Writing a CV? Top Tips For Public Accountants

May 18, 2023

As a US tax professional you'll be an expert in many things, but writing an excellent CV may not be one of them!

We see hundreds of CVs a week, some great, most bad.

Here are some tips to writing a good one!

  1. Highlight your relevant education: Include your degree in accounting or related field and any certifications you have obtained (e.g., CPA, EA, JD, ATT).
  2. Showcase your experience: Detail your relevant work experience, including the type of clients you have served, the scope of your work, and any notable achievements. Use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.
  3. Emphasise your skills: Highlight your skills in accounting, tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit. Also, include any experience with accounting software.
  4. Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and percentages to quantify your achievements. For example, if you saved a client a certain amount of money or time, include the exact figure. Mention the size of companies you were working if you were doing corporate tax, or the net worth of people if doing individual tax.
  5. Tailor your CV: Customise your resume to fit the job description and the company you are applying to. Use keywords from the job posting to show how your experience and skills align with the position.
  6. Proofread: Check your CV for any grammatical errors or typos. Ask a friend, recruiter or family member to review it as well.
  7. Keep it concise: Your CV should be no more than two pages in length. Stick to the most relevant information and avoid unnecessary details.

By following these tips, you can create a strong CV that showcases your skills and experience as a public accountant.

What other things would you add?