Accounting Resume 2017: Complete Guide to Writing a Winning Resume

Creating a powerful accounting resume in 2017 required more than listing your education and past jobs. Employers were already shifting toward data-driven hiring, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and competency-based evaluation. Even today, understanding the standards of a strong “Accounting Resume 2017” can help job seekers build a solid, timeless resume foundation.

Whether you are an entry-level accountant, a CPA, or someone transitioning into finance, this guide will walk you through every essential component of a high-performing resume. You will learn structure, formatting, keywords, and practical strategies that still outperform many modern resumes.

If you feel unsure about building your resume, our specialists can help you create a professional, ATS-friendly document. Simply register on our website and get expert support tailored to your career goals.

Table of Contents

• What Makes an Accounting Resume Effective
• Best Resume Format for Accountants
• Key Sections Every Accounting Resume Needs
• Accounting Resume Example (2017 Style)
• Skills, Keywords, and ATS Optimization
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Expert Tips to Stand Out
• FAQ

What Makes an Accounting Resume Effective

An effective accounting resume in 2017 focused on clarity, accuracy, and measurable achievements. Recruiters typically spent less than 10 seconds scanning a resume, making structure and readability critical.

Core Characteristics

• Clear formatting with defined sections
• Quantified achievements (e.g., “reduced costs by 15%”)
• Relevant certifications (CPA, ACCA)
• Keyword optimization for ATS systems

Why It Still Matters Today

Many principles from 2017 remain relevant. ATS systems still rely on keywords, and hiring managers still prefer concise, results-driven resumes.

Checklist: Effective Resume Basics

• ✔ One to two pages maximum
• ✔ Professional summary included
• ✔ Bullet points instead of paragraphs
• ✔ Consistent formatting

Need help refining your resume? Our specialists can guide you step-by-step—just register here to get started.

Best Resume Format for Accountants

Choosing the right format is essential. In 2017, three main resume formats were widely used: chronological, functional, and combination.

Comparison Table

Recommended Choice

The chronological format remains the best choice for most accounting professionals due to its clarity and ATS compatibility.

For ready-made layouts, check out this Microsoft Word resume template guide.

Key Sections Every Accounting Resume Needs

A complete accounting resume should include the following essential sections:

1. Contact Information

• Name
• Email
• Phone number
• LinkedIn profile

2. Professional Summary

A short paragraph highlighting your experience and strengths.

3. Work Experience

List jobs in reverse chronological order with achievements.

4. Education

Include degrees, institutions, and graduation years.

5. Skills

Focus on technical accounting skills and software.

Resume Structure Table

If you’re unsure how to structure your resume, our experts can help—just register here.

Accounting Resume Example (2017 Style)

Here is a simplified example of an accounting resume:

John Doe
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 123-456-789

Professional Summary:
Detail-oriented accountant with 5+ years of experience in financial reporting and tax preparation.

Experience:
Senior Accountant – ABC Corp
- Reduced reporting errors by 20%
- Managed budgets exceeding $2M

Education:
Bachelor’s in Accounting – XYZ University

Skills:
QuickBooks, Excel, Financial Analysis

Checklist: Resume Content Quality

• ✔ Includes measurable results
• ✔ Uses action verbs
• ✔ Avoids vague language
• ✔ Matches job requirements

Also consider reviewing a general cover letter example to complement your resume.

Skills, Keywords, and ATS Optimization

ATS systems scan resumes for keywords. Including the right ones can significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted.

Top Accounting Keywords

• Financial Reporting
• Tax Preparation
• Budgeting
• GAAP
• Auditing

Skills Table

For additional guidance, you can explore resources like reference formatting tips or even niche examples like a modeling resume for beginners to understand formatting diversity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Top Errors Summary

• Lack of keywords
• No measurable results
• Overly long resumes
• Grammar mistakes

You can also review specialized cover letters such as a mental health counselor cover letter or an example cover letter in Nigeria to understand different writing approaches.

Expert Tips to Stand Out

5 Practical Tips

• Use numbers to quantify achievements
• Keep bullet points concise
• Highlight certifications
• Include relevant software skills
• Proofread multiple times

If you want a professionally crafted resume, our specialists are ready to help. Just register on our platform and get started today.

FAQ

1. How long should an accounting resume be?

Ideally one page for entry-level and up to two pages for experienced professionals.

2. What is the best format?

The chronological format is the most widely accepted.

3. Should I include certifications?

Yes, certifications like CPA significantly improve your credibility.

4. How do I pass ATS systems?

Use relevant keywords and simple formatting.

5. What skills should I include?

Focus on accounting software, financial analysis, and compliance knowledge.

6. Can beginners create a strong resume?

Yes, by focusing on education, internships, and transferable skills.

7. Do I need a cover letter?

Yes, it complements your resume and improves your chances.

8. Where can I get professional help?

You can easily register on our website and get expert assistance.