Accounting Resume Examples, Template, & Writing Guide for 2026
Written By Lauren MastroniCareer Expert & Digital Content Writer
Reviewed By Geoffrey ScottSenior Hiring Manager & Career CoachLauren Mastroni is a Digital Content Writer at Resume Genius, where she creates data-driven career content and actionable job search advice. With a background in academic research, she brings a...
To help you get the details right, we also provide expert tips on how to write and structure a resume for any accounting role.
Accounting resumes by experience level
Want a different resume template design? View our full collection of resume samples.
Fill-in-the-blank accounting resume template
[FULL NAME]
[City, State] | [Phone Number] | [Professional Email Address] | [LinkedIn URL]
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
[Accountant job title or area of specialization] with [number] years of experience in [accounting function, industry, or specialty]. Skilled in [accounting skill], [accounting skill], and [accounting software/tool]. Proven track record of [key accomplishment or responsibility], including [quantifiable result or business impact]. [Optional: Include a certification such as CPA if applicable.]
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
[JOB TITLE]
[Company Name], [City, State] | [Month Year]–[Month Year or Present]
- Managed [accounting process, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, or general ledger] for [number/size of accounts, clients, or business units], ensuring [accuracy, compliance, timeliness, or other outcome].
- Prepared and analyzed [financial statements, reconciliations, budgets, forecasts, reports, or other documents] to support [management decisions, audits, financial planning, or other business goal].
- Processed [number/$ amount] in [invoices, transactions, payments, or other financial activity] while maintaining [accuracy rate, turnaround time, or other metric].
- Reduced [costs/errors/processing time/etc.] by [percentage or dollar amount] by [specific action you took].
- Collaborated with [departments, managers, auditors, clients, vendors, or other stakeholders] to [specific responsibility or accomplishment].
- Used [accounting software, ERP, spreadsheet tool, or other technology] to [specific task or process].
[PREVIOUS JOB TITLE]
[Company Name], [City, State] | [Month Year]–[Month Year]
- [Action verb] [accounting responsibility] for [scope/volume], resulting in [measurable outcome].
- [Action verb] [financial report, reconciliation, audit, budget, or other task] to ensure [accuracy/compliance/efficiency].
- [Action verb] [process or system improvement], reducing [errors/costs/time] by [percentage or amount].
- [Action verb] [collaboration or client-facing responsibility] while maintaining [specific standard or result].
[EARLIER JOB TITLE]
[Company Name], [City, State] | [Month Year]–[Month Year]
- [Describe your most relevant accounting responsibility or accomplishment.]
- [Describe another responsibility, preferably with a number, percentage, dollar amount, or other measurable result.]
- [Describe a process improvement, software implementation, audit contribution, or other accomplishment.]
EDUCATION
[DEGREE]
[College or University Name], [City, State] | [Graduation Year]
[Optional: GPA if 3.5+ | Relevant coursework: [course], [course], [course]]
CERTIFICATIONS
- [CPA — State/Year, if applicable]
- [Certified Management Accountant (CMA) — Year, if applicable]
- [Enrolled Agent (EA) — Year, if applicable]
- [Other relevant accounting certification or credential]
SKILLS
- Accounting: [General ledger] | [Financial reporting] | [Account reconciliation] | [Accounts payable] | [Accounts receivable] | [Budgeting] | [Forecasting] | [Payroll] | [Tax preparation] | [Auditing]
- Software: [Microsoft Excel] | [QuickBooks] | [SAP] | [Oracle] | [NetSuite] | [Sage] | [Other accounting software]
- Other: [Financial analysis] | [GAAP] | [Internal controls] | [Regulatory compliance] | [Data analysis] | [Other job-relevant skill]
Accounting resumes for different experience levels and specializations
No matter what kind of accounting you do, we have a vast array of resume examples that you can browse to see what an effective resume for your specific role looks like.
Accounting internship resume
Why this example works:
- Uses a resume objective: A resume objective explains your goals and links them with the work your target company does.
Accounting assistant resume
Why this example works:
- Backs up achievements: The applicant quantifies their achievements to show the impact they had in previous roles.
Accounts payable resume
Why this example works:
- Uses a simple template: Accounting is a traditional industry, so we recommend using a basic resume template (as opposed to one with bright colors and graphics).
Accounts receivable resume
Why this example works:
- Makes good use of space: This resume features a one-column design up top where you need more words to explain your work history, but two columns down below where fewer words are needed in the education and skills sections.
Bookkeeper resume
Why this example works:
- Highlights key skills: This resume design highlights accounting skills by placing them inside skills “bubbles” that pop off the page so employers immediately see them.
Certified public accountant (CPA) resume
Why this example works:
- Highlights CPA certification: The candidate features their CPA certification prominently so that employers can quickly scan and see that they’re qualified.
Debt collector resume
Why this example works:
- Integrates numbers into bullet points: Data helps employers understand what you accomplished in previous roles.
Payroll specialist resume
Why this example works:
- Effectively uses white space: The layout is balanced so the resume doesn’t look overcrowded.
Staff accountant resume
Why this example works:
- Simple design: An understated design with a limited color palette is best for traditional industries like accounting.
Tax preparer resume
Why this example works:
- Uses an accent color: Using subtle amounts of color on your resume can help make it stand out among its competitors.
Claims adjuster resume
Why this example works:
- Relevant certification: The skills section includes a certification to immediately show that the applicant is qualified.
How to write an accounting resume
Follow these tips to write an effective accounting resume.
@resumegenius Thinking of getting a job in accounting? ? Here are some tips on how to land a job in this industry, including required education, necessary skills, and resume writing advice. If you’re looking for an accounting resume template, we have 10 examples of resumes for this industry here: ? resumegeniusDOTme/accounting-resume And if you’re already preparing for your job interview, check out our profile. We have a video on how to answer the top 3 most common accounting interview questions #accounting #resumetips #resumegenius #jobsearchtips #jobsearching #careeradvice #accountant #cpa ♬ SHIPWRECK SHORELINE – SEDVTED
Highlight your accounting successes
A good work history bullet point should highlight your achievements rather than just list your duties.
Here’s a good example:
Accounts Payable Clerk
Paramount Pictures, Los Angeles, CA
March 20XX – August 20XX
- Processed an average of 300+ invoices per month, ensuring accurate and timely payments to vendors and service providers
- Reduced invoice processing time by 25% by implementing automated workflow systems
- Managed weekly check runs and direct deposits, handling over $1 mil. in transactions each month
- Reconciled monthly financial statements and reports to verify the accuracy of transactions, impacting 200+ accounts monthly.
Show that you’re certified
According to a Resume Genius survey of 1,000 U.S. hiring managers, 82.1% agree certifications can be as valuable as a four-year degree. In accounting, they matter because they show you’ve been trained to do the job, know how to use industry software, and understand state and federal regulations.
Here’s how a certifications section on an accounting resume should look:
CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
Earned: June 20XX - Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
Awarded by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Earned: December 20XX
Write a targeted introduction
Your resume introduction is your chance to quickly show employers why you’re a strong fit for the role. Instead of using generic language like “hardworking accountant seeking a challenging position,” tailor your professional summary to the job you’re applying for.
Start by identifying the employer’s most important requirements in the job description, then highlight your relevant experience, accounting expertise, certifications, software skills, and accomplishments. Use specific keywords from the posting when they accurately describe your background.
Here are three examples of good accounting resume summaries:
Recent accounting graduate with internship experience in financial analysis and compliance. Proficient in financial reporting, tax preparation, and ledger management. Eager to apply analytical skills in a professional setting at Brookfield Finance.
Experienced Accountant with 3+ years of experience managing full accounting cycles and enhancing financial processes to increase efficiency. Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, skilled in financial analysis and report preparation.
CPA with 8 years of experience, including 5 as Accounting Manager. Expert in financial management, process improvement, and team leadership. Proven ability to oversee financial operations and implement effective financial controls.
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Most in-demand accounting skills
To help you identify the most relevant accounting skills to highlight on your resume, we analyzed job listings from multiple job search platforms.
Our research reveals that these words and phrases appear most often in accountant job descriptions:
We analyzed over 1000 real accountant job ads to find the top keywords to add to your resume.
Data
| Keyword | Percentage | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Office | 52 | 699 |
| Accounting software | 47 | 633 |
| Interpersonal skills | 41 | 547 |
| ERP systems | 40 | 542 |
| Communication skills | 37 | 495 |
| Financial reporting | 36 | 489 |
| Analytical skills | 34 | 452 |
| Organizational skills | 29 | 392 |
| Financial analysis | 23 | 315 |
| Ability to work independently | 23 | 314 |
Average accountant salaries in the US
After you’ve written your resume, make sure you use it to apply for jobs within a fair salary range.
The following table includes information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report for 2026. Here are the ten states with the highest salaries for accountants, as well as the national average for your reference when applying for work.
Top 10 states by average accountant salary
| State | Salary / Year |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $122,680 |
| New York | $114,070 |
| New Jersey | $110,590 |
| Massachusetts | $107,170 |
| California | $103,760 |
| Colorado | $103,150 |
| Washington | $102,700 |
| Connecticut | $101,810 |
| Virginia | $100,660 |
| Rhode Island | $99,880 |
| National Average | $94,750 |
About the Author
Lauren Mastroni is a Digital Content Writer at Resume Genius, where she creates data-driven career content and actionable job search advice. With a background in academic research, she brings a research-focused approach to topics like resume writing, interviewing, and career development. Lauren is dedicated to helping job seekers at all stages navigate the hiring process and present themselves more effectively to employers.
