When you’re about to write an accountant resume, you have several tools available to you.
Resume keyword lists … like mine below.
You could use a resume builder that states, “answer a few questions and your resume will write itself.”
Sounds too good to be true, right?
And, let’s say these services do write a resume for you.
How unique will the content be?
Will they do a good job of positioning you to “look like everyone else”?
That’s what you don’t want when you’re looking for your dream job.
As a resume writer, I educate prospects on advanced writing techniques and prove to clients that a professional resume can be a gamechanger.
Resume builders, templates, and free review services aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. They are arguably “fast food,” when you should be opting for “fine dining.”
You can’t afford the quick fixes that will “blend” you with all the other CFOs, Financial Analysts, Accounting Managers, and Directors of Accounting.
You need the advantages that a well-written resume has to offer.
If working with a resume writer isn’t in the cards for you, be sure to check out this post on how to write a resume that includes content examples and screenshots.
Why are resume keywords and key phrases so important?
Resume keywords are important in part due to applicant tracking systems (ATS).
ATS software works similarly to CRMs, providing hiring managers and recruiters with modern applicant tracking functionality.
Hiring managers can manage resumes, communicate with applicants, order background checks, and process job offers using ATS software. Some of the most popular ATS SaaS software includes Zoho.com, Jobvite.com, and SmartRecruiters.com.
You may have heard some buzz about AI recruiting robots, which gives the impression that the software learns based on the activities of the hiring manager and/or the job seeker.
Researching those who offer AI recruiting technologies, it’s unclear on exactly what these services “learn and use” to benefit candidates and employers.
Use The Nooks & Crannies That MS Word Offers
MS Word is still the software of choice for most job seekers writing a resume.
When you’re finished writing, don’t forget to optimize your resume by using everything that the software offers.
For example, name your resume properly.
I have a full post on the best practices for titling/naming your resume that includes a few examples too.
Also, don’t forget to type a few important keywords into the Tags and Title fields of your Word file/info area of the resume. Plus, do the same with your cover letter, salary sheet, executive bio, and so on.
List of Resume Keywords & Key Phrases For Those in Accounting & Finance Roles
Below is a list of accounting keywords (aka power words, buzzwords) to help you write a better resume.
If you’re in over your head with writing your resume, check out our resume writing services for Chief Financial Officers, Controllers, Accountants, and other finance professionals.
Whether you’re an A/P or A/R Rep, Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper, or Public Accountant, the below list of finance and accounting keywords should jump-start the writing of your resume.
It’s important to note that keywords are different than action verbs.
Keywords are related to job tasks whereas action verbs relate to actions (e.g. managed, audited, and reported).
Makes sense, right?
Below is a bit of a “kitchen sink” list, so select only those that are most relevant to you/your accounting focus.
For example, a CFOs resume should include over-arching keywords (e.g., accounting management, administration, and planning).
A support-level accounting resume, on the other hand, should have more hands-on tasks (e.g., daily accounting entries, bill paying, and purchase order processing).
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Aged Receivables/Outstanding Balances
Asset Protection & Management
Audit Controls & Management
Balance Sheets
Benefits Administration
Budget Controls
Budget Forecasting/Planning
Capital Budgeting
Cash Flow Analysis
Cash Management
Commercial Lending
Corporate Banking
Corporate Tax Filings
Corporate Treasury
Cost Accounting
Cost Avoidance
Cost Reduction
Cost/Benefit Analysis
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
Credit & Collections
Credit Management
Debt Financing
Debt Management
Depreciation
Due Diligence
Employee Benefit Programs
Estate Planning
Expense Analysis
External/Internal Audits
Financial Analysis/Auditing/Modeling/Planning
Fixed Asset Accounting
Forensic Accounting
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
General Ledger/GL
Government Contract Accounting
Inventory Management
Investment Analysis/Management
Investor Accounting & Relations
Job Costing
Liability Management
Loan Administration
Merger & Acquisitions
Operational Budgeting
Payroll Administration
P&L Analysis
Project Accounting
Project Financing
Purchase Accounting
Quarterly/Yearly Reconciliations & Reporting
Reconciliations
Regulatory Compliance
Reporting & Analysis
Return on Equity (ROE)
Return on Investment (ROI)
Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Compliance
Tax Accounting
Tax Research & Investigations
Variance Analysis
Venture Capital Funding
[Related Resource: Here’s a Sample Cover Letter For Accounting Job Seekers]
Be sure to also check out resume writing tools like this one to help with keyword analysis.
Here are a few additional resources for accounting professionals:
60+ Actions Verbs for Accounting & Finance Resumes + Builder Tips
Accounting Cover Letter Sample
Cover Letter Example for Secretary/Accounting
