Every role, even within the same industry, has unique requirements and nuances. Learn how to craft a comprehensive CV for positions in the accountancy sector, from auditor to bookkeeper to management accountant. We provide guidance on effectively presenting your experience, using the right phrases to showcase your expertise, and formatting your CV in a clean and clear manner.

Explore example CVs from both your industry and others, all tailored to meet the standards of the UK job market. By submitting a professional CV, you demonstrate your readiness to work and meticulous attention to detail—crucial qualities in the accountancy field.

Take a look at our extensive library of CV templates to find inspiration for your own job application.

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Accounting CV Examples By Experience

Accounting CVs can differ significantly based on seniority level and experience, reflecting the progression in responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments over the course of an accountant’s career. As accountants advance from entry-level to senior roles, their CV templates evolve to emphasise increasingly strategic and managerial capabilities, underscoring their readiness to handle higher levels of accountability and decision-making within an organisation.

Accounting CV with no experience

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Candidates for entry-level positions in the accounting industry are usually recent graduates or people moving into accounting from other fields.

When writing an Accounting CV without experience, focus primarily on:

  1. Education: This section should detail degrees in accounting or related fields and any relevant courses or special projects that demonstrate a basic knowledge of accounting principles.
  2. Internships and volunteer experience: These positions are essential on an entry-level CV, as they often represent a candidate’s only real accounting experience. It is important to focus on the tasks performed and skills developed.
  3. Certifications and skills: Beginning accountants are encouraged to highlight any initial certifications or basic computer skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks or other accounting software.
  4. Soft skills and achievements: Qualities such as attention to detail, analytical skills and teamwork are key. It is also beneficial to include any academic or extracurricular achievements that demonstrate leadership or collaboration skills.

Accounting CV examples for a mid-career level

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A mid-career accounting CV should clearly illustrate professional growth and increasing responsibilities, structured around key points:

  1. Job achievements: Highlight significant contributions in financial management, project leadership, and compliance.
  2. Advanced qualifications: Emphasise certifications such as Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
  3. Software proficiency: Demonstrate expertise in relevant accounting software, enhancing operational efficiency.
  4. Quantifiable achievements: Specify the tangible impact of your work, showcasing efficiencies created, costs reduced, and revenue generated.
  5. Leadership experience: Detail experience in mentoring staff or leading project teams, underlining management capabilities.

Accounting CV examples for a senior level

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An accounting CV for those at a senior career level or in managerial positions should be carefully structured to highlight expertise, leadership, and strategic impact:

  1. Leadership and management experience: Outline your experience in leading teams, running departments, or managing big projects and financial tasks. Make sure to mention how many people you’ve led, the size and type of projects you’ve managed, and any major changes or decisions you were responsible for.
  2. Strategic contributions: Stress your role in shaping the company’s financial plans. This might involve setting up new accounting systems, creating rules for compliance, or being a part of the team that makes big company decisions. These details show how you can play a key part in guiding the company’s strategy.
  3. Advanced certifications and specialisations: Point out any high-level qualifications, such as being a Chartered Accountant or having special knowledge in areas like forensic accounting or financial analysis. These prove your deep understanding and ongoing commitment to learning in your field.
  4. Professional affiliations and industry influence: Mention if you’re a member of any well-known accounting groups and if you take part in industry conferences or have written articles for professional magazines. This shows you’re actively involved in the wider accounting community.
  5. Professional CV format: While your extensive experience might suggest a lengthy CV, it’s crucial to keep it concise – ideally no more than two pages. Focus on your most recent three jobs but don’t forget to mention your total years of experience in the Professional Summary and in your Cover Letter. This helps to keep your CV clear and straightforward, without skipping the important information.
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Accounting CV Sections

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A well-structured CV should be divided into clear sections to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills effectively.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential sections to include in your accounting CV:

STEP 1

Craft a Personal Statement

Begin your CV with a personal statement that summarises your professional experience, key strengths, and career goals. This should be a succinct summary that highlights your years of experience in accounting, the specific skills that align with the job you’re applying for, and your professional aspirations, especially if you’re seeking advancement or a shift in your career focus.

Sample personal statement for an Accountant

Accomplished Accountant with seven years of experience, proficient in the laws and procedures governing business operations, tax filings, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in executing detail-oriented tasks in a methodical and organized manner. Currently seeking a challenging and growth-oriented position where my expertise, resourcefulness, and diligence can significantly contribute to the efficiency and success of business operations.

Sample personal statement for a Bookkeeper

Dedicated Bookkeeper with three years of experience in accurate account management and financial regulation compliance. Proficient in using key accounting software such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, with a strong focus on ledger management and financial reporting. Known for meticulous attention to detail and robust analytical skills. Seeking a role that challenges these skills and contributes to organisational financial efficiency and growth.

STEP 2

Detail Your Work Experience

This crucial section should list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include the job title, company name, location, and the dates of employment.
Describe your responsibilities and significant achievements in each position, emphasising outcomes that had a measurable impact on your company. This not only shows your ability to handle your duties but also your potential to bring value to future employers.

Example of work experience for an Accountant

Accountant, FinTax Associates, Bristol
February 2023 – Current

  • Reconciled accounts from income and expense data to net worth and assets.
  • Reviewed and processed employee expense reports and vendor invoices for payment.
  • Created quarterly and yearly balance sheets to track financial trends and performance.
  • Prepared VAT and income tax forms for commercial and individual clients.

Accountant, Gourmet Gastronomy, Bristol
February 2016 – March 2023

  • Maintained integrity of general ledger, including chart of accounts.
  • Updated journal entries and accounts on accrual basis with Xero software.
  • Accurately documented all cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses and line of credit transactions.
  • Created periodic reports comparing budgeted costs to actual costs.

Example of work experience for an Audit Manager

Work Experience:

Audit Manager, Digital Auditing Services Ltd, London
March 2020 – Present

  • Lead audit engagements for diverse clients, including multinational corporations and public sector entities.
  • Conduct risk assessments, develop audit plans, and oversee audit fieldwork to ensure efficient and effective execution.
  • Review financial statements and disclosures for compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Manage audit team members, providing guidance, training, and feedback to foster professional development and ensure high-quality deliverables.

Senior Auditor, Be Sure Audits, Manchester
Febuary 2016 – February 2020

  • Planned and executed audit engagements for a portfolio of clients across various industries, adhering to audit methodology and professional standards.
  • Conducted detailed testing of financial statement assertions and internal controls to assess audit risk and ensure audit objectives were met.
  • Prepared audit workpapers, documentation, and reports in accordance with firm policies and regulatory requirements.
STEP 3

Showcase Your Skills

n a separate section, list your skills that are relevant to the field of accounting. This should include software proficiencies like QuickBooks or SAP, analytical abilities, communication skills for explaining financial information, and a strong attention to detail which is crucial in accounting to ensure accuracy in all financial documentation. Remember that employers value not only hard but also soft skills like efficient communication, critical thinking or resourcefulness.

Here’s a list of technical skills for your Accounting CV

  1. Financial Analysis
  2. Budgeting and Forecasting
  3. Financial Reporting
  4. Tax Preparation and Compliance
  5. Auditing
  6. Management Accounting
  7. Cost Accounting
  8. Internal Controls Evaluation
  9. Risk Assessment
  10. Cash Flow Management
  11. Financial Modelling
  12. Account Reconciliation
  13. Payroll Processing
  14. Inventory Management
  15. Asset Management
  16. Financial Statement Analysis
  17. Variance Analysis
  18. ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
  19. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
  20. IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)
  21. SOX Compliance (Sarbanes-Oxley Act)
  22. Data Analysis
  23. Business Valuation
  24. Forensic Accounting
  25. Software Proficiency (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Microsoft Excel)
STEP 4

Outline Your Education

Your educational background should be detailed next, starting with the highest degree you’ve obtained.

In the education section, include the name of each institution and the year of graduation.

If relevant, mention any honors you received or specific courses that are particularly pertinent to the accounting role you’re applying for.

 Example education for an Auditor

Chartered Accountant (ACA)
Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA), London
2018

Bachelor of Science in Accounting (Hons)
University of London
2017

Example education for a Payroll Specialist

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of Manchester,
September 2015 – June 2018
Relevant coursework: Payroll Accounting, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Cost Accounting

Diploma in Payroll Management
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), London
September 2018 – May 2019
Modules: Payroll Processing, HMRC Regulations, Pension Administration

STEP 5

Include Additional Sections (if applicable)

Tailor your CV further by adding sections that reflect your specific experiences and the job requirements.

This could include languages spoken, which are valuable in global firms or roles that interact with international clients, publications or presentations if you have contributed knowledge to the field, details of significant projects you have led or contributed to, and volunteer work, which can illustrate your community involvement and personal values.

Additional information for a Junior Accountant CV

  • Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish
  • Volunteer Experience: Treasurer, Local Community Charity (2019 – Present) – Responsible for managing the charity’s finances, including budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with funding regulations.
  • Professional Development: Completed a course on Financial Analysis and Reporting (2020)
  • Interests: Enjoy reading books on finance and economics, playing football, and volunteering in community events.

Additional information for a Senior Accountant CV

  • Languages: Fluent in English and French
  • Professional Affiliations: Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) since 2010
  • Continuing Professional Development: Completed courses on Advanced Taxation Strategies (2017) and IFRS Implementation (2019)

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