Public Accountant Resume Writing Guide & Examples

Are you looking to land your dream job as a public accountant? A well-crafted resume is the first step towards achieving your goal. In this guide, we will provide you with actionable insights and practical advice on how to write a public accountant resume that stands out from the crowd. With our expert tips and examples, you can start landing interviews today!

How to Write Public Accountant Resume That Stands Out?

As a public accountant, your resume should showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in the finance and accounting industry. Here are some tips to help you write a resume that stands out:

  • Highlight your education: Your education is an important aspect of your resume. Make sure to highlight your degree, major, and any relevant coursework or certifications. This will show potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field.
  • Showcase your experience: Your experience is another crucial aspect of your resume. Make sure to highlight your previous roles, responsibilities, and achievements in the finance and accounting industry. This will demonstrate your expertise and ability to handle complex financial tasks.
  • Emphasize your skills: As a public accountant, you need to have a wide range of skills, including financial analysis, tax preparation, and auditing. Make sure to highlight these skills in your resume, along with any other relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
  • Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements in previous roles. This will help potential employers understand the impact you have made in your previous positions and demonstrate your ability to deliver results.
  • Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Research the company and the job description to understand the skills and experience they are looking for, and make sure to highlight these in your resume.

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What Recruiters Consider in Public Accountant Resume?

Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for a single job opening, and they have to filter out the best candidates from the rest. Therefore, it is essential to make your resume stand out from the crowd. When it comes to public accountant resumes, recruiters look for specific skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Here are some of the things that recruiters consider in a public accountant resume:

Firstly, recruiters look for relevant education and certifications. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is a must-have for a public accountant role. Additionally, certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) can give you an edge over other candidates.

Secondly, recruiters look for relevant work experience. Public accountants are responsible for managing financial records, preparing tax returns, and providing financial advice to clients. Therefore, recruiters look for candidates who have experience in these areas. If you have worked in a public accounting firm or have experience in tax preparation, make sure to highlight it in your resume.

Lastly, recruiters look for soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Public accountants work with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders, so it is essential to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Additionally, public accountants often work on complex financial problems, so problem-solving skills are also crucial.

Key Elements to Include in Your Public Accountant Resume

Your resume is your marketing tool, and it should showcase your skills and experiences in the best possible way. Here are some key elements that you should include in your public accountant resume:

  • Objective: Start your resume with a clear objective that highlights your career goals and how you can contribute to the organization.
  • Education: List your education qualifications, including your degree, major, and any relevant certifications.
  • Work Experience: Highlight your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Make sure to include your job title, company name, and job responsibilities.
  • Skills: List your technical and soft skills that are relevant to the public accountant role. Technical skills may include tax preparation, financial analysis, and accounting software. Soft skills may include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
  • Achievements: Include any achievements or awards that you have received in your career. This can help you stand out from other candidates.
  • References: Include references from your previous employers or colleagues who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

By including these key elements in your public accountant resume, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and landing your dream job.

Public Accountant Resume Examples

If you’re looking for a job as a public accountant, having a strong resume is essential. In this article, we’ll share four different resume examples to help you create a winning resume that showcases your skills and experience.


Public Accountant Chronological Resume Example – 1

John Doe

123 Main Street

Anytown, USA 12345

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]


Objective:

To obtain a position as a public accountant with a reputable firm where I can utilize my skills and experience to contribute to the success of the company.


Education:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, Anytown, USA

Graduated May 20XX


Experience:

Public Accountant, ABC Accounting Firm, Anytown, USA

June 20XX – Present

  • Prepare and review financial statements for clients
  • Assist clients with tax planning and compliance
  • Perform audits and reviews of client financial statements
  • Provide consulting services to clients on various accounting and financial matters

Accounting Intern, XYZ Corporation, Anytown, USA

May 20XX – August 20XX

  • Assisted with accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • Prepared journal entries and reconciled bank statements
  • Assisted with month-end and year-end closing procedures

Skills:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized

The chronological resume template is a popular choice for public accountants because it highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is easy to read and allows employers to quickly see your career progression and the skills you’ve developed over time. In this example, John Doe’s resume showcases his education, work experience, and skills in a clear and concise manner.


Public Accountant Chronological Resume Example – 2

John Doe

123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345

(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Objective:

To obtain a position as a Public Accountant in a reputable firm where I can utilize my skills and experience to contribute to the success of the organization.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, XYZ University, Anytown, USA, May 2010

Experience:

Public Accountant, ABC Accounting Firm, Anytown, USA

June 2010 – Present

  • Prepare and review financial statements, tax returns, and other financial reports for clients
  • Provide tax planning and consulting services to clients
  • Assist clients with accounting software implementation and training
  • Supervise and train junior staff members

Accounting Intern, DEF Accounting Firm, Anytown, USA

May 2009 – August 2009

  • Assisted with preparation of financial statements and tax returns
  • Conducted research on tax laws and regulations
  • Assisted with client bookkeeping and payroll processing

Skills:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and accounting software such as QuickBooks and Peachtree
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

A chronological resume template is a type of resume that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and working backwards. This type of resume is ideal for individuals who have a strong work history and want to highlight their career progression. The chronological resume template is easy to read and allows employers to quickly see your work experience and accomplishments. It is a popular choice among job seekers in many industries, including accounting. The above Public Accountant Chronological Resume Example – 2 is a great template to follow for anyone looking to create a strong and effective resume in the accounting field.


Public Accountant Functional Resume Example – 1

John Doe

123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345

(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]


Objective:

To obtain a position as a Public Accountant where my skills and experience can be utilized to contribute to the success of the organization.


Summary:
  • Over 5 years of experience in public accounting
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and tax laws
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks

Professional Experience:
Public Accountant, XYZ Accounting Firm

Anytown, USA

January 2018 – Present

  • Prepare and review financial statements for clients
  • Assist clients with tax planning and compliance
  • Perform audits and reviews of client financial statements
  • Train and mentor junior staff members
Staff Accountant, ABC Accounting Firm

Anytown, USA

June 2015 – December 2017

  • Prepared tax returns for individuals and small businesses
  • Assisted with audits and reviews of client financial statements
  • Performed bookkeeping and payroll services for clients

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Anytown University

Graduated May 2015

This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience in public accounting. The objective statement clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the summary section provides a brief overview of their qualifications. The professional experience section is organized by job title and includes specific responsibilities and accomplishments. The education section is brief but includes relevant information about the candidate’s degree and graduation date.



Public Accountant Functional Resume Example – 2

John Doe

123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345

(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]


Objective:

To obtain a position as a Public Accountant where my skills and experience can be utilized to contribute to the success of the organization.


Summary:
  • Over 5 years of experience in public accounting
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and tax laws
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks

Professional Experience:
Public Accountant, XYZ Accounting Firm

Anytown, USA

January 2018 – Present

  • Prepare and review financial statements for clients
  • Assist clients with tax planning and compliance
  • Perform audits and reviews of client financial statements
  • Train and mentor junior staff members
Staff Accountant, ABC Accounting Firm

Anytown, USA

June 2015 – December 2017

  • Prepared tax returns for individuals and small businesses
  • Assisted with audits and reviews of client financial statements
  • Performed bookkeeping and payroll services for clients

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Anytown University

Graduated May 2015

This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience in public accounting. The objective statement clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the summary section provides a brief overview of their qualifications. The professional experience section is organized by job title and includes specific responsibilities and accomplishments. The education section is brief but includes relevant information about the candidate’s degree and graduation date.


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Public Accountant Combination Resume Example – 1

John Doe

123 Main Street, Anytown USA 12345

(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]


Objective:

To obtain a challenging position as a Public Accountant where my skills and experience can be utilized to their fullest potential.


Summary:

Experienced Public Accountant with over 5 years of experience in financial analysis, tax preparation, and auditing. Proficient in QuickBooks, Excel, and other accounting software. Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.


Experience:

Public Accountant

ABC Accounting Firm, Anytown USA

June 2018 – Present

  • Prepare and review financial statements for clients
  • Conduct audits and provide recommendations for improving financial processes
  • Prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses
  • Assist clients with financial planning and budgeting

Staff Accountant

XYZ Accounting Firm, Anytown USA

January 2016 – June 2018

  • Assisted with financial statement preparation and review
  • Prepared tax returns for individuals and businesses
  • Conducted audits and provided recommendations for improving financial processes
  • Assisted clients with bookkeeping and payroll

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Anytown University, Anytown USA

Graduated May 2015


Skills:

  • Financial analysis
  • Tax preparation
  • Auditing
  • QuickBooks
  • Excel
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork

This combination resume example showcases the candidate’s experience and skills in a clear and concise manner. The objective statement at the beginning of the resume highlights the candidate’s career goals, while the summary section provides an overview of their experience and skills. The experience section is organized in reverse chronological order, with bullet points highlighting the candidate’s key responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. The education and skills sections provide additional information about the candidate’s qualifications and abilities. Overall, this resume template is an effective way for a Public Accountant to showcase their experience and skills to potential employers.


Public Accountant Combination Resume Example – 2

John Doe

123 Main Street, Anytown USA 12345

(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]


Objective:

To obtain a challenging position as a Public Accountant where my skills and experience can be utilized to their fullest potential.


Summary:

  • Over 5 years of experience in public accounting
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and tax laws
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks

Professional Experience:

Public Accountant, ABC Accounting Firm

Anytown USA | January 2018 – Present

  • Prepare and review financial statements for clients
  • Assist clients with tax planning and compliance
  • Perform audits and reviews of client financial statements
  • Train and supervise junior staff members
Staff Accountant, XYZ Accounting Firm

Anytown USA | June 2015 – December 2017

  • Prepared tax returns for individuals and small businesses
  • Assisted with audits and reviews of client financial statements
  • Performed bookkeeping and payroll services for clients
  • Assisted with tax planning and compliance for clients

Education:

    • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Anytown University, Anytown USA
    • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

This combination resume example showcases the candidate’s skills and experience in public accounting. The objective statement highlights the candidate’s career goals, while the summary section provides a brief overview of their qualifications. The professional experience section details the candidate’s work history, including their responsibilities and achievements in previous roles. The education section lists the candidate’s academic credentials and professional certifications. This resume format is ideal for candidates with a solid work history and a range of skills and experience to showcase.

Read Also: Public Accountant Job Posting Template: Tips & Examples

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Public Accountant Resume

As a public accountant, your resume is your first impression on potential employers. It is essential to make sure that your resume is well-written and highlights your skills and experience. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your public accountant resume:

Do’s:

  • Highlight your certifications: As a public accountant, you need to have specific certifications. Make sure to highlight them on your resume.
  • Showcase your experience: Employers want to see that you have experience in the field. Make sure to highlight your previous work experience and any relevant projects you have worked on.
  • Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems to screen resumes. Make sure to use keywords that are relevant to the job description.
  • Quantify your achievements: Use numbers to showcase your achievements. For example, if you saved a company money, include the amount.
  • Proofread: Make sure to proofread your resume for any errors. Spelling and grammar mistakes can hurt your chances of getting hired.

Don’ts:

  • Include irrelevant information: Stick to relevant information that showcases your skills and experience.
  • Use a generic resume: Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. A generic resume will not stand out to potential employers.
  • Include personal information: Personal information such as your age, marital status, or religion is not relevant to the job and should not be included.
  • Use a fancy font: Stick to a simple font that is easy to read. A fancy font can be distracting and make your resume difficult to read.
  • Lie: Never lie on your resume. Employers will find out, and it will hurt your chances of getting hired.

Conclusion

Writing a public accountant resume can be challenging, but by following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and experience. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for and proofread it for any errors. With a well-written resume, you can increase your chances of getting hired as a public accountant.

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