Accountant Resume Example & Keywords (2026)
Accounting resumes are read for credentials, process ownership, and software fluency. Use this example to surface GAAP and ERP keywords and to quantify the close cycles, reconciliations, and reporting you owned.
In short
An accountant resume should lead with credentials (CPA, GAAP) and core processes — month-end close, reconciliations, AP/AR, financial reporting — then quantify accuracy, time saved, and dollars handled. ATS filters for accounting often screen on certifications and software like QuickBooks, NetSuite, or SAP.
Top Accountant resume keywords (ATS)
Applicant tracking systems match your resume against the job description, so mirror the terms below that genuinely apply to you — ideally in your summary and skills sections where they carry the most weight.
Example professional summary
Detail-oriented accountant (CPA) with 6 years in general ledger, month-end close, and financial reporting under GAAP. Reduced close time and improved reconciliation accuracy while supporting clean external audits. Advanced in Excel and NetSuite with a track record of strengthening internal controls.
Example resume bullet points
- Owned the full month-end close for a $40M-revenue entity, cutting close time from 8 to 5 business days through a standardized checklist.
- Reconciled 25+ GL accounts monthly with a 99.8% accuracy rate, reducing audit adjustments to near zero.
- Prepared monthly financial statements under GAAP and variance analysis that informed leadership budget decisions.
- Automated recurring journal entries and AP workflows in NetSuite, eliminating ~10 hours of manual work per month.
- Supported two clean external audits by preparing PBC schedules and documentation with no material findings.
- Strengthened SOX internal controls over the revenue cycle, closing 4 control gaps identified in internal review.
Tips for a strong Accountant resume
- Put CPA and GAAP in your summary and skills — accounting ATS filters frequently require them.
- Name your ERP/software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP) since postings screen on specific systems.
- Quantify close cycle, reconciliation accuracy, dollars/entities handled, and audit outcomes.
FAQ
Should an accountant resume list a CPA?
If you hold a CPA (or are a candidate), put it in your name line and summary — many accounting postings require or prefer it, and ATS filters screen for it. Also list the GAAP framework and any specialized areas (tax, audit, SOX).
What accounting software should I include?
List the ERP and tools named in the posting that you actually use — commonly QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, and advanced Excel. These are among the most-matched keywords for accounting roles.
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