7 Public Accountant Resume Examples for 2024

Creating a strong resume is crucial for aspiring public accountants. This article provides proven resume examples and strategic advice tailored to the industry. Learn how to highlight relevant skills, emphasize key experiences, and use the right keywords to catch hiring managers' attention. Read on to make sure your resume stands out.

  Compiled and approved by Marie-Caroline Pereira
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best resumes for public accountants:

  • Show Impact With Numbers: Include metrics in your resume to show impact. Some good metrics for accountants are: reduced tax errors by 20%, improved audit time by 30%, saved $50K in costs, handled 150+ clients.

  • List Job-relevant Skills Only: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned in the job description. Some popular ones are GAAP, Auditing, ERP systems, QuickBooks, and Tax planning. But don't include all of them; choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • : Certifications matter in accounting. Common ones are CPA and CMA. Highlighting your certified status can make a big difference.

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Position your education correctly

When you organize your resume, think about what a hiring manager needs to see. If you are new to work or just finished a degree, put your education at the top. For example, if you just got your bachelor's or master's in accounting, or finished a CPA course, show this first. This tells the hiring manager that your training is fresh, even if you have less experience.

If you have been working as an accountant for a few years, list your experience first. You can place education after experience to show that you have practical skills. Do not include your high school details. Focus on post-secondary degrees and any accounting-specific certifications or courses that make you a good fit for accounting work.

Section Example Education for Public Accountant
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Highlight certifications

For a public accountant, showcasing your certifications is crucial. Mention your CPA certification prominently in your resume. Also include other relevant certifications such as CFE or CMA.

Putting these credentials immediately after your name or at the beginning of your resume makes them easily visible to hiring managers. It shows your commitment and expertise in the field.

Ideal resume length

As you put together your resume for a public accountant position, keep it concise. If you have less than 10 years of relevant experience, aim for a single page to show that you can prioritize the most important information. This also makes it easier for hiring managers to review your qualifications quickly.

For those with more experience, especially in senior positions, two pages may be necessary to capture all of your relevant skills and knowledge. Focus on relevant accounting certifications and work history, highlighting experiences that show your ability to handle complex financial tasks and regulations, which are crucial in this field. Remember, clear and focused resumes reflect a professional who values precision – an essential quality for public accountants.

Quantify your achievements

Always use numbers to show your impact as a public accountant. Mention specific figures like how many audits you have conducted or the amount of cost savings you have achieved for clients.

Quantifying your accomplishments helps hiring managers understand your real-world impact clearly, which is especially important in a numbers-focused field like accounting.

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