6 Powerful Tips on How To Write an Accounting CV

In this blog, you will learn:

• How to write an accounting CV.
• Why a strong CV is important.
• How to find and apply for the best accountancy jobs.

If you’re a Bookkeeper that’s looking to take the next step along the career ladder or an Accountant that’s interested in moving firms, your CV is the first opportunity you have to impress prospective companies. 

CVs are the first point of call for hiring managers looking for new talent, so you need to ensure that yours is of the highest quality to stand out from the crowd. 

In our latest blog, we uncover six powerful tips on how to write an accounting CV which will impress any hiring manager! 

How to write an accounting CV

It’s important that your CV is well structured, clear and concise. On average, recruiters spend just six to seven seconds looking at a CV before making a decision on a candidate. That’s not a lot of time to make an impression. Therefore, it’s vital that you make a good first impression. 

With that being said, here are our six top tips on how to write an accounting CV:

• Think power words
• Don’t leave it too late to apply
• Pay attention to sentence structure
• Stay clear of jargon or buzzwords
• Don’t divulge unnecessary details
• Make a statement with a personal statement

Think power words

Using strong language such as ‘calculated’, ‘evaluated’ and ‘quantified’ will really stand out and make your achievements sound even more impressive. By including powerful words, you’re giving credibility to your achievements.

Other power words include:

• Achieved
• Advocated
• Attained
• Defined
• Strengthened
• Facilitated
• Mentored
• Overhauled 
• Collaborated
• Initiated
• Coordinated
• Interpreted
• Developed
• Managed
• Orchestrated

However, it’s important to remember that you can overdo it, so keep your power words to roughly three or four in total. If you include too many, you run the risk of the value of your words being diminished.

Don’t leave it too late to apply

A job advert that attracts many applicants could be closed sooner than expected. Each year, there are around 135,000 job openings for Accountants and Auditors. So whilst there are plenty of opportunities out there, you wouldn’t want to miss out on your dream role because you missed the boat.

One piece of independent research even found that applying in the first week of the job being posted gives the applicant up to eight times more chance of getting the job.

Pay attention to sentence structure

Similar to using powerful words, it’s important to pay attention to sentence structure. Beginning sentences with verbs such as budgeting, tracking, generating and regulating will help your CV flow.

If you’re using bullet points within your CV to list key achievements, keep them short and snappy. 

Stay clear of jargon or buzzwords

Too many buzzwords can make your CV sound obnoxious. There is nothing wrong with knowing your apples but it’s important that your skills and experience aren’t drowned out by overused and uninspiring words. 

Common buzzwords to avoid are:

• Go-Getter 
• Expert
• Ninja
• Responsible for
• Hard worker

What you have done in the past and what you could do for your future employer is the key information you need to show in your CV.

Don’t divulge unnecessary details

Keep your CV short and to the point. Avoid listing unnecessary work experience, your current salary, photographs and private information such as your marital status, age, religious beliefs and National Insurance number. 

Also, try to avoid detailing why you left a previous position. If a hiring manager wishes to know this information, it can be done at the interview stage.

Always remember to include ACCA, CGMA or any other relevant qualifications on your cv!

Make a statement with a personal statement

This section of the CV is where you can really show an employer how passionate you are about the accountancy industry and exactly the value you can bring to their company.

It’s also important to give the hiring manager a glimpse into your character. For example, if you enjoy doing puzzles, list this in the hobbies section of your CV. It will subtly give the impression that you are able to think strategically.

Great hobbies to include are: 

• Games and puzzles to show you can think strategically. 
• Exercise to show that you are self-motivated. 
• Arts and crafts to show that you are creative. 
• Endurance sports to show that you can push yourself. 
• Volunteering to show that you have a compassionate side.

Accountancy jobs

If you’re searching for your next accountancy job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 

Accountancy recruitment services

As specialist accountancy recruiters, we support practices nationwide with their permanent recruitment needs. 

Whether you’re searching for a tax, audit or payroll specialist, we will help you to find whoever you need to make your practice thrive.

If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Senior Consultant Lauren Fisher on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?

Meet Lauren Fisher

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards. In 2024, Spencer Clarke Group was also named Recruitment Agency of the Year.