The Ultimate Accountant CV Example [+ 2024 Guide & Tips]

Sobhan Mohmand, CV Writing Expert          13 Nov 2023

Are you looking to write your perfect Accountant CV?

Securing a role in the field of accountancy requires more than just the right qualifications; it demands a compelling and well-crafted Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Your CV serves as your professional introduction, showcasing not only your qualifications but also your experience and achievements in the financial realm.

This article is your comprehensive guide, offering step-by-step instructions, valuable tips and real examples to assist you in crafting the ideal Accountant CV.

Let’s get started!

• Accountant CV example
• Download CV template (Word format)
• How to format your CV
• How to write a perfect CV (a step-by-step guide)
• Personal profile statement example
• Duties to add to your CV
• Useful skills to add to your CV
• Tips on making your CV more effective

CV Example

Preview

What makes this CV good and effective?

• The personal profile opens with a compelling statement summarising the candidate’s expertise and career goals. It is tailored specifically to the accounting role, effectively highlighting key skills and qualifications.
• In terms of professional experience, the employment history is listed in reverse chronological order. The candidate has successfully quantified achievements where possible, providing tangible evidence of their impact. The consistent use of action verbs at the beginning of each bullet point adds a dynamic touch. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, with a focus on showcasing relevance to the target job.
• The CV includes a dedicated section for key achievements, effectively highlighting significant accomplishments. Importantly, these achievements are aligned with the needs of potential employers.
• Skills are strategically placed in their own section, showcasing a mix of technical and soft skills. This section is tailored to match the specific requirements of the accounting position, with the inclusion of industry-relevant keywords for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• The layout and formatting of the CV contribute to its professionalism. The design is clean and consistent, with a focus on readability through the use of adequate white space. Bullet points are employed for easy scanning by recruiters.

Download CV template

Download

Are you writing your CV from scratch or is your CV template outdated? Download this professional CV template to impress employers!

• Free
• Save time and effort
• Guaranteed correct CV structure
• Word document (.docx) format
• Fully customisable

How to save your CV as a PDF document:

• Click on File > Save As > Select “PDF” from the drop-down menu.

How to format your CV

• Utilise a clear structure: Ensure your CV follows a logical structure with distinct sections like Personal Information, Profile, Experience, Education and Skills. Use a larger font size for the headings to make them stand out.
• Opt for a professional font: Choose a clear and professional font such as Lucida Sans, Verdana, Arial or Calibri in a readable size (10-12 points) for a polished appearance.
• Craft a compelling personal statement: Kickstart your CV with a concise personal statement that highlights your key skills, experience and career aspirations as an Accountant. Scroll down below for guidance on how to write compelling personal profile statements.
• Highlight IT proficiency: Accentuate your proficiency in accounting software and IT tools, such as QuickBooks or SAP.
• Include relevant qualifications: Showcase your relevant qualifications, such as ACCA or CIMA, prominently in the education or professional qualifications sections.
• Consider a two-column format: Experiment with a two-column format, allocating space for concise information on one side and detailed content on the other, enhancing readability.

How to Write an Accountant CV

Personal details

Your CV’s personal details section is where you provide essential information about yourself. Include your full name, address, phone number and email.

Make sure these details are accurate and up-to-date to ensure potential employers can easily reach out to you.

• Jonathan Smith
• 435 Oak Avenue, Manchester M2 2BB
• Mob: 02345 678 901       Email:[email protected]

Personal profile

Your personal profile is a brief introduction at the beginning of your CV, aiming to grab the employer’s attention and provide a snapshot of who you are professionally.

Guidelines:

Introduction:
• Clearly state your professional title, such as “Qualified Accountant.”– Example: “Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in financial management.”

Key skills:

• Highlight key accounting skills relevant to the job, like “Financial Reporting” and “Budget Management.”– Example: “Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis.”

Experience:

• Briefly mention your relevant work experience, emphasizing achievements. – Example: “Managed the implementation of cost-saving measures, resulting in a 15% reduction in operational expenses.”

Qualifications:

• List your relevant qualifications and certifications. – Example: “ACCA qualified with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.”

Accountant personal profile example:

Dedicated ACCA-qualified Accountant with a proven track record in financial management and cost optimisation. Successfully implemented cost-saving measures, achieving a 15% reduction in operational expenses. Meticulous attention to detail and expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. Seeking to leverage this experience to contribute effectively to your organisation.

Accomplishments

Your CV’s accomplishments section is like a highlight reel of your professional successes.

It’s a series of bullet points showcasing your notable achievements, such as awards, promotions, high grades or any significant contributions you’ve made in your career.

Read more: How to write accomplishments on a CV.

• Achieved ACCA qualification with distinction, showcasing a strong foundation in accounting principles.
• Attained a first-class honours degree in Accounting from the University of London.
• Secured a promotion within 12 months for exceptional performance in managing budgetary controls.
• Volunteered as a financial advisor for a non-profit organisation, providing crucial budgetary guidance.

Employment and work experience

Your employment section is the heart of your CV, showcasing your work history and experience.

Start with your most recent role and work backwards, detailing your responsibilities, achievements and the impact you made in each position.

Use action verbs to convey your contributions and tailor each description to highlight how your skills and accomplishments align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

Keep it concise, focusing on the most relevant details that demonstrate your expertise and value to potential employers.

What types of jobs can you include here?

• Full-time positions
• Part-time positions
• Temporary or contract roles
• Internships or work placements
• Voluntary or charity work
• Freelance or self-employed projects
• Apprenticeships or trainee positions
• Consultancy or freelance work

Accountant duties to add to your CV

1. Conducting financial analysis to assess and improve financial performance.
2. Managing the complete accounting cycle, including accurate recording of transactions and reconciliations.
3. Preparing financial reports and statements for management review.
4. Overseeing budget development and monitoring financial variances.
5. Ensuring compliance with accounting principles, regulations, and company policies.
6. Managing accounts payable and receivable processes efficiently.
7. Performing internal and external audits to ensure financial accuracy.
8. Providing financial guidance and support to cross-functional teams.
9. Utilising accounting software to maintain and analyse financial data.
10. Contributing to strategic financial planning and decision-making processes.

Education

The education section of your CV is a snapshot of your academic journey, presented in reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent qualifications, detailing the university attended, degree obtained and graduation date.

Include a range of qualifications such as degrees, A-Levels, diplomas or any relevant certifications to showcase your educational background comprehensively.

Qualifications & training

In this section, you’ll showcase your professional training and qualifications, complementing your academic background.

For an accountant, this section is crucial for demonstrating your specialised knowledge and staying updated in a dynamic field.

Consider listing qualifications such as ACCA or CIMA certifications, CPD courses, or training in software like Excel, SAP, or QuickBooks.

Highlighting these qualifications reinforces your commitment to professional growth and ensures your CV reflects the specific skills valued in the accounting industry.

• Level 7 ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) – Kaplan Financial
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Accounting and Finance – University of Manchester
• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting – BPP University
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting – London School of Economics
• Advanced Excel Certification – Skills Training Institute
• Financial Modelling and Analysis Certification – Corporate Finance Institute

Skills and competencies

In this section of your CV, you should highlight the specific abilities and qualities that make you a proficient and effective professional.

Include a mix of technical skills such as proficiency in accounting software, financial analysis, and compliance, along with soft skills like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication.

For example, you might showcase your proficiency in using tools like QuickBooks or Excel, your experience in conducting financial audits, and your ability to communicate complex financial information to stakeholders.

Tailor these skills to match the requirements of the accounting role you’re applying for.

Read more: 50+ skills that you can put on your CV to impress employers.

• Financial analysis: Conducted in-depth financial analysis, identifying cost-saving opportunities resulting in a 15% reduction in operational expenses.
• Accounting software: Proficient in using QuickBooks and Sage for accurate and efficient financial record-keeping.
• Auditing: Led comprehensive financial audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and uncovering discrepancies, contributing to a 20% improvement in financial accuracy.
• Communication skills: Effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making.

10 useful accountant skills to add to your CV

1. Taxation knowledge: In-depth understanding of tax regulations and compliance, ensuring accurate tax reporting.
2. Management reporting: Developed and implemented effective processes for generating and presenting management reports.
3. Financial analysis: Proficient in analysing financial data to provide insights and support strategic decision-making.
4. Budgeting and forecasting: Demonstrated expertise in budget management and forecasting, ensuring financial goals are met.
5. Risk management: Implemented robust risk assessment and management procedures to safeguard company assets.
6. Attention to detail: Meticulous attention to detail in financial documentation to maintain accuracy and compliance.
7. Financial modelling: Skilled in creating and using financial models to support forecasting and decision-making.
8. Financial planning: Developed and executed comprehensive financial plans aligned with organisational goals.
9. VAT management: Expertise in managing VAT processes and ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations.
10. Forensic accounting: Conducted forensic accounting investigations to identify and prevent financial irregularities.

Personal interests

In this section, you have an opportunity to showcase aspects of your personality and interests outside the professional realm. This section provides a glimpse into your well-rounded nature and can help build a connection with the reader.

Include hobbies that demonstrate qualities like teamwork, attention to detail or analytical thinking. For instance, mentioning your involvement in a local chess club reflects strategic thinking, while participation in a community sports team showcases teamwork and discipline.

Keep it concise, relevant, and consider how these interests align with the skills valued in the accounting profession.

References

In the last section of your CV, you should provide contact details for individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities and character.

These referees, ideally, should be people who have directly supervised or worked closely with you, such as former employers, managers or colleagues.

It’s crucial to seek their permission before listing them, and it’s courteous to inform them when you share your CV so they can expect potential contact from prospective employers.

Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”

Tips to make your CV more effective

• Highlight achievements: Showcase your impact by quantifying achievements. For example, mention how you streamlined financial processes, leading to a 15% reduction in reporting time.
• Tailor for the role: No two roles or two employers are the same. Customise your CV for each application by aligning your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the accountant position you are applying for.
• Emphasise continuous learning: Highlight any additional certifications, training or workshops you’ve undertaken to demonstrate your commitment to staying updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Use action verbs: Start your accomplishment statements with strong action verbs like ‘implemented,’ ‘managed,’ or ‘analysed’ to convey a sense of proactivity and achievement.
• Seek feedback: Before finalising your CV, seek feedback from peers or mentors in the industry. Fresh perspectives can help you refine your document and make it more compelling to potential employers.

Conclusion

This is the end of our comprehensive guide on crafting a standout Accountant CV.

By following the step-by-step advice provided, you now have the tools to create a compelling document that effectively showcases your skills and experiences in the world of finance.

Remember, your CV is a dynamic document that evolves with your career. Regularly update it to reflect new accomplishments and skills, ensuring that it remains a powerful tool in securing job interviews and advancing your professional journey in the finance sector.

Good luck with your job hunt!