Entry Level Accounting Resume—Sample & Job Description

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:

• Accountant Resume
• Accounting Assistant Resume
• Accounting Clerk Resume
• Accounts Payable Resume
• Banking Resume
• Business Analyst Resume
• CPA Resume
• Data Analyst Resume
• Entry-Level Business Analyst Resume
• Finance Resume Guide
• Financial Advisor 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 clear, clean, 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

Detail-oriented accountant with 3+ years’ experience performing accounting duties, recently completed supervised general accounting experience in fulfillment of CPA requirements. Seeking opportunity to apply financial reporting skills in supporting Company ABC’s continued growth. At DocuTrace, caught 25+ critical invoice errors and prepared 67 W-2 and 1099 tax forms.

Accountant with 12 months of experience working under the supervision of a CPA. Looking to join a successful company with plenty of advancement paths. At DocuTrace, checked invoices and prepared W-2 and 1099 tax forms.

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 fresher 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

Passionate accountant student with 2+ years’ experience performing basic accounting duties, currently finishing BS in Accounting. Seeking opportunity to apply financial reporting skills in supporting Company ABC’s continued growth. At Metrac Training Services, assisted with the preparation of 400+ payment orders and invoices as well as paying out wages for 20+ staff through Paychex.

No experience working as a qualified accountant, but very close to graduating from college. Performed office duties, familiar with invoicing and Paychex. Looking for a diverse and fun team to join.

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

Junior Accountant

DocuTrace, Los Angeles, CA

May 2020–June 2021 

• Performed daily deposits of up to $26,000 while processing Accounts Payable.
• Balanced and posted daily receipts and financial transactions for all seven departments.
• Reviewed 2,000+ invoices for coding accuracy, identified at least 25 critical errors.
• Prepared 1099 tax forms for all 23 vendors and W-2s for 44 employees.

Junior Accountant

DocuTrace, Los Angeles, CA

2020–2021

• Performed daily deposits while processing A/P.
• Balanced and posted daily receipts and financial transactions.
• Reviewed invoices for coding accuracy.
• Prepared 1099 tax forms and W-2s.

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

BS in Accounting

University of La Verne, CA

2018–2020

• Pursued a passion for operations management coursework.
• Maintained a 3.91 GPA.

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.

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

Certification

• California State Licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

Professional Membership

• AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)

Certification

• CPA

Hobbies

• Hair sculptures
• Collecting photos of chairs
• Hunting drones

Something wrong with hobbies and interests? Absolutely 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.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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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.

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