ResumeToolsResources

Assistant Accountant Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

|

12 min read

Gain the edge you need! Learn how to write an assistant accountant resume that balances skills and experience like a pro, helping you stand out to employers and secure your next role in accounting.

4.70 Average rating

Rated by 348 people

Writing a standout assistant accountant resume can seem like balancing your accounts for the first time—challenging but totally doable! Many assistant accountants find it tough to put their skills and experience into words, making job hunting feel even harder. Sometimes, all those professional terms and qualifications can be a real puzzle to present clearly. What's more, you need to catch the hiring manager’s eye quickly, or they might move on. Worried about being too humble or too boastful? Don't be. Getting the right balance is key. That's why this guide is here to help you craft the perfect resume, giving you the best shot at landing that ideal position.

Your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers, so using the right template is critical. A well-structured resume highlights your accounting skills, software knowledge, and experience clearly and professionally. It's not just about listing duties; it’s about showcasing how you’ve made a difference in past roles. Choose a template that matches your qualifications and stands out in a stack of submissions.

Remember, we offer more than 700 resume examples that you can use as a guide. Get started now and craft a resume that works for you!

Key Takeaways

  • Use a well-structured resume template that highlights your accounting skills, software knowledge, and experience clearly and professionally to make a strong first impression.
  • Your resume should showcase not only your duties but also how you’ve made a difference in past roles, emphasizing your attention to detail, analytical skills, and reliability.
  • Key resume sections to include are Contact Information, Professional Summary, Skills, Work Experience, Education, and Certifications, along with optional sections like Computer Skills and Volunteer Experience.
  • Present your experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on jobs related to accounting or finance, and use action words and specific achievements to demonstrate your impact.
  • Including relevant certifications and using a format that passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will help your resume stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of success.

What to focus on when writing your assistant accountant resume

Your assistant accountant resume should convey your attention to detail, analytical skills, and reliability to the recruiter. Highlight your proficiency in accounting software, your ability to meet deadlines, and your experience with financial reporting. A well-crafted resume should reflect your ability to handle accounting tasks independently and support your team. To boost your resume’s impact, include points like:

  • Mastery of QuickBooks and Excel
  • Experience preparing financial statements
  • Ability to reconcile accounts with accuracy
  • Strong communication skills in explaining financial data
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills in resolving discrepancies

Must have information on your assistant accountant resume

When creating a resume for an assistant accountant position, it's crucial to include sections that highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications. Key sections to include are:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Skills
  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Certifications

Adding sections such as "Computer Skills" and "Volunteer Experience" can also provide a more comprehensive view of your background and abilities. These sections will help you stand out to potential employers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Which resume format to choose

When crafting your assistant accountant resume, the best format is the reverse-chronological format. This showcases your most recent experience first, making it easy for employers to see your current skills and roles. Use modern fonts like Rubik or Montserrat instead of outdated ones like Arial or Times New Roman. PDFs are the preferred file type for resumes because they preserve the formatting across different devices. Set your margins to one inch on all sides to ensure a clean look. Clear section headings like "Experience" and "Education" are crucial for passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Your assistant accountant resume should include essential sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Certifications
  • Skills
  • Technical Proficiencies

Resume Mentor's free resume builder handles all these details, making it easy for you to create a polished and professional document.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing the experience section of your assistant accountant resume can be easier than you think. Your goal is to clearly connect your past work to the job you're applying for. List your jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Go back up to 10 years, unless an older job is highly relevant.

Only include positions related to accounting or finance. Tailor each description to match the job you're applying for. Use action words like "improved," "analyzed," and "managed" to show what you did. Numbers and achievements are important. They make your experience more concrete.

Here's an example of a poorly written experience section:

Experience
Assistant Accountant
XYZ Company
New York, NY
Company Description
  • Managed accounts
  • Helped with financial reports
  • Did data entry

In the above example, the bullet points are too vague. They don't show specific achievements or use action words that demonstrate your impact.

Now, here’s a strong example:

Experience
Assistant Accountant
ABC Corp
Los Angeles, CA
A leading marketing firm specializing in digital solutions.
  • Reduced outstanding receivables by 15% within six months
  • Handled monthly budget reports improving expenditure tracking by 20%
  • Streamlined data entry process, increasing efficiency by 25%

This example uses numbers and achievements to show real impact. Each bullet point starts with a strong action word and shows how you improved the company’s financial health. This makes your resume stand out.

In summary, reverse chronological order helps employers see your current skills. Go back 10 years unless an older job fits well. Use numbers and action words to show your impact. Tailoring your resume to the job you want will give you a better chance of success.

Assistant accountant resume experience examples

Ready to crunch some numbers and balance those books? Let's dive into 15 different ways you can highlight your experience as an assistant accountant, ensuring your resume is in ship-shape for any employer!

Achievement-focused

Emphasize your accomplishments and recognition earned in your roles.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

XYZ Financial Services

June 2020 - Present

  • Streamlined the monthly reporting process, reducing time by 20%
  • Recognized as 'Employee of the Month' twice for exceptional performance
  • Successfully managed a portfolio of 50+ client accounts, achieving 98% satisfaction rate

Skills-focused

Showcase the specific skills you've applied in your work.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

ABC Company

January 2018 - May 2020

  • Expert in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions and pivot tables
  • Proficient in QuickBooks and other accounting software
  • Strong analytical skills, with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail

Responsibility-focused

Highlight the key responsibilities you managed in your role.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

LMN Corp.

March 2016 - December 2017

  • Managed accounts payable and receivable processes
  • Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
  • Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations

Project-focused

Concentrate on specific projects you've contributed to or led.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

DEF Enterprises

April 2019 - Present

  • Led the implementation of a new expense tracking system
  • Coordinated with departments to ensure seamless integration
  • Monitored project milestones and adjusted strategies as needed

Result-focused

Detail the outcomes of your work and the impact on the company.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

GHI Industries

August 2017 - March 2019

  • Reduced overdue invoices by 30% through improved collections processes
  • Trained and mentored new team members, improving overall efficiency by 15%
  • Achieved 100% accuracy in financial reporting for two consecutive years

Industry-Specific Focus

Tailor your experience to a specific industry you have worked in.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

HealthFirst Financial

February 2020 - Present

  • Specialized in managing finances for the healthcare industry
  • Developed customized financial reports for hospital departments
  • Ensured compliance with industry-specific financial regulations

Problem-Solving focused

Illustrate your ability to resolve issues and improve processes.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Finance Solutions Inc.

December 2018 - January 2020

  • Identified and resolved discrepancies in financial records
  • Implemented a new tracking system that reduced errors by 25%
  • Developed procedures to streamline the reconciliation process

Innovation-focused

Show your ability to bring new ideas to the table.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Creative Finances Ltd.

July 2017 - October 2018

  • Introduced automated invoicing system, increasing efficiency
  • Developed a new reporting template that improved clarity
  • Collaborated with IT to integrate new accounting software

Leadership-focused

Emphasize your leadership skills and experiences.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Leadership Accounting Services

June 2016 - August 2017

  • Supervised a team of 3 junior accountants
  • Provided guidance and support during the month-end close
  • Led training sessions on new accounting software

Customer-focused

Highlight your dedication to customer service and client relations.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Client Focused Accountants

May 2015 - July 2016

  • Maintained strong relationships with 30+ clients
  • Provided regular updates and reports to clients
  • Resolved client inquiries promptly and professionally

Growth-focused

Demonstrate your contributions to company growth and expansion.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Growth Partners Accounting

September 2014 - April 2015

  • Contributed to a 10% increase in company revenue through accurate reporting
  • Assisted in the financial planning for a new business unit
  • Optimized budgeting processes, saving the company $50,000 annually

Efficiency-focused

Show how you have improved efficiency in your roles.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Efficiency Experts Inc.

February 2013 - August 2014

  • Redesigned expense report procedures, reducing processing time by 30%
  • Utilized software to automate repetitive tasks, boosting productivity
  • Implemented cost-saving measures that reduced expenses by 15%

Technology-focused

Highlight your expertise with accounting software and technology.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Tech Savvy Accountants

March 2011 - January 2013

  • Skilled in using ERP systems for financial management
  • Implemented new accounting software to streamline operations
  • Provided training on new technologies to accounting staff

Collaboration-focused

Show how you have worked with others to achieve goals.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Teamwork Accounting

July 2009 - February 2011

  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams for budget planning
  • Worked closely with auditors to ensure compliance
  • Coordinated with finance team to prepare financial reports

Training and Development focused

Emphasize your experience in training and developing others.

Work Experience

Assistant Accountant

Skill Builders LLC

May 2007 - June 2009

  • Conducted training sessions for new hires on accounting procedures
  • Developed training materials for accounting software
  • Mentored junior staff, enhancing their skills and performance

Write your assistant accountant resume summary section

Writing a strong resume summary for an assistant accountant role is essential to catch an employer’s eye. Your summary should be three to five brief sentences that highlight your skills, experience, and what you bring to the role. This is your first impression, so make it count.

Describe yourself with action-packed and quantifiable statements. Avoid vague language. Mention specific skills, like proficiency in accounting software or experience with financial reporting. Show personality but remain professional.

A resume summary differs from a resume objective, which focuses more on your career goals rather than past accomplishments. A resume profile is similar to a summary but often more detailed. A summary of qualifications is a list of your key skills and achievements.

Here’s an example of what not to do:

SUMMARY
Looking for a job where I can use my accounting skills.

This summary is bad because it’s too vague and doesn’t tell the employer anything specific about what you bring to the table. There's no mention of your past achievements or skills.

Now, let’s see a well-written example:

SUMMARY
Detail-oriented assistant accountant with 3 years of experience in handling financial reports, budgets, and tax preparations. Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks while consistently meeting deadlines.

This example is excellent because it is specific and includes key skills and experiences. It shows you are capable, organized, and know the tools of your trade.

Listing your assistant accountant skills on your resume

Writing a skills section for your assistant accountant resume is crucial for highlighting your qualifications. Skills can either be a standalone section or incorporated into other sections like your experience and summary. Highlighting your strengths and soft skills is essential—for instance, strong analytical abilities and effective communication are valuable for an assistant accountant. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities like proficiency in accounting software or financial analysis.

Including these skills and strengths transforms them into resume keywords which make your resume more likely to be noticed by both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems.

Skills
Financial Reporting
Bookkeeping
Accounts Payable/Receivable
Bank Reconciliation
Data Analysis
Tax Preparation
QuickBooks
Microsoft Excel

This example is good because it concisely lists relevant skills without unnecessary detail, focusing on abilities related to assistant accountant duties. Having these skills as a standalone section makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications. Each skill is specific and crucial for the role, making your resume compelling and straightforward.

Best hard skills to feature on your assistant accountant resume

Hard skills are the technical abilities you need to perform your tasks effectively. For an assistant accountant, they should communicate your capability to handle financial data, use accounting software, and perform relevant analytical tasks.

Hard Skills

  • Financial Reporting
  • Bookkeeping
  • Accounts Payable/Receivable
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Data Analysis
  • Tax Preparation
  • QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Financial Forecasting
  • Payroll Management
  • Budgeting
  • General Ledger Accounting
  • Audit Support
  • Cost Analysis
  • Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

Best soft skills to feature on your assistant accountant resume

Soft skills are interpersonal attributes that enhance your ability to work well with others and fit into a company culture. For an assistant accountant, they should communicate your ability to be detail-oriented, ethical, and versatile in a dynamic environment.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Problem-solving
  • Ethics and Integrity
  • Adaptability
  • Team Collaboration
  • Organizational Skills
  • Multitasking
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Self-motivation
  • Patience
  • Customer Service
  • Dependability
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure

How to include your education on your resume

The education section is an important part of your assistant accountant resume. It should be tailored to the job you are applying for — irrelevant education should not be included. If you have a high GPA, include it to show your academic achievements. Mention any honors like cum laude to highlight your excellence. List your degree clearly, indicating the degree type, major, institution, and dates attended.

Here are examples illustrating a poorly written and an exceptionally well-written education section:

Education
Bachelor of Arts
Some Random University
Some City, Some Country

This example is not good. It includes a degree irrelevant to accounting without any GPA or honors mentioned. Moreover, location information is not always needed.

Here is a better example:

Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, cum laude
University of Example
GPA
3.8
/
4.0

This example is excellent because it showcases a relevant degree and honors, along with a strong GPA. It demonstrates academic excellence in a field directly related to the job.

How to include assistant accountant certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section on your assistant accountant resume is crucial. It highlights your qualifications and proves your expertise. Start by listing the name of the certificate. Include the date when you obtained it. Add the issuing organization to provide authenticity. Ensure the information is clear and concise.

You can also include certificates in the header. For instance, list CPA, Microsoft Excel Certification next to your name. This makes it stand out and shows your qualifications at a glance.

Here is an example of a standalone certificates section:

Certificates
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
American Institute of CPAs
Microsoft Excel Certification
Microsoft

This example is good because it includes relevant certifications for an assistant accountant. It shows your professional development and skills. The section is straightforward and easy to read. Listing the organization adds credibility to your qualifications. This setup clearly communicates your credentials to potential employers.

Extra sections to include in your assistant accountant resume

Crafting a standout resume requires attention to detail and the inclusion of sections that highlight your diverse skills and experiences. As an assistant accountant, it’s crucial to showcase not only your technical skills but also other attributes that can set you apart.

  • Language section—List any languages you speak fluently, like Spanish or Mandarin, to show your ability to communicate with a wider range of clients. This can give you an edge in today's globalized job market.
  • Hobbies and interests section—Mention activities like playing chess or participating in marathons to show that you have discipline and strategic thinking. This section helps employers see that you're a well-rounded individual.
  • Volunteer work section—Highlight any unpaid work, such as assisting with community tax preparation, to show your dedication to helping others. This demonstrates your commitment to contributing positively to society.
  • Books section—Share titles of accounting or business books you’ve read, such as "Rich Dad Poor Dad" or "The Intelligent Investor." This shows that you are invested in continuous learning and personal growth.

By adding these sections to your resume, you enrich your profile and make it more appealing to potential employers. This multifaceted approach helps you stand out in a competitive job market. It also gives hiring managers a fuller picture of who you are beyond just your work experience.

Pair your assistant accountant resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It introduces you to the employer, highlighting your skills and experiences that make you the right fit for the position. A well-crafted cover letter can provide a deeper insight into your qualifications and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job.

For an assistant accountant, your cover letter should focus on your attention to detail, proficiency with accounting software, and your ability to handle financial records accurately. It should also highlight any relevant coursework or internships you completed, such as during your time studying from 2019 to 2023. Mention specific achievements that reflect your ability to manage numbers and support senior accountants.

Ready to make your cover letter? Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder for an easy-to-use experience, and ensure your content and formatting are protected when you export to PDF.

Scarlett Anderson

Denver, Colorado

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@resumementor.com


Dear Hiring Manager

I have been consistently impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to excellence and innovation within the accounting industry. With over 8 years of experience in various accounting roles and a proven track record of optimizing financial processes, I am eager to bring my expertise to your esteemed team.

During my tenure at Skanska USA, I spearheaded a tax return project that ensured full compliance with federal and state regulations. This project not only mitigated potential penalties but also involved developing and implementing robust financial controls and procedures. My ability to lead such initiatives demonstrates my proficiency in tax return preparation, regulatory compliance, and financial accuracy.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s continued success. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications align with your needs. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.

Sincerely,

Scarlett Anderson

Assistant Accountant
Side Banner Cta Image

Make job-hunting a breeze!

Build your resume and focus on finding the right job

Build Resume