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As the most senior accountant within an organisation, chief accountants already have plenty on their plate. Chief accountant duties and responsibilities range from leading a team to making key decisions on financial strategy. You don’t want CV writing to add to that balancing act!
With myPerfectCV, it doesn’t have to. We’ve brought together chief accountant CV samples, templates, and all the CV writing advice you could ever wish for when it comes to CV writing for the role of chief accountant. When you’re ready, you can use our quick and easy online builder to get started on your chief accountant CV.
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Chief accountant CV templates
Top tips for your chief accountant CV
Give your CV the best chance of securing the role of chief accountant with our expert tips and tricks…
Cross-reference with the job description
As much as we don’t like to admit it, a large part of a CV’s job is to tick boxes. That can be for recruiters, who skim-read CVs looking for must-haves or ATS software, which scans them for keywords. Whatever the case, it’s important to include the right keywords in your CV based on the job description. Check for the main chief accountant duties and responsibilities, along with essential qualifications, then work them into your CV from the get-go.Use a professional design
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and your CV is the first impression recruiters will get of you. Before they even read it, they’ll be struck by its appearance. That’s why it’s best to use a design that reflects the seniority and professionalism of your role. Use a simple font, limited to two-three sizes for paragraphs, sub-headings, and headings, and stick to formal colours like navy or black. Using a pre-made CV template will make it easier to get this right.Numbers are key
You’ll be well aware of the importance of numbers to the role of chief accountant. Because of that, they’re critical for your CV too. Whether you’ve led an accounts team of 10 people or decreased expenditure by 20% year-on-year, be sure to include these key figures to back up your skills and experience.Accuracy is key
Numbers are nothing if they’re not accurate. The same goes for your CV too. Always check through your chief accountant CV to root out any inaccuracies, errors, and typos before sending to recruiters. Where possible, get a friend or relative to read it too.Keep it brief
With so many chief accountant duties and responsibilities to talk about, it’s easy to let your CV run on into a second or third page. Our advice is to keep it brief using bullet points, and narrow it down to 3-5 key responsibilities for each job you list. Remember, chief accountant interview questions will give you an opportunity to expand on anything that recruiters want to know.
Chief accountant skills to include in your CV
No chief accountant CV sample is complete without the right skills. Take a look at the lists below to see which hard and soft skills recruiters are looking for:
Must-have skills for your chief accountant CV
- Excellent numerical skills
- Data analysis
- Knowledge of accounting software
- ICAEW or ACCA certified
- Report writing
- Monthly and annual accounting activities
Soft skills to make you the perfect fit
- Leadership
- Clear communication
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Ability to work under pressure
- Specific industry knowledge
Personal statement chief accountant CV
At the top of any good chief accountant CV, you’ll find a concise, impactful personal statement. Also known as the professional summary, this section introduces you as a candidate and should make recruiters want to read on for more.
As a rule of thumb, stick to 3-4 sentences which highlight your best skills such as reconciliation, key qualifications like ACCA certification, and personal qualities like leadership.
Top FAQs about your chief accountant CV
What is a chief accountant?
A chief accountant is typically the most senior accountant within an organisation, with the exception of a chief financial officer (CFO). That said, it’s quite rare for companies to employ both of these roles, given how much they overlap.
What is the role of a chief accounting officer?
The role of a chief accounting officer is primarily to develop a company’s financial strategy and make key decisions on
expenditure and investments. They’re also typically required to lead an accounting team and oversee month-to-month duties like reconciliations and record-keeping.
What are the four main responsibilities of a chief accountant?
Broadly speaking, the four main responsibilities of a chief accountant are:
- Keeping their organisation compliant with tax laws and any other relevant regulations.
- Managing the accounting team and overseeing their day-to-day and month-to-month duties.
- Setting a strategy to improve a company’s financial position or progress towards agreed goals.
- Making key decisions when needed to put that strategy into practice.
What is the qualification for a chief accountant?
The main qualification for chief accountants is certification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
How to become a chief accountant
The most common route to become a chief accountant starts with a degree in in mathematics, economics, or accounting to hone your foundational skills. That’s followed, as above, by ACCA certification, which can be worked towards as part of your degree or gained through a placement following graduation. You’ll typically need to work your way up through junior and mid-level roles before reaching the role of chief accountant.
Related CVs Accounting CV Examples
Chief accountant CVs made easy
Writing a CV to apply for the role of chief accountant doesn’t have to be stressful and time-consuming. Using myPerfectCV’s builder, you can access a choice of pre-made templates and fill them with polished content that’s tailored to chief accountant duties and responsibilities.
Use our chief accountant CV sample as inspiration for any parts you’re unsure about. Then download your CV as a Word Document, PDF or a choice of other file types. Put our online builder to the test today!
