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Table of contents

Accounting manager resume examples
Choose the best format for your accounting manager resume
How to write an accounting manager resume in 5 easy steps
Add a cover letter
Accounting manager resume — key takeaways
Frequently asked questions from job seekers

As an accountant, you’ve dealt with financial audits, managed big budgets and played a pivotal role in steering your company toward financial stability. Your expertise has grown the longer you’ve worked in finance, and you’ve developed a rich understanding of your profession.

But even the most experienced accounting managers can stumble when it comes to turning work history and skills into a resume. Thankfully, you’re not on this journey alone — we’re here to give you expert insights and clear directions.

Here, we offer guidance on:

Analyzing resume examples from accomplished accounting managers.
Developing a logical resume structure to showcase your career.
Selecting a resume format and design that aligns with your professional trajectory.
Choosing an approach to represent your broad spectrum of skills and competencies.
Crafting a cover letter that seamlessly complements your resume.

Pressed for time? Simplify your resume-building process with our Resume Maker. Choose a template that mirrors your professional story and enhance it with our finely crafted text suggestions ready for use or customization.

Accounting manager resume examples

Entry Level Accounting manager resume examples

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Why this accounting manager resume sample is so strong

Prioritizes skills
As they enter this role for the first time, the candidate smartly showcases their accounting abilities and familiarity with financial software to emphasize skills that make them a good fit for the role.
Features a resume objective
this candidate has effectively used an objective statement to outline their aspirations and the value they aim to bring to an accounting team.
Blends hard skills and soft skills
While a strong grasp of accounting principles is vital, this resume also emphasizes soft skills crucial for an accounting manager, like teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication.

Experienced Level Accounting manager resume examples

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Why this accounting manager resume sample is so strong

Features a professional layout
Leveraging a neatly organized layout, this resume immediately draws attention to the candidate’s expansive experience and successful financial strategies, encouraging viewers to read more about their accomplished career.
Chronicles a trajectory of career advancement
This resume showcases a clear and impressive career trajectory, listing key roles in reverse-chronological order and showcasing professional milestones with the smart use of bullet points.
Incorporates quantitative data to showcase achievements
By emphasizing a data-driven narrative, it underscores the candidate’s successes through tangible metrics, such as improved financial health indicators and the successful execution of cost-saving initiatives, highlighting a history of fostering positive financial transformations.

Looking for a different job title? Check out our library of resume examples or see similar roles below:

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Choose the best format for your accounting manager resume

Resumes remain the best tool for conveying your professional history in a single page (or two).

The question is, which sections should you include? What order should you place the sections in?
The biggest step toward choosing a structure is the resume format, which plays a major role in presenting your professional trajectory in the best light.

Each of the three principal formats has unique strengths designed to spotlight different aspects of your career. Here’s a closer glance at each of them:

Chronological resume format: Showing off a career journey in reverse-chronological order, this format allows potential employers to readily appreciate the evolution and the critical roles you’ve undertaken in your career. It is the go-to option for accounting managers with extensive experience in the field.
Functional resume format: Perfect for individuals transitioning into accounting management from various backgrounds or for those wishing to spotlight particular competencies. This format accentuates your skills, showcasing your strengths and achievements without focusing heavily on work history.
Combination resume format: A harmonious amalgamation of your skills and work history, this format is ideal for seasoned accounting managers aspiring to demonstrate a profound understanding of industry nuances alongside skill proficiency.

For those well-versed in the accounting field, it is common knowledge that the chronological format enjoys widespread preference. However, if you’re venturing into a new industry, you should consider all three approaches. A combination or functional resume may be just what you need.

With the format settled, you’ll now want to pick a design that mirrors the analytical and strategic dimension of the accounting sector, presenting you as a strong contender.

Selecting the ideal accounting manager resume template

Create your resume

When it comes to choosing a resume template, pick one that makes sense within your chosen career field.

In most cases, accounting managers might find that a simple resume template is a wise choice. This style is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to read and see your accomplishments.

Others may want to differentiate themselves from the many similar applicants. If you see your work environment to be more modern and flexible, a creative resume template might just add that touch of individuality. It allows you to integrate unique design elements without overshadowing your substantial achievements in accounting.

We also offer an array of templates compatible with widely used platforms such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs, allowing you to build your resume in a medium that aligns with your comfort and convenience.

Next up, we’ll start talking about your resume itself — beginning with how to get it past employer screening software.

How to write an accounting manager resume in 5 easy steps

As a seasoned professional, you are no stranger to the expectations and standards employers seek in a potential candidate.

Now, the spotlight turns to you as you prepare to write a resume that makes the most out of your own career journey — in just one or two pages, no less!

Step 1

Decipher the job posting

Begin your preparation with a thorough analysis of the job listing. This foundational step will aid you in identifying the exact requirements and preferences laid out by potential employers. All the better for gauging the essential skills and qualifications they prioritize.

Your experience crafting financial reports and analyzes arms you with the ability to understand the vital role of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in the recruitment landscape today — systems engineered to filter through the plethora of resumes and pinpoint candidates who have the specified skills and qualifications needed for the job.

That’s why you need to write an ATS-friendly resume, one that reflects the job posting and all but guarantees a smooth sail past the ATS barricades.

For example, if the job advertisement emphasizes “strategic financial planning,” “proficiency in budget management,” and a “track record in fiscal leadership,” your resume should include those expressions.

While this may resemble a challenging puzzle initially, remember that your foundational understanding of complexity, grounded in your experience level, gives you an advantage over others. You’ll be a connoisseur of resume personalization in no time.

Now, you’re ready to write.

Step 2

Summarize your professional strengths

Every job-winning resume kicks off with a powerful resume profile. This introductory section will spotlight your proudest achievements and key strengths and tell the employer why you’re the right person for the job.

Generally, there are two options to consider — crafting a professional summary or a resume objective.

If you’re transitioning from a different industry, a resume objective would be a good fit. This profile focuses on your burgeoning skill set as well as your goals — making it explicit where you like to grow in your career and how your agenda aligns with the company.

On the other hand, most accounting managers are very experienced and would find more value in writing a professional summary. This profile outlines your career, touching on the achievements and skills most relevant to the role.

Before we move on, here are examples of each:

Accounting manager professional summary example:

Veteran accounting manager with over 10 years of spearheading financial strategies in high-velocity corporate landscapes. Acclaimed for optimizing financial workflows and fostering fiscal responsibility through strategic planning and adept budget management. Eager to harness this profound expertise to guide a dynamic accounting team to new pinnacles of financial stability and organizational triumph.

Accounting manager resume objective example for an industry transition:

Determined professional eager to transition from [previous industry] to a pivotal role in the software industry. Bringing a rich history of experiences and a fresh perspective that promises to innovate financial management strategies. Ready to employ a deep-seated knowledge in [mention specific skills or knowledge from previous industry] to foster a workspace grounded in financial prudence and continuous growth.

Step 3

Showcase your top skills

Your resume should spotlight your expertise in everything from leading financial strategies to fostering organizational stability and growth. You can highlight some of these abilities in a skills section.

The key to crafting a compelling skills section is in blending hard skills like financial analysis and regulatory compliance with soft skills, such as strategic leadership and collaborative teamwork.

It’s not a matter of hard skills vs soft skills. Instead, it’s about finding a candidate who embodies the best of both worlds.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of competencies often spotlighted in an accounting manager’s resume.

Common skills to find on an accounting manager’s resume:

Hard Skills

Financial reporting and analysis
Budget development and oversight
Regulatory compliance and auditing
Tax preparation and planning
Cash flow management
Strategic financial planning

Soft Skills

Strategic leadership
Team collaboration and mentoring
Critical and analytical thinking
Excellent communication
Adaptability
Problem-solving

Below is a sample skills section to inspire you:

Financial reporting and analysis: crafting comprehensive financial reports to drive informed decision-making.
Regulatory compliance and auditing: ensuring adherence to legal standards while identifying areas for improvement.
Tax preparation and planning: leveraging tax strategies to optimize financial performance.
Strategic financial planning: developing roadmaps to secure financial stability and foster growth.
Strategic leadership: directing teams toward shared goals and organizational success.
Problem-solving: employing critical thinking to navigate complex financial challenges and find innovative solutions.

Pro tip

As with most jobs in 2024, technology is omnipresent for accounting managers, which makes highlighting computer skills and proficiency using financial analysis tools essential. In today’s fast-paced business environment, an accounting manager who excels in data-driven decision-making is a highly valued asset.

Step 4

Highlight your career achievements

Since you have some experience under your belt, your resume should include a substantial work experience section, with bullet points to draw attention to major accomplishments.

Arrange your notable positions in reverse-chronological order, placing the spotlight on your most recent feats first. Then, use bullet points for three or four of the pinnacle moments of each role. Always include the start and end dates as well as the names of the firms you worked for.

If you’ve held many jobs, this section should emphasize the growth trajectory of your career and the increasing responsibility you shouldered over time.

To give your achievements the gravity they merit, include action verbs such as “engineered,” “optimized” and “pioneered.”

Here’s an accounting manager work experience entry for your guidance:

Accounting Manager,Financial Solutions
Phoenix, AZ
February 2019 – Present

Engineered a robust financial reporting system, enhancing report accuracy by 30%.
Optimized budget planning processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in overhead costs.
Pioneered the implementation of cutting-edge accounting software, streamlining operations and improving team productivity by 25%.
Led a series of financial literacy workshops, fostering a culture of transparency and knowledge sharing.
Enhanced financial compliance measures, fortifying the company’s industry standing and reputation.

Pro tip

To stand a cut above the rest, spotlight the tangible outcomes of your leadership. Include distinct metrics, such as “enhanced report accuracy by 30%,” to underscore your role in advancing organizational efficiency and financial health.

Step 5

Showcase your educational background

Including an education section in your resume goes beyond merely listing your formal degrees.

This section should paint a picture of your academic endeavors, complemented with a consistent pursuit of knowledge through relevant industry courses, seminars and certifications that denote your preparedness for leadership roles in the financial sector.

Let’s see how you might want to structure your education section.

Sample education section for an accounting manager resume:

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration (Finance)
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
New York University, New York, NY

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Advanced Financial Management Workshop
Financial Management Association International

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Seminar
Leading Financial Innovators Conference

Additional sections for your accounting manager resume

Languages

Demonstrate your communication skills and potential for international collaboration by mentioning the languages you’re proficient in.

How to list languages on your resume:

Fluent in Mandarin, enhancing collaboration with international teams and stakeholders.
Conversational proficiency in German, aiding in the smooth handling of business communications with German-speaking clients.

Hobbies and interests

Give a taste of your personality by mentioning hobbies and interests that can potentially add value to your role as an accounting manager.

How to list hobbies and interests on your resume:

Chess: Develops strategic thinking and foresight in complex scenarios.
Marathon running: Demonstrates dedication, endurance and a goal-oriented mindset.

Awards

Highlight any awards you’ve received that emphasize your dedication and excellence in the accounting sector.

How to list awards on your resume:

Recognized with the “Innovator of the Year” award from [Name of Awarding Body] for leading a transformative digital transition in accounting processes.
Recipient of the [Name of Company] “Manager of the Year” award for consistent performance and leadership.

Volunteering experience

Show your dedication to community and societal well-being through your volunteer work, illustrating your broader skill set and values.

How to list volunteering experience on your resume:

Offered pro-bono financial literacy workshops for local community centers, enhancing financial acumen in the community.
Volunteered in organizing annual charity fundraisers, demonstrating organizational and financial management skills.

Projects

Demonstrate your industry experience by listing notable projects where you played a significant role, showcasing your capability to drive initiatives to success.

How to list projects on your resume:

Directed the seamless transition to a new automated accounting system, reducing report generation time by 30%.
Played a pivotal role in a cross-functional team that identified and rectified fiscal inefficiencies, saving the company $2 million annually.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Cover letters are a smart way to stand out from the pack.

The cover letter does more than accompany your resume — it enhances it. It gives you a chance to touch on your personal journey and career goals in the accounting field. It gives a voice to your resume, allowing you to share your professional growth story.

Crafting a compelling cover letter can position you a step ahead of other candidates with comparable skills and experiences. It grants you the space to convey your dedication to promoting financial integrity and visionary fiscal strategies that can drive a company’s success.

Check out our extensive resources to develop a cover letter that effectively showcases your passion. Our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter can be your blueprint.

Find just the spark you need to get started by exploring a variety of cover letter examples. Make use of our user-friendly cover letter templates to create a letter that speaks to your strengths as an accounting manager, utilizing our Cover Letter Generator that suggests auto-generated, role-specific content designed for professionals in the accounting field.

Remember, an effective cover letter should go beyond the contents of your resume to offer a deeper insight into your dedication to fostering financial stability and growth through expert accounting management.

Let’s summarize the vital points to remember before we wrap up.

Accounting manager resume — key takeaways

Customize your resume for each role
Dedicate time to finely tailor your resume for each accounting manager position you apply for. Focus on emphasizing experiences and skills that resonate most with the specifications outlined in the job description.
Showcase a comprehensive skill set
Present a well-rounded skill set, merging both your hard skills and your soft skills. Highlight competencies like budgeting and financial reporting alongside interpersonal skills like communication and leadership.
Highlight your achievements with quantifiable metric
Show evidence of your successes with concrete metrics, such as the percentage by which you were able to reduce costs or increase efficiency, giving your previous roles a tangible impact.
Emphasize your commitment to continual learning
Spotlight the efforts you’ve made toward furthering your expertise, such as attending workshops or acquiring additional certifications, painting a portrait of a professional ever eager to evolve and grow.
Underscore your engagement in the financial community
Depict your active participation in the financial sphere, be it through memberships in professional organizations, contributions to financial journals, or attending significant industry conferences, to underscore your dedication to staying abreast of current trends and networkings.
Highlight your proficiency in financial software
In an era heavily reliant on technology, you must mention your expertise with various accounting software and tools, portraying yourself as a tech-savvy professional apt in modern financial management.

Frequently asked questions from job seekers

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.