Accountants are highly demanded in numerous fields, and writing a resume summary statement can help you highlight your specific career experiences in a way that is meaningful for the specific accounting job you want. Summary statements have replaced the resume objective because they allow for more creativity and self-promotion.
What to Include in an Accountant Resume Summary Statement
Accountants mention their professional qualifications, including specific accounting certifications, when writing a resume summary statement. Also, mention specific strengths and skills that transfer well to a certain job, such as experience in forensic accounting or accounts and payroll. These experiences tell employers that you have what it takes to perform the duties of the job and require minimal training.
Include a brief mention of the personality traits that are most relevant to the accounting industry. Detail orientation, reliability, analytical tendencies and good interpersonal skills are highly coveted by most companies that hire accountants. Including these soft skills shows employers not only what you are capable of in terms of technical job duties but what they can expect from you as an employee as well.
How to Format an Accountant Summary Statement
When writing a resume summary statement for an accounting job, keep the employer's specific wording in mind. If an employer refers to payroll management when you are used to seeing the job duty referred to as payroll accounting, always match the employer's language. Tailor the information within your summary statement in such a way that puts it your experience in a meaningful context for the employer.
Place your accounting resume summary statement at the beginning of your resume, after your contact information. The summary statement should include four to six lines of text describing your accounting specialties and career experiences. Follow this with an organized table of specific skills, such as software programs and personality attributes that fit the job.
Tips for Writing an Accountant Resume Summary Statement
When writing a resume summary statement, remember that you do not have to summarize your entire accounting career. Only include those elements that are most relevant to the position for which you are applying, such as familiarity with certain software the employer uses or other elements of the job description. Describe the type of position you are seeking in a direct way that demonstrates the fact that your goals for your accounting career and the employer's goals for hiring a qualified candidate are closely aligned.
Examples of an Accountant Resume Summary Statement
Whether you want to work for a large firm or a small business, a customized summary serves as a helpful introduction to the rest of your resume. Consider these examples when writing a resume summary statement tailored for a specific job in accounting:
Dependable, experienced and focused accounting professional. Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills. Ability to work under tight deadlines. Expertise with auditing and payroll.
Analytical forensic accountant with eight years of experience in investigative services. Experienced with divorce proceedings and corporate investigations. Professional and driven.
Accounting jobs come with many specific requirements, and writing a resume summary statement can help you show employers that you meet or exceed them. Resumes contain a large amount of information, so the summary section provides focus and directs a hiring manager's attention to the most relevant pieces of information about you before they decide whether to give your resume their full attention.
The tips and tricks on LiveCareer may be helpful as you put together a strong summary statement for a specific accounting job.
Be sure to check out more helpful resume formats and cover letter formats !
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