Certified Public Accountant Resume Example & Writing Guide

Introduction

As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you know how important it is to have a strong resume. Your resume should highlight your skills, experience, and education in a way that makes you stand out from other candidates. Here are some tips on how to write a CPA resume that will land you the job.

1. Start with a strong summary

Your summary statement should be a brief introduction to who you are and what you have to offer. It should be no more than 2-3 sentences and should include your years of experience as a CPA, your areas of expertise, and any notable achievements.

2. Highlight your skills

• List your technical skills, such as tax preparation, financial analysis, and auditing.
• Include your soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
• Show your proficiency with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage, or Xero.

3. Emphasize your experience

• List your previous work experience in reverse chronological order.
• Include the name of the company, your job title, and the dates of employment.
• Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role using specific, measurable terms.
• Showcase experience in different industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or retail.

4. Showcase your education

• List your degrees in accounting or related fields.
• Include the name of the university, your major, and the dates of attendance.
• Highlight any honors or awards you received during your studies.
• Show your continuing education with relevant certifications, such as the CPA or CMA.

5. Demonstrate your involvement in professional organizations

• List any relevant professional groups you belong to.
• Showcase any leadership roles you’ve held.
• Explain how your involvement in these organizations has benefited you professionally.

6. Include relevant keywords

Use keywords related to accounting, such as audit, tax, bookkeeping, and financial analysis. This will help your resume stand out to potential employers who use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes.

With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating an outstanding CPA resume that showcases your skills, experience, and education in the best possible light.