Starting your accounting career begins with one essential task, which is creating a compelling Certified Public Accountant (CPA) resume. Your resume is your professional story. It should go beyond listing qualifications and communicate your achievements, value, and potential to employers. Whether you’re a licensed CPA or currently preparing for the CPA Exam, a well-crafted resume can set you apart in a competitive job market.
CPA Resume Format: What to Include:
Start by organizing your CPA resume into these key sections:
Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile. Skip unnecessary personal details like marital status or age.
Education: List your most recent or ongoing degree first. Mention your degree type, field of study, graduation year, and the institution’s name. If you’re still studying, write “In Progress.”
Professional Experience: Use reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. For each job, list your title, company name, employment dates, and 3–5 bullet points showcasing your responsibilities and quantifiable achievements.
Skills and Certifications: Highlight your CPA license status or candidacy here. Include technical skills such as Excel, QuickBooks, or Python, and soft skills like analytical thinking, financial reporting, and attention to detail. Experience with AI tools or data analytics can give your resume a modern edge.
How to List CPA on a Resume
Licensed CPAs can list the credential directly after their name (e.g., “Taylor Smith, CPA”) at the top of the resume.
CPA Candidates should showcase exam progress. For example:Candidate for CPA License
Passed AUD and REG sections
Scored 97 on AUD
Scheduled FAR for 11/29/2024
This shows initiative and transparency while emphasizing your progress.
Tips to Make Your CPA Resume Shine
Make It Readable: Use standard margins (1 inch or no less than 0.5 inches), clean fonts (10–12 pt), and clear headings. Avoid clutter.
Personalize Each Resume: Customize your resume for every job application. Study the job description and reflect the required skills and keywords in your content.
Be Specific: Replace unclear phrases with measurable results. Instead of “Handled budgets,” say “Managed a $3M department budget and cut costs by 10%.”
Use Strong Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with dynamic verbs like “led,” “analyzed,” “streamlined,” or “reconciled” to show initiative and leadership.
Make Your Resume Discoverable with Keywords
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To increase your visibility, incorporate keywords from the job listing such as:
GAAP compliance
Financial analysis
Internal controls
Tax planning
Audit procedures
Risk assessment
Budget forecasting
Avoid vague terms like “hard worker” or “team player,” which are less likely to be flagged by ATS.
Common CPA Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Listing salary expectations: Leave this for the interview stage.
Spelling and grammar errors: Accuracy is key in accounting. Proofread thoroughly or ask someone else to review.
Overly long content: Keep your resume clear, concise, and preferably one page.
An effective CPA resume gets you in the door, but to stay competitive, highlight your commitment to lifelong learning. Mention any Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses you’ve completed or are enrolled in. Certifications in AI in finance, forensic accounting, or data analytics can greatly boost your appeal.
