Resume Writing Tips for Senior Accounts Assistant

Introduction

As a Senior Accounts Assistant, your resume needs to do more than list your duties — it must demonstrate your contributions to financial accuracy, team efficiency, and business growth. Whether you’re updating an old resume or starting from scratch, understanding how to present your skills and experience effectively can be the difference between landing an interview and getting overlooked. This comprehensive guide offers actionable tips to craft a resume that not only passes ATS scans but also resonates with recruiters.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch. It should succinctly highlight your accounting expertise, years of experience, key strengths, and what sets you apart. Begin with your job title and years of experience, then weave in your core skills and achievements to entice recruiters to read further.

Example: “Detail-oriented Senior Accounts Assistant with over 7 years of experience managing accounts payable/receivable, financial reconciliations, and reporting for mid-sized firms. Proven track record in streamlining invoice processing and improving accuracy by 25%, with strong analytical and leadership skills.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting your skills clearly on your resume helps both ATS software and human readers quickly identify your qualifications. Include a balanced mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills relevant to Senior Accounts Assistant roles.

• Accounts Payable & Receivable Management
• General Ledger Reconciliation
• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Invoice Processing & Payment Tracking
• Tax Compliance & Documentation
• ERP & Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP)
• Microsoft Excel & Data Analysis
• Internal Controls & Audit Support
• Communication & Team Collaboration

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Instead of merely listing job responsibilities, focus on your achievements to demonstrate measurable impact. Achievements show your ability to improve processes, save costs, or enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Example achievement bullet point: “Reduced month-end closing time by 15% through optimizing reconciliation processes, improving financial reporting accuracy across 5 departments.”

4. Tailor to Job Descriptions

Each job posting has unique keywords and requirements. Customize your resume by aligning keywords from the job description with your skills and experience. This increases your chances of passing ATS filters and showing recruiters that you’re a precise match.

5. Tools

• QuickBooks
• SAP ERP
• Oracle Financials
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced functions, PivotTables)
• Microsoft Outlook
• Google Sheets
• FreshBooks
• Zoho Books
• Adobe Acrobat
• Xero Accounting

6. Metrics

• Reduced invoice processing time by X%
• Managed accounts payable volume of over $X million annually
• Decreased outstanding receivables by X days
• Improved reconciliation accuracy to X% error-free
• Assisted in audit processes leading to Xwer discrepancies

7. Education

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
• Relevant Certifications (e.g., Certified Bookkeeper, CPA coursework)

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and consistent fonts
• Limit the resume to two pages maximum

9. Concise

Keep bullet points concise and impactful, focusing on results. Use action verbs and quantifiable data to demonstrate your value succinctly.

10. Bonus

• Include keywords from ATS-friendly job descriptions naturally in your text
• Proofread thoroughly to avoid grammatical errors and typos

Examples

• “Processed and reconciled $1.2M in monthly accounts payable, improving payment accuracy and reducing late payments by 20%.”
• “Led a team of 3 junior assistants in streamlining invoice approval workflows, boosting processing speed by 30%.”

Conclusion

Crafting an effective Senior Accounts Assistant resume requires more than listing duties — it’s about showcasing your tangible impact, leadership potential, and analytical capabilities. By incorporating clear metrics, tailoring your resume to the job, and presenting your skills and achievements in a crisp, professional format, you position yourself as a highly qualified candidate. Remember, your resume is your story of professional growth and success — ensure it reflects your true value to prospective employers.