The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Standout Staff Accountant Resume
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The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Standout Staff Accountant Resume

Amos Tayts
2025
10min read

Numbers tell a story, but most AP professionals struggle to make their daily tasks sound impressive. Your expertise goes far beyond just processing invoices and reconciling accounts.

Are you finding it hard to showcase the true value you bring to a company's bottom line? A well-crafted resume can transform routine AP duties into compelling achievements that catch a hiring manager's attention.

Resume Target specializes in helping Accounts Payable professionals translate their daily work into powerful success stories. This guide will show you exactly how to present your skills and accomplishments in a way that lands more interviews.

What Does a Finance Intern Do?

As a crucial first step into the financial world, Finance Interns play a vital role in keeping organizations' monetary wheels turning by handling essential tasks like month-end financial reports, journal entries, and bank reconciliations.

In this dynamic role, you'll work alongside seasoned finance professionals, learning to navigate everything from accounts payable processing to financial analysis, while developing the practical skills that textbooks alone can't teach.

Whether you're dreaming of becoming a Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, or Chief Financial Officer, your internship experience serves as the foundation for a rewarding career in finance, opening doors to countless opportunities in this ever-evolving field.

Finance Intern Salary Guide and Career Earnings

Let's talk about what's exciting in the Finance Intern world! Your career path as a Finance Intern opens doors to impressive earning potential, with compensation reflecting your growing expertise and contributions to the financial sector. And guess what? Your earning power can significantly increase as you gain experience and build your professional portfolio.

Finance Intern Salary Ranges by Experience:
  • Entry Level: $63,131
  • Mid-Career: $69,029
  • Professional: $71,500
  • Senior Professional: $74,000
  • Executive/Partner: $76,205
  • Figures from: Salary.com

    Career Advancement in Finance Intern

    Starting as a Finance Intern opens doors to exciting career growth in corporate finance. From analyst positions to executive roles, your path can lead to becoming a CFO with the right experience and qualifications.

    Your Finance Intern Career Timeline
    • Entry-level to Junior role: Financial Analyst, Junior Accountant (1-3 years)
    • Mid-level role: Senior Financial Analyst, Investment Manager (3-5 years)
    • Senior role: Finance Manager, Controller (5-8 years)
    • Executive role: Finance Director, VP of Finance (8-12 years)
    • Top role: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (12-15+ years)
    Skills That Fast-Track Your Finance Intern Career

    Building a successful finance career requires mastering both technical expertise and leadership capabilities that go beyond basic number-crunching.

    - Advanced Excel and Financial Modeling - Risk Analysis and Management - Business Intelligence Software Proficiency - Strategic Communication and Leadership
    Getting Started as a Finance Intern

    Breaking into finance as an intern starts with building foundational skills in accounting, economics, or business administration while pursuing relevant coursework or certification programs.

    Entry-Level Roles Leading to Finance Intern

    To position yourself for success, you'll need to develop strong Excel proficiency and financial modeling skills while building your professional network and analytical capabilities.

    Essential Education and Certifications for Finance Interns
    • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): The gold standard in finance certifications, requiring passing three rigorous exams and four years of professional experience. This credential demonstrates expertise in investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio strategy.
    • Certified Public Accountant (CPA): A prestigious certification requiring 150 hours of education and passing a four-part exam. CPAs are qualified to handle complex accounting, tax, and financial reporting responsibilities.
    • Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA): An industry-recognized certification focusing on practical financial modeling and valuation skills. Perfect for interns looking to build hands-on expertise in financial analysis and Excel modeling.
    • Financial Risk Manager (FRM): A specialized certification focusing on risk management in financial markets, requiring two levels of exams and two years of professional experience. Highly valued by banks and investment firms.

    Requirements from Corporate Finance Institute

    Where are Finance Intern Jobs in the US?

    From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, finance internships span major metro hubs with NYC leading at 26% of opportunities.

    Top Spots Hiring Finance Interns
    • New York City: The financial capital offers the highest concentration of internships across investment banks, hedge funds, and financial services firms
    • Boston: Strong presence of asset management firms and fintech startups creates diverse opportunities for aspiring finance professionals
    • Chicago: Home to major trading exchanges and investment firms, offering unique exposure to markets and financial operations

    Figures from MIT Sloan School of Management

    How to Write an Accounting Manager Resume

    Struggling to showcase your financial expertise, team leadership, and strategic planning skills in a way that truly captures your value as an accounting manager? This comprehensive, section-by-section guide will help you create a powerful resume that highlights your achievements and speaks directly to what employers are looking for.

    Start with a Powerful Accounting Manager Resume Summary

    If you're like most accounting managers, translating your daily achievements of managing complex financial operations and team leadership into a compelling resume summary can feel as challenging as closing the books during year-end.

    While you excel at analyzing data, managing staff, and ensuring regulatory compliance, capturing these valuable skills in a concise summary that catches a hiring manager's attention requires a different kind of precision - one that showcases both your technical expertise and leadership abilities in a way that resonates with potential employers.

    Questions to help write your Accounting Manager Resume:

    How would you characterize your overall approach to financial leadership and what distinguishes your management style in overseeing accounting operations?

    Reason: This helps frame your executive presence and leadership philosophy, allowing you to establish your professional identity as an Accounting Manager right from the start of your resume.

    What combination of technical accounting expertise and operational improvements have you consistently brought to your organizations throughout your career?

    Reason: This question helps you articulate your unique value proposition by combining both the technical and strategic aspects of your role, showing how you're more than just a number cruncher.

    How would you describe your ability to balance regulatory compliance with business growth objectives while leading accounting teams?

    Reason: This enables you to highlight your strategic thinking and ability to align accounting functions with broader business goals, which is crucial for modern Accounting Manager roles.

    Resume summary examples
    • Strategic and detail-oriented professional with 12 years of experience as an Accounting Manager. Oversees financial reporting, audit compliance, and cash flow management for a $250M organization while streamlining month-end close processes from 10 to 5 days. Partners with C-suite executives, external auditors, and cross-functional department heads to optimize financial controls and drive operational efficiency through data-driven decision making.
    • Results-driven and analytical professional with 8 years of experience as an Accounting Manager. Oversees accounts payable operations, financial forecasting, and tax compliance initiatives across multiple subsidiaries while implementing automated reconciliation systems that reduced processing time by 40%. Partners with treasury teams, regulatory bodies, and regional controllers to strengthen internal controls and achieve cost savings of $2.5M annually through process optimization.

    List Your Key Skills as an Accounting Manager

    As an Accounting Manager, your resume needs to showcase both your technical accounting expertise and your leadership capabilities, from GAAP compliance and financial reporting to team supervision and process improvement.

    Your skills section should balance high-level strategic abilities like budget forecasting and internal controls with essential technical proficiencies such as ERP systems and month-end close procedures.

    Accounting Manager resume skills examples
    • Advanced Excel & ERP Systems
    • Strategic Decision Making
    • Financial Statement Analysis
    • Budget Forecasting
    • Tax Compliance Management
    • Internal Controls Implementation
    • Cross-functional Team Leadership

    How to Organize Work Experience on an Accounting Manager Resume

    Showcase your financial leadership impact by organizing your experience into three powerful sections: a concise role overview highlighting your scope of responsibility, measurable achievements that demonstrate your accounting expertise, and core responsibilities that reflect your management capabilities.

    Highlight Your Impactful Accounting Manager Achievements

    Many Accounting Managers struggle to translate complex financial operations and leadership initiatives into compelling resume achievements that executives understand. Transform your daily accounting wins into powerful metrics by connecting cost reductions, process improvements, and team leadership to bottom-line results that showcase your strategic value.

    How to write accomplishments for a Accounting Manager resume:
    • Quantify Your Achievements: Include specific numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to demonstrate impact. Example: "Reduced month-end closing time by 40%, from 10 days to 6 days"or "Recovered $2.3M in outstanding receivables through improved collection processes."
    • Add Context: Frame accomplishments using the situation-action-result formula to provide clear value. Explain the challenge faced, actions taken, and measurable outcomes to showcase problem-solving abilities and leadership impact.
    • Start Strong: Begin accomplishment statements with powerful action verbs. Use "Spearheaded implementation of new accounting software reducing errors by 35%"instead of "Helped with software."Other strong verbs: Streamlined, Orchestrated, Implemented, Optimized, Reconciled.
    • Use the Right Tense: Write current role accomplishments in present tense and previous positions in past tense. Maintain consistency throughout each job section to ensure clarity and professionalism.
    Examples of accomplishments for an Accounting Manager resume
    • Led implementation of new cloud-based accounting software system that reduced month-end closing time by 40% and eliminated $75,000 in annual manual processing costs while improving accuracy of financial reporting across 3 business units
    • Restructured accounts payable processes and negotiated early payment terms with key vendors, resulting in $180,000 annual savings through captured discounts and elimination of late payment penalties across organization of 500+ employees
    • Developed and executed comprehensive internal audit program that identified $250,000 in cost recovery opportunities and strengthened compliance controls, resulting in clean external audit results for 3 consecutive years

    Highlight Your Responsibilities and Duties on Your Accounting Manager Resume

    The responsibilities section demonstrates how Accounting Managers drive financial success beyond basic bookkeeping tasks. Your role needs to be presented clearly to show hiring managers how you maintain financial health while leading teams and implementing strategic initiatives.

    How to write an Accounting Manager responsibilities section:
    • Keep It Short and Sweet: Each responsibility should be clear and concise, limited to 2-3 lines. Focus on high-impact activities that showcase your leadership and financial expertise.
    • Stick to the Point: Each bullet point should focus on one key responsibility, such as team management, financial reporting, or budget oversight. Make sure each point clearly connects to core Accounting Manager functions.
    • Start Strong: Begin each bullet with powerful action verbs like "Directed,""Implemented,""Streamlined,""Supervised,"or "Orchestrated."These verbs immediately demonstrate your leadership and technical capabilities in accounting operations.
    Examples of Accounting Manager responsibilities:
    • Financial Oversight: Direct monthly closing procedures across multiple entities while ensuring compliance with GAAP standards and meeting strict reporting deadlines
    • Team Leadership: Manage team of 8 accounting professionals, providing mentorship, conducting performance reviews, and implementing training programs to improve departmental efficiency
    • Process Improvement: Streamline accounting workflows through implementation of automated reconciliation tools and standardized procedures, reducing month-end closing time by 40%
    • Risk Management: Develop and maintain internal controls framework, conducting regular audits and implementing corrective measures to ensure financial data accuracy and prevent fraud

    List Your Education and Certifications

    Your education and professional certifications demonstrate your expertise in financial management and accounting principles. As an Accounting Manager, prioritize your most relevant credentials first, especially those focused on advanced accounting, financial analysis, and management skills.

    • Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance | University of Michigan Ross School of Business | 2018
    • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) | License #123456 - Current

    Customizing Your Accounting Student Resume for Job Descriptions

    Now that you've created a strong foundation using Resume Target's proven resume writing guidelines, you're ready to transform your resume into a powerful tool for landing accounting internships and entry-level positions.

    While many accounting students focus solely on customizing their cover letters, tailoring your resume for each specific accounting role or firm is equally crucial for standing out in this competitive field.

    A customized accounting student resume not only helps you clear ATS screening systems by incorporating relevant keywords, but it also demonstrates to hiring managers that you've done your homework and understand exactly how your academic achievements and early career experiences align with their needs.

    Ready to turn your accounting resume from good to outstanding? Let's make every application count by crafting a perfectly tailored resume that speaks directly to each opportunity!

    How to customize your Accounting Student resume to fit your target job
    • 1. Read the Job Description Carefully: Focus on the responsibilities and qualifications sections where key accounting skills and requirements are listed. Look for specific software requirements (like QuickBooks or Excel), accounting principles knowledge, and desired coursework or certifications. Pay attention to repeated terms like "account reconciliation,""financial reporting,"or "accounts payable/receivable"as these indicate core requirements.
    • 2. Highlight the Skills in Your Core Competencies: Include relevant accounting skills in your core competencies section, such as "Financial Statement Preparation,""Journal Entries,""Microsoft Excel,""Data Analysis,"and any accounting software you've learned in school. Make sure these align with what the internship or entry-level position requires.
    • 3. Reflect Skills in Your Responsibilities Section: Use bullet points to describe how you've applied accounting skills in class projects, internships, or part-time work. For example: "Completed month-end closing procedures simulation using SAP in Advanced Accounting course"or "Prepared trial balances and financial statements for class projects."
    • 4. Include Accomplishments that Demonstrate these Skills: Highlight academic achievements and project successes that show your accounting abilities. For example: "Achieved 98% accuracy in reconciling 100+ practice accounts during Advanced Accounting coursework"or "Maintained 3.8 GPA in accounting major courses while serving as Accounting Club treasurer."
    • 5. Use Keywords from the Job Description: Incorporate accounting-specific terminology throughout your resume, matching the language used in the job posting. This helps your resume pass ATS screening and shows recruiters you understand the role's requirements. Include terms like "GAAP,""account analysis,""variance analysis,"or other relevant accounting concepts mentioned in the posting.

    How to Write an Entry-Level Accounting Student Resume

    Don't let a lack of professional experience hold you back from landing your dream accounting position! Your journey into accounting can start strong by showcasing your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and hands-on experience from class projects or internships.

    Focus on highlighting your knowledge of accounting principles, proficiency with accounting software, and analytical skills developed through your coursework. For more detailed guidance on crafting the perfect entry-level resume, check out our Student Resume Writing Guide.

    Write a Strong Entry-Level Accounting Student Resume Summary

    Your resume summary is your chance to showcase your academic excellence, internship experiences, and technical skills that make you stand out as an aspiring accounting professional.

    Focus on highlighting your relevant coursework, accounting software proficiency, and any hands-on experience from class projects or volunteer work to demonstrate your readiness for the role.

    Example of an Accounting Student entry-level resume summary:

    "Detail-oriented and analytical Accounting student with comprehensive academic training and practical experience through university projects and volunteer tax preparation. Proficient in QuickBooks, Excel, and basic ERP systems, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while completing advanced accounting coursework. Demonstrated strong mathematical aptitude and attention to detail through successful completion of 150 tax returns during VITA program. Seeking entry-level accounting position to leverage strong academic foundation and growing technical expertise in a professional environment."

    Detail Your Accounting Education

    Now's your chance to showcase the valuable accounting knowledge and skills you've gained through your academic journey!

    Don't just list your degree - highlight relevant coursework like Advanced Financial Accounting or Tax Law, and feature impactful projects such as financial statement analyses or tax return simulations that demonstrate your practical abilities.

    The common courses for an accounting degree were identified from the search results.
    Entry level Accounting Student resume education

    Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting | Managerial Accounting | Business Law | Taxation | Auditing Principles | Advanced Cost Accounting

    Key Projects:

    Financial Statement Analysis Project: Led a comprehensive analysis of a Fortune 500 company's financial statements to evaluate its financial health and investment potential.

    • Applied ratio analysis techniques to assess liquidity, profitability, and solvency metrics across three fiscal years
    • Developed Excel-based financial models to project future cash flows and evaluate growth trends
    • Created a detailed report with recommendations based on GAAP compliance and industry benchmarks

    Internal Control System Design: Collaborated with a team of four to design an internal control framework for a simulated retail business.

    • Implemented segregation of duties and authorization protocols to prevent fraud and ensure accuracy
    • Developed flowcharts and documentation for accounts payable and receivable processes using Visio
    • Coordinated with team members to integrate automated control measures into existing accounting software

    Customize Your Accounting Student Resume Skills

    Transform your academic achievements and internship experiences into compelling skills by highlighting your coursework expertise, software proficiency, and practical accounting knowledge gained through classroom projects and hands-on learning.

    Examples of Entry Level Accounting Student Skills:
    • QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel
    • Basic Bookkeeping and Journal Entries
    • Financial Statement Analysis
    • Accounts Payable/Receivable Processing
    • Basic Tax Return Preparation
    • General Ledger Reconciliation
    • Data Entry and Documentation
    • Basic Internal Controls

    As an accounting student, your foundation in these essential skills positions you well for entry-level accounting roles, internships, and a promising career path in financial services or public accounting.

    Partner with the Experts in Accounting Student Resume Writing

    Starting your accounting career journey can feel overwhelming when you're trying to showcase your potential without much work experience - especially when you're competing against seasoned professionals for those coveted internships and entry-level positions.

    At Resume Target, we specialize in crafting powerful entry-level accounting resumes that highlight your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and transferable skills.

    Our expert team has helped countless accounting students land prestigious internships at Big 4 firms and Fortune 500 companies by showcasing their true potential.

    With internship recruitment season approaching fast, don't let an underwhelming resume hold you back - connect with Resume Target today to create a resume that opens doors to your dream accounting career.

    Work with a Professional Accounting Resume Writer

    Impress any hiring manager with our accounting resume writing service. We work with all career levels and types of accounting professionals.

    Learn More → Accounting Resume Writing Services
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