How to write an accounting manager CV (with example)

If you're looking for a job as an accounting manager, submitting a well-written CV with your job application helps you secure an interview that may lead to a lucrative job offer. A professionally crafted CV enables recruiters to review your credentials and evaluate your suitability for the role and the organisation. A professional CV distinguishes you from other candidates and boosts your chances of success. In this article, we discuss what an accounting manager CV is and explain how to write one, alongside a template, example and some tips to help you.

What is an accounting manager CV?

An accounting manager CV documents your qualifications, skills and professional experience in the fields of finance and accounting. It enables recruiters to assess whether you meet the job requirements and are a good match for the role and the organisation. The role of accounting manager is a mid-to-senior level position, so applicants are usually expected to have extensive experience and a range of hard and soft skills. The ideal CV for this position prioritises this information. You may continue to update your CV to include new credentials, significant professional achievements and new employment details as you work.

Related: A guide to accounting standards (UK GAAP and IFRS)

How to write a CV for an accounting manager position

The content and layout of your CV demonstrate your attention to detail and written communication skills. Notably, ensuring your work is error-free and easy to read is vital for an accounting manager job. Follow these steps to help you write your CV:

1. Include your contact details

Write your contact details at the top of your document or in the header. This includes your full name, phone number, email address and the town or city where you live. Choose a professional-looking email address and consider including any links to professional social media pages or online portfolios. Ensure these details are correct so a recruiter may contact you if necessary.

Related: The ultimate guide to CV basics (with example)

2. Write a professional summary

Your professional summary outlines your relevant experience and abilities that may benefit the employer. Review the job description and its requirements to help you write your summary. Key accounting manager keywords include financial analysis, IFRS knowledge and auditing experience. Write a two- or three-sentence synopsis of your credentials, including your qualifications and professional experience. Conduct some research into the organisation, as this may enable you to match their goals with your own. If you undertook some industry-related volunteer work, consider mentioning it in your summary.

Related: Public vs. private accounting: similarities and differences

3. List your work history

List your work history in reverse chronological order, ensuring your current or most recent position comes first. For each role, include your job title, your length of service and the employer's name and location. Provide brief details of any significant achievements in these roles in bullet list form to make them easier to read. Remember to refer back to the accounting manager keywords used in the job description. If your work history is extensive or diverse, include only the most relevant roles.

Related: How to write work experience on a CV (tips and example)

4. List your key skills

Try to list at least six key skills. Focus on the specific skills that directly contribute to your credentials as an accounting manager, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), financial report writing and your proficiency with any particular accounting software. Your skills list may also include transferrable skills, such as communication, collaboration and decision-making.

Related: Software for accounting: 8 software options to consider

5. Provide your educational background

State your most recent or highest qualification and the name of the institution where you obtained it. You may also include formal certifications or diplomas in this section. In particular, include any job-specific courses you completed, such as forensic accounting or management training.

Related: How to list certifications on a CV: template and examples

CV template for an accounting manager position

Following a framework helps you create a more professional CV. Here's a template you may use:

[First name] [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [Town or city]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional].

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [Town or city]

• (Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [Town or city]

• (Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

Skills
[Category]: [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]
[Category]: [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]

Education
[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]

[Certification name], [Host organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Example CV for an accounting manager position

Reviewing CV examples also helps you create a more professional CV containing the required information in an easy-to-read format. Here's an example to help you write your CV:

Cody Metcalfe
01733 555112 | cody.metcalfe@email.com | Peterborough

Professional Summary
Experienced accounting manager with eight years of experience in the finance sector. Extensive knowledge of corporate finance and tax regulations, a proven ability to implement cost-saving measures and an exemplary work ethic. Strong leadership and team-building skills through motivation and mentorship.

Experience
Accounting Manager | January 2018–Current
Pharmacool Logistics | Peterborough

• evaluate and trial new fleet management and route planning software, helping synchronise the company's vehicle maintenance, repair and replacement schedule and reducing total transport and logistics costs by 30%

• recruit new employees and promote staff to form an efficient and professional team to run a new satellite office

• initiate quarterly client contract reviews, boosting turnover by 10%

• produce monthly financial reports for senior executives, detailing continued savings on operating costs

• participate in budget reviews and CapEx planning meetings

Assistant Accounting Manager | January 2014–December 2017
Conservation Conversations | Cambridge

• assisted with the implementation of accounting principles

• monitored tax regulations and updates

• prepared financial reports for half-yearly external audits

Skills
Hard skills: Financial analysis | Accounts reconciliation | Forecasting | Proficiency with accounting and presentation graphics software | Compliance with financial regulations, tax laws and legal obligations for registered charities| In-depth knowledge of UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Soft skills: Communication | Leadership | Organisation | Analytics | Decision making | Problem solving

Education
MA Accounting and Business Admin, Cambridge Academy of Finance and Economics
BSc in Economics, Southam University

Related: What is the role of accounting in business? (With jobs)

Tips for writing your CV

Here are a few tips to consider when creating your CV:

• Be consistent. Select a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Calibri, Tahoma or Verdana. Use the same font style, font size, line spacing and margin settings throughout the document.

• Be specific and concise. Include only role-specific information to emphasise how your credentials match the role requirements.

• Use industry-specific language. Use accounting-specific terminology to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with other finance professionals.

• Use keywords. Examine the job listing carefully and select several keywords to incorporate into your CV.

• Use action words. Use descriptive action words when listing your experience and skills. For example, use words such as achieved, created, developed, initiated and strengthened.

• Proofread your CV. Check your CV is free of spelling, punctuation and grammar errors and ensure the line spacing, margins and formatting are consistent.

• Save your CV. Save your CV in the format you created and consider exporting it as a PDF file. It's easier to edit or update a document in its original format, but a PDF is easier for recruiters to download and print.

• Review your CV. Review your CV regularly, adding new employment details, qualifications and achievements. Every time you update it, save the document with a filename that includes the date or a revision number, making it easier for you to locate the most recent version.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.