Entry Level Accounting Resume—Sample and 25+ Writing Tips

You’re about to step out and start work as an accountant.

Whether this means an internship, working as an assistant accountant—

Or finally getting to work as a fully fledged CPA—

You’re not alone in your ambitions.

And to succeed, you’ll need to stand out from the crowd.

For that, you’ll need an entry-level accounting resume that’s audit-proof and air-tight.

In this guide:

• An entry-level accounting resume example better than most.
• How to create compelling job descriptions for your entry-level accountant resume.
• How to write a resume for accounting jobs that stands out.
• Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing your first accounting job.

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Need a bookkeeper resume or another kind of financial resume? What about different entry-level resumes? See our guides:

• Accounting Assistant Resume
• Accounting Manager Resume
• Accountant Resume
• Banking Resume
• Bookkeeper Resume
• Entry-Level Business Analyst Resume
• Business Analyst Resume
• Data Analyst Resume
• Senior Accountant Resume
• Accounts Payable Resume
• Accounts Receivable Resume
• Bank Teller Resume
• Financial Advisor Resume
• Financial Analyst Resume
• Investment Banking Resume
• Technical Writer Resume
• Account Manager Resume
• Assistant Manager Resume
• Office Clerk Resume
• Internship Resume
• College Student Resume
• Entry-Level Resume 
• MBA Application Resume
• Recent College Graduate Resume

Entry Level Accounting Resume Sample

Now here’s how to write an entry-level accountant resume they’ll love:

1. Choose the Right Entry Level Accountant Resume Format

In accounting, format and layout aren’t just important—

They’re often absolutely critical.

Make sure your resume format is clean, clear, and exactly what they expect to see.

Here’s how:

Entry-Level Accounting Resume Format

• Use the chronological resume format it’s what hiring managers expect to see.
• Choose a low-key resume font like a Garamond or Noto in 11–12 pt.
• Leave your resume margins at one inch and space everything out generously.
• Send in a one-page resume. This should be plenty for an entry-level accounting resume.
• Include at least these resume sections: Header on a Resume, Profile (Summary or Objective), Experience, Education, and Skills.

When it comes to choosing between PDF and *.docx for your resume, the answer might seem obvious.

But—

Always double check that *.docx isn’t required after all.

There’s no accounting for taste and some ATSs (Applicant Tracking Systems) can’t handle resumes in PDF. So, apart from using an ATS resume template, check that you're submitting your resume in the right format.

2. Write an Impressive Entry-Level Accounting Resume Objective or Summary

The best way to start an entry-level accountant resume?

With a resume profile that sets you apart from the rest.

Have some accounting experience under your belt?

Then start with a resume career summary and talk up your accounting accomplishments.

Use:

1. One adjective (efficient, reliable, detail-oriented)
2. Job title (Accountant)
3. Years of experience (1+, 3+)
4. How you’ll help (accurately and efficiently handle audit preparation)
5. Two or three of your most relevant achievements (processed over 1,000 invoices, helped prepare 12 monthly financial reports)

These entry-level accountant resume examples show how:

Entry-Level Accounting Resume Summary

Same candidate, different outcome.

The first example is focused on what you can do for the company by showing what you’ve done for previous employers.

It’s concrete, quantified, and all about what you can do for them.

Writing a resume for an accounting internship with no experience?

Or maybe you’re skipping the internship and writing a resume for an accountant with no experience?

Start with a resume career objective instead and talk up achievements from non-accounting jobs and your studies.

Entry Level Accounting Objective

No experience doesn’t mean nothing to offer.

Pull relevant experience out of non-accounting jobs and show what you bring to the table.

Struggling to write your resume profile?

Write it last—

It’s much easier that way and you’ll do a better job of it.

3. Create Effective Entry-Level Accounting Resume Job Description and Skills Sections

The biggest takeaway:

Actual accomplishments always beat lists of duties and skills.

Past performance is an excellent predictor for future success—

And employers know this.

So turn your resume work history into a showcase of achievements.

How to write resume job descriptions for entry-level accountants:

1. Go back and re-read the job ad.
2. Home in on the skills and duties described there.
3. Think of times you’ve impressed employers by using those skills.
4. Write resume bullet points that put number to your achievements.

These entry-level accountant resume examples show how:

Job Descriptions for an Entry-Level Accountant Resume

The first one wins and there are no second prizes.

Quantify everything you can—

The benefits you brought to your employer first and foremost.

Both examples show a good use of resume power words—

Which is something you can do even if you don’t have any accounting experience.

Just shift the focus to non-accounting jobs.

Other than job descriptions—

You’ll need a resume skills section.

The trick:

Don’t just spam every impressive-sounding accounting skill you can think of onto the page—

Be selective. Let the job ad show you the key skills for your resume.

The lists below are overkill and just here to get the ball rolling:

Entry-Level Accounting Resume Skills

• Accounting software
• Tax returns
• General ledger
• Financial statements
• Financial analysis
• Financial reporting
• International tax law
• Asset management
• Mathematical skills
• Audit preparation
• Communication skills
• Detail oriented
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking skills
• Time management
• Organization
• Teamwork
• Collaboration
• Interpersonal skills

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4. Turn the Usual Education into a Reason to Hire You

Of the many roads to becoming an accountant—

The vast majority still go through college.

Even with an education much like every other accountant’s—

There’s a lot you can do to stand out.

First:

List your degrees (with majors), school names, and years attended.

Then:

Add a couple of bullet points that speak to key accounting skills.

This entry-level accountant resume example shows how:

Entry-Level Accounting Resume Example—Education Section

Short on accounting experience? 

Include bullet points on projects, classes, and accomplishments that demonstrate accounting skills and general soft skills.

5. Cook Your Entry-Level Accounting Resume With Added Sections

There’s so much more to being a great accountant than being good with beans—

The usual resume sections that everyone uses won’t always be enough.

So—

Add one or two extra sections:

• Additional Activities
• Foreign Languages
• Classes Taken
• Awards
• Hobbies and Interests
• Volunteering
• Certifications on a Resume
• Professional References

These two entry-level accountant resume examples show black vs red:

Entry-Level Accounting Resume Examples—Extra Sections

Something wrong with hobbies and interests?

Absolutely not—

Not as long as they’re clearly relevant to the job at hand.

That’s the most important rule for the whole of your resume.

Nearly there!

You just need to write a cover letter to go with your entry-level accounting resume.

They’ll let you know if you shouldn’t include one, otherwise:

Always assume it’s required.

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Key Points

For an entry-level accounting resume that gets interviews:

• Use the entry-level accounting resume template up top. It’s as clean and logical as a balance sheet.
• Put entry-level accountant achievementsin your resume profile, work history, and education sections to show off your real-world skills.
• Choose the right entry-level accountant skills. The job ad will show you what the right skills are in your particular case.
• Write an entry-level accounting cover letter. Make it stand out by being concrete and grounded even as you billboard your passion for the job.

Got lingering questions on how to get your entry-level accountant resume just right? Drop us a line down below. We’d love to read your comments, feedback, and advice.