To create an effective senior accountant resume, start with a strong summary highlighting your experience and key skills, followed by a reverse-chronological work experience section that quantifies achievements with metrics and action verbs. Include a dedicated skills section that lists both technical and soft skills, such as proficiency in accounting software, GAAP, financial analysis, and leadership. Finally, add your education and relevant certifications, and tailor the resume to match the keywords and requirements in the job description.
1. Choose the right format
Hybrid or combination: This format is ideal for senior roles as it combines a strong summary/skills section with a detailed chronological work history.
Reverse-chronological: This is the most common and preferred format, as it highlights your career progression.
2. Create a compelling summary
Write a 3-4 sentence summary that acts as an elevator pitch.
Highlight your years of experience, key areas of expertise (e.g., financial reporting, auditing), and significant accomplishments.
Use keywords from the job description to make it relevant from the start.
3. Detail your work experience
List your experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent role.
Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements for each position.
Quantify your achievements: Back up your contributions with specific data, such as "Improved efficiency by 15% by implementing new accounting software" or "Reduced month-end close time by 2 days".
Use strong action verbs: Start each bullet point with a powerful verb like "Managed," "Developed," "Analyzed," "Oversaw," or "Led".
4. Highlight your skills
Create a separate skills section that is easy to scan.
Include both technical/hard skills and soft skills.
Technical skills: List specific software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle), accounting principles (GAAP, IFRS), and tasks (financial analysis, tax preparation, auditing, cash flow management).
Soft skills: Include relevant interpersonal and analytical abilities like team leadership, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
Tailor: Match the skills listed to the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
5. Add education and certifications
Include a section for your degree(s) and major, and list any professional certifications like CPA, CMA, or CFA.
Mention any relevant training or professional development courses you have completed.
6. Tailor and proofread
Tailor for each application: Read the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords and skills throughout your resume to show you are a perfect fit.
Proofread thoroughly: Check for any spelling or grammatical errors before submitting.
Save as a PDF: This preserves your formatting and ensures it looks the same on any device.
7. Final Resume Writing Tips
Mirror the Job Description: Tailor your resume to each application by using keywords and highlighting the experience most relevant to that specific role.
Proofread Meticulously: Accuracy is paramount in accounting. A resume with errors may suggest a lack of attention to detail.
Include a Cover Letter: Accompany your resume with a customized cover letter to further explain your motivation and how your skills align with the company's goals.