13 Bookkeeper Resume Examples for 2024

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.

  Compiled and approved by Liz Bowen
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what the best resumes in bookkeeping have in common.

  • Demonstrating Impact With Figures: Top resumes show impact with numbers like transactions processed, error reduction percentages, monthly reports generated, and accounts reconciled. This approach highlights efficiency and accuracy.

  • Matching Skills With Job Description: Include skills you have that are also in the job description. Some key ones are QuickBooks proficiency, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and financial reporting. Choose those you know well.

  • Adapting To Technology: Good resumes show you are up-to-date. For example, familiar with cloud accounting or experience with mobile payments show that you can adapt to new tech.

Get your resume scored

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.

...
Drop your resume here or choose a file.
English resumes in PDF or DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
   100% privacyWe're committed to your privacy. Your resume will be scanned securely to give you confidential feedback instantly. Your resume is completely private to you and can be deleted at any time.

Education section placement

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.

Skills for bookkeeping

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.

Ideal resume length

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.

Attention to detail matters

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.

Understanding resume screeners

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:

  • Include keywords like 'financial records', 'accounts payable', 'accounts receivable', and 'reconciliation'. These are common in bookkeeping and show you know the work.
  • Use a simple format with clear headings for sections like 'work experience' and 'education'. Avoid using tables or images that the ATS might not read well.

Use these tips to help your resume reach a hiring manager.

Customize your resume

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:

  • Use language from the job ad. If the ad asks for someone with 'strong attention to detail,' mention times you caught important errors or improved record accuracy.
  • Show numbers that highlight your impact. For example, use: 'Managed accounts payable, reducing processing time by 30%.'
  • If you're coming from another field, point out similar tasks you've done. If you managed a budget or handled cash, say it. It shows you have skills that transfer to bookkeeping.

Essential bookkeeping skills

As you prepare your resume, focusing on certain skills can help you stand out. Here are some key skills you should consider including:

  • Financial reporting
  • Double-entry bookkeeping
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
  • General ledger maintenance
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Payroll processing
  • QuickBooks proficiency
  • Accounting software knowledge
  • Excel expertise

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 financial analysis, highlight how this can lead to better budgeting decisions. Or, if you have a strong background in tax preparation, make it clear how this can save the company time and money during tax season.

Show leadership and growth

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.

  • Include any titles that show you have moved up, like 'senior bookkeeper' or 'head of bookkeeping'.
  • List any tasks that prove you were trusted with more work or to lead others, such as 'oversaw a team of junior bookkeepers' or 'managed bookkeeping for major company projects'.

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.

Show impact with numbers

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.

  • Include how many invoices you process weekly or monthly. This shows your ability to handle volume.
  • State any error reduction percentages to demonstrate your attention to detail.
  • Show cost savings you've identified through expense report audits or vendor negotiations.
  • Mention how much time you saved on tasks by implementing new software or procedures.
  • Highlight revenue increases you contributed to through accurate financial reporting.
  • Indicate the number of financial statements you prepare and the frequency to show your consistency.
  • Share the size of budgets you've managed to display your capability with large numbers.
  • Point out any growth in the number of accounts you've managed over time.

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.

Highlight leadership growth

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:

  • Include job titles that show a clear progression, like 'Junior Bookkeeper' to 'Senior Bookkeeper' or 'Team Lead'.
  • List responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, such as 'Managed a team of three bookkeepers' or 'Oversaw monthly financial reporting for senior management'.

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:

  • 'Led a project to streamline invoice processing, reducing errors by 20%.'
  • 'Trained four new team members in bookkeeping software and best practices.'

Show leadership and growth

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.

  • Managed a team of junior bookkeepers, ensuring accurate financial records and timely reporting.
  • Received a promotion from assistant bookkeeper to head bookkeeper in recognition of exceptional attention to detail and efficiency.

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:

  • Led a team to streamline the invoicing process, cutting down processing time by 20%.
  • Trained new staff on bookkeeping software and best practices, improving the team's overall accuracy.

Highlighting leadership in bookkeeping

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:

  • Managed a team of junior bookkeepers and improved reporting accuracy by 20%.
  • Trained new staff in bookkeeping software, leading to a reduction in entry errors.

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:

  • Implemented a new invoicing system, cutting processing time by 30%.
  • Acted as a lead bookkeeper on a major audit project, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget.
Need more resume templates?

Quick links

Samples


Insights