Accountant CV
How to write a CV for accounting jobs
By Alexander Phillip · Career Coach and Recruitment Expert · Updated July 2026
Quick answer
A strong accountant CV leads with your accounting qualification and any professional certification, then your experience with tasks like bookkeeping, reconciliations, financial statements and tax, and the accounting software you know. Keep it to one or two pages, show accuracy and results with numbers where you honestly can, and tailor it to the role.
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What employers look for in an accountant CV
Finance managers hire on trust and precision. They want to see that you are qualified, that you understand the core accounting work, and that you are accurate and honest with numbers. Your CV should show your qualification and any professional certification early, then prove you can do the day to day finance work the role needs.
Because accounting roles vary, a CV that names the specific tasks you have handled and the software you know is far stronger than a general one.
What to include on an accountant CV
- Your qualification, such as a Diploma or Degree in Accounting or Finance, with year and institution
- Any professional certification you hold, such as CPA or ACCA, or registration with your national accountancy board
- The accounting software you use, such as QuickBooks, Sage, Tally, an ERP system or advanced Excel
- Your experience with tasks like bookkeeping, reconciliations, financial statements, tax and payroll
- Skills such as accuracy, analysis and compliance
- Referees such as a finance manager or supervisor, with their permission
Accounting skills worth highlighting
- Bookkeeping and maintaining accurate ledgers
- Bank and account reconciliations
- Preparing financial statements and reports
- Tax, VAT and statutory compliance
- Payroll and managing payments
- Budgeting, forecasting and cost control
- Accounting software and strong spreadsheet skills
Turn accounting duties into achievements
| Instead of | Write |
|---|---|
| Responsible for reconciliations | Reconciled accounts monthly and cleared a long standing backlog |
| Did the company books | Kept the books in QuickBooks and prepared monthly management reports |
| Handled tax | Prepared and filed VAT returns accurately and on time |
Be honest about qualifications and figures
Never claim a certification you do not hold or numbers you cannot back up. Finance employers verify carefully, and accuracy is the whole job. State your real qualifications and honest results, and let a clean, precise CV show your professionalism.
Frequently asked questions
What should an accountant put on a CV?
Your accounting qualification and any professional certification, your experience with tasks like bookkeeping, reconciliations, financial statements and tax, the software you know, key skills, and referees. Lead with your qualification and certification.
How do I write an accountant CV with no experience?
Lead with your qualification and any certification you are working towards, then add attachments, industrial training, coursework and the software you can use. Focus on accuracy, honesty and your readiness to learn.
Should I list my certifications on an accounting CV?
Yes. A certification such as CPA or ACCA, or registration with your national accountancy board, is a strong signal to employers, so list it clearly. Only list certifications you genuinely hold or are formally studying for.
Which accounting software should I include?
List the software you can actually use, such as QuickBooks, Sage, Tally, an ERP system or advanced Excel. Naming your tools helps employers match you to their setup.
How long should an accountant CV be?
One page early in your career and up to two pages with more experience. Keep it focused on qualification, certification, software, finance tasks and honest results.
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