Looking to move from a small bookkeeping firm to a boutique accounting firm? Your varied experience can be a big advantage. This guide will help you craft a resume that highlights your skills and gets you noticed.
Why Mentioning Client Types is Important
Boutique accounting firms serve diverse clients. Showcasing the types of businesses you’ve worked with (gyms, dentists, and doctors) shows your versatile experience. It proves you can handle different accounting needs, making you a valuable candidate.
Structuring Your Resume
- Contact Information: Make sure this is clear and correct. Include your full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile if you have one.
Example:
- John Doe
- johndoe@example.com
- 555-123-4567
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
- Objective or Summary: If you have a lot of experience, use a summary. If you’re new, use an objective.
Example:
- Summary: Dedicated bookkeeper with over 5 years managing accounts for businesses like gyms, dental clinics, and medical offices. Proven track record in improving financial accuracy and ensuring compliance.
- Objective: Recent accounting grad eager to apply skills in bookkeeping and financial management to support a boutique firm's diverse client base.
- Work Experience: Start with your latest job and work backward. Focus on what you achieved rather than just your duties.
Example:
- Senior Bookkeeper
XYZ Bookkeeping Firm, Anywhere, USA
March 2017 – Present - Managed financial accounts for clients including gyms, dental clinics, and medical offices.
- Improved accuracy of financial records by 20% through systematic auditing and software implementation.
- Ensured compliance with tax regulations, reducing audit risks by 15%.
- Education: List your top qualifications first. Mention any valuable certifications.
Example:
- BS in Accounting
Anywhere University, USA
Graduated: May 2016 - Certified Bookkeeper (CB)
The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), 2017
- Key Skills: Use terms from the job description to match your skills with what the employer needs.
Example:
- Financial Reporting
- Tax Preparation
- Payroll Management
- QuickBooks and Microsoft Office
- Compliance and Auditing
- Client Relationship Management
- Achievements: Highlight big accomplishments that show your expertise and dedication.
Example:
- Successfully reduced tax filing errors by 25% through meticulous audit processes.
- Developed new bookkeeping protocols that improved efficiency by 30%.
- Adding Contract and Freelance Work: List contract or freelance work to show your adaptability and skills.
Example:
- Freelance Bookkeeper
Self-employed
June 2015 – February 2017 - Handled bookkeeping for small businesses like restaurants, retail shops, and local service providers.
- Maintained accurate financial records and gave quarterly financial reviews.
Additional Tips
- Use action words: Make your resume stand out by using dynamic verbs like “managed,” “improved,” “implemented,” and “reduced.”
- Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to show your impact. It gives a clear picture of your effectiveness.
- Tailor to each job: Customize your resume for each job, highlighting the most relevant skills and experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Vague descriptions: Be specific about your duties and achievements.
- Irrelevant information: Only include details that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Lack of proofreading: Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
By following these tips, you can create a strong resume that showcases your experience. Good luck with your job hunt!