As a hiring manager, I see many resumes for bookkeeping positions. In this article, we share examples that work and tips for a strong resume. We focus on details like accounting software knowledge and accuracy in financial record-keeping. We highlight the importance of clear, brief points showing your experience and skills in managing transactions and reports. This guidance helps you present your qualifications effectively to employers in the finance sector.
Next update scheduled for
Here's what the best resumes in bookkeeping have in common.
Demonstrating Impact With Figures: Top resumes show impact with numbers like
Matching Skills With Job Description: Include skills you have that are also in the job description. Some key ones are
Adapting To Technology: Good resumes show you are up-to-date. For example,
Want to know if your bookkeeping resume stands out? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of where you shine and where you can improve. It checks for key skills and experiences that employers in the financial sector look for.
Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. You'll get a score and specific feedback to help you create a resume that gets noticed by hiring managers.
When you decide where to place your education section, think about your work history. If you have been working as a bookkeeper for many years, show your work experience first. This tells employers about your practical skills. If you recently finished a relevant degree or certification, place your education first. This highlights your fresh knowledge.
For those new to bookkeeping, list any accounting or business courses you have taken first. If you have practical experience, even from internships or part-time work, mix it with your education details.
Bookkeeping needs special skills. Make sure to list them. For example, if you use QuickBooks or other accounting software, this is important to say. Also, detail work with spreadsheets and data entry, as these are part of daily bookkeeping duties.
Understand tax forms is also key. Show any experience you have with preparing or managing tax documents. This will make you stand out to employers looking for a bookkeeper.
For a bookkeeper, it is vital to keep your resume clear and concise. If you have less than 10 years of experience, aim to present your details on one page. This shows you can organize information efficiently. Remember, being able to summarize and prioritize is key in bookkeeping roles.
With over 10 years of experience, two pages can better showcase your skills and track record. Ensure the first page includes your most recent and relevant experiences since this is what hiring managers see first. Select a layout that maximizes space and readability, keeping fonts and margins standard. Efficiency in presenting your qualifications mirrors how you will handle financial records.
For a bookkeeper, detail is very important. Make your resume error-free to show you are careful. Double-check for mistakes in dates, numbers, and spelling. This shows your good eye for detail.
When describing your experience, use examples of when you caught errors or helped save money. This proves you are thorough and can be trusted with important financial information.
When you apply for a bookkeeping job, your resume might first be read by a computer program called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system looks for keywords and phrases that match the job description. To get past the ATS, you need to make sure your resume has the right terms.
Here are some tips for making your resume ATS-friendly:
Use these tips to help your resume reach a hiring manager.
You want your resume to stand out in a good way. To do that, make it specific to the job you're applying for. Show how your past work will help you do the work of a bookkeeper. Here are ways to make your resume fit the job you want:
As you prepare your resume, focusing on certain skills can help you stand out. Here are some key skills you should consider including:
You don't need to have mastery of every skill listed, but focus on those that match your experience and the job you want. Include these skills in a dedicated section for clarity. Make sure your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by using the exact terms seen in the job description. This will help showcase your most relevant qualifications.
Remember, your goal is to show how your skills will help the company. For example, if you're good at
As a hiring manager, I value resumes that show your growth in your career. If you have moved up or taken on more responsibility, this should be clear on your resume. Here are ways you can show that you are good at leading or have been promoted.
Think about any time you trained new staff or when you were the one others came to with questions. These show you were seen as a leader. Use bullet points like 'trained new bookkeepers in company software and processes' or 'served as the go-to person for complex account queries' to make this clear.
When crafting your resume, show your impact with clear numbers. This helps hiring managers see the value you bring. For bookkeepers, certain metrics can highlight your efficiency and accuracy.
Think about times when you made a process better. Did you make it faster? Did you find mistakes that saved money? These are the kinds of details that make your resume strong. If you are unsure about exact numbers, you can give a good estimate. Think about your daily tasks and how they help your company. This will help you find numbers to show your impact.
When you apply for bookkeeping roles, showing your growth into leadership positions can make your resume stand out. If you've been promoted or taken on leadership tasks, here are ways to show it:
Think about times you led a project or trained new staff. Even if you weren't in a formal leadership role, these examples show your ability to guide others and take on more responsibility. Try phrases like:
When you apply for a bookkeeping position, it's important to show that you have grown in your roles and taken on leadership tasks. Think about your work history and find examples where you took the lead or moved up in your job.
Remember to include any formal titles you've held that reflect your leadership or growth. For example, if you were a 'senior bookkeeper,' it's a clear sign of advancement. If you led a project or trained new staff, these are good ways to show leadership. Use simple phrases like:
When you apply for a bookkeeping position, showing your growth and leadership skills can make a strong impact. If you've been promoted or taken on leadership roles, it's crucial to highlight these on your resume. Think about any added responsibilities you've handled or times you've guided others.
Here are some ways you can show your leadership skills:
Remember to include specific outcomes or projects that demonstrate your ability to lead. For example, if you've streamlined a process to make it more efficient, this shows initiative and the ability to manage work effectively. Consider phrases like: