Accountant CV Example & Writing Guide

An accountant CV is a professional document that showcases your financial expertise, technical skills, and measurable achievements to help you secure interviews in accounting roles. A CV for such positions must demonstrate precision, highlight relevant qualifications, and pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

In this guide, we'll show you how to write an effective accountant CV, provide examples for different experience levels, and explain what the best format and structure for such a document is. Additionally, we’ll also help you avoid common mistakes that cost candidates interviews.

2 Accountant CV Examples That Get Interviews

Let's look at two practical accountant CV samples before you proceed to writing yours—one for junior accountants and another for senior-level professionals. These CV examples demonstrate the proper formatting, keyword optimisation, and achievement-focused content you should aim for.

Junior Accountant CV Example

Use this example

This example works because it immediately establishes credibility with the ACCA qualification, uses specific metrics, and includes industry-standard software that recruiters look for.

Senior Accountant CV Example

Use this example

This senior-level CV example emphasises leadership, measurable financial impact, and strategic contributions. Plus, the achievements section provides concrete proof of value that sets this candidate apart.

How to Write an Accountant CV: A 5-Step Guide

Writing an accountant CV becomes straightforward when you break it down into manageable steps. According to a government report, the number of jobs in the UK’s financial sector has increased by 8% in the last decade. This means there’s a steady competition with growing opportunities, hence having a well-polished CV is important.

For most accounting roles, the reverse chronological format is the best choice. It lists your most recent experience first, making it easy for recruiters to track your career progression. This format is also ATS-friendly, which is crucial when applying through online portals that use automated screening systems.

Now, let's see how to write each section in detail.

#1. Add Your Contact Details and a Clear CV Headline

Your contact section should include your full name, city and country, professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile. If you have a portfolio of financial models or Excel dashboards, include a link to that as well.

The CV headline is where many candidates miss an opportunity; a strong one immediately tells recruiters what you do and what you specialise in.

Here are some examples of what works here:

The key is specificity; good headlines include your qualification, experience level, or area of expertise. This helps recruiters immediately understand your professional profile.

#2. Highlight Relevant Accounting Skills

Your skills section should balance technical expertise with interpersonal strengths. Start with hard skills—the technical competencies specific to accounting, such as:

Then add soft accountant skills that demonstrate professional effectiveness, including:

Here's how to structure this section:

#3. Showcase Work Experience Using Metrics

This section typically determines whether your accountant CV lands you an interview. Focus on achievements, not responsibilities. Recruiters know what accountants do; they want to know how well you performed.

Use action verbs to start each bullet point; e.g., managed, reconciled, audited, analysed, prepared, developed, implemented, etc. Then add numbers wherever possible.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) and your achievements can be presented like this:

#4. Include Education and Accounting Certifications

Your education section should list your degrees in reverse chronological order, along with the institution, location, and dates of attendance. If you're a recent graduate, you can include relevant modules or your dissertation topic if it relates directly to the role.

Typical degrees include:

Professional qualifications set accountants apart. In the UK, the major accounting bodies are:

If you're part-qualified or working towards certification, include it. This shows commitment and signals that you're developing advanced expertise.

You can also add online certificates from platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning if they're relevant to the position.

Here's how to format this section:

#5. Add Extra Sections (Software, Courses, Projects)

Once you've covered the essentials, consider adding sections that give recruiters a fuller picture of your capabilities.

Software proficiency is crucial in accounting. For example, you can list:

Additionally, courses show commitment to professional development. Include short courses, workshops, or seminars in taxation, payroll, compliance, accounting standards, or financial analysis. Projects can also be especially helpful early in your career; academic projects, Excel dashboards, or bookkeeping systems you've built demonstrate practical application of your skills.

Optional sections you might consider:

Here's an example:

How to Write an Accountant CV With No Experience

To write an accountant CV with no experience, you need to focus on academic achievements, transferable skills, and practical projects. Here’s what you can leverage:

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Accountant CV

Even experienced accountants make CV mistakes that cost them interviews. Here are the most common ones:

Create a Professional CV in Minutes

Do you need help structuring your accountant CV? We’ve got you! Use our CV builder to create a polished, ATS-friendly document in minutes. All you should do is choose from professionally designed templates, enter your details, and download your finished CV ready for submission!

Final Thoughts

An accountant CV represents your chance of demonstrating the precision, professionalism, and financial expertise that define effective accountants. By focusing on measurable achievements, tailoring your application to each role, and presenting your skills on a CV clearly, you significantly improve your chances of securing interviews. 

Accountant CV FAQs

#1. How long should an accountant CV be?

An accountant CV should be one to two pages long. If you're early in your career or applying for junior roles, stick to one page. Senior accountants with extensive experience, multiple qualifications, and a long work history can extend to two pages, but ensure every line adds value. 

#2. What skills should an accountant put on a CV?

An accountant should put a mix of technical and soft skills on a CV. Hard skills like financial reporting, bookkeeping, VAT compliance, and knowledge of UK GAAP or IFRS are essential. Meanwhile, soft skills such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, communication, and time management show you're effective in a team environment. 

#3. Should I include certifications like ACCA or CIMA?

Yes, you should include certifications like ACCA or CIMA since they are highly valued in the UK accounting sector. If you're part-qualified, include that as well; it shows you're working towards full certification. Even if the job doesn't explicitly require a qualification, having one signals credibility, commitment, and advanced technical expertise. 

#4. Do employers prefer a CV or résumé in the UK?

In the UK, employers prefer a "CV" (curriculum vitae), which is standard, while résumés are more commonly used in the United States. A UK CV is typically longer and more detailed than a US résumé, covering education, work experience, skills, and certifications comprehensively.