Drafting a Resume Doesn't Have to Be Hard! Accounting and Finance Tips from a Recruiter

Are you ready to make a career shift but don't know what to put in your resume? Don't worry, you're not alone! I see hundreds of resumes a month and wanted to put together a comprehensive guide to help you avoid the common pitfalls I see.

Are you ready to find out how to stand out to employers? I'll break this down in two sections. One Accounting Focused and the other Finance Focused.

ACCOUNTING TIPS

On Resume Length:

Don't be afraid to hit that second page! For those with a few years of experience, a one-page resume could suffice. However, seasoned professionals with a wealth of experiences and roles, might stretch to two pages. Regardless of length, prioritize relevance and impact over volume.

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Step 1: Spotlight on Accomplishments

Instead of listing generic responsibilities, focus on specific achievements within roles.

Example:

• Rather than: "Handled corporate tax filings."
• Choose: "Optimized corporate tax filing processes, achieving 100% compliance while reducing preparation time by 30%."

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Step 2: Embrace Quantification

Quantitative achievements resonate strongly in the accounting sector, offering a clear view of the impact made.

?Examples:

• "Led a cost-cutting initiative that saved the company $200,000 annually."
• "Improved quarterly forecasting accuracy by 15% through advanced variance analysis."

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Step 3: Use Strong Action Verbs

Initiate bullet points with potent verbs that exude authority and action.

Examples:

• Spearheaded the implementation of a new financial reporting tool, enhancing report accuracy by 20%.
• Championed a transition to cloud-based accounting, improving data retrieval times by 50%.

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Step 4: Tailor the Content to the Role

From tax specialists to management accountants, ensure the resume mirrors the demands of the specific position in question.

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Step 5: Software Skills: Precision is Key

Given the emphasis on digital tools in modern accounting, it's crucial to be specific about software proficiency.

• ?List the Software: Clearly enumerate the software tools you're familiar with, such as QuickBooks, Sage, Microsoft Excel, etc.
• Specify Your Proficiency: Don't just mention "Excel" or "Sage". Detail your expertise level and specific functionalities you're adept at.

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Example for Excel:

• Advanced proficiency in Excel: regularly use pivot tables for data analysis, complex VLOOKUPs for data retrieval, and macros for repetitive tasks.
• Describe Application in Real-World Scenarios: If possible, include instances where your software skills made a tangible difference.?
• "Leveraged advanced Excel functions to automate monthly reconciliation processes, reducing errors by 10% and saving 15 hours of manual work monthly."

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Step 6: Clarity and Conciseness

Ensure bullet points are sharp, specific, and devoid of unnecessary jargon, even if it's industry-standard. Remember, sometimes HR professionals might be the first to review your resume, and they may not have an in-depth understanding of all technical terms.

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Step 7: Highlight Specific Forms and Filing Experience

Rationale:

The expertise in preparing, reviewing, or understanding particular forms or adhering to specific accounting standards speaks volumes about an accountant's depth in specialized areas. By detailing this proficiency, candidates can significantly distinguish themselves from the competition.

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1. List and Describe Relevant Forms

• ?Enumerate Forms Handled: For instance, mention familiarity with forms like 10-K or 10-Q.
• Describe Your Role: Highlight your specific responsibilities regarding these forms.

?Example:

• Instead of: "Prepared SEC filings."
• Opt for: "Drafted and reviewed comprehensive 10-K and 10-Q SEC filings, ensuring timely submission and zero post-submission amendments."

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2. Showcase Proficiency in Accounting Standards

?Specify the Standard: Mention the exact standard, such as ASC 832.

Detail Your Expertise: Describe how you've adhered to or applied the standard in past roles.

Example:

• Instead of: "Familiar with ASC 832."
• Opt for: "Implemented ASC 832 guidelines in the firm, streamlining lease accounting practices and ensuring full compliance."

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3. Focus on Training or Certifications

?Mention if you've undergone specific training or certifications related to these forms or standards.

Provide Context: Did this training lead to any improvements or initiatives in the organization?

?Example:

• "Undertook intensive ASC 832 training, subsequently identifying and correcting past lease accounting oversights, ensuring a clean audit report."

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4. Integrate Challenges and Achievements

Example:

Instead of: "Worked with 10-K filings."

Opt for: "Navigated complex 10-K disclosure requirements during a company merger, ensuring accurate representation of consolidated financials and timely submission."

The biggest thing I see is resumes that sound like the job description your employer would post if you were to leave the role. Make yourself stand out from the crowd! This is your chance to brag on yourself!

FINANCE TIPS

On Resume Length:

For those with a few years of experience in FP&A, a one-page resume is usually adequate. However, seasoned professionals boasting a broad spectrum of projects and achievements might need up to two pages. Always prioritize showcasing relevant and impactful experiences.

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Step 1: Spotlight on Strategic Contributions

Focus on highlighting your specific contributions and achievements in FP&A roles.

Example:

• Rather than: "Participated in annual budgeting."
• Choose: "Streamlined annual budgeting process, achieving a 20% reduction in time-to-completion and enhancing forecast accuracy."

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Step 2: Embrace Quantification

Quantitative achievements are particularly impactful in FP&A, demonstrating the tangible value you brought to your organization.

Examples:

• "Developed financial models that informed a $500,000 cost-saving strategy."
• "Enhanced cash flow forecasting, reducing forecasting error by 25%."

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Step 3: Use Strong Action Verbs

Start bullet points with dynamic verbs that showcase leadership and initiative.

Examples:

• Orchestrated a company-wide financial analysis project, leading to a 10% increase in operational efficiency.
• Pioneered the adoption of a new analytics platform, improving data-driven decision-making processes.

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Step 4: Tailor the Content to the Role

Customize your resume to reflect the specific requirements of the FP&A position you are applying for.

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Step 5: Software and Analytical Skills

Detail your proficiency in software and tools crucial for FP&A.

?List the Software: Be clear about your experience with tools like Excel, Power BI, SQL, etc.

?Specify Your Proficiency: For example, in Excel, mention your ability to create complex financial models, use advanced formulas, and perform data analysis.

?Example:

• "Utilized Excel for complex financial modeling and scenario analysis, contributing to key strategic decisions."

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Step 6: Clarity and Conciseness

Maintain sharp, specific bullet points. Avoid overuse of jargon, as HR professionals may initially review your resume.

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Step 7: Highlight Specific Project Experience and Analysis Skills

Showcase your expertise in financial analysis and project management.

Describe Major Projects

• Detail Key Projects: Mention significant projects like M&A analysis, long-range planning, or capital budgeting.
• Describe Your Role: Emphasize your specific contributions to these projects.

Example:

• Instead of: "Involved in merger analysis."
• Opt for: "Led the financial analysis for a successful merger, identifying synergies that saved the company $300,000 annually."

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Showcase Advanced Analysis Techniques

• Specify Techniques: Mention specific analysis methods you're skilled in, like Monte Carlo simulations or regression analysis.
• Detail Your Expertise: Describe how these techniques positively impacted your past roles.

Example:

• Instead of: "Conducted risk analysis."
• Opt for: "Applied Monte Carlo simulations to refine risk assessment, enhancing the accuracy of project valuations."

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Focus on Training or Certifications

• Mention relevant certifications such as CFA, FP&A, or specific financial modeling courses.
• Provide Context: Highlight how this training improved your performance or contributed to the organization.

Example:

"Certified in Advanced Financial Modeling, leveraged skills to optimize the company’s investment portfolio, yielding a 15% higher ROI."

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Integrate Challenges and Achievements

Example:

Instead of: "Managed department budget."

Opt for: "Oversaw a $10 million department budget, implementing cost controls that reduced expenses by 5% without impacting operational efficiency."

The biggest thing I see is resumes that sound like the job description your employer would post if you were to leave the role. Make yourself stand out from the crowd! This is your chance to brag on yourself!