of a CV is the work experience section. This is where employers see if you have the relevant experience they are searching for. It’s your chance to outline your most important experience. Make sure to follow the job advertisement, tailoring your content so that it catches the reader’s eye.

What’s the best way to format this section? It’s simple. Start from your current or most recent role and note up to six responsibilities for each. Add more detail for positions that have relevant or transferable skills.

Make sure to include:

• Job title
• Employment start and end dates
• Company name
• Company location
• List of key tasks
• Workplace achievements

As with our personal statement, you should endeavour to add real-world evidence to back up your credentials. This will strengthen each bit of experience you have. You could describe how you “accurately balanced records dating back five years”, or that you “advised clients on expenditures, leading to a 20% increase in profit”. Specificity is your friend when it comes to writing an effective CV!

It’s also important not to repeat yourself. Mention each responsibility only once. As well as this, don’t mention any menial tasks that are common in many professional roles. For example – “answering emails” is not a strength as it is something all professionals will do!

Last of all, make sure to keep the reader engaged with your use of language. Use positive adjectives such as “punctual,” “diligent,” or “experienced.” You should also use action verbs in place of “responsible for.” Some of the best would be “advised,” “defined,” and “investigated.”

Example of work experience for an accountant CV

Great skills to add on your accountant CV

If your employer is short on time, there’s a good chance they’ll head to the CV skills section of your application. This is because they will want to get a quick idea of whether or not you have the right skills for the job. Also keep in mind that some companies will use ATS software, which scans your writing for keywords and phrases. It’s important to note 8-12 skills in total, with a good balance between hard and soft skills.

What’s the difference? Hard skills can be thought of as skills that you have gained from direct experience or through education. These might be “reconciling accounts”, or “numeracy skills”. Soft skills would be anything personality based – for example you might be “punctual”, “diligent”, or “versatile”.

Try to strike a balance between them to quickly catch your reader’s attention. Remember that technical skill is just as important as personal qualities.

Here are some must-haves and desirables to include:

Get education right on your accountant CV

You’re going to need a solid education added onto your CV. This is the place where you should discuss school, college, and university courses, as well as any professional training you may have. In short – it’s anything that proves you have the educational background for the job!

There are a few things you’re going to want to consider here. First of all, don’t draw attention to bad grades or incomplete courses as these won’t impress the employer. Secondly, make sure only to highlight relevant qualifications. The drama course you did in high school may have been a great experience, but it’s not that relevant for an accountant – so leave it out! Instead, focus on qualifications that strengthen the picture of you as a professional accountant.

So, what does it take to become an accountant? Most employers will require a relevant degree in either Accountancy, Business Management, or Mathematics. To increase your chances of being considered, make sure to mention any work experience you have gained over the course of your education.

When highlighting your educational background, make sure to include:

• Name of school, college, university or other awarding body
• Study start and end dates
• Subject title
• Qualification level
• Qualification result

Example of education for an accountant CV

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