Accountant Resume Guide for Freshers & Experienced | Samples & Tips

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Every kind of business is involved in some sort of financial activity. Companies need accountants to keep and interpret financial records. An accountant is a professional responsible for a wide range of tasks related to finance. They perform accounting functions such as account analysis, financial statement analysis, etc.

Accountants can be part of a company's internal accounting department, or they can be employed in an accounting firm. If you are seeking this position in your dream firm in the accounting field, this article will help you craft an accountant resume that can't go unnoticed. We will discuss the right format along with some accountant resume samples to give you a clear idea of what exactly is needed.

Qualification and Skills to be An Accountant

To make a career in accountancy, a person may take up any of the following courses after their 12th class:

• B.Com in Accountancy
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance and Accounting
• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Accounting and Finance or Accounting and Taxation

After the Bachelor's degree, one may also go for a Master of Commerce in accounting and finance, an MBA in finance, or a Post Graduate Diploma in accounting. These degrees can help one get a job in various accounting roles in firms across sectors.

Difference between Accountant and Auditor: While both auditors and accountants study and gain degrees in accounting or a related field like finance, their roles are quite different. Accountants focus on compiling financial data and maintaining financial records on a daily basis of the company they are employed for. On the other hand, auditors are hired from outside the company. They review financial information for a company quarterly or annually to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial regulations.

Skills for Accountants

A well-skilled accountant is expected to have knowledge of the relevant accounting software. Some of the latest ones are: Xero, FreshBooks Accounting Software, Zoho Books Accounting Software, Intuit QuickBooks, ZarMoney 

Accountant Resume Format

Although flexible, an accountant's resume typically follows this standard format: 

For candidates with significant experience in accounting, the most popular accountant resume format follows a reverse chronological order wherein your latest job experience is listed first. The other two formats that can work are: 

• Functional resume: This format focuses on professional skills rather than work experience. Hence, it is fit for fresh graduates, job seekers seeking to change their career path, or those with significant employment gaps.
• Combinational Resume: This format is a mix of functional and reverse chronological as it has relevant work experience as well as skills. For people with decades of experience, this format seems to be the best one.

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Accountant Resume Samples

Here are some accountant resume samples to guide you—whether you're applying as an entry-level, mid-level, or senior accounting professional! 

Entry-Level Accountant Resume Format | Functional Resume

This resume is ideally suited for freshers in the accounting field and is best tailored for roles such as Accounting Intern, Accounting Assistant, and Junior Accountant. It highlights relevant skills, education, and certifications to help new graduates confidently apply for entry-level positions.

Rohan Makandey

Patna, India
+91-9876543210 | rohan.makandy@email.com
linkedin.com/in/rohanmakandy

Career Objective

Detail-oriented and dedicated B.Com graduate with hands-on internship experience in accounting operations, GST filing, and financial reporting. Proficient in Tally, MS Excel, and ledger management. Adept at handling journal entries, account reconciliations, and invoice processing. Eager to contribute to a dynamic finance team and grow within a progressive organization.

Education

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
ABC College, Patna University
2021 – 2024 | CGPA: 7.8

Class 12th – Commerce Stream
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Patna
2021 | 85%

Class 10th
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Patna
2019 | 88%

Internship Experience

Accounting Intern
Jha & Associates, Chartered Accountants – Patna
Feb 2024 – Apr 2024

• Assisted with bookkeeping and ledger posting using Tally ERP 9
• Filed GST returns and prepared tax invoices for clients
• Reconciled bank statements and tracked expenses
• Supported preparation of basic financial statements
• Collaborated with senior accountants on client file reviews

Certifications

• Tally Prime with GST, NIIT – 2024
• Basic Accounting Principles, Coursera – 2023
• Excel for Beginners, Microsoft Learn – 2023

Technical Skills

• Tally ERP 9 / Tally Prime
• MS Excel (Formulas, Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)
• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Journal Entries & Ledger Management
• GST Filing & Invoicing
• Accounts Payable / Receivable
• Bank Reconciliation
• Basic Income Tax Concepts

Soft Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Analytical Thinking
• Time Management
• Team Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Confidentiality & Ethics

Academic Projec

Project: Financial Statement Analysis of XYZ Ltd.
Final Year B.Com – 2023

• Analyzed balance sheet and income statement
• Calculated profitability and liquidity ratios
• Created a summarized report using MS Excel

Achievements

• Winner, Inter-College Accounting Quiz – 2023
• Recognized as “Star Intern” for punctuality and accuracy

Languages

• English – Fluent
• Hindi – Native

Experienced Accountant Resume | Chronological Format

This accountant resume is best suited for professionals with over 2 years of experience, particularly those in mid-level accounting roles looking to highlight their skills, accomplishments, and career growth.

Anitika Perna

Maharashtra, India
+91-9876543210 | anitika.perna@email.com
linkedin.com/in/anitikaperna

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented accountant with over 3 years of experience in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and compliance. Skilled in GST filing, bank reconciliations, and ledger management using Tally ERP and MS Excel. Proven ability to support accounting teams and ensure timely month-end close processes. Seeking mid-level accounting roles to leverage my skills and contribute to organizational financial accuracy.

Work Experience

Senior Accountant
ABC Industries Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Mar 2022 – Present

• Managed day-to-day accounting operations including ledger maintenance and bank reconciliations
• Prepared monthly financial statements and assisted in budget planning
• Filed GST returns and coordinated with tax consultants for compliance
• Supported audit activities and documentation preparation
• Trained junior staff on accounting software and procedures

Accountant
XYZ Logistics Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Jan 2021 – Feb 2022

• Processed accounts payable/receivable and maintained accurate financial records
• Conducted bank reconciliations and cash flow monitoring
• Assisted with payroll processing and tax calculations
• Generated routine MIS reports for management review

Accounts Assistant (Internship)
K & K Chartered Accountants, Mumbai
Jul 2020 – Dec 2020

• Assisted in bookkeeping, voucher preparation, and bank reconciliations
• Supported preparation of audit files and tax documentation
• Filed quarterly GST and TDS returns under supervision

Education

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com – Accounting)
R. A. Podar College, Mumbai – 2020

Certifications

• Tally Prime with GST – NIIT, 2022
• GST Practitioner Certification – ICAI, 2021
• Advanced Excel for Finance – Coursera, 2020

Skills

• Financial Reporting & Bookkeeping
• GST & TDS Filing
• Bank Reconciliation
• Accounts Payable / Receivable
• Tally ERP 9 / Tally Prime
• MS Excel (Formulas, Pivot Tables)
• Payroll Processing
• Audit Support

Languages

• English – Fluent
• Hindi – Native

Senior Accountant Resume (Combination Format)

This accountant resume is ideal for senior professionals, including those applying for roles such as Senior Accountant, Accounts Manager, or Finance Controller. It effectively showcases leadership, financial expertise, and strategic responsibilities.

Toni Thapar

Mumbai, India
+91-9876543210 | toni.thapar@email.com
linkedin.com/in/tonithapar

Professional Summary

Highly skilled Senior Accountant with 8+ years of progressive experience managing accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, and team leadership. Expert in streamlining financial processes, leading audits, and driving cost-saving initiatives. Proven ability to deliver accurate financial statements and support strategic financial planning. Seeking to leverage expertise in senior accounting or finance leadership roles.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Regulatory Compliance (GST, TDS, Income Tax)
• Audit Coordination & Management
• Team Leadership & Training
• ERP Software: Tally ERP, SAP (FICO), QuickBooks
• Advanced MS Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, Macros)
• Cost Control & Financial Planning
• Payroll Management
• MIS Reporting & Presentation

Professional Experience

Senior Accountant
ABC Industries Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Mar 2020 – Present

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis for senior management
• Manage statutory compliance, including GST, TDS, PF, ESI, and coordinate with auditors for internal and external audits
• Supervise and mentor a team of 4 junior accountants, improving team productivity and accuracy
• Implemented new cost control measures, reducing expenses by 10% annually
• Develop MIS reports for financial performance monitoring and strategic decision-making

Accounts Manager
XYZ Logistics Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Jan 2016 – Feb 2020

• Oversaw complete accounting cycle including accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll processing
• Ensured compliance with all statutory regulations and timely tax filings
• Streamlined invoicing and payment collection processes, improving cash flow by 15%
• Coordinated with external auditors during annual audits and addressed audit queries
• Led team training on accounting software upgrades and new financial policies

Accountant
K & K Chartered Accountants, Mumbai
Jul 2014 – Dec 2015

• Maintained books of accounts for multiple clients and prepared financial statements
• Assisted in tax preparation, GST, and TDS filings
• Conducted bank reconciliations and prepared monthly ledger reports
• Supported audit engagements and documentation review

Education

Master of Commerce (M.Com – Accounting & Finance)
University of Mumbai — 2014

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com – Accounting)
R. A. Podar College, Mumbai — 2012

Certifications

• Certified GST Practitioner – ICAI, 2021
• Financial Modeling & Valuation – CFI, 2020
• Advanced Excel for Financial Analysis – Udemy, 2019

Languages

• English – Fluent
• Hindi – Native
• Marathi – Conversational

Key Achievements

• Spearheaded implementation of ERP software module, improving reporting speed by 40%
• Successfully reduced audit discrepancies by 25% through improved documentation and review processes
• Played a key role in cost-saving initiatives resulting in ₹5 Lakhs annual savings

How to Write an Effective Accounting Resume

There are specific crucial steps that you must not overlook when crafting a professionally appealing resume:

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

• Use a chronological format if you have consistent work experience in accounting.
• Opt for a functional format if you’re switching careers or have employment gaps.
• Select a combination format to showcase both your skills and experience, especially for senior roles.

2. Create Professional Header & Contact Details

• Your full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn profile

3. Write a Strong Summary or Career Objective

• A summary works best for experienced accountants, highlighting your achievements and years in the field.
• An objective that suits fresh graduates is focusing on your skills and career aspirations.

4. Showcase Your Work Experience with Impact

• List your job title, company, and duration clearly.
• Use bullet points to highlight and quantify your achievements

5. Highlight Relevant Accounting Skills

• Hard skills like financial reporting, auditing, and tax preparation.
• Key soft skills include attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective time management.

6. Include Education and Certifications

• Mention your degrees, universities, and graduation years.
• Add relevant certifications such as CPA, CMA, or CA to strengthen your profile.

7. Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Proofread

• Use keywords from the job description related to accounting.
• Proofread your resume for any spelling or grammatical errors before submitting it.

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We hope the above points prepared you for pulling together a perfect accountant resume for your next accounting job search!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Accountant Resume

1. What is the best resume format for an accountant?

The best resume format depends on your experience. Use a chronological format if you have a solid work history, a functional format if you’re changing careers or have gaps, and a combination (hybrid) format for senior roles to highlight both skills and experience.

2. What key skills should I include on my accountant resume?

Include both hard skills such as financial reporting, tax preparation, auditing, and accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP) and soft skills like attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, and time management.

3. How can I make my accountant's resume stand out?

Quantify your achievements with numbers, such as “reduced errors by 20%” or “managed budgets worth ₹5 crores.” Tailor your resume to the job description using relevant keywords and highlight certifications like CPA, CMA, or CA.

4. Should I include my education details on my accountant's resume?

Yes, always include your highest degree in accounting or finance, along with the institution name and graduation year. Also, list any professional certifications relevant to accounting, such as CPA, CMA, or CA, as these significantly boost your credibility.

5. How important is it to optimize my accountant resume for ATS?

Very important. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Use keywords from the job posting, and keep formatting simple, and avoid images or tables to ensure your resume passes ATS scans successfully.

For more help in writing an effective and strong resume, here are some useful articles: 

1. Must-Have Skills For Resumes: The Complete Guide (200+ Examples)
2. Resume Summary That'll Take Your Resume To The Next Level!
3. 6 Tips For Creating The Best Resume Format On Your Own!
4. Resume For Internship: Create The Perfect Resume To Grab A Summer Internship