Resume Writing Tips for Manager & Accountant

Introduction

Managers and accountants hold critical roles in organizations that demand a unique blend of leadership, strategic thinking, and technical proficiency. Crafting a resume for such positions requires more than just listing tasks and responsibilities. Employers want to see evidence of your contributions, your ability to optimize processes, lead teams, and drive financial accuracy and growth. A strong resume will position you as a capable, results-driven candidate ready to contribute immediately.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first section recruiters see, so make it compelling and concise. Highlight your key qualifications, professional background, and unique value proposition. For managers and accountants, mention leadership skills, financial expertise, and measurable achievements that reflect your impact in prior roles.

Example: Experienced Finance Manager with over 8 years of leadership in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Proven track record of optimizing accounting processes to reduce month-end close by 30% while ensuring compliance with GAAP.

2. Key Skills

Showcase a comprehensive set of skills relevant to both management and accounting. Use industry keywords to optimize for ATS and appeal to hiring managers.

• Financial Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Team Leadership
• Risk Management
• GAAP & Regulatory Compliance
• Accounts Payable/Receivable
• Process Improvement
• Payroll Management
• ERP Software (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Data-Driven Decision Making

3. Achievements

Focus on accomplishments rather than just listing responsibilities. Quantify your impact with metrics to demonstrate effectiveness. Highlight projects where you led teams, improved profitability, or enhanced process efficiencies.

Example: Increased monthly financial close accuracy by 15% through implementation of automated reconciliation processes, reducing errors and saving 20+ hours monthly.

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application. Analyze job descriptions to incorporate relevant keywords, required skills, and preferred experiences. Tailoring helps your resume align with specific roles and increases ATS ranking.

5. Tools

• Microsoft Excel (Advanced functions & pivot tables)
• QuickBooks
• SAP ERP
• Oracle Financials
• Tableau / Power BI
• Xero
• Microsoft Dynamics 365
• ADP Payroll Software
• IBM Cognos Analytics
• Google Workspace

6. Metrics

• Reduced operational costs by 12% within one year through strategic vendor renegotiations.
• Managed budgets exceeding $10 million annually with zero audit findings.
• Decreased invoice processing time by 25% via process automation.
• Led a team of 15 accounting professionals to deliver financial reports ahead of deadlines consistently.
• Improved cash flow management, increasing liquidity by $500K within six months.

7. Education

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting – [University Name], Graduation Year
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License – State, Year
• MBA with Finance Concentration (optional for managerial roles)
• Additional Certifications: Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Six Sigma Green Belt

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with consistent fonts and spacing for readability.
• Stick to standard headings like Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, and Certifications.
• Utilize bullet points to break down information into digestible chunks.
• Maintain reverse chronological order for experience and education.
• Avoid graphics or tables that might confuse ATS parsing.

9. Concise

Keep your resume focused and concise; ideally limit it to two pages. Eliminate jargon and redundancy. Concentrate on results-driven statements that highlight your unique contributions and capabilities.

10. Bonus

• Incorporate action verbs: Use words like “led,” “implemented,” “streamlined,” and “improved” to convey proactivity.
• Include soft skills: Communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are prized in managerial and accounting roles.
• Quantify wherever possible: Numbers speak louder than generalities, providing tangible proof of performance.
• Proofread: Ensure zero errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting — professionalism matters.

Examples

• “Spearheaded the implementation of a new payroll system that reduced errors by 40%, saving the company approximately $75K annually.”
• “Managed cross-departmental teams to complete annual audit preparation two weeks ahead of deadlines, ensuring compliance and reducing external auditor fees by 10%.”

Conclusion

A successful resume for managers and accountants should go beyond job duties to demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and analytical expertise. Highlighting measurable achievements, tailoring your content for each job, and showcasing your mastery of industry tools will catch the attention of recruiters and pass through ATS filters. By clearly communicating your impact, professional strengths, and continuous development, you position yourself as the ideal candidate to lead teams and finance functions toward success.