Guide To Writing An Effective Accounting Resume
Posted on February 24, 2011 | No Comments
Selma Nokes asked:
Finding work in accounting can seem difficult at first, especially if the applicant is inexperienced. Most employers want their workers to at least have an associate’s degree, but a bachelor’s degree is even better. This will open doors that would otherwise be closed to a job hunter without experience working in accounting.
While in school, an array of specialized accounting topics will be taught. If one appeals to you more than another, take the initiative and make that topic your main focus. It could be tax preparation, benefits management, auditing, or accounts payable/receivable. The important thing is that it interests you, and you are willing to learn more about it. Ask your professors or others in your department about the internships available. There is often little or no money in it, but the benefits reaped in experience can be invaluable when you graduate.
After graduation, and hopefully an internship, the most important factor is the accounting resume. Resumes are generally considered to be the only source for determining whether or not the applicant will be interviewed, and those who read them usually make their decision in less than a minute. Some people hire a resume writer; this is fine, although you could save time and money by doing it yourself. An uncomplicated format usually works best for an accountant resume.
Who You Are: Always start with your full name, and how you can be reached. Be sure to list your address, telephone number, and your email address.
Objective: Explain your enthusiasm about the current position, but also list your future career ambitions. It is best not to generalize each resume, but reflect the nature of the exact position you are applying for. This section can also be used to summarize skills, qualifications, or education. Your career objective should not be any longer than 5 or 6 sentences.
Summary of Qualifications: This section is where experienced professionals can shine. Results and accomplishments related to previous jobs and projects should be summarized here. You don’t necessarily need accounting experience to get the job; identify and summarize your relevant experience. If you worked in a wait-staff capacity while in school – you should summarize the skills that you have developed.
Accounting Education: Always list your education in reverse chronological order. Degree program, graduation, and the name and city you graduated from go here. Certifications and licenses should be mentioned here as well.
Accounting Skills: Most accounting firms and departments now use software to manage their books, and seek applicants with solid computer skills. You should list the accounting or personal finance packages that you have experience with belong in this section.
Accounting Experience: A resume for an accountant is just like any other resume in this regard. Use the specific job title you had (even if it was just your internship), company name and telephone number, and what duties you executed. Just as in the education section, your last job should be the first one you mention.
Activities: Managers like to see action words in this section. Include student athletics and activities (but, please, limit them to college if you’re over the age of 25). List any professional or service organizations you are a member of, or if you volunteer. You should strive to deliver the message that you’ll make a welcome addition to their team.
Resume writing is not rocket science; by keeping yours free of underlining, italicizing, and unusual fonts you’re much more likely to be accepted. Stick to a simple Sans Serif font if you’re applying for the job over the internet, and a Serif font if you will be delivering the resume on paper. A professional resume writer isn’t a necessity, but if you’re feeling befuddled, it might be the right path to take. A good resume is going to be the opening door to your career in accounting.
Kansieo.com
Finding work in accounting can seem difficult at first, especially if the applicant is inexperienced. Most employers want their workers to at least have an associate’s degree, but a bachelor’s degree is even better. This will open doors that would otherwise be closed to a job hunter without experience working in accounting.
While in school, an array of specialized accounting topics will be taught. If one appeals to you more than another, take the initiative and make that topic your main focus. It could be tax preparation, benefits management, auditing, or accounts payable/receivable. The important thing is that it interests you, and you are willing to learn more about it. Ask your professors or others in your department about the internships available. There is often little or no money in it, but the benefits reaped in experience can be invaluable when you graduate.
After graduation, and hopefully an internship, the most important factor is the accounting resume. Resumes are generally considered to be the only source for determining whether or not the applicant will be interviewed, and those who read them usually make their decision in less than a minute. Some people hire a resume writer; this is fine, although you could save time and money by doing it yourself. An uncomplicated format usually works best for an accountant resume.
Who You Are: Always start with your full name, and how you can be reached. Be sure to list your address, telephone number, and your email address.
Objective: Explain your enthusiasm about the current position, but also list your future career ambitions. It is best not to generalize each resume, but reflect the nature of the exact position you are applying for. This section can also be used to summarize skills, qualifications, or education. Your career objective should not be any longer than 5 or 6 sentences.
Summary of Qualifications: This section is where experienced professionals can shine. Results and accomplishments related to previous jobs and projects should be summarized here. You don’t necessarily need accounting experience to get the job; identify and summarize your relevant experience. If you worked in a wait-staff capacity while in school – you should summarize the skills that you have developed.
Accounting Education: Always list your education in reverse chronological order. Degree program, graduation, and the name and city you graduated from go here. Certifications and licenses should be mentioned here as well.
Accounting Skills: Most accounting firms and departments now use software to manage their books, and seek applicants with solid computer skills. You should list the accounting or personal finance packages that you have experience with belong in this section.
Accounting Experience: A resume for an accountant is just like any other resume in this regard. Use the specific job title you had (even if it was just your internship), company name and telephone number, and what duties you executed. Just as in the education section, your last job should be the first one you mention.
Activities: Managers like to see action words in this section. Include student athletics and activities (but, please, limit them to college if you’re over the age of 25). List any professional or service organizations you are a member of, or if you volunteer. You should strive to deliver the message that you’ll make a welcome addition to their team.
Resume writing is not rocket science; by keeping yours free of underlining, italicizing, and unusual fonts you’re much more likely to be accepted. Stick to a simple Sans Serif font if you’re applying for the job over the internet, and a Serif font if you will be delivering the resume on paper. A professional resume writer isn’t a necessity, but if you’re feeling befuddled, it might be the right path to take. A good resume is going to be the opening door to your career in accounting.
Kansieo.com