Starting out as a bookkeeper can be challenging. This article offers proven resume examples and strategic advice to help you secure your first job in the field. Learn how to highlight your skills, organize your experience, and use industry-specific keywords to make a strong impression.
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Here's what we see in the strongest resumes for bookkeeping positions at the entry level.
Show Impact With Numbers: You should include numbers that show your impact. Look for metrics like
Match Your Skills With The Job Description: Include skills you have that match the job description. Add specific ones like
Insight On Recent Industry Trends: More employers now value virtual and cloud-based accounting tools. Show that you're up to date with phrases like
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Place your education near the top of your resume if you are newly graduated or have limited work experience. As an entry-level bookkeeper, your recent education in accounting or related subjects shows your foundation of knowledge and skills. List any relevant coursework, certifications, or honors that highlight your aptitude for bookkeeping tasks.
Once you gain more hands-on experience in bookkeeping, you can move your education section lower on your resume. However, always ensure your accounting-related qualifications are easy to find. You may even include any experience with financial software or tools learned during your studies, as familiarity with these systems is often important for a bookkeeper role.
Make sure to list any experience you have with accounting software, such as QuickBooks or Excel. Employers look for candidates who can hit the ground running with these tools.
If you have completed any projects or tasks using these programs, include them in your experience section. This shows your hands-on skills.
As you start your career as a bookkeeper, your resume should be short. It is best to have it on one page. This is enough space to show your skills and experience. Make sure the details you include are relevant to bookkeeping roles. Focus on your education in accounting or related fields and any experience with financial software or data entry.
Avoid adding information that is not linked to bookkeeping. Each word on your resume should show you can deal with numbers well. You can include a few key responsibilities from past jobs. But keep each point brief. Use simple words and short sentences. Make sure every part of your resume counts.
In bookkeeping, attention to detail is crucial. Highlight any roles or tasks where precision was important.
Include examples such as managing financial records or reconciling transactions. This shows you can manage the careful accuracy required in finance jobs.
When you send your resume for an entry-level bookkeeping job, it first goes through a computer program called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system checks if your resume has the right words that match the job you want. To get past the ATS, you need to include words from the job ad in your resume.
Here is how you can make your resume ATS-friendly:
By doing this, you help the ATS see that your resume fits the job. This increases your chances of getting your resume in front of a real person.
When you apply for jobs, your resume should show you're a good fit. For a bookkeeper role, focus on the skills and experience that matter for this job. Show how you've used numbers to help past employers or in school projects. Keep it simple and clear.
When you write your resume, it's tempting to just list what you did. But as a hiring manager, I want to see your achievements, not just tasks. This is very important, especially for positions like entry-level bookkeeping where showing your impact can set you apart.
Instead of saying "Managed accounts receivable," you can make it more powerful. Try: "Improved invoice processing time by 20% through efficient accounts receivable management." This shows how you added value. Another example is turning "Recorded daily financial transactions" into "Ensured 100% accuracy in daily financial transaction records, supporting the company's financial integrity."
Focus on how your work made a difference. Did you streamline a process, save time, or reduce errors? Share this on your resume. Use simple numbers and facts to prove your point. Make sure every point on your resume tells a story of how you made things better in your past roles, even as an entry-level bookkeeper.
When you write your resume as an entry-level bookkeeper, choosing the right action verbs can help you stand out. You want to show employers that you are ready to take on responsibilities with energy and accuracy. Think about what tasks you will do and pick verbs that best describe these actions.
Here is a list of action verbs that fit well with bookkeeping tasks. These words show you can handle money matters carefully and effectively:
Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Implemented, Advised, Handled, Delivered, Contributed.
If you have held any leadership roles or received promotions, even in a part-time job or volunteer work, it's important to include these on your resume. Leadership skills are valued in bookkeeping roles as they show you can manage tasks and lead projects effectively.
Think about any time you were responsible for a task or project or when you helped to guide others. Even if you are unsure how these experiences relate to bookkeeping, they demonstrate your ability to take initiative and your potential to grow within a company.
When you're crafting your resume for a bookkeeper role, focus on the specific hard skills that show your capability to handle finances and records. Here's a list of skills you should consider including:
You don't need to include all these skills, but think about the ones that best match your experience and the job you're applying for. Include them in a dedicated skills section for clarity. This helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which often scan for specific keywords related to the job. Remember, as an entry-level applicant, showing a strong grasp of foundational bookkeeping tools and principles can be just as impressive as extensive experience.
As an entry-level bookkeeper, showing the impact you've made with numbers can help you stand out. You may not have years of work experience, but you can still demonstrate your potential to employers.
Think about any time you've worked with financial records or transactions. Here are some ways you can measure your impact:
Remember to be honest and only use numbers you can back up. Even as a beginner, these metrics can show your value and dedication to your work.
When you apply as an entry-level bookkeeper, the size of the company matters. For small businesses and startups, show that you are flexible and can handle various tasks. Mention skills like managing invoices and reconciling accounts. You might say, "Managed diverse bookkeeping tasks for a local retail store."
For larger companies, such as Deloitte or PwC, they often look for specialists. Here, highlight your understanding of complex financial systems and software. Use phrases like, "Familiar with enterprise-grade accounting software." Also, show that you can work as part of a bigger team. For example, "Collaborated with the finance department to streamline invoice processing."