Resume Writing Tips for General Ledger Accountant

Introduction

For General Ledger Accountants, an effective resume is more than just a list of job duties—it’s a powerful marketing tool that showcases your analytical skills, attention to detail, and financial expertise. Since this role is pivotal in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting company audits, employers look for candidates whose resumes reflect professionalism, technical proficiency, and proven impact. With many applicants vying for the same positions, a tailored and ATS-optimized resume can be your ticket to landing interviews and advancing your accounting career.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read; it serves as your elevator pitch. Craft a concise statement (2-3 sentences) that highlights your accounting experience, key competencies, and value proposition. Use strong action words and keywords relevant to General Ledger accounting.

Example: Detail-oriented General Ledger Accountant with 5+ years of experience managing multi-million-dollar financial records and ensuring compliance with GAAP. Adept at month-end close, reconciliation, and audit preparation, with proven ability to reduce errors by 15% and accelerate closing cycles by 10%.

2. Key Skills

Including a dedicated key skills section helps both ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and recruiters quickly gauge your qualifications. Target skills must be relevant to the general ledger accounting role, encompassing both technical and soft skills.

• General Ledger Management
• Financial Reporting
• Account Reconciliation
• Month-End & Year-End Close
• GAAP & SOX Compliance
• Journal Entries & Adjustments
• Audit Coordination
• ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Advanced Excel & Data Analysis

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Focus your bullet points on achievements rather than generic duties. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you improved processes or added value. Achievements show impact and differentiate you from other candidates.

Example: Instead of “Performed month-end close activities,” use “Reduced month-end close process from 7 to 5 days by streamlining journal entry workflows and enhancing cross-department communication.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application by incorporating keywords from the job description and focusing on the skills and experiences the employer values most. Tailoring increases ATS match rates and shows recruiters you are a perfect fit.

5. Tools and Technologies

• SAP
• Oracle Financials
• QuickBooks
• Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP)
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Workday Financials
• BlackLine
• Hyperion Financial Management
• NetSuite
• Tableau (for data visualization)

6. Incorporate Metrics

• Percentage reduction in closing cycle time (e.g., reduced closing time by 20%)
• Dollar value of reconciled accounts (e.g., managed reconciliations for accounts worth $50M)
• Error reduction rates (e.g., decreased account discrepancies by 12%)
• Number of audits supported/completed (e.g., assisted in 3 successful external audits)
• Process improvements leading to cost savings (e.g., improved process efficiencies saving $25K annually)

7. Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Relevant certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

8. Formatting Tips

• Use a clean, professional layout with standard fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri) sized 10-12 pt.
• Keep the resume length to 1-2 pages, balancing detail and conciseness.
• Use bullet points for readability and white space to avoid clutter.
• Save and submit your resume as a .docx or PDF to preserve formatting.

9. Keep it Concise

Avoid long paragraphs. Use clear, impactful bullet points that focus on results and specific competencies. Remove redundant or irrelevant information—quality trumps quantity.

10. Bonus Tips

• Include relevant keywords: Carefully read the job posting and incorporate keywords naturally into your resume to pass ATS screening.
• Highlight soft skills: Communication, teamwork, and leadership skills are valued, particularly if you’ve led initiatives or mentored junior staff.

Examples of Bullet Points

• Streamlined the reconciliation process for 100+ general ledger accounts, improving accuracy by 18% and reducing monthly close time by 2 days.
• Collaborated with external audit teams to ensure 100% compliance with SOX regulations, contributing to zero non-compliance findings over 3 years.

Conclusion

Crafting a resume that highlights your impact, leadership, and analytical skills is essential for General Ledger Accountants aiming to advance in their careers. By focusing on measurable achievements, relevant technical skills, and tailoring your resume to each job, you can showcase your value effectively. Remember, your resume is your first impression—make it count by demonstrating your expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to financial accuracy.