6 Powerful Tips on How To Write an Accounting CV

If you’re a Bookkeeper that’s looking to take the next step along the career ladder or an Accountant that’s interested in moving firms, your CV is the first opportunity you have to impress prospective companies. 

CVs are the first point of call for hiring managers looking for new talent, so you need to ensure that yours is of the highest quality to stand out from the crowd. 

In our latest blog, we uncover six powerful tips on how to write an accounting CV which will impress any hiring manager! 

How to write an accounting CV

It’s important that your CV is well structured, clear and concise. On average, recruiters spend just six to seven seconds looking at a CV before making a decision on a candidate. That’s not a lot of time to make an impression. Therefore, it’s vital that you make a good first impression. 

With that being said, here are our six top tips on how to write an accounting CV:

• Think power words
• Don’t leave it too late to apply
• Pay attention to sentence structure
• Stay clear of jargon or buzzwords
• Don’t divulge unnecessary details
• Make a statement with a personal statement

Think power words

Using strong language such as ‘calculated’, ‘evaluated’ and ‘quantified’ will really stand out and make your achievements sound even more impressive. By including powerful words, you’re giving credibility to your achievements.

Other power words include:

• Achieved
• Advocated
• Attained
• Defined
• Strengthened
• Facilitated
• Mentored
• Overhauled 
• Collaborated
• Initiated
• Coordinated
• Interpreted
• Developed
• Managed
• Orchestrated

However, it’s important to remember that you can overdo it, so keep your power words to roughly three or four in total. If you include too many, you run the risk of the value of your words being diminished.

Don’t leave it too late to apply

A job advert that attracts many applicants could be closed sooner than expected. Each year, there are around 135,000 job openings for Accountants and Auditors. So whilst there are plenty of opportunities out there, you wouldn’t want to miss out on your dream role because you missed the boat.

One piece of independent research even found that applying in the first week of the job being posted gives the applicant up to eight times more chance of getting the job.

Pay attention to sentence structure

Similar to using powerful words, it’s important to pay attention to sentence structure. Beginning sentences with verbs such as budgeting, tracking, generating and regulating will help your CV flow.

If you’re using bullet points within your CV to list key achievements, keep them short and snappy. 

Stay clear of jargon or buzzwords

Too many buzzwords can make your CV sound obnoxious. There is nothing wrong with knowing your apples but it’s important that your skills and experience aren’t drowned out by overused and uninspiring words. 

Common buzzwords to avoid are:

• Go-Getter 
• Expert
• Ninja
• Responsible for
• Hard worker

What you have done in the past and what you could do for your future employer is the key information you need to show in your CV.

Don’t divulge unnecessary details

Keep your CV short and to the point. Avoid listing unnecessary work experience, your current salary, photographs and private information such as your marital status, age, religious beliefs and National Insurance number. 

Also, try to avoid detailing why you left a previous position. If a hiring manager wishes to know this information, it can be done at the interview stage.

Always remember to include ACCA, CGMA or any other relevant qualifications on your cv!

Make a statement with a personal statement

This section of the CV is where you can really show an employer how passionate you are about the accountancy industry and exactly the value you can bring to their company.

It’s also important to give the hiring manager a glimpse into your character. For example, if you enjoy doing puzzles, list this in the hobbies section of your CV. It will subtly give the impression that you are able to think strategically.

Great hobbies to include are: 

• Games and puzzles to show you can think strategically. 
• Exercise to show that you are self-motivated. 
• Arts and crafts to show that you are creative. 
• Endurance sports to show that you can push yourself. 
• Volunteering to show that you have a compassionate side.

Searching for your dream Accountant job?

Now that you’re equipped with the tools to write a standout accounting CV, you can start searching for your dream accountant job.

Alternatively, why not reach out to one of our specialist consultants who can advise on upcoming positions? We work with hundreds of accountancy practices all over the UK on a range of different positions.

Who is Spencer Clarke Group? 

Since 2017, we've been changing the face of recruitment. From our employees, to the way we do business, to the culture within our office, we're determined to make a difference and create a positive impact on everyone around us.

Recruitment to us isn't just about matching candidates and clients; we’re passionate about finding candidates the perfect job which has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health. 

Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients thrive through the hard work of candidates which we have placed with them. 

We operate in two sectors:

Private Sector

Public Sector 

In eleven specialisms:

Accountancy & Finance

Education & SEND

Construction, Trades & Labour

Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing

Housing

Corporate Functions & Business Support

HR & Workforce Development

IT & Digital

Property & Asset Management  

Planning, Development & Regeneration 

Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering

If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available. 

If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.