Resume Writing Tips for Entry Level Accountant

Introduction

In today’s job market, entry level accountants face stiff competition. Many candidates with similar educational backgrounds and internships vie for limited positions. A strong resume is an essential tool to differentiate yourself. It does not just list your responsibilities but highlights your impact, analytical ability, and readiness to contribute to an organization. Moreover, with many companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), resumes must be carefully optimized with keywords and structure to pass initial screenings. A strategic, well-crafted resume paves the way for interviews and ultimately landing your first accounting role.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your professional elevator pitch. For entry level accountants, it should briefly introduce your background, key skills, and what you bring to the table. Keep it concise – about 3-4 lines – focusing on your analytical skills, familiarity with accounting principles, and eagerness to learn and contribute.

Example: “Detail-oriented accounting graduate with internship experience in financial reporting and reconciliations. Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, with strong analytical and organizational skills. Seeking to support accounting teams in delivering accurate financial statements and improving process efficiency.”

2. Key Skills

Listing the right key skills helps both ATS and hiring managers quickly gauge your suitability. For entry level accountants, include a mix of technical, analytical, and soft skills relevant to the role.

• Financial Reporting
• General Ledger Management
• Accounts Payable & Receivable
• Reconciliations
• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP)
• QuickBooks & Sage
• Attention to Detail
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Rather than simply listing job duties from internships or part-time roles, focus on achievements that demonstrate your impact. Quantify your contributions where possible, showcasing improvements or measurable results. This approach tells employers how you add value rather than what tasks you performed.

For instance, instead of “Processed invoices,” write “Processed and verified over 200 vendor invoices monthly with 99curacy, reducing payment errors and enhancing vendor relations.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application by carefully reviewing job descriptions. Highlight keywords related to accounting skills, certifications (e.g., CPA pursuit), and software tools mentioned by employers. This increases your chances of passing ATS filters and shows recruiters you are a good match for the specific role.

5. Tools

• Microsoft Excel
• QuickBooks
• Sage 50
• Microsoft Word
• PowerPoint
• Oracle Financials
• FreshBooks
• SAP ERP
• Xero
• Google Sheets

6. Metrics

• Processed 100+ monthly expense reports with 98curacy
• Reduced invoice processing time by 15% through process improvements
• Reconciled general ledger accounts totaling $500K monthly
• Assisted in monthly closings, meeting deadlines 100% on time
• Improved filing system efficiency, resulting in 20% time-saving for audit prep

7. Education

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, 2023
• Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, Corporate Finance

8. Format

• Use clear section headings and consistent fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, 11-12 pt)
• Keep resume length to one or two pages, with balanced white space for readability

9. Concise

Be succinct in wording. Use bullet points that begin with strong action verbs like “analyzed,” “prepared,” “collaborated,” “streamlined.” Avoid jargon and unnecessary details. Recruiters spend seconds per resume, so clarity and brevity help your key points stand out.

10. Bonus

• Include any relevant certifications or courses in progress, like CPA exam sections or Excel certifications
• Add volunteer work or extracurricular activities involving finance, such as treasurer roles in clubs

Examples

• “Compiled and analyzed monthly expense reports for a $200K budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities that reduced expenses by 5%.”
• “Assisted senior accountant in preparing quarterly tax filings, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.”

Conclusion

For entry level accountants, a powerful resume is more than just a list of duties—it’s an opportunity to showcase your analytical skills, leadership potential, and measurable impact. Emphasizing achievement, tailoring content to the job, and presenting your competencies with clear metrics elevates your profile and helps navigate ATS filters. By following these resume writing tips, you demonstrate not only your readiness for an accounting role but also your professional ambition and attention to detail, increasing your chances of landing interviews and advancing your career.