We want to ensure that all StaySharp students have the best chance at success in their chosen profession, even after they’ve completed their course with us. Below are a selection of accounting CV examples and cover letter advice for those looking to take their first steps into a new career.
Accounting CV examples
Below are accounting and finance CV examples designed to assist those looking to make a great first impression on prospective employers and break into a career in the world of accounting. These Accounting CV examples are not designed to be copied verbatim but are there so serve as inspiration for your own CV.
Personal details
At the top of your accounting CV, you should fill in relevant personal information and contact details.
Example:
Full name
Home address
Contact number
Email address
Personal statement
As seen in the Accounting CV examples below, the personal statement section at the beginning of your CV serves as an introduction to yourself and a summary of the rest of your CV. It presents an opportunity to make a positive first impression, which is crucial in accounting, where employers may have to sift through hundreds of CVs for each job vacancy.
In fact, employers often use the personal statement section to determine whether to continue reading an applicant’s CV to the end. To maximise this opportunity, it is crucial to keep this section concise. Introduce yourself, highlight your accounting qualifications and experience, articulate your career goals, and showcase your skills, as shown in these personal statement examples accountants in different stages of their career can use.
Accounting CV examples - example personal statement for entry-level accounting role:
I am a highly driven and ambitious individual who has recently acquired my [relevant Accounting qualification – AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, etc.] - now I am eager to apply my strong analytical and problem-solving skills to an entry-level Accountancy role. I possess a solid understanding of accounting principles and have gained practical experience through [list any relevant work experience or practical training]. I am a quick learner and am excited to continue developing my skills while contributing to a team-oriented and growth-focused organisation.
Accounting CV examples - example personal statement for senior accounting role:
I am a highly motivated and experienced Accounting professional seeking a [Chartered Accountant, Management Accountant] role. With [months/years of Accounting experience you have] experience in Accounting, I have developed an advanced skillset, including excellent Mathematics skills, an affinity for organisation and an ability to communicate and break down advanced Accounting data to clients and other parties.
I am confident that my experience, skills, and advanced Accounting abilities make me an ideal candidate for a [Chartered Accountant, Management Accountant] role and I am eager to bring my expertise to an organisation that values accuracy, efficiency and innovation within its Accounts department.
Previous experience
When listing your career history or previous experience on your Accounting CV, limit it to the last five years or your last three job roles. Arrange it in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job at the top. For each position, include the job title, company name, location, and employment duration.
Keep the descriptions brief, using bullet points to list the responsibilities of each job role for easier reading, as shown in the Accounting CV examples below:
Example:
[Job title], [Company]
[Location] – [Employment period - e.g: July 2021 – March 2023]
In my role as [job title],
I was responsible for a range of Accounting processes, including:
- Processing accounts data using [relevant software]
- Communicating data to clients
- Processing incomings and outgoings…
Try to keep bullet points for each job role to a maximum of 10.
Education
In the Education section, present details of your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent Accountancy qualification. Avoid listing all of your GCSE qualifications individually as most of these are not usually considered relevant.
Example:
Accountancy qualifications:
[Training provider – e.g: StaySharp] - [Course studied – e.g: ACCA Level 3 Strategic Professional]
Degrees:
[University name] - [Degree achieved]
A-Levels & equivalent:
All studied and achieved at [school/college], [location].
[Subject] – [Grade]
[Subject] – [Grade]
[Subject] – [Grade]
GCSEs & equivalent:
I achieved [Number] GCSEs, grades ranging [lowest to highest grade], including Maths and English.
Career achievements and awards
Utilise this section to provide a concise overview of any notable awards or achievements that could enhance your application, including the corresponding dates. These may include leading charity projects for your employer, recognition of excellent work on a long-term basis (such as employee of the year) and awards achieved by teams under your leadership.
Present this information in bullet points for clarity.
References
Even if you have references in place, you aren’t expected to include these on your CV. Instead, state that your ‘References are available on request’, should your prospective employer need more information about you.
Accountant cover letter example
You aren’t always expected to attach a cover letter to your job applications but including one can certainly help to strengthen your application and help you to stand out, especially in a competitive field such as Accounting. However, you may be looking for some cover letter advice to ensure you write a good cover letter.
Your cover letter serves as an introduction to both you and your motivation for applying for the job. Consider it an extended version of your personal statement section in your CV, offering prospective employers deeper insight into your personality and passion for the job opening.
Example:
To whom it may concern,
I am incredibly eager to apply for your [job title] role at [company name]. As a highly motivated and detail-oriented accounting professional, I believe that I possess the skills and experience required to excel in this role.
I am a [ACCA/AAT/CIMA certified] individual with [months/years Accounting experience]. I have extensive knowledge and skills that I could bring to the position, such as [list relevant skills] and have experience in [list tasks, responsibilities and processes you have worked on].
As a team player and effective communicator, I have a proven track record of working effectively with colleagues and clients to deliver exceptional service. I am passionate about providing value-added solutions to clients and continuously striving to streamline their business processes through effective Accounting practices.
In addition to the skills listed above, I have a strong business acumen and am familiar with accounting software such [list software you are proficient in using]. I am confident that my experience and expertise make me an ideal candidate for the [job title] role.
I am excited about the opportunity to join [company name] and contribute to the continued success of the firm. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If you’re looking to take the first steps towards a career in accountancy, take a look at the Accounting & Finance courses we offer.
If you have completed your chosen accounting courses but are unsure where to go from here, explore the many Accountancy & Finance professions open to those with AAT, ACCA and CGMA qualifications.
