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Table of contents

Accountant assistant resume examples
Choose the best format for your assistant accountant resume
How to write an account assistant resume in 5 easy steps
Add a cover letter
Accountant assistant resume — key takeaways
Frequently asked questions from job seekers

As an accounting assistant, you’re a master at ensuring financial statements and records are precise and up to date. You use your analytical skills and attention to guarantee a company’s finances are in order and compliant.

Yet, you aren’t sure where to start when you need to showcase your expertise on an accounting assistant resume.

That’s okay! Many finance professionals find it tricky to present their skills and experiences effectively.

The bright side? With the right advice, you can spotlight your professional achievements, paving the way for your next career move. Let us show you the way.

This guide will cover:

Professionally curated accounting assistant resume samples.
A step-by-step guide for constructing your resume.
Advice on picking the most appropriate format and design.
Optional sections that can enhance your resume’s appeal.
Reasons every accounting assistant might think about adding a cover letter.
Key strategies to boost your job application process.

Need to assemble a resume quickly? Explore our AI Resume Builder. Choose a design that mirrors your financial skills and improve your resume with guided steps and customizable text suggestions.

Accountant assistant resume examples

Entry-level accounting assistant resume example

Entry level resume example accounting assistant

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Why this is an exceptional accounting assistant resume example

Begins with a compelling career objective
The candidate uses a resume objective to underline their commitment to ensuring accurate and timely financial reports, making them a prime choice for accounting firms and departments.
Highlights a comprehensive skill set
Accounting assistants need a mix of technical skills and soft interpersonal abilities to function well in their jobs. This resume masterfully displays a range of abilities, from financial statement analysis to teamwork.
Adopts a functional resume format
The resume takes on a functional format, focusing on skills over the traditional chronological approach. This structure is optimal when transitioning within financial roles or when you’re just starting your career.

Experienced accounting assistant resume example

Experienced resume example accounting assistant

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Why this is an excellent assistant accountant resume example

Represents their career trajectory
This accounting assistant details their vast experience in a compelling work history section, adhering to a chronological resume format and using bullet points to make it easy to read.
Supports skills with specific metrics
The candidate emphasizes their financial skills by highlighting key achievements and detailing their impact, offering potential employers a tangible insight into their capabilities using relevant figures.
Opt for a clean, easy-to-read design
The candidate chooses a minimalist yet professional template, ensuring smooth navigation for potential employers, enabling them to spot key accomplishments quickly.

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Choose the best format for your assistant accountant resume

Consider your resume as the balance sheet of your career: It should be tailored to individual experiences and provide a line-by-line overview of your financial expertise.

So, how do you precisely and accurately present this information in just one or two pages? Your resume format is pivotal for this end. Each format caters to different career stages. Here are the three types of formats — and the purposes they serve:

Chronological resume format: Best suited for accounting assistants with over five years of experience, this format prioritizes your employment history. If you’ve held multiple finance-related roles, it lets you display your professional journey chronologically, stressing positions from the most recent to earlier engagements, including tenures at significant financial institutions.
Functional resume format: Tailored for those new to the accounting domain or those transitioning from related roles like financial consultancy. With this layout, you can underscore your diverse financial strengths across multiple skills-oriented sections.
Combination resume format: Ideal for those with some relevant experience. This format accentuates your abilities while correlating them with your employment history. It’s particularly apt if you’re vying for roles that need some hands-on financial expertise.

Once you’ve decided on the most suitable format, your next step is picking a design.

Selecting the right accounting assistant resume template

Create your resume

Given the methodical and outcome-oriented character of finance, especially when interfacing with varied financial departments, your resume template should emanate clarity and professionalism. While a unique touch can set you apart, clarity must always take precedence.

Steer clear of designs that might eclipse your qualifications.

In this context, a simple resume template frequently emerges as the go-to, especially in a button-down career like accounting.

Nonetheless, if you’re inclined toward something contemporary or you work in a more dynamic industry (like entertainment), check out our creative resume templates. Remember, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, so let your discretion guide you.

For a template that’s free to download, see our Word resume templates or Google Doc templates.

Now, get ready to craft a resume that ticks all the checkboxes.

How to write an account assistant resume in 5 easy steps

As a ledger of your financial career, your resume should outline the most important financial tasks you’ve handled, the modern accounting tools you’ve utilized and the collaborations that have elevated your professional skills.

It’s all in the details — so where do you start? Let’s break it down.

Step 1

Analyze the job listing

Begin your resume-crafting journey by reading the job listing closely. These listings are wonderful resources.

From them, you can discern the vital skills and attributes each employer is on the hunt for — this could range from experience in payroll processing tax preparations to expertise in specific accounting software. By grasping the specific needs of firms, corporations and startups, you can tailor your resume to reflect what they value most.

This precision becomes crucial in today’s digital age, given that many companies employ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through potential candidates based on certain qualifications. These qualifications often include specific keywords related to accounting procedures, certifications and tools.

When drafting an ATS-friendly resume, ensure that your content matches the job description. For example, if a job listing underscores proficiencies like “financial analysis,” “GAAP compliance” or “ledger management,” it’s essential to embed those exact terms in your resume.

Sprinkle these keywords throughout your resume, from your professional summary and skills sections to your work history. Keep aligning your resume with job specifics, adjusting the terminology to ensure that your resume sails past the screening software.

While the idea might initially seem overwhelming, you’ll get the hang of it. Next, let’s start writing.

Step 2

Pen a compelling resume profile

Start your financial storytelling with an expertly crafted resume profile. These profiles commonly adopt two styles — professional summaries and career objectives. Both work wonders for accounting assistants.

A professional summary concisely captures your accounting journey (limited to five sentences) and is apt for seasoned assistants with considerable experience in finance and accounting domains. For those who’ve played crucial roles in big financial projects, streamlined processes or made significant cost savings, this is the space to shine a spotlight on those achievements.

On the other hand, a resume objective speaks about your career ambitions and the future you see in the world of accounts. It’s a winning pick for fresh graduates or those transitioning from other fields, emphasizing transferable skills and the unique value they can contribute to firms or businesses.

Here’s how each of these sections might look on a resume:

Accounting assistant professional summary example:

Experienced accounting assistant with over seven years managing diverse financial tasks, from invoice processing to tax preparations. Commended for impeccable financial recording, ensuring compliance and collaborating with cross-departmental teams. Successfully streamlined 20+ financial processes, leading to a 15% reduction in discrepancies.

Accounting assistant resume objective example:

Bachelor in Accounting from New York University, looking forward to employing modern financial tools and techniques to optimize business finances. Dedicated to ensuring accurate financial reporting, efficient bookkeeping and enhancing overall financial health.

Step 3

Showcase your financial skills

Whether you’re an enthusiastic newbie or a seasoned accounting pro, your resume should glitter with skills tailor-made for the accounting assistant role you’ve set your sights on.

You need a variety of skills to make it in accounting. Hard skills showcase your mastery in bookkeeping, financial software and taxation. Meanwhile, soft skills highlight your ability to collaborate with teams, interact with clients and adhere to deadlines.

So, don’t think of it as hard skills vs soft skills. Instead, see them as going hand-in-hand.

Here are some skills accounting assistants frequently sprinkle into their resumes:

Essential skills for an accounting assistant resume:

Hard Skills

Financial reporting
Tax preparation
Accounts reconciliation
Payroll processing
Budgeting and forecasting
Accounting software expertise (e.g., QuickBooks, Excel)

Soft Skills

Detail orientation
Team collaboration
Client relations
Effective communication
Time management
Problem-solving

Here’s a snippet of a well-crafted accounting assistant skills section:

Proficient in preparing comprehensive financial reports and statements.
Experienced in tax preparation and year-end audits.
Skilled in reconciling complex accounts with high accuracy.
Adept at utilizing accounting software such as QuickBooks and MS Excel.
Proven track record in team collaboration and meeting tight deadlines.
Stellar problem-solving skills, especially in financial discrepancies.

Pro tip

Don’t shy away from flaunting your computer skills. Accounting assistants often juggle various financial software and digital tools. Demonstrating proficiency in these platforms can boost your potential in the job market.

Step 4

Flaunt your work experience

To wow hiring managers, add work experience on your resume.

List your roles from the latest to the earliest. Use bullet points to share details of your most challenging audits, financial conundrums solved or even that pesky expense-tracking system you helped revamp.

This is your stage to showcase the skills you command, from auditing taxes and balancing budgets to collaborating effectively and problem-solving creatively.

One more bit of advice — spruce up your work experience bullet points with action words like “calculated,” “balanced” and “forecasted.” They’ll give your accomplishments more impact.

Sample of an accounting assistant experience entry:

Lead Accounting Assistant, Elite Accountancy
Lexington, KY
March 2020 – Present

Manage a diverse portfolio of seven client accounts, ensuring accurate bookkeeping.
Implemented a tax strategy that resulted in an average savings of 18% for clients on their annual filings.
Provided financial forecasts with a 95% accuracy rate over two fiscal years.
Reimplemented a previously used expense tracking system, reducing processing times by 50%.
Conducted weekly finance workshops to train and educate new accountants.

Pro tip

When detailing your accounting responsibilities, it’s beneficial to include quantifiable achievements. Highlighting results like “improved financial efficiency by 20%” or “maintained budget accuracy for eight consecutive quarters” provides concrete evidence of your performance. This can be particularly impactful for potential employers evaluating your qualifications

Step 5

Highlight your education and certifications

In the accounting field, a strong educational background and relevant certifications are crucial. These qualifications attest to your expertise and set you apart from other candidates.
Begin by prominently displaying your education on your resume. Have degrees in Accounting, Finance or Business? Ensure they are central in your education section.

Beyond your formal education, emphasize any certifications you hold, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). These credentials further reinforce your capabilities.

Example for highlighting your education and certifications:

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Prestigious University of Finance and Accounting

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Bookkeeper (CB)
The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)

Optional sections for your accounting assistant resume

Honors and awards

Highlight any honors you’ve earned in your resume. Such recognitions mirror your dedication to accounting accuracy, efficiency and your professional abilities in the financial sector.

How to list awards on your accounting assistant resume:

Accounting Assistant of the Year – September 2024

Awarded by the National Accounting Association for exemplary record-keeping and innovative financial solutions.

Financial Excellence Award – May 2020

Recognized by Finance Today Magazine for an exceptional approach to streamlining accounts receivable processes.

Professional associations

Underlining your affiliation with accounting-centric associations shows your commitment to continuous professional growth and staying abreast with the latest in financial practices.

How to list professional associations on your accounting assistant resume:

Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Regular attendee at seminars organized by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).

Hobbies and interests

Your personal hobbies and interests can reflect the dimensions of your character and potentially complement your professional history. Just make sure they resonate with accounting skills or highlight other beneficial transferable traits.

How to list interests and pursuits on your accounting assistant resume:

Maintain a finance-focused blog to discuss the latest industry insights and practices.
Participate in financial workshops and webinars for continual skill enhancement.
Volunteer in community financial literacy programs, educating locals about basic financial management.

Volunteering

Investing in community-based financial planning or educational programs can enrich your professional portfolio. It underlines your commitment to community welfare and your fervor for accounting outside conventional roles.

How to list volunteer work on your accounting assistant resume:

Offered free financial consultancy for community nonprofits.
Volunteered in initiatives promoting financial literacy to school children.
Organized charity events advocating for financial education in marginalized communities.

Add a cover letter

Cover letter example accounting assistant

Create your cover letter

While a cover letter might not always be mandatory for accounting assistants, it’s nonetheless a powerful tool to set you apart from other candidates with similar qualifications.

A cover letter offers a platform to delve deeper into your unique experiences, skills and attention to detail, which may not be as prominently displayed in your resume.

Discuss what originally attracted you to the accounting field or shed light on your future professional goals. Highlight particular financial projects where your contribution was pivotal or discuss intricate accounting problems you’ve resolved to maintain financial integrity.

If you’re seeking inspiration or guidelines, take a look at our guide on how to write a cover letter. Also, browsing through our assortment of cover letter examples can provide valuable insights.

To make a stronger impression on potential employers, opt for a cover letter template and personalize it with our Cover Letter Builder. Selecting a design consistent with your resume will ensure a cohesive and polished appearance for your application.

Always bear in mind that your cover letter should build upon your resume’s content rather than just echoing it. It’s a golden opportunity to convey your genuine passion for accounting and a pathway to securing your desired position.

Accountant assistant resume — key takeaways

Personalize your resume for each position

Adapt your resume for each job, emphasizing accounting skills and specifics mentioned in the job posting.
Highlight your diverse skills

Showcase your understanding of accounting principles, software proficiency, and your organizational and analytical abilities. Being able to manage multiple tasks and analyze data effectively is vital.
Quantify your accounting achievements

Use precise figures to showcase your successes, such as the number of accounts managed, discrepancies resolved or efficiency improvements made in bookkeeping.
Underscore relevant certifications

Draw attention to pertinent accounting certifications or training, such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or any software-specific certifications like QuickBooks or Excel.
Select an appropriate resume format

Choose a resume template that reflects the organized and detail-oriented nature of accounting. Ensure it effectively presents your qualifications and work history.
Stay updated with accounting software

Highlight your proficiency with the latest accounting software or any courses you’ve taken to upgrade your skills. Demonstrating adaptability in a changing digital landscape can set you apart.

Frequently asked questions from job seekers

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.