Resume Writing Tips for Intermediate Accountant

Introduction

For intermediate accountants who have moved beyond entry-level roles, enhancing your resume is essential to showcase the next level of competencies and contributions. This stage in your career often means demonstrating leadership potential, deeper technical skills, and measurable results in financial management or reporting. A strong resume efficiently communicates these qualities and helps recruiters quickly understand why you’re the right fit for mid-tier accounting positions. Whether applying for roles in corporate finance, public accounting firms, or financial services, a resume tailored for maximum impact is indispensable.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the opening statement that draws recruiters into your profile. It should succinctly encapsulate your professional identity, core skills, and career achievements tailored to intermediate accounting roles. Focus on blending your technical proficiency with key accomplishments and career aspirations.

Example: “Detail-oriented Intermediate Accountant with 4+ years of experience managing complex financial records and streamlining reporting processes in fast-paced corporate environments. Expert in GAAP compliance, budgeting, and SAP finance modules. Proven track record of reducing monthly close cycles by 25% while enhancing accuracy and audit readiness.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting key skills upfront boosts your resume’s readability and ATS compatibility. Use a mix of hard and soft skills relevant to your accounting role. Below are essential skills intermediate accountants should emphasize:

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• General Ledger Accounting
• Accounts Payable & Receivable
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• GAAP & SOX Compliance
• Tax Preparation & Filing
• Financial Software (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks, Oracle)
• Data Analysis & Reconciliation
• Internal Controls & Auditing
• Communication & Team Collaboration

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Instead of listing only job duties, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your value. Achievements show how you improved processes, saved money, or enhanced accuracy. These details differentiate you and validate your expertise.

For example, instead of “Managed accounts payable,” try “Streamlined accounts payable process, reducing invoice processing time by 30% and improving vendor relations.” Incorporate metrics like cost savings, error reduction percentages, or time improvements to illustrate impact.

4. Tailor to Job Descriptions

Each job posting has unique requirements and keywords. Tailoring your resume for every application by aligning your skills and achievements to the job description increases your chances of getting past ATS filters and grabbing recruiter attention. Use the exact terms used in the posting for skills, certifications, and software whenever genuine.

5. Tools

• SAP ERP
• QuickBooks
• Oracle Financials
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced: PivotTables, VLOOKUP)
• Microsoft Power BI
• Tableau
• Workday Financial Management
• NetSuite
• Zoho Books
• ADP Payroll Systems

6. Metrics

• Reduced monthly closing cycle from 7 days to 5 days (29% improvement)
• Cut annual audit errors by 15% through enhanced internal controls
• Managed budgets totaling $5M+ across multiple departments
• Increased financial reporting accuracy rate to 99.8%
• Saved approximately $120K annually by renegotiating vendor contracts

7. Education

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting – [University Name], [Graduation Year]
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – [License Number, if applicable]
• Additional training or certifications (e.g., Certified Management Accountant - CMA)
• Relevant coursework such as Advanced Financial Accounting, Taxation, Auditing

8. Format

• Use clear section headings for easy scanning (e.g., Summary, Skills, Experience, Education)
• Employ bullet points for all job responsibilities and achievements
• Maintain consistent font type and size (recommended: 11-12pt, professional fonts like Calibri or Arial)
• Use adequate white space – keep margins balanced to avoid clutter
• Limit resume length to two pages maximum for intermediate-level candidates

9. Concise

Be concise and focused. Avoid jargon, unnecessary details, or overly complex sentences. Prioritize clarity and brevity while ensuring all critical information is evident.

10. Bonus

• Incorporate action verbs such as “implemented,” “led,” “streamlined,” and “analyzed” to convey proactivity
• Include a section for professional development, such as workshops, webinars, or courses to show commitment to continuous learning
• If applicable, highlight leadership roles in projects or teams to demonstrate managerial readiness
• Proofread meticulously – avoid typos and grammatical errors as these impact professionalism

Examples

• “Implemented a new invoicing system that decreased overdue payments by 20% within six months.”
• “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop quarterly forecasts, improving budget accuracy by 18%.”li>
• “Reconciled accounts with zero discrepancies across 24 monthly close cycles.”
• “Trained junior accountants on month-end close procedures, reducing average close time by 2 days.”

Conclusion

For intermediate accountants, a strong resume does more than list tasks—it highlights your analytical strengths, leadership potential, and tangible financial impact. By emphasizing quantifiable achievements, technical proficiencies, and the ability to streamline processes, you demonstrate readiness for increased responsibility and career growth. An ATS-optimized and well-tailored resume opens doors to interviews where you can further showcase your value. Invest the time in crafting your resume thoughtfully to present your best professional self and take the next step in your accounting career.