how to make resume for accountant job fresher

Fresher Accountant Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

12 min read

Master how to write a fresher accountant resume that balances your skills and ambitions. Impress hiring managers with a well-crafted CV that adds up to success in the finance world.

Rated by 348 people

• • Managed GST and TDS calculations for monthly returns, ensuring 100% accuracy in compliance and resulting in zero penalties.
• • Reconciled bank statements every week, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain accurate records.
• • Processed and tracked vendor bills, achieving a 95% on-time payment rate, which strengthened vendor relations.
• • Developed client invoices and followed up for payment recoveries, reducing overdue invoices by 20%.
• • Handled payroll services, leading to a 50% reduction in processing time through the implementation of an automated system.
• • Executed PF and ESIC payments monthly, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
• • Conducted TDS and PT payments, leading to streamlined tax filing process and saving 15% in costs.
• • Created and maintained accurate accounting records in Tally, which increased audit efficiency by 25%.
• • Collaborated in the quarterly financial audits, identifying and rectifying errors, resulting in a smoother audit process.
• • Assisted in vendor bill payments, improving the approval time by 30% through effective coordination.
• • Performed regular bank reconciliations, ensuring that all discrepancies were promptly addressed.
• • Generated client invoices and followed up for timely payments, maintaining a recovery rate of 90%.
• • Supported the finance team in month-end closing activities, enhancing the accuracy of financial statements.
• • Calculated GST and TDS for various clients, contributing to accurate tax filings and compliance.
• • Monitored and processed client invoices, resulting in a 15% improvement in recovery rates.
• • Assisted in the preparation of financial reports, which boosted data accuracy by 10%.
• • Managed vendor payments, ensuring timely disbursements and maintaining positive vendor relationships.

In this article

Writing Your Resume

Must-Have Info

Resume Format

Resume Experience Tips

Resume Summary

Listing Your Skills

Education on Resume

Resume Certifications

Extra Sections

Cover Letter Example

Starting your career as a fresher accountant can feel daunting, especially when it comes to writing your first resume. You might wonder how to present your skills and experiences effectively. Most freshers face the challenge of having limited work experience to showcase. Navigating job requirements and showcasing your potential can be tricky. This guide will help you avoid common pitfalls. We'll show you how to highlight your education and capability. Plus, we'll give you tips to make your resume stand out among many applicants.

A well-structured resume template is crucial for creating a strong first impression. The right template will enhance readability and balance your educational details with any relevant experience you might have. Don't leave it up to chance; starting with the right format can set you ahead.

We have over 700 resume examples that can guide you in creating the perfect resume. Get started now by finding the template that suits your style and needs!

Key Takeaways

• Starting your career as a fresher accountant can be daunting, especially with limited work experience to showcase; this guide provides tips on highlighting education, capability, and how to stand out among applicants.
• A well-structured resume template is essential for creating a strong first impression, enhancing readability, and balancing educational details with relevant experience.
• Your resume should clearly convey your eagerness to learn, attention to detail, and understanding of accounting principles, highlighting relevant coursework, internships, volunteer experiences, and action words to describe responsibilities and achievements.
• Key sections for a fresher accountant resume include Contact Information, Objective or Summary, Education, Work Experience (including internships), Skills, Certifications, Honors and Awards, and Relevant Coursework, using a reverse-chronological format for easy readability.
• Effective skills sections should mix hard skills (like Financial Reporting, Excel Proficiency, and QuickBooks) and soft skills (such as Attention to Detail and Analytical Thinking) to show a well-rounded profile, with additional sections for certifications and tailored education to impress potential employers.

What to focus on when writing your fresher accountant resume

The resume of a fresher accountant should clearly convey your eagerness to learn, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of accounting principles. Highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use action words to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

Boost your resume's impact with these items:

• Relevant certifications like CPA or ACCA (even if in progress)
• Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks or Excel
• Any relevant coursework or projects
• Strong references or testimonials from previous internships or professors

Must have information on your fresher accountant resume

When crafting a resume as a fresher accountant, certain sections are vital for showcasing your qualifications effectively. These essential resume sections are:

• Contact Information
• Resume Objective
• Relevant Coursework
• Internships or Practical Training
• Technical Skills

You may also want to consider additional sections like Certifications, Extracurricular Activities, and Professional Affiliations to add depth to your resume. These extra details can set you apart from other candidates.

Which resume format to choose

Your best resume format as a fresher accountant is the reverse-chronological format. This style highlights your most recent experiences and education, making it easier for employers to see your qualifications. Use modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat instead of outdated options like Arial and Times New Roman for a clean and professional look. Always save your resume as a PDF; this ensures that all formatting stays intact. Keep your margins at about 1 inch to ensure your resume is not too cluttered. Use clear section headings, such as "Education" and "Experience," which help Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan your resume more effectively.

A fresher accountant resume should have the following sections:

• Objective or Summary
• Work Experience (including internships)
• Certifications
• Honors and Awards

Resume Mentor's free resume builder effortlessly handles all of these elements for you.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing your first resume as a fresher accountant can be challenging, especially the experience section. This part of your resume should showcase any relevant job roles, internships, or projects you've been a part of. It’s crucial to organize it well and focus on what’s most relevant.

When outlining your experience, list your roles in reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent job or internship and work backwards. As a fresher, you usually don’t have extensive work experience. Include up to 3 past roles if they are relevant. Generally, going back five years is appropriate, but focus on the most recent experiences.

Job titles should be clear and reflective of your duties. If your past roles don’t match the accountant title exactly, ensure they still highlight relevant skills. Tailoring your resume is essential. Customize it to fit the job you’re applying for. Use action words like “managed,” “analyzed,” “prepared,” and “implemented.” These words make your experience sound dynamic and impactful.

For a better understanding, let’s look at two examples.

• • Responsible for document filing and data entry.
• • Assisted senior accountants in preparing financial reports.
• • Worked with spreadsheets and accounting software.
• • Handled cash transactions and provided customer service.
• • Maintained transaction records and balanced cash drawer.
• • Inventory management and restocking shelves.

The first example mentions general responsibilities without showcasing achievements or specific results. There's a lack of measurable accomplishments, making it less compelling to potential employers. For instance, saying you were "responsible for document filing" doesn't stand out much.

Now, let’s look at a stronger example that focuses on achievements and uses action words.

• • Collaborated with senior accountants to prepare 100+ financial reports, improving efficiency by 20%.
• • Streamlined data entry process, reducing errors by 15%.
• • Utilized advanced Excel functions to analyze financial data and create detailed reports.
• • Assisted in the preparation of budgets for 5 department projects.
• • Implemented a new filing system, reducing retrieval time by 50%.
• • Conducted a monthly audit of financial records, ensuring 100% compliance with university policies.

In this better example, each bullet point highlights a specific achievement or result. It shows how you made a difference in your role, whether by improving efficiency, reducing errors, or ensuring compliance. Using numbers and percentages makes these accomplishments concrete and compelling.

Make sure your resume experience section highlights your achievements and contributions to make a strong impression on employers. Tailor it to match the job you're seeking, use strong action words, and focus on the impact you made.

Fresher accountant resume experience examples

Balancing the books might sound like a mundane task, but your resume can certainly tip the scales in your favor! Here are 15 impactful ways to showcase your accounting experience, each with a different focus, to ensure your skills and accomplishments don't go unnoticed.

Achievement-focused

Highlight your key achievements and emphasize the moments you made significant impacts at your workplace.

Junior Accountant

June 2021 - Present

• Recognized as Employee of the Month for three consecutive months.
• Successfully reduced accounting discrepancies by 20%, leading to improved financial accuracy.
• Led the implementation of a new accounting software, enhancing efficiency by 30%.

Skills-focused

Emphasize the range of your skills, showcasing how they have been utilized effectively in your roles.

Accounting Intern

ABC Financial Services

April 2020 - May 2021

• Utilized Excel for data analysis, improving financial reporting speed by 15%.
• Applied knowledge of GAAP principles to ensure compliance in all financial records.
• Assisted in tax preparation, reducing errors and streamlining the process.

Responsibility-focused

Demonstrate the various responsibilities you managed and how you excelled in these roles.

Finance Assistant

LMN Enterprises

January 2020 - March 2020

• Maintained general ledger entries, ensuring accurate and timely financial information.
• Processed invoices and expense reports, improving the turnaround time by 25%.
• Assisted in monthly closing procedures, contributing to a seamless close each month.

Project-focused

Illustrate your experience with specific projects, noting your individual contributions.

Accounting Project Intern

September 2019 - December 2019

• Participated in a major audit project reducing discrepancies by 10%.
• Created detailed financial reports for a quarterly review project.
• Collaborated on a budgeting project, resulting in a 5% cost reduction.

Result-focused

Focus on tangible results you've achieved through your accounting work.

Finance Trainee

DEF Financial Group

June 2018 - August 2019

• Enhanced accuracy of financial reports by 18% by implementing rigorous review processes.
• Contributed to achieving a 12% increase in budget utilization efficiency.
• Helped cut down overdue accounts by 15%, improving the company’s cash flow.

Industry-Specific Focus

Show how your accounting experience is tailored to a specific industry.

Accounting Assistant

March 2017 - May 2018

• Handled financial accounting for property management, including rent collection and lease tracking.
• Prepared and analyzed budgets for real estate investments.
• Assisted in annual audits, ensuring compliance with real estate regulations.

Problem-Solving focused

Showcase how you have navigated various problems and provided effective solutions.

Bookkeeping Clerk

JKL Accountants

July 2016 - February 2017

• Resolved discrepancies in client’s financial records, improving their tax filing accuracy.
• Developed a streamlined process for handling vendor payments, reducing errors by 25%.
• Effectively managed data migration to a new accounting system, ensuring no loss of critical information.

Innovation-focused

Show how you've been creative and brought new ideas to your accounting roles.

MNO Innovations

November 2015 - June 2016

• Developed a new template for financial reports, cutting preparation time by 50%.
• Introduced automated data entry processes, reducing manual labor and errors.
• Piloted a new budgeting tool that was later adopted company-wide.

Leadership-focused

Highlight your leadership roles and how you've guided your teams to success.

Team Lead Accounting

January 2015 - October 2015

• Led a team of 5 junior accountants, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Mentored new interns, accelerating their training process by 30%.
• Organized weekly team meetings to align on goals and address challenges.

Customer-focused

Show how you’ve contributed to improving customer satisfaction through your work.

Customer Account Specialist

STU Financial Solutions

July 2014 - December 2014

• Provided tailored financial advice to clients, improving their satisfaction scores by 20%.
• Handled billing inquiries, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
• Managed client invoices and payments, ensuring timely and accurate processing.

Growth-focused

Emphasize your role in business growth and financial improvement.

Growth Analyst Intern

VWX Analytics

January 2014 - June 2014

• Contributed to a strategy that led to a 10% increase in revenue.
• Identified cost-saving opportunities, saving the company 8%.
• Developed financial models to support business expansion plans.

Efficiency-focused

Demonstrate how you've made processes and systems more efficient.

Finance Intern

YZA Financial

April 2013 - December 2013

• Streamlined invoice processing, reducing turnaround time by 15%.
• Implemented a new expense tracking system, improving reporting accuracy.
• Developed a template for budget forecasting, increasing efficiency.

Technology-focused

Showcase your experience with accounting software and tech innovations.

Tech-savvy Accountant Intern

BCD Tech Solutions

June 2012 - March 2013

• Implemented QuickBooks for daily accounting tasks, saving 10 hours per week.
• Used data analytics tools to identify financial trends.
• Automated expense reporting using cloud-based software.

Collaboration-focused

Highlight how you’ve worked with others to achieve common goals.

Accounting Team Member

DEF Limited

January 2012 - May 2012

• Collaborated with 3 departments to compile a comprehensive financial report.
• Worked with auditors to support year-end financial audits with accurate data.
• Assisted in cross-functional meetings to align on budgetary goals.

Training and Development focused

Emphasize your role in training and developing other team members.

Junior Accounting Trainer

HIJ Training Services

June 2011 - December 2011

• Developed training materials for new accounting software, enhancing team skills.
• Conducted weekly training sessions for new hires on financial procedures.
• Created a knowledge-sharing platform to improve ongoing learning.

Write your fresher accountant resume summary section

When writing a resume summary section as a fresher accountant, make it concise and focused. A good summary should emphasize your skills, relevant education, and eagerness to contribute to the company. Use short, impactful statements to highlight your strengths.

Describing yourself in a resume summary requires more than listing skills. You must convey your unique attributes and enthusiasm. Use active language and mention key achievements or coursework relevant to the job. Make sure to align your summary with the job description to stand out.

A summary is a brief statement that encapsulates your qualifications and career goals. A resume objective focuses solely on your career goals. A resume profile is a longer version of a summary, detailing more about your experience and skills. A summary of qualifications is a bullet-pointed list of top skills and accomplishments.

The first example is not effective. It’s vague and lacks detail about your unique qualifications. It doesn’t show why you would be a good fit for the job. It mentions skills but does not demonstrate how you have applied them.

The second example is strong. It clearly states your qualifications and enthusiasm. It highlights your proficiency in key software and mentions analytical skills. It shows how your background makes you a good fit for the role. Unlike the first example, it’s detailed and aligns with what employers seek.

Listing your fresher accountant skills on your resume

Writing the skills section for your fresher accountant resume is crucial for highlighting your strengths and capabilities. Skills can stand alone in their own section or be incorporated into others like experience and summary.

Your strengths and soft skills reflect your ability to interact and work with others, manage your tasks, and adapt to work environments. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets learned through training and practice.

Skills and strengths serve as resume keywords, helping your resume get noticed by hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Use a mix of hard and soft skills to show you're well-rounded.

This skills section effectively highlights important capabilities for a fresher accountant role. Each skill is relevant, like Financial Reporting and Account Reconciliation, which are fundamental accounting tasks. Skills like Excel Proficiency and QuickBooks show technical know-how, while Budgeting and GAAP reflect essential knowledge areas. Mentioning Attention to Detail and Analysis and Problem-solving underscores the precision and critical thinking required in accounting. The mix of technical and analytical skills, combined with efficiency and accuracy, presents a well-rounded profile to potential employers.

Best hard skills to feature on your fresher accountant resume

Hard skills for an entry-level accountant should show your technical knowledge and ability to perform accounting tasks efficiently.

• Financial Reporting
• Excel Proficiency
• Account Reconciliation
• Payroll Management
• Accounting Software (e.g., Sage, Xero)
• Tax Preparation
• Data Analysis
• General Ledger Accounting
• Financial Analysis
• Accounts Payable/Receivable
• Compliance with Financial Regulations
• Managing Financial Records

Hard Skills

Best soft skills to feature on your fresher accountant resume

Soft skills for an entry-level accountant should demonstrate your teamwork, communication capabilities, and personal attributes.

• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Verbal and Written Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Analytical Thinking
• Organizational Skills
• Customer Service Orientation
• Adaptability
• Team Collaboration
• Ethical Judgment
• Multitasking
• Decision-Making
• Stress Management
• Dependability

Soft Skills

How to include your education on your resume

The education section is an important part of a fresher accountant's resume. Your education can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills needed for the job. Tailor this section to the job you're applying for; irrelevant education should not be included. When adding your GPA, you can mention it if it is high and relevant. Honors such as cum laude should be highlighted to show your academic achievements.

Here is a bad example of a standalone education section:

This example is bad because it includes a high school diploma, which is irrelevant for an accountant position. The GPA is also low, which doesn't make a strong impression.

Here is a good example of an education section:

This example is good because it lists a relevant degree, a high GPA, and an honor that will impress employers. Tailoring your education section this way makes your qualifications clear and compelling.

How to include fresher accountant certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section in your fresher accountant resume is crucial. It helps your resume stand out to potential employers, showcasing your specialized skills and commitment to continuous learning. List the name of each certificate clearly. Include the date when you earned the certification. Add the issuing organization that provided the certification. Certificates can also be included in the header, such as “Certified Public Accountant (CPA)” next to your name.

This example is good because it includes recognized certifications relevant to accounting. It provides the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and shows that you have invested in relevant skills. Having a CPA is particularly important in the accounting field, and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor certificate showcases your knowledge in essential accounting software. This combination of certificates will resonate well with hiring managers in the accounting field.

Extra sections to include in your fresher accountant resume

Starting as a fresher accountant, your resume should showcase not only your education and technical skills but also elements that highlight your personality and broader skill set. Including diverse sections can make you stand out to potential employers.

• Language section — List extra languages you speak to show you can communicate with a broader range of clients. Employers value this diversity in a global market.
• Hobbies and interests section — Share hobbies that demonstrate skills relevant to accounting, such as attention to detail or organization. This humanizes you and makes you memorable.
• Volunteer work section — Describe volunteer experiences to highlight your community involvement and teamwork skills. Employers appreciate candidates who give back and work well with others.
• Books section — Mention a few books related to accounting or personal development you’ve read. This illustrates your dedication to learning and improving your skill set.

Pair your fresher accountant resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It provides a brief introduction and highlights your key skills and experiences, giving potential employers a snapshot of what you bring to the table. Cover letters help employers get a sense of your personality and how well you might fit into their team. They also provide an opportunity for you to explain any gaps in your employment history or to highlight relevant experiences that may not be obvious from your resume alone.

For a fresher accountant, the cover letter should focus on your educational background, such as your degree in accounting and any relevant coursework. Mention any internships or volunteer work where you gained practical experience in accounting tasks like bookkeeping, financial reporting, or use of accounting software. Emphasize your strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well both independently and as part of a team. Don't forget to show enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Ready to create your personalized cover letter? Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder for an easy, guided experience. Easily export your polished document as a PDF to ensure your formatting stays intact and your content remains secure.

Alexander Taylor

Los Angeles, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

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How to Make a Resume for a Fresher Accountant: Download Sample Word Format

If you are a fresher graduate or postgraduate looking for an accounts job, the first thing you need is a well-written resume. To make the accounts resume format, find the best job descriptions online. The job descriptions in job notifications consist of all the requirements, such as skills and responsibilities, needed for that specific job.

If you know them and include them in your resume as keywords, you will have more chances of getting interview calls. You don’t need to change the resume every time; just find one or two well-written job descriptions online and tailor your resume according to those job descriptions. Most companies have similar job requirements.

How to Make a Resume for a Fresher Accountant

1. Write your Name, Mobile number, and Email ID: Include these details in the top header so that recruiters can easily find and contact you via mobile or email.

2. Career Objective : Write a simple career objective line.

Example: A recently graduated B.Com graduate/ MBA Finance postgraduate looking for a job in the accounts field in a reputable company, where I can apply my academic knowledge and skills. I am proficient in Excel and Tally basics. I want this opportunity to enhance my skills and also to add value to the company through my efforts and hard work.

3. Education: Write your education details from higher education to lower education, including qualification, college name, year of passing, and marks (CGPA or percentages).

4. Internship: If you have done any internship related to the accounts field, include it in the resume. Otherwise, you don’t need to add this section.

5. Project Work : Like internships, if you have project work, include it in the resume, but be ready to answer any questions related to your project. If you are not confident about your project, remove that section.

6. Skills: Include technical skills required to perform your job. You must include this in your accounts resume. Based on the skills, the ATS score of your resume will be defined. Your skills are the keywords that the ATS software and recruiters are looking for in your resume. You can find the required skills in the job description. Anyway, you have to learn some basic skills that every accountant must know, which include:

• Accounts Payable & Receivable
• Bank Reconciliation
• VAT Accounting
• Processing Sales and Purchase Invoices
• MIS Reporting
• Invoice Processing

If you include these skills, you will have more chances to get interview calls. Don’t think that you have to be an expert at everything; just learn the basics of all these skills. After getting the job, you can master them. That is how the job system works.

Most freshers in the accounts field think that they have to know everything perfectly about every skill they put in their resume, but knowing some basics about every skill is just enough.

7. Soft Skills: Along with technical skills, every accountant should learn some soft skills such as good communication, problem-solving, time management, and attention to detail. Include such skills in your resume.

8. Personal Details: Include your personal details such as your date of birth, father’s name, languages known, hobbies, marital status, address, etc.

9. Simple Declaration: At the end of the resume, write a declaration that everything you included in your resume is true. If you are submitting a physical document to the company, you can sign the resume on the date of submission. For soft copies, you don’t need to sign.

Name your resume like this for a better ATS score: Rajesh_Accounts_Resume

Here is the best resume I prepared for you after doing all the research and reading several job descriptions. You can copy this resume by downloading it and making changes as per your details. It is completely free.

We also have a cheat sheet for B.Com freshers to get a job in the accounts field, which includes a premium resume, cover letter, job application email, Naukri, and LinkedIn profile details, which saves your time and helps in getting more interview calls.

Accountant Freshers Resume Format

• Accounts Executive resume formats in MS Word.
• B.Com fresher resume formats in MS Word.

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5 Entry-Level Accountant Resume Examples [& Templates]

Entry-Level Accountant Resume

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

• Entry-Level Accountant
• Entry-Level Accountant 2
• Entry-Level Accountant 3
• Entry-Level Accountant 4
• Entry-Level Accountant 5
• Entry-Level Accountant Resume Writing 101

As an up-and-coming accountant, you’re skilled at crunching numbers. As you prepare to take on responsibility for the financial backbone of a company, you know it’s more than just that adding up receipts.

Employers are looking for an accountant with hard skills like savvy financial reporting and soft skills like cross-team collaboration. But how can you showcase that experience when you’re, well, not experienced in the role?

Worry not! We’ve helped thousands of entry-level accountants score interviews and land their first job with our resume and cover letter writing tips. First, here are five entry-level accounting resume examples you can use to jumpstart your career.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Seriously, even if that internship streak was just for a few months, it’s the perfect chance to show off how well you know the ropes of the industry and its hurdles. And hey, make those achievements shine—put numbers to them for that extra oomph.

Entry-Level Accountant 2 Resume

Entry-Level Accountant 3 Resume

Entry-Level Accountant 4 Resume

Entry-Level Accountant 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Staff Accountant
• Forensic Accountant
• Management Accountant

The Most Important Part: Your Skills & Work Experience

What matters the most at the end of the day, simply put, are your skills and work experience. If those fall short, the chances of you landing an interview for that accountant position drop significantly.

Basically, the skills you show provide a quick, overarching summary of your technical prowess and demonstrate your abilities.

Early in your accounting career, you’ll want to focus on courses you’ve taken and skills you’ve learned and picked up (or via internships).

Another pro tip : if you see a skill mentioned in the accounting job description and you have it, make sure you include it, even if it’s not a requirement.

9 top entry-level accounting skills

• Financial Reporting
• Microsoft Excel
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• TurboTax Business
• Data Analysis

Sample entry-level accounting work experience bullet points

If there’s one word you should remember, it’s impact . When you talk about your early experience or projects in accounting (or in another field with translatable skills), hone in on your accomplishments.

Don’t just list your duties; explain what they achieved. Instead of “implemented centralized purchasing,” say “implemented centralizing purchasing to reduce costs by 12% .”

By quantifying your impact (using a measurable outcome, when possible), you can show the value of your expertise.

Let’s make it concrete with a few more examples (notice that some of these examples are accountant-related while others are relevant experience with transferable skills in other industries):

• Identified problem areas in financial reporting when assisting in reviewing client’s company tax returns, saving them $3K in fees
• Reviewed and analyzed company’s operating budget under senior accountant’s leadership, reducing expenses by 8%
• Accurately reconciled deposits and invoices with a daily turnover of $22K
• Managed a $50K annual budget as Finance Chair for the robotics club, and applied for 4 grants to fund 75% of the budget for club participants
• Collaborated with chair members, establishing an annual fundraising event that boosted contributions by $118K

Top 5 Tips for Your Entry-Level Accounting Resume

• Regardless of whether you have accountant internship experience, financial-based projects, or semi-relevant work in another industry, use metrics and state accomplishments that prove you have meticulous attention to accuracy, can think analytically and problem-solve, and that you don’t mind digging for answers.
• The best way to highlight your impact is by using active verbs. They pack a punch and show you’re proactive! Some examples include “achieved,” “doubled,” “solved” or “streamlined.” Improve your verb choices with our resume checker that checks for active voice.
• Even if you don’t plan on working directly in tax accounting, you’ll probably work with colleagues who do. A great way to stand out is to have at least a functional knowledge of one or two of the more significant corporate tax software options, like TurboTax or ProSeries.
• If this is the first accounting job you’re applying for, your experience might be a little thin. Write down courses you’ve excelled at, such as Financial Modeling or ERP Technology, which will help showcase your savvy. If you have business analytics skills, like with Tableau or Zoho Analytics, add them too!
• You might feel tempted to stretch the truth on your accounting resume, but don’t. If you wouldn’t be comfortable being interviewed about your expertise with Quickbooks, best not to add it.

Since this is an entry-level accounting position, perhaps. If you do, it’s important to customize your resume objective to every job you apply to. Mention the company by name, speak to your best skills the company is also seeking, and clearly show what you can bring to the table like this example:

Transparent, organized, and flexible accounting graduate with practical internship experience. Desire to thrive in team-based roles at Robert Half to grow under the expertise of senior accountants as I use my data entry and spreadsheet background.

Absolutely! Don’t worry; that doesn’t mean entirely rewriting your resume. Instead, carefully read each job ad and ensure the skills and work experience they want have been woven throughout your resume. (This same idea applies when it comes time to create a cover letter , too.)

Your skills section should be specific enough for a recruiter to get a good summary of your mastery. Instead of just saying you’re skilled in financial accounting software, mention the software you’ve worked with, like Xero or FreshBooks, especially if the job listing also mentions that specific skill(s) .