Accounting Entry-Level Resume Example & Writing Guide

If you’ve just graduated with your accounting degree and are ready to take that first step into the world of numbers and spreadsheets, you’ll need an effective entry-level accounting resume to get started.

Entry-level accountants are often tasked with bookkeeping, filing, and payroll duties, so your resume will need to prove to the employer that you’ve got an eye for detail and are committed to accurate record-keeping.

Luckily, Resume.io is here to help. With 350+ resume examples and guides, we’re an expert resource for job seekers in all fields and stages of their careers. Here’s what we’ll cover in our entry-level accounting resume example and guide:

• What does an entry-level accountant do?
• How to write an entry-level accounting resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for an entry-level accountant resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

What does an entry-level accountant do?

Entry-level accountants, often called junior accountants, are tasked with a variety of common bookkeeping and payroll tasks to support the office and clients. Examples of duties include:

• Logging income and expenses into the appropriate databases
• Recording profits and losses for each client
• Maintaining records of assets bought or sold
• Assisting with preparing monthly or annual reports
• Managing payroll and creating payslips
• Logging invoices and preparing them for payment

Entry level accountants work under the supervision of senior accountants who will help guide them and teach them new skills. Since accounting errors can lead to serious consequences, it’s important that entry-level accountants display meticulous attention to detail and the ability to follow the instructions of more experienced team members.

How to write an entry-level accounting resume

The very first step in writing your accounting entry-level resume is understanding what sections to include. Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The education section
• The resume skills section

One of the most important elements to consider when writing your accounting entry level resume is the tone you will use to speak to the employer. Accounting is a formal field, so it’s important to focus on concrete information and the facts of your experience. Humor is great once you have the job, but keeping your resume clean and professional will increase your chances of landing the interview.

For entry-level resumes in the U.S. and Canada, one page is the norm. That means keeping each section concise and eliminating words like “I” or “My” that can be easily understood from the context. Instead, focus on action verbs that show your motivation and impact. Even though you may not have much professional experience, your ability to learn quickly and double-check your work will be an asset in any entry-level accounting role.

Choosing the best resume format for an entry-level accountant

When it comes to choosing the best format for your entry-level accountant resume, there’s really only one option. The reverse chronological resume is often viewed as the “standard” format. This structure focuses on the employment history section where experience is listed starting with the most recent or current position and working backward through all relevant roles in the past 10 years.

While other resume formats exist, they are better suited to students or those working in independent fields. Even though you may not have much professional experience to show, as an accounting professional, it’s important to stick with the format that hiring managers and the ATS prefer. Internships or other leadership positions are a great way to round out your employment history section.

Resume header

The header of your resume is essential to convey your name, contact information, and LinkedIn profile. The header, which is often found at the top or as a column on the side of your resume, serves a vital purpose in allowing the hiring manager to easily contact you. It can also add a touch of attractive formatting to your resume. Best to err on the professional side, however, as accounting calls for a more serious look. You can read more about layout and design further on in this guide.

Resume summary example

The resume summary is the employer’s first introduction to you, your top skills, and qualifications. The purpose of the 3-5 sentences of the summary is to capture the hiring manager’s attention and to encourage them to keep reading the rest of your resume. Make sure to use a friendly and professional tone and to describe your top attributes as they relate to accounting. As an entry-level accountant, it’s important to note in the summary that you have the educational requirements the employer is looking for. You will also need to include them again further down on your resume. Check out our adaptable summary resume example below.

Employment history sample

The employment history section of your resume is where you will list all the previous positions relevant to accounting. Start with the most recent and create a subheading that includes the job title, employer name, dates worked, and location. Then, create 4-5 bullet points that capture your main responsibilities, skills, and achievements. Repeat this process for all of your relevant experiences.

The bullet points of your employment history section are the ideal place to highlight your impact and your effectiveness as an accountant. Make sure to include numbers, statistics, and data that point to your achievements. For example, if your auditing skills prevented the company from losses or penalties, including an estimated amount of how much you saved the business. See our adaptable entry-level accountant resume sample below.

Entry-level accounting resume education example 

The education section is an essential part of any complete entry-level accounting resume. Make sure to include relevant degrees, certifications, and coursework here. You can also create one or two bullet points under each entry to make note of any leadership roles, impressive grades, or relevant achievements. See our resume example for the education section below.

The right educational background is essential for a career as an accountant. While bookkeeper roles might not need a formal accounting degree, most entry-level accountant jobs will require some college education in the field. For jobs in the United States, you may also need to hold CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Certification which requires a combination of a 4-year degree after which you’ll be required to pass the CPA examination. 

CV skills example

The skills section of your CV takes on extra importance in accounting as it’s the one place where you can quickly list the concrete abilities (called hard skills) that the employer is looking for. Make sure to read the job description closely and use the employer’s exact language on your CV. Software, like Microsoft Excel or Quickbooks, is often requested and shouldn't be missing from your resume. You should also aim to add two or three soft skills that show how you deal with coworkers and clients. Attention to detail, a good sense of organization, and the ability to learn quickly are all examples of soft skills that can apply to a junior accountant role. See our resume example for the skills section below.

Resume layout and design

The layout and design of your resume is the first thing the hiring manager will take in before they ever read a word of the writing. Therefore, crafting a professional layout and design is essential when it comes to creating a great first impression. 

Accountants should opt for clean and professional looks to match the nature of their work. While one accent color may be acceptable, when in doubt a neutral color scheme is the best choice. Make sure to choose a header design that highlights your name and contact information. A professionally designed resume template can make it easy to try out different styles. Here are some more tips to create a great resume layout:

Key takeaways for an entry-level accountant resume

1. Your resume is the key application document that will help you get started in an entry-level accounting role, so make sure to craft it with care.
2. The summary is the best place to call the employer’s attention to your qualifications and skills but be sure to write with a professional tone.
3. Don’t forget to include numbers, statistics, and data in your employment history section bullet points.
4. Create a great layout by checking out our adaptable accounting entry-level resume sample.