Writing a staff accountant resume can be challenging, especially if you're competing with many other qualified candidates.

Whether you're applying for a role in tax, audit, or general accounting, it’s crucial to present your skills and experience in a clear, compelling way that highlights your strengths.

This guide provides essential tips for structuring your application, examples of key skills to include, and advice on crafting a professional summary that will help you stand out to recruiters.

Staff accountant resume examples

General staff accountant resume sample

General staff accountant resume template

General staff accountant resume template
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Resume for general staff accountant | Plain text

Name: Jordan Mitchell
Location: Dallas, TX
Phone: (555) 789-1234
Email: jordan.mitchell@email.com

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented Staff Accountant with 7+ years of experience in general accounting functions, including accounts receivable/payable, month-end closing, and general ledger reconciliation. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in accounting software, including QuickBooks and SAP, with a consistent record of improving financial reporting accuracy.

Experience

Staff Accountant

Pinnacle Financial Group – Dallas, TX

August 2020 – Present

  • Manage accounts receivable and payable processes, ensuring timely payments and reconciliations.
  • Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual closing activities, including journal entries and accruals.
  • Reconcile balance sheet accounts and analyze financial data to identify trends and discrepancies.
  • Prepare financial statements and reports for management to support decision-making.

Accounting Assistant

North Texas Medical Solutions – Fort Worth, TX

June 2018 – July 2020

  • Assisted in month-end closing and reconciliation processes for the finance department.
  • Processed invoices and payments, maintaining accurate records for auditing purposes.
  • Supported the payroll team by verifying employee timesheets and resolving discrepancies.
  • Conducted expense tracking and analysis, aiding in budget preparation.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

University of North Texas, Denton, TX (Graduated May 2018)

Skills

  • General Ledger Accounting
  • QuickBooks, SAP, Excel
  • Financial Reporting
  • Reconciliations

Certifications

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Candidate – Expected to complete licensing exams by April 2025

Strong sides of this staff accountant resume example:

  • The skills section is tailored to general accounting duties, focusing on relevant software and tasks that demonstrate the ability to handle diverse functions.
  • The opening statement concisely describes the candidate’s experience in a way that is broad enough to appeal to a range of accounting positions, making the resume versatile.
  • Each bullet point uses strong action verbs (e.g., “Manage,” “Reconcile,” “Prepare”) that showcase initiative and accountability, enhancing the impact of each job responsibility.
How to properly format a resume for a staff accountant?
  • Choose professional fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, which are readable and formal.
  • Font size should be 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers.
  • Keep your resume to one page if possible, especially if you have under ten years of experience. More extensive experience can be justified on two pages.
  • Use margins of about 1 inch on all sides to avoid overcrowding.
  • Add clear headings (e.g., Experience, Education, Skills) to organize your content. Bullet points are effective for readability.
  • Submit as a PDF unless the employer specifies otherwise to ensure your layout stays consistent.

A great way to avoid formatting issues is to use a resume generator.

Resume Trick offers great resume templates designed to keep your document organized and professional. This ensures your application looks polished, whether it’s printed or viewed digitally.

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Tax staff accountant resume example

Sample tax staff accountant resume

Name: Lisa Chen
Location: New York, NY
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: lisa.chen@email.com

Professional Summary

Knowledgeable Tax Staff Accountant with 5+ years of experience in corporate tax preparation and compliance, including federal and state tax returns. Skilled in tax planning and research, with proficiency in tax software (CCH, Thomson Reuters), and strong attention to detail in financial reporting.

Experience

Tax Staff Accountant

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – New York, NY

March 2021 – Present

  • Prepare and review federal, state, and local tax returns for corporate clients in various industries.
  • Conduct research on tax compliance issues and provide guidance on tax minimization strategies.
  • Support quarterly and year-end tax provision calculations under ASC 740.
  • Assist in implementing process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy in tax filings.

Tax Intern

EY – New York, NY

June 2020 – August 2020

  • Assisted with preparing individual tax returns and various business tax filings.
  • Researched current tax law changes and provided updates to the tax team.
  • Compiled necessary documentation for clients during tax season to ensure timely filing.
  • Supported tax planning initiatives by providing data analysis on tax saving opportunities.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Baruch College, New York, NY (Graduated May 2020)

Skills

  • CCH, Thomson Reuters
  • Tax Research and Compliance
  • ASC 740
  • Microsoft Excel

Languages

  • English: Native
  • Mandarin Chinese: Fluent

Here are a few reasons why this example of a staff accountant resume will impress recruiters:

  • Including language skills (English and Mandarin) makes this application attractive to companies with international clients or who serve diverse communities.
  • By mentioning compliance and process improvements, this resume appeals to firms that value attention to detail and continuous improvement in tax practices.
  • Separating internship experience and full-time staff roles while keeping each relevant gives the impression of progressive growth and specialization in tax accounting.
Should I choose a staff accountant resume objective or summary?

Resume summary is best for candidates with experience.

Staff accountant resume summary sample:

Detail-oriented staff accountant with 5+ years of experience in financial reporting, ledger management, and audit preparation. Proven track record of maintaining accuracy in large data sets and optimizing accounting processes.

Resume objective is ideal for entry-level candidates or those changing careers.

Staff accountant resume objective example:

Recent accounting graduate with strong analytical skills and a dedication to accuracy seeking a staff accountant role. Eager to apply academic knowledge in financial analysis and tax preparation to support company objectives.

Junior staff accountant resume sample

Junior staff accountant resume template

Junior staff accountant resume template
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Resume for junior staff accountant | Text version

Name: Sofia Perez
Location: Atlanta, GA
Phone: (555) 876-5432
Email: sofia.perez@email.com

Professional Summary

Motivated Junior Staff Accountant with strong foundational knowledge in accounting principles and 1 year of experience supporting accounting functions. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, and data entry, with a solid record of accuracy and attention to detail.

Experience

Junior Staff Accountant

Georgia-Pacific LLC – Atlanta, GA

July 2024 – Present

  • Support accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
  • Assist in preparing monthly financial reports, completing data entry and basic reconciliations.
  • Perform bank reconciliations and document monthly journal entries for various accounts.
  • Help with fixed asset management, tracking acquisitions and disposals.

Accounting Intern

SunTrust Bank – Atlanta, GA

May 2023 – August 2023

  • Conducted data entry for accounts and assisted with monthly reconciliation tasks.
  • Helped prepare financial reports for quarterly reviews by senior management.
  • Supported compliance tasks by organizing financial records and audit documentation.
  • Participated in internal audits by gathering and verifying account information.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA (Graduated May 2024)

Skills

  • QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel
  • Data Entry
  • Account Reconciliation

Volunteer Experience

Treasurer, Youth Empowerment Nonprofit, Atlanta, GA (2020 – Present)

  • Manage the budgeting and monthly financial statements for the nonprofit, supporting outreach and development initiatives.

This sample staff accountant resume is effective for several reasons:

  • It keeps the language simple and emphasizes foundational skills, making it accessible and ideal for beginner positions.
  • Highlighting volunteer work as a treasurer adds depth and shows initiative outside of professional roles.
  • The skills section is practical and directly related to the tasks an entry-level accountant would perform, such as QuickBooks, Excel, and data entry, without overwhelming the reader.
How to showcase your staff accountant resume skills?

Employers look for well-rounded candidates who not only have strong accounting knowledge but also can communicate effectively and work within teams.

  • Hard skills are technical abilities you acquire through education and training, such as financial analysis or proficiency with accounting software.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal or personality-based traits that facilitate teamwork and adaptability in the workplace.

Staff accountant hard skills:

  • General Ledger Accounting
  • Financial Reporting
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Tax Preparation
  • Audit Support
  • Accounts Payable/Receivable
  • Fixed Assets Management
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Microsoft Excel (advanced)
  • ERP Software (e.g., SAP, Oracle)

Soft skills for a staff accountant:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication Skills
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Team Collaboration
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity and Ethics
  • Customer Service Orientation
  • Organizational Skills

Senior staff accountant resume example

Sample senior staff accountant resume

Name: David Kim
Location: San Francisco, CA
Phone: (555) 321-0987
Email: david.kim@email.com

Professional Summary

Experienced Senior Staff Accountant with 10+ years of expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to lead month-end closing processes and mentor junior staff. Proficient in ERP systems, including Oracle and SAP, with extensive knowledge of GAAP.

Experience

Senior Staff Accountant

Salesforce – San Francisco, CA

February 2018 – Present

  • Lead month-end closing activities, including preparing journal entries and reconciling complex accounts.
  • Oversee financial statement preparation and ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
  • Mentor junior staff accountants, providing guidance on technical issues and best practices.
  • Perform variance analysis on budget versus actuals to support financial planning.

Staff Accountant

Zendesk – San Francisco, CA

April 2015 – January 2018

  • Supported monthly and quarterly closing processes, performing reconciliations and variance analysis.
  • Assisted in budgeting and forecasting, contributing to financial planning and strategy sessions.
  • Maintained fixed asset records and monitored depreciation schedules.
  • Coordinated with external auditors, providing necessary documentation for annual audits.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

University of California, Berkeley (Graduated May 2015)

Skills

  • Financial Reporting
  • Oracle, SAP
  • GAAP Compliance
  • Budgeting and Forecasting

Certifications

  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) – Obtained in 2019

Why is this staff accountant resume example effective?

  • It demonstrates the ability to manage and mentor junior staff, making it attractive to companies seeking a leader within the accounting department.
  • Highlighting the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) credential adds immediate value, signaling expertise in financial management and strategy.
  • Each job entry includes more advanced responsibilities (e.g., variance analysis, budget versus actuals, GAAP compliance) that match the senior-level position’s complexity and show advanced analytical skills.
What academic credentials should I add to my resume for accounting staff?

The education section demonstrates your foundational knowledge and qualifications. For accounting roles, employers expect a solid academic background, often with a diploma in finance or a related field.

  • State your degree, such as Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance.
  • Write the college or university name and its location.
  • Highlight your graduation year. If you haven’t graduated yet, include your expected date.
  • If your GPA is above 3.5, consider including it, especially for recent students.
  • If you’re certified or in the process (e.g., CPA, CMA), add this here or create a separate section for certifications.
How to organize the experience section in a staff accountant resume?

This part is the core of your application, where you highlight your hands-on knowledge and achievements in previous roles.

  • List your most recent job first, followed by previous positions. This helps recruiters see your latest experience right away.
  • For each entry, include your title, company name, location, and employment dates.
  • Use bullet points to list duties, with each point describing a specific responsibility.
  • Where possible, add numbers to show the impact of your work (e.g., “Reduced month-end close time by 20% by optimizing reconciliation processes”).
  • If you received a promotion or award, mention it in the relevant entry to demonstrate your growth and accomplishments.

Conclusion

Creating a strong resume is an essential step in securing your next staff accountant position.

By highlighting your technical accounting skills, attention to detail, and relevant experience, you can present yourself as the ideal candidate for the role.

Remember to tailor your document to each job application, using keywords from the description and quantifying your achievements where possible.

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