Accountancy is one of the busiest professional sectors in the UK, with many chartered accountants finding secure and steady work. Whether you’re changing roles or entering the workforce after a break – creating your accountant CV needn’t be a headache.

Our accountant CV example will show you the essential headers, order, and format to create the perfect accountant CV. That’s paired with professional accounting CV examples to give you a head start and tips on the must-have skills and accounting qualifications keep recruiters happy.

To help you pen a winning CV, we have created a guide below that is packed with expert tips and tricks. Keep reading to learn everything you’ll need to know about how to write an accountancy CV. With a bit of help – you’ll find the process simple!

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    Accountant CV sample

    accountant-CV-sample

    Zara Bond
    64 Dunstan Close
    Bristol BS1 0HG
    07912 345 678
    zara.bond@example.co.uk

    Professional summary

    Experienced Accountant proficient in laws and procedures governing business operations, tax filings and regulatory compliance. Capable of handling detail-oriented work in methodical and organised fashion. Seeking challenging, growth-oriented position where field expertise, resourcefulness and diligence can make positive impact on business operations.

    Work history

    February 2021 – Current
    EasyTax – Bristol
    Accountant

    • 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.

    February 2016 – January 2021
    Lovely Lunches – Bristol
    Accountant

    • 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.

    Skills

    • Financial statements expertise
    • Month-end processes
    • ATX Total Accounting Office proficiency
    • QuickBooks expert
    • Accounting operations professional
    • Invoice preparation
    • Equipment operations
    • Budget analysis
    • Project budgeting
    • processing
    • Financial reporting
    • Administrative support

    Education
    2010
    University of Bristol Bristol
    Bachelor of Science Accounting and Finance

    2013
    Association od Chartered Certified Accountants
    ACCA Certification

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    Accountant CV templates

    Finding your perfect accountancy position isn’t as far away as you might think – especially when you make the most of online resources. Our website has many useful resources for you to choose from, including CV templates and comprehensive how-to guides. CV writing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming!

    Choose template

    Accountant CV format

    Content is important, but first you’ll have to find a way to present it. What is the best way to structure a CV? How can you make sure that it’s simple to read? One of the easiest ways is to choose from tried and trusted CV formats.

    You’ll find many different formats to choose from, but there are two that work best for an accountancy CV. The first would be the reverse-chronological CV. This is a CV format that works back from your previous or current role and goes on to define all of your relevant work experience.

    The second is the skill-based CV. This works better for entry level positions, or if you are transitioning from an unrelated position. It focuses on transferable skills that can apply to the position you’re hoping to get.

    So, which of the two is your best choice? That all depends on your level of experience. If you have relevant experience, then you should go for the reverse-chronological CV, as it will quickly inform the hiring manager reading your application that you have the experience needed to excel. If you have less direct experience as an accountant, then you should go for the skills-based CV.

    What else should you keep in mind? Here are some pointers:

    • Keep your CV as one or two pages
    • Use a professional font such as Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman
    • Make sure to break up any long pieces of text with headings, sections, and bullet points
    • Ensure all of the information is tailored to the job advertisement.
    • Always send your CV as a Word or PDF file, unless you are directed otherwise
    Choose your format now

    How to write a CV for an accountant

    Now that you have selected the perfect template, let’s dive into content! The following sections will explain how to write a CV for an accountant from the ground up, with many helpful tips along the way. As well as covering the most important information for you to include, we’re going to explain some of the most common CV writing questions.

    Here’s what’s next:

    What contact details should I include in my accountant CV

    First off, you’re going to need to add some up-to-date contact details. These should be at the top of your CV so that hiring managers can contact you with ease. It’s best to highlight this information somewhere near the header of your document, preferably in a slightly larger or bold font. Make sure that you include:

    • Your full name – no need for middle names
    • Location – so that employers know your area
    • Phone number – pick a mobile if possible
    • Email address – ensure this is a professional email address

    Example of contact section for accountant CV

    Zara Bond
    64 Dunstan Close,
    Bristol BS353QK
    07912345678
    z.bond@email.co.uk

    Accountant CV personal statement

    Next, you’re going to want to make a strong first impression. Our first move is to create an effective personal statement that will introduce you to the employer. You will want to outline your highest achievements, skills, and qualifications. Although this might seem simple, remember that you will only have a few sentences to get everything down. Unsure how this will work? Let’s take a look at a common formula.

    Sentence one is all about getting to the point with your years of experience and career focus. Moving on to sentence two, you will want to explain what you have achieved, using real-world examples. Finally, sentences three and four are all about highlighting any unique skills you have. Let’s say you are an expert at record-keeping – this is something you should outline right away!

    What do we mean by ‘real world examples?’ In short, this is a fact or figure that gives evidence that you have previously been effective. Let’s say you have already managed the accounts of a large business, or you have helped a client save a percentage of their yearly income. These are the kinds of things that your employer will want to know about!

    What other things are important to include? Make sure to keep the following tips in mind:

    • Always write in the third person.
    • Don’t exceed 100 words!
    • Strike a tonal balance of friendly and professional
    • Read the job advertisement and tailor your statement to match it

    Example of personal statement for an accountant CV

    Experienced accounting professional with skills in bookkeeping and spotting financial discrepancies. Improved income streams by 55% over a two-year period with a top UK company. Particular skills in audits, business acumen, and advising on financial decisions.

    OR

    Dependable accounting professional acknowledged for reliability, integrity, and quick-learning ability. Highly skilled with an eye for identifying and correcting errors. Enthusiastically seeking a role in which strong work ethic and a resourceful nature will be highly valued.

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    Accountant CV work experience

    One of the most important parts of a CV is the work experience section. This is where employers see if you have the relevant experience they are searching for. It’s your chance to outline your most important experience. Make sure to follow the job advertisement, tailoring your content so that it catches the reader’s eye.

    What’s the best way to format this section? It’s simple. Start from your current or most recent role and note up to six responsibilities for each. Add more detail for positions that have relevant or transferable skills.

    Make sure to include:

    • Job title
    • Employment start and end dates
    • Company name
    • Company location
    • List of key tasks
    • Workplace achievements

    As with our personal statement, you should endeavour to add real-world evidence to back up your credentials. This will strengthen each bit of experience you have. You could describe how you “accurately balanced records dating back five years”, or that you “advised clients on expenditures, leading to a 20% increase in profit”. Specificity is your friend when it comes to writing an effective CV!

    It’s also important not to repeat yourself. Mention each responsibility only once. As well as this, don’t mention any menial tasks that are common in many professional roles. For example – “answering emails” is not a strength as it is something all professionals will do!

    Last of all, make sure to keep the reader engaged with your use of language. Use positive adjectives such as “punctual,” “diligent,” or “experienced.” You should also use action verbs in place of “responsible for.” Some of the best would be “advised,” “defined,” and “investigated.”

    Example of work experience for an accountant CV

    June 2022 to Current Accountant Happy & Chaps, Birmingham

    • Completed month and year-end close procedures and reconciled all bank accounts
    • Created and implemented procedures and best practices for bank reconciliation process and completed balance sheet reconciliations
    • Generated and presented monthly financial statements to senior management

    April 2019 to May 2022 Accountant Lovely Lunches, Wolverhampton

    • Analysed files and accounts for discrepancies and resolved variances
    • Collected and reviewed employee, department, and company-wide financial information
    • Reduced annual tax adjustments by 40% through better financial control

    Great skills to add on your accountant CV

    If your employer is short on time, there’s a good chance they’ll head to the CV skills section of your application. This is because they will want to get a quick idea of whether or not you have the right skills for the job. Also keep in mind that some companies will use ATS software, which scans your writing for keywords and phrases. It’s important to note 8-12 skills in total, with a good balance between hard and soft skills.

    What’s the difference? Hard skills can be thought of as skills that you have gained from direct experience or through education. These might be “reconciling accounts”, or “numeracy skills”. Soft skills would be anything personality based – for example you might be “punctual”, “diligent”, or “versatile”.

    Try to strike a balance between them to quickly catch your reader’s attention. Remember that technical skill is just as important as personal qualities.

    Here are some must-haves and desirables to include:

    Essential skills for an accountant

    • Accounting principles
    • Documentation and reporting
    • Budget administration
    • Payroll oversight
    • Account reconciliation
    • Month/year end reporting

    Desirable aptitudes to set you apart

    • Integrity
    • Self-motivation
    • Clear verbal and written communication
    • Dependability
    • An eye for detail
    • Business acumen

    Get education right on your accountant CV

    You’re going to need a solid education added onto your CV. This is the place where you should discuss school, college, and university courses, as well as any professional training you may have. In short – it’s anything that proves you have the educational background for the job!

    There are a few things you’re going to want to consider here. First of all, don’t draw attention to bad grades or incomplete courses as these won’t impress the employer. Secondly, make sure only to highlight relevant qualifications. The drama course you did in high school may have been a great experience, but it’s not that relevant for an accountant – so leave it out! Instead, focus on qualifications that strengthen the picture of you as a professional accountant.

    So, what does it take to become an accountant? Most employers will require a relevant degree in either Accountancy, Business Management, or Mathematics. To increase your chances of being considered, make sure to mention any work experience you have gained over the course of your education.

    When highlighting your educational background, make sure to include:

    • Name of school, college, university or other awarding body
    • Study start and end dates
    • Subject title
    • Qualification level
    • Qualification result

    Example of education for an accountant CV

    Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – ACCA Certification 2022

    University of Bristol – Bachelor of Science Accounting & Finance, 2019

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    Dos and don’ts for your accountant CV

    Do

    • DO attach a cover letter

      A cover letter is your chance to explain who you are, express interest in the role in question, and define how some of your experience has shaped you into the perfect candidate. It’s important to create a personalised cover letter for the role in question, highlighting how your past has prepared you for the position.

    • DO check your work

      You’re going to need to double-check your work to ensure that it is free from errors. This can go a long way to ensuring that you are taken seriously as a candidate. If you want a good way to easily proofread your work, then you should hand it over to a friend or trusted colleague. Sometimes two pairs of eyes are better than one!

    Don't

    • DON’T send replica CVs

      Make sure that each of your CVs is tailored to the job advertisement you’re looking at. Whilst this may seem like a pain, it’s a great way of catching the employer’s eyes and appearing serious about the role in question.

    • DON’T forget to mention any special skills

      If you have any special skills, then you should write them down. Adding these will strengthen your application and set you apart from the competition. We’d suggest highlighting them in your personal statement and in your cover letter.

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    Your accountant CV questions answered

    What is an accountant?

    An accountant is a finance professional, responsible for a wide range of financial duties. They can work for a dedicated accounting agency on behalf of clients, as part of a business’s accounting department, or even as a standalone accountant at a smaller organisation.

    What does an accountant do?

    Accountants complete a vast array of tasks for their employer or clients, from preparing accounts and tax returns to analysing financial performance, assessing risk and forecasting for the future. You may also be asked to monitor expenditure and budgets, as well as compiling and presenting reports about a company’s financial performance.

    How to become an accountant (UK)?

    To become an accountant, you’ll usually need to start with a relevant degree in accounting, finance, mathematics, or a business-related subject. You’ll then need to obtain AAT qualification as a minimum. Qualifications required for accountant roles can also include certification from ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA, which usually form the final step of your journey.

    How do I write a CV for an accountant?

    Write a successful CV for an accountant by outlining a mixture of formal accounting qualifications, work experience, and additional skills.

    • Adopt language that shows your professionalism, and avoid using exclamation marks.
    • Try to make sure you use keywords that an employer will be looking for.
    • Your work history should detail two or three achievements from each position.
    • Any education and qualifications should be stated clearly.

    What qualities make a good accountant?

    The qualities that make a good accountant include a combination of technical skills and personal qualities:

    • An accountant CV needs to demonstrate an eye for detail and a methodical nature.
    • A UK accountant should be able to work with the latest accounting or financial software and be aware of a range of accounting methods.
    • An accountant should be able to communicate their findings clearly and concisely.

    What qualifications are needed to be an accountant?

    Accounting qualifications cover various aspects of accountancy, business, and finance. Here’s a rundown of the accountant qualifications needed (UK):

    • Most accounting positions will demand a degree in accounting and finance.
    • Many will also require or favour candidates with certification from bodies like the ACCA and the ICAEW.
    • Specialist qualifications from bodies such as CIMA to work in areas such as management accountancy.
    • Qualifications required for accountant roles may also include training in the latest accounting software or be particularly adept at Excel will be extremely valuable.

    What is the average accountant salary (UK)?

    On average, UK accountants can expect to make around £30,000. That varies from around £25,000 for starters and newly qualified accountants to upwards of £35,000 for experienced professionals.

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    Create a winning accountancy CV today!

    Our accountant CV sample will help guide you to write your own CV and give a great first impression to employers. Remember that first impressions can be the difference between getting a call and being left out, so you’ll want to make the most of our tools, resources, and samples to help you get ahead, including CV examples and CV templates.

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