CV accountant

The different parts of the accountant CV

A well-structured accountant CV is essential for anyone seeking a career in finance, bookkeeping, or auditing. Employers in this field look for precision, reliability, and a solid grasp of financial procedures. To stand out, your CV must present your profile clearly and professionally, highlighting your technical skills, work ethic, and attention to detail. The structure and content of each section are crucial in conveying your suitability for the role. Let’s explore the different parts of an accountant CV, with examples to help you craft each one effectively.

The about section

The about section (also known as the professional profile or summary) is the first thing recruiters will read. It should provide a quick overview of your background, strengths, and career goals. This section typically includes years of experience, key skills, and a short description of your professional personality. It should be concise, impactful, and tailored to the accounting role you are applying for. It plays a crucial role in the overall structure of the CV, helping to set the tone for the rest of your application.

The tone should remain formal and confident, and the content should be updated depending on the position or company.

The skills section

The skills section of your accountant CV is one of the most important parts. Recruiters often scan this part quickly to see if you possess the necessary technical competencies. It is best to list between 6 to 10 key skills, mixing hard skills (such as accounting software proficiency) with a few soft skills (such as time management or communication).

Tailor your list to match the job description, using similar keywords that appear in the job offer. This increases your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

The languages section

In today’s global job market, language skills are a strong asset, especially for accounting roles in international companies or multinational audit firms. In this section, clearly indicate your level of fluency for each language. You can use terms like native, fluent, intermediate, or basic. If you have official certifications (e.g., TOEFL, DELF), you can include them too.

Being multilingual in the finance industry shows adaptability and the ability to work with international clients or foreign regulations, which can be a valuable advantage.

The interests section

Though optional, the interests section can give employers a glimpse into your personality. It should reflect who you are outside of work, while remaining relevant and professional. Avoid overly vague interests like “music” or “movies,” and instead focus on activities that demonstrate qualities like discipline, leadership, teamwork, or curiosity.

This section is also a great way to connect on a human level, especially in small or medium-sized companies where cultural fit is as important as technical skills.

The professional experience section

The professional experience section is the core of your accountant CV. It should be presented in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent role. For each position, include the job title, company name, location, dates, and key responsibilities. Use action verbs (e.g., “managed,” “prepared,” “optimized”) and focus on achievements where possible. Quantify results to show the impact of your work.

Customize your job responsibilities to reflect the financial functions relevant to the job you are targeting. Keep bullet points clear and avoid long paragraphs.

The education section

The education section on an accountant CV plays a crucial role in showing your academic background and certification. For most accounting roles, at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics is expected. If you’ve taken additional courses or obtained certifications like ACCA, CPA, or CIMA, make sure to include them here.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, indicating the degree, institution, location, and years of study. You may also add honors or relevant coursework if space allows.

Including your progress in certifications (even if not completed) shows employers your motivation to grow in the field.

How do I list in-progress qualifications on my CV?

When you have qualifications in progress, it’s important to show them clearly on your CV to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. You can include them under the Education or Certifications section, indicating that the qualification is “in progress” or “currently studying.” Make sure to specify the name of the qualification, the institution, and the expected completion date. This shows employers that you are actively investing in your career and improving your skills. For example: “ACCA – In Progress, expected completion: 2025.” Always be honest and avoid exaggerating your current level.

How do I present a career gap on an accountant CV?

To present a career gap on your accountant CV, honesty and clarity are key. Use your CV to indicate the gap in your timeline, and briefly explain it in your cover letter or interview, focusing on what you learned or achieved during that time. If you took courses, volunteered, freelanced, or managed finances for a small business, include those as relevant experience. Label the time appropriately (e.g., “Career Break – January 2022 to June 2023”) and highlight any skills maintained or acquired. Gaps are not a weakness if you show growth, resilience, and readiness to return.

Should I include internships in my accountant CV?

Yes, internships are very valuable and should absolutely be included in your accountant CV, especially if you are an entry-level candidate. Internships show that you have practical experience in a real work environment and have applied accounting principles outside of the classroom. List them in the Professional Experience section, just like a regular job, with responsibilities and any achievements. Even short-term internships can demonstrate your work ethic, your ability to learn, and your exposure to accounting tasks such as reconciliations, reporting, or software usage. They also reflect your initiative and motivation to grow in the field.

What is the ideal length of an accountant CV?

The ideal length of an accountant CV is typically one to two pages, depending on your level of experience. For junior or entry-level accountants, one page is often enough to present your education, internships, and skills. For professionals with several years of experience, two pages allow you to detail roles, achievements, and qualifications without overcrowding the layout. Avoid exceeding two pages unless specifically requested. Keep content clear, well-structured, and tailored to the job. Use bullet points, concise phrases, and clear headings to help recruiters scan your CV quickly and find the most relevant information.