Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are heavily used by finance departments and accounting firms to screen candidates. To pass these automated filters, your resume must include specific hard skills, software proficiencies, and industry terminology. This guide covers the essential keywords every accountant needs to stand out.
Top hard skills for accountant resumes
These are the technical skills that ATS systems and hiring managers look for on accountant resumes. Include the ones you genuinely have experience with.
General Ledger Accounting
Core to any accounting role, showing you can manage the primary record of a company's financial transactions.
Financial Reporting
Demonstrates your ability to prepare accurate financial statements like balance sheets and income statements.
Account Reconciliation
Crucial for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of financial records across different accounts.
GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
Essential for proving your knowledge of the standard framework of guidelines for financial accounting.
Tax Preparation
Shows your capability in calculating tax liabilities and ensuring compliance with local and federal tax laws.
QuickBooks
A highly sought-after software proficiency for managing payroll, inventory, and sales.
Excel (Advanced)
Critical for data analysis, pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and financial modeling.
Accounts Payable/Receivable (AP/AR)
Indicates experience in managing the money leaving and entering a business.
Financial Analysis
Shows you can interpret financial data to help management make informed business decisions.
Auditing
Important for roles that require reviewing financial records for accuracy and compliance.
Month-End/Year-End Close
A standard accounting cycle process that proves you can handle periodic financial finalizing.
ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Demonstrates ability to work with enterprise-level financial management software.
Budgeting & Forecasting
Highlights your strategic value in planning future financial performance and managing costs.
Payroll Processing
Shows your ability to manage employee compensation accurately and in compliance with regulations.
Regulatory Compliance
Proves your understanding of industry regulations and legal requirements to avoid penalties.
Got your skills list? Use these skills in our free builder with ATS-optimized templates.
Build your resume →Essential soft skills
Beyond technical ability, these soft skills differentiate strong accountant candidates.
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Time Management
- Integrity and Ethics
- Adaptability
- Organization
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork
Recommended certifications
| Certification | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | The gold standard certification for accountants, demonstrating top-tier expertise and ethical standards. |
| Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | Focuses on corporate financial management and strategic business decisions. |
| Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) | Globally recognized certification for internal audit professionals. |
Power action verbs
Start your bullet points with these strong verbs to demonstrate impact.
Example resume bullet points
Here's how to use these skills in real resume bullets with quantified results.
ATS optimization tips
Spell out acronyms
ATS software might not recognize 'GAAP' if it's programmed to look for 'Generally Accepted Accounting Principles'. Include both the acronym and the full term at least once.
Match software versions
If the job description asks for 'Advanced Excel' or 'SAP ERP', use those exact phrases rather than just 'Excel' or 'SAP' to ensure a perfect keyword match.
Quantify your achievements
Don't just list your duties. Use numbers to show the volume of accounts managed, the size of budgets handled, or the amount of money saved through your analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important skills for an accountant resume?
The most crucial skills include General Ledger Accounting, Account Reconciliation, Financial Reporting, GAAP knowledge, and proficiency in software like Excel and QuickBooks. Soft skills like attention to detail are also essential.
How many skills should I list on my accountant resume?
Aim for 10-15 highly relevant skills. Create a dedicated 'Skills' section for technical proficiencies and software, and weave your soft skills into the bullet points of your work experience section.
Do I need a CPA to get an accounting job?
While a CPA is highly valued and often required for senior or public accounting roles, many entry-level and corporate accounting positions only require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and relevant experience.
Put these skills to work
Now that you know which skills to highlight, use our free resume builder to create an ATS-optimized resume with the right keywords in the right places.
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