CPA Resume Example & Writing Guide

CPA Resume Example
Boost your chances of landing a job in accounting with a well-crafted CPA resume. Check out our example and writing guide for expert tips and advice.
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CPA Resume Sample

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Certified Public Accountant with 5 years of experience managing financial information for companies ranging from small startups to large corporations. Strong background in auditing, tax preparation, and financial analysis. Exceptional attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of California, Los Angeles
  • Master of Science in Accounting, University of Southern California

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

XYZ Company – Senior Accountant

Led financial reporting and analysis for a $100M revenue portfolio of clients. Conducted monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes, prepared financial statements, and ensured regulatory compliance with GAAP and IRS standards.

  • Developed and implemented procedures to streamline monthly close process, reducing time by 5 business days and increasing accuracy by 20%
  • Managed a team of 3 junior accountants, providing guidance and training on complex accounting principles
  • Collaborated with external auditors in preparation of annual audit and provided support in resolving any accounting issues

ABC Company – Tax Associate

Prepared individual and corporate tax returns and provided tax planning services to clients. Maintained compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. Conducted research on tax laws to provide advice on tax reduction strategies.

  • Prepared tax returns for 150 clients, ensuring compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations
  • Generated tax planning reports for clients, reducing their annual tax liabilities by an average of 15%
  • Developed a tax knowledge database to improve efficiency and accuracy of tax preparation process

Expert Tip

Use Numbers and Metrics

Employers value concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments. Include data, metrics, or specific numbers to quantify your achievements when possible.

CPA Resume Writing Guide

Introduction

If you are a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) looking for a job, then having a well-written resume is crucial to your success. Your resume is the first thing potential employers see, so it's important to make a good impression right from the start.

Formatting

When it comes to formatting your CPA resume, keep it simple and clean. Use standard fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial and leave plenty of white space on the page. Use bold or italic font for section headings to help them stand out.

Contact Information

The first section of your CPA resume should include your contact information. This should include your name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email address is professional and not something like "[email protected]".

Summary

Next, include a summary section that highlights your most important skills and experience. This section should be brief, no more than three to four sentences. Use this section to quickly demonstrate that you are a good fit for the job you are applying for.

Education and Certifications

Your CPA credential is the most important certification to list in this section. Also include any relevant certifications or licenses such as a Certified Management Accountant or a Chartered Financial Analyst. Additionally, include your undergraduate and graduate degrees along with any relevant coursework or honors.

Experience

In this section, list your work experience in reverse chronological order. Begin with your most recent job and work backwards. Give job titles, companies, employment dates, and bullet points outlining your achievements and responsibilities. When listing your responsibilities, try to focus on how you made an impact on the company and provide examples where possible. Use action verbs in your bullet points such as "managed," "developed," or "created".

Skills and Abilities

In this section, highlight any relevant skills that you have not already mentioned in your experience. For example, proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP, advanced Excel skills, or knowledge of GAAP. Also include any extracurricular activities or volunteer experience that demonstrate your leadership or teamwork skills.

Conclusion

Writing a good CPA resume takes time, but it's worth the effort. A well-written resume can help you land your dream job. Follow the formatting guidelines above and highlight your education, certifications, experience, and skills. Remember to tailor your resume for each job application and proofread carefully before submitting.

Common Resume Writing Mistake

Listing Duties, Not Accomplishments

Your resume should highlight your accomplishments, not just your job duties. Highlighting your achievements showcases the value you could bring to a new role.

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