Accountant Resume Tips: What Hiring Managers Look For
Resume advice specific to Accountant roles — which metrics to include, which keywords pass ATS screening, and how to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
5 Resume Tips for Accountants
1
Quantify close cycle improvements: "Reduced month-end close from 8 days to 4 days"
2
List ERP systems specifically: SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Fusion, NetSuite, Workday — not just "ERP"
3
Note CPA license status prominently — licensed vs. unlicensed is binary in many job postings
4
Include dollar value of accounts/budgets you've managed
5
Big Four experience (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) carries significant brand value — feature it prominently
ATS Keywords to Include
Use these exact terms from your skills and experience — ATS systems scan for specific keyword matches, not paraphrases.
GAAPFinancial Statement PreparationTax ComplianceAuditExcel (advanced)ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)QuickBooksInternal ControlsAccount ReconciliationVariance Analysis
Universal Resume Rules
- One page for under 5 years of experience; two pages for senior roles
- PDF format unless the posting specifically requests Word (.docx)
- Quantify every achievement possible — numbers create credibility
- Standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills) for ATS compatibility
- Tailor keywords from each specific job description before applying