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Bookkeepers keep companies running. Follow our guide and bookkeeper resume examples to learn how to write a bookkeeper resume and secure your dream job.
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Impress hiring managers with a bookkeeper resume that highlights all the right skills, is organized and looks professional. Use the bookkeeper resume sample below as a base to write your resume or edit in a couple of minutes in our Resume Builder.
Make this bookkeeper resume example your own by pasting it into a design of your choice or one of our professional resume templates!
Build my resumeElevate your bookkeeper resume with these tips:
Not every bookkeeping job is the same, as not every employer is looking for the same person. Instead of submitting the same resume to every job, we recommend tailoring your resume to each job posting by including listed requirements, such as skills, educational background and experience. When you include these keywords in your bookkeeper resume, you increase your chances of making it through applicant tracking systems (ATS) some companies use to filter resumes.
As a bookkeeper, you know better than anyone that sometimes numbers speak louder than words. Instead of simply telling prospective employers that you’re good at your job, show them how good you are by using quantifiable metrics and important accomplishments (e.g. “Decreased invoice processing time by 25%, resulting in quicker payment cycles and enhanced vendor relationships.”)
A bookkeeper doesn’t just need to have knowledge about numbers and accounting software. They also should know how to communicate well with others, manage their time and have great organizational skills. To assure hiring managers you’re a well-rounded professional, include a mix of hard and soft skills in your bookkeeper resume.
Maybe the bookkeeper job description doesn’t require candidates to have a specific certification, but if you have one relevant to the job, include it! Certifications and additional training can solidify your expertise and help you look like a strong candidate.
Action words — also known as action verbs — have the power to take your bookkeeper resume to the next level. Instead of starting your phrases with, “I was responsible for…” consider using one of the following words:
For a more detailed list, check our action words article.
Build my resumeYou can organize the layout of your resume using one of the following formats:
Successful bookkeeper resumes should feature a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Now, the specific skills you include should be determined by the job description, but here are some relevant skills you can consider to impress the hiring manager:
The first thing to consider is your resume header. This usually includes your full name, your contact information including your phone number, and any professional links such as your LinkedIn profile.
Write a resume summary — also known as a professional summary — if you have over three years of bookkeeping experience. This is a three-sentence overview of your top strengths and qualifications relevant to the job opening. For example:
If you have less than two years of experience, go for a resume objective. Similar to the summary, you’ll feature your top skills and accomplishments but also your career goals. For example:
The list of skills you need for a bookkeeper position is quite extensive and even an entry-level bookkeeper will need to feature quite a few qualifications. Here are a few that can help your bookkeeping resume:
As you can see, both hard skills and soft skills make an appearance in this section. Aim for 8-10 of both — you might expect to use hard skills such as proficiency in MS Office, but soft skills like collaboration may be just as important.
Next, you need to list your work experience. Feature previous professional experiences, stressing responsibilities and achievements that tie into bookkeeping. You can also include work experience from academic and volunteer experiences as long as it applies to bookkeeping. Remember to list your jobs in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent and relevant one first.
List your highest academic credential here (e.g., college degree), as well as any related certifications, such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) certification.
For more resume-writing tips, check our How to Make a Resume article.
Do:
Don’t:
Have questions? We’re here to help.
A bookkeeper manages the financial records of a business. Among their duties is the responsibility to organize and record all the financial transactions to ensure accurate and up-to-date financial information. Some other bookkeeping duties include:
Highlighting key skills and relevant experience in your bookkeeper resume is essential. Focus on accomplishments instead of daily tasks and use metrics such as percentages or dollar amounts to showcase your strength as a bookkeeper better. For example: “Revamped the monthly financial reporting process, reducing the time required to generate reports by 25%.”
A functional resume is a type of resume format that focuses on skills and training rather than chronological work experience. It’s useful for people with less than two years of experience or who want to highlight their skills relevant to the job, especially when they have employment gaps or have changed careers.
A cover letter is a great choice for a bookkeeper because it allows you to delve more fully into key achievements and projects from previous jobs, presenting yourself as a unique candidate. For expert suggestions and step-by-step guidance to create your own cover letter, use the ResumeHelp Cover Letter Builder.
If you don’t have a lot of bookkeeping experience, look into featuring other experiences, such as academic projects, volunteer activities and internships, that feature skills and responsibilities similar to bookkeeping. Remember, the key is to showcase the right experiences, even if they’re from unrelated jobs.
There’s no such thing as the perfect resume – only the perfect resume for a specific job application. Read the bookkeeper job description and see what resume keywords the recruiter included, such as particular skills or job requirements. Tailor your resume to these keywords; this will help you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers will use to scan your resume for keywords.
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