Accounting Resumes

Although resumes are generally the sole resource for determining whether a candidate will interview, very little time is spent by the employer reviewing the resume.  On average, the reader will contribute only ten seconds or less when first looking at it.  Resumes deemed unsatisfactory are most often disregarded after one look.  If the employer reads further, approximately one minute is spent reviewing the resume before a decision is made.  It is necessary to gain the reader’s interest so that they have a desire to meet the candidate personally. 

In order to compose an accounting resume, be sure that all information is accurately researched and organized.  It may also be helpful to study examples of accounting resumes and compare overall objectives.  The following is a basic template that includes pertinent features for an accounting resume.  Content rich text and specific data are the best forms of information for these professional documents.

Name
Address
Telephone number
Email address

Objective: 
This area is used to create a statement explaining a candidate’s interest in the current position, as well as future career goals.  These may be generalized to use for multiple positions, but it is best to specify the position that the resume is being sent for.  This section should be no more than five sentences and can also be used to summarize skills, education, or qualifications, if kept at a minimum.

Summary of Qualifications:

• This section works most effectively for experienced professionals.
• Here it is important to list accounting accomplishments and results.
• It is important to use a minimum of three bullets, but anything over ten is excessive. 

Accounting Education:
Be sure to list educational information in reverse chronological order (list most recent education first).  Pertinent information includes degree program or major, graduation date, Full name of the university attended, city and state of the university, and any certifications or licenses obtained. 

Accounting Skills:
This section may be bulleted or written, depending on the number of skills, and the candidate’s preference.  Include any software, mainframe, computer, or specific system knowledge.  Use action words such as “maintained system files, conducted mainframe revisions”, or “managed Peachtree software systems.” 

Accounting Experience:
Make sure to draw more focus to the accounting related functions.  Occupations should include specific title, company name and telephone number, as well as duties.  Similar to the education, careers should also be listed in reverse chronological order.

Activities:

• Load this area with action words as well
• Include student activities such as athletics or student government.
• Professional and community associations are also helpful.

Depending on candidates specific expertise, other titles and sections may be used.  It is necessary to alter these documents until they effectively communicate the essential information.  It is crucial to compose multiple formats for these documents.  Ninety eight percent of company email and online job board systems accept plain text documents (no bold, italic, or underlined type, or letters, numbers, or other special characters), so it is necessary to have at least one copy of this form.  These are easily sent to employers, and by eliminating these features it is important to use catchy text to compensate.  A printable, or more decorative copy, is often great for leaving with employers.  For more information on how to create an accounting resume, please visit the following sites:

• Susan Ireland Resumes
• Accelerate Resumes
• Career Strides
• California Polytechnic State University
• Resume Maker

Let iHireAccounting help get your resume out into the accounting field.  We offer resume fax and email blasting to companies in your area for a small fee, or have your cover letter sent out for no charge.