Bookkeeper Resume Examples + Writing Tips
Bookkeepers keep companies running. Follow our guide and bookkeeper resume examples to learn how to write a bookkeeper resume and secure your dream job.
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Bookkeeper resume example
Impress hiring managers with a bookkeeper resume that highlights all the right skills, is organized and looks professional. Use the bookkeeper resume sample below as a base to write your resume or edit in a couple of minutes in our Resume Builder.
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Bookkeeper resume template (text version)
Make this bookkeeper resume example your own by pasting it into a design of your choice or one of our professional resume templates!
Build my resumeFour keys for a successful bookkeeper resume
Elevate your bookkeeper resume with these tips:
Match your skills and qualifications to the job.
Not every bookkeeping job is the same, as not every employer is looking for the same person. Instead of submitting the same resume to every job, we recommend tailoring your resume to each job posting by including listed requirements, such as skills, educational background and experience. When you include these keywords in your bookkeeper resume, you increase your chances of making it through applicant tracking systems (ATS) some companies use to filter resumes.
Emphasize results and achievements.
As a bookkeeper, you know better than anyone that sometimes numbers speak louder than words. Instead of simply telling prospective employers that you’re good at your job, show them how good you are by using quantifiable metrics and important accomplishments (e.g. “Decreased invoice processing time by 25%, resulting in quicker payment cycles and enhanced vendor relationships.”)
Show you have the right combination of hard and soft skills.
A bookkeeper doesn’t just need to have knowledge about numbers and accounting software. They also should know how to communicate well with others, manage their time and have great organizational skills. To assure hiring managers you’re a well-rounded professional, include a mix of hard and soft skills in your bookkeeper resume.
List any related certifications or credentials you have.
Maybe the bookkeeper job description doesn’t require candidates to have a specific certification, but if you have one relevant to the job, include it! Certifications and additional training can solidify your expertise and help you look like a strong candidate.
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Action words for your bookkeeper resume
Action words — also known as action verbs — have the power to take your bookkeeper resume to the next level. Instead of starting your phrases with, “I was responsible for…” consider using one of the following words:
- Managed
- Implemented
- Led
- Reconciled
- Optimized
- Streamlined
- Processed
- Developed
- Generated
- Collaborated
- Improved
- Spearheaded
- Reduced
- Ensured
- Conducted
- Enhanced
- Acknowledged
- Processed
- Maintained
- Provided
For a more detailed list, check our action words article.
Build my resumeChoose the right format for your resume
You can organize the layout of your resume using one of the following formats:
- The chronological resume format is excellent for bookkeepers with over nine years of experience. It focuses on your work history and professional growth, putting your career at the front and center.
- The functional resume format is recommended for job seekers with less than two years of experience or significant employment gaps. It emphasizes your skills and training instead of your lack of experience.
- The combination resume format combines the best of the functional and chronological formats by focusing on work experience and skills. It’s ideal for mid-level bookkeepers with three to eight years of experience.
20 bookkeeper skills
Successful bookkeeper resumes should feature a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Now, the specific skills you include should be determined by the job description, but here are some relevant skills you can consider to impress the hiring manager:
- Financial data entry
- Accounting software proficiency (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero)
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Payroll processing
- Financial reporting
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Bank reconciliation
- Mathematical proficiency
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Problem-solving skills
- Integrity and ethics
- Flexibility
- Research skills
- Customer service skills
- Stress management
- Multitasking
How to write a bookkeeper resume
Contact information
The first thing to consider is your resume header. This usually includes your full name, your contact information including your phone number, and any professional links such as your LinkedIn profile.
Resume summary or objective
Write a resume summary — also known as a professional summary — if you have over three years of bookkeeping experience. This is a three-sentence overview of your top strengths and qualifications relevant to the job opening. Here you have a good example of a summary for a resume:
If you have less than two years of experience, go for a resume objective. Similar to the summary, you’ll feature your top skills and accomplishments but also your career goals. Here’s an example of how to write a resume objective:
Skills
The list of skills you need for a bookkeeper position is quite extensive and even an entry-level bookkeeper will need to feature quite a few qualifications. Here are a few that can help your bookkeeping resume:
- Accounting software (QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Excel, Xero)
- Accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Financial reports and financial records
- Auditing
- Data entry
- Using a general ledger
- Bank reconciliation
- Reconciling discrepancies
- Financial statements
- Tax returns
- Bank accounts
- Balance sheets
- Generally accepted accounting principles
- Financial data
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
As you can see, both hard skills and soft skills make an appearance in this section. Aim for 8-10 of both — you might expect to use hard skills such as proficiency in MS Office, but soft skills like collaboration may be just as important.
Work history
Next, you need to list your work experience. Feature previous professional experiences, stressing responsibilities and achievements that tie into bookkeeping. You can also include work experience from academic and volunteer experiences as long as it applies to bookkeeping. Remember to list your jobs in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent and relevant one first.
Education
List your highest academic credential here (e.g., college degree), as well as any related certifications, such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) certification.
For more resume-writing tips, check our How to Make a Resume article.
Do’s and don’ts for a bookkeeper resume
- Use numbers to illustrate your effectiveness. “Managed accounts valued at over $1 million per month” looks better than “Managed many accounts.”
- Proofread your bookkeeper resume. Attention to detail is an important skill to have to be a successful bookkeeper, so show hiring managers you have it by submitting a clean resume.
- List work in related jobs. Recruiters and hiring managers spend less than a minute reviewing job applications, so keep it relevant.
- List generic skills like “Computer skills” or “Spreadsheets.” Instead, be specific about the skills and software you’re proficient at.
- List your GPA in your education section. You should lean more toward including honors you graduated with, like cum laude.
- Write your bookkeeper resume without checking out other examples and templates. A bookkeeper resume template from ResumeHelp gives you a professional layout that can help you showcase your experience and knowledge more effectively.
More resume and cover letter resources
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- Resume Guide, Tips and Advice for 2024
- How to Make a Resume
- Cover Letter Builder
- Best Bookkeeper Cover Letter Examples
- 5 Common Accounting Interview Questions
FAQ: Bookkeeper resume
Have questions? We’re here to help.
What are the duties of a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper manages the financial records of a business. Among their duties is the responsibility to organize and record all the financial transactions to ensure accurate and up-to-date financial information. Some other bookkeeping duties include:
- Entering and categorizing financial transactions like sales, purchases, expenses and receipts into the accounting system.
- Updating and maintaining the general ledger, which is a comprehensive record of all transactions.
Reconciling bank statements, credit card statements and other financial records to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies. - Manage accounts payable by recording and tracking bills, processing payments to vendors and maintaining a record of outstanding balances.
- Calculate and process employee payroll, including taxes, deductions and benefits.
How do you describe a bookkeeper on a resume?
Highlighting key skills and relevant experience in your bookkeeper resume is essential. Focus on accomplishments instead of daily tasks and use metrics such as percentages or dollar amounts to showcase your strength as a bookkeeper better. For example: “Revamped the monthly financial reporting process, reducing the time required to generate reports by 25%.”
What is a functional resume for a bookkeeper?
A functional resume is a type of resume format that focuses on skills and training rather than chronological work experience. It’s useful for people with less than two years of experience or who want to highlight their skills relevant to the job, especially when they have employment gaps or have changed careers.
Do I need to include a cover letter for a bookkeeper application?
A cover letter is a great choice for a bookkeeper because it allows you to delve more fully into key achievements and projects from previous jobs, presenting yourself as a unique candidate. For expert suggestions and step-by-step guidance to create your own cover letter, use the ResumeHelp Cover Letter Builder.
How can I write a bookkeeper resume without a lot of experience?
If you don’t have a lot of bookkeeping experience, look into featuring other experiences, such as academic projects, volunteer activities and internships, that feature skills and responsibilities similar to bookkeeping. Remember, the key is to showcase the right experiences, even if they’re from unrelated jobs.
How do I change my bookkeeper resume to apply to different jobs?
There’s no such thing as the perfect resume – only the perfect resume for a specific job application. Read the bookkeeper job description and see what resume keywords the recruiter included, such as particular skills or job requirements. Tailor your resume to these keywords; this will help you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers will use to scan your resume for keywords.
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