The accounting job market in 2019 has become increasingly competitive due to the rise of automated recruitment systems (ATS), digital-first hiring processes, and evolving employer expectations. Whether you are an entry-level candidate or an experienced accountant, your resume must clearly demonstrate technical expertise, analytical ability, and attention to detail. Employers are no longer impressed by generic resumes—they want structured, keyword-optimized, and achievement-driven documents.
This guide on Accounting Resume Samples 2019 will walk you through everything you need to know to build a professional accounting resume that stands out. You will learn how to structure your resume, what skills to highlight, and how to tailor your experience for different accounting roles. We also provide real examples, formatting tips, and expert strategies used by top career consultants. If you need additional support, our specialists can help you build a winning resume—simply register on our website to get started.
In 2019, accounting resumes shifted from traditional job descriptions to performance-based storytelling. Employers expect candidates to demonstrate measurable achievements such as cost savings, audit accuracy, tax optimization, and financial reporting efficiency. The rise of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) also means resumes must be optimized with relevant keywords.
Modern accounting resumes emphasize:
| Old Resume Style | Modern 2019 Accounting Resume |
|---|---|
| Job duties listed | Achievement-focused bullet points |
| Generic objective statements | Targeted professional summaries |
| Basic formatting | ATS-optimized structure |
For additional formatting inspiration, you can explore our guide on best resume formats for recent graduates.
Writing a strong accounting resume requires a balance of technical skills, soft skills, and measurable results. Employers want to see how you manage financial data, ensure compliance, and contribute to business growth.
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact Information | Full name, phone, email, LinkedIn |
| Professional Summary | 2–4 lines highlighting experience |
| Work Experience | Quantified achievements |
| Education | Degree, certifications |
| Skills | Accounting tools and soft skills |
For teaching professionals transitioning into accounting education roles, check our cover letter example for teaching positions.
Choosing the right format is crucial. In 2019, the reverse-chronological format remains the most effective for accounting professionals because it highlights career progression and recent experience.
| Section | Content Focus |
|---|---|
| Summary | Professional identity and strengths |
| Experience | Key achievements |
| Skills | Accounting tools and competencies |
| Education | Degrees and certifications |
If you are a student or recent graduate, check our guide on resume formats for college graduates.
Strong accounting resume samples demonstrate clarity, structure, and measurable impact. Below are examples of how to present your experience effectively.
| Weak Bullet | Strong Bullet |
|---|---|
| Responsible for financial reporting | Prepared monthly financial reports improving accuracy by 20% |
| Handled payroll tasks | Managed payroll for 150+ employees with 99.9% accuracy |
| Worked on audits | Led internal audits reducing discrepancies by 30% |
For healthcare-related resume inspiration, you can also explore nursing graduate resume help and medical-surgical nurse resume examples.
Even qualified candidates often fail due to avoidable mistakes. Understanding these errors will help you stand out.
Our specialists can help you avoid these mistakes and build a professional resume. Register here to get expert assistance.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are widely used by companies to filter resumes. To pass ATS screening, your accounting resume must include relevant keywords, structured formatting, and clear sections.
You can also improve your professional branding by reviewing our guide on optimizing your Indeed resume profile.
The reverse-chronological format is the most effective for accounting professionals.
Include Excel, QuickBooks, financial reporting, auditing, and tax preparation skills.
One page for beginners and up to two pages for experienced professionals.
Yes, certifications like CPA or ACCA significantly improve your chances.
Use keywords, simple formatting, and standard section headings.
Yes, include attention to detail, communication, and analytical thinking.
Yes, our specialists can help you create a job-winning resume. Register here to get started.
Building a strong accounting resume is not just about listing experience—it is about presenting measurable value. With the right structure, keywords, and strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews in 2019’s competitive job market.