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As the CAO you are in charge of the entire accounting department and its operations. Tasks you can expect include compiling financial reports, overseeing payroll, Analyzing and developing budgets and other accounting goals, etc. Most companies will expect you to have a master’s degree in accounting or a related field and you will need to have at least 5 years of experience. Most companies will also ask for a CPA certification so make sure your certifications are clearly listed on your resume. Here is a successful resume sample.
Show recruiters your upward progression in your career. It will show recruiters your dedication to your profession and give them a better idea of the relevant skills you have gained along the way. This applicant started as a financial controller and moved their way up to a CAO position.
Apart from the expected CPA certification, include any other certifications you have gained related to accounting or management. It will give recruiters a better idea of your specializations or your styles of management. This applicant has an internal auditor certification which indicates their accounting specialization and could have listed an Agile certification which would have indicated their management ideology.
We reached out to hiring managers and recruiters at top companies like PwC, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young to understand what they look for in Chief Accounting Officer resumes. The following tips are based on their insights and will help you create a strong resume that stands out from the competition.
Highlight your deep knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and regulatory requirements that are relevant to the Chief Accounting Officer role:
Avoid generic statements that don't demonstrate your specific expertise:
The resume summary is an optional section that sits at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. It provides a brief overview of your qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the Chief Accounting Officer position you are targeting. While a summary is not required, it can be a valuable addition to your resume if you have extensive experience or are making a career change.
When writing your summary, focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and achievements that demonstrate your ability to excel as a Chief Accounting Officer. Avoid using an objective statement, as it focuses on your goals rather than what you can offer the employer.
The work experience section is the heart of your Chief Accounting Officer resume. It's where you showcase your skills, accomplishments, and career progression. To make this section compelling, focus on highlighting your most relevant experiences, quantifying your achievements, and using strong action verbs.
Using strong action verbs helps to create a more impactful work experience section. They emphasize your initiative, leadership, and problem-solving skills. However, avoid using generic verbs that don't specifically relate to accounting.
Here are some examples of strong accounting action verbs:
In contrast, here are some examples of weak, generic verbs to avoid:
The education section of your chief accounting officer resume should be concise yet impactful. It's an opportunity to showcase your academic achievements and relevant certifications that qualify you for the role. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when crafting this section:
The skills section of your Chief Accounting Officer resume is crucial for showcasing your expertise to potential employers. It's an opportunity to highlight your technical proficiencies, industry knowledge, and key competencies that make you a strong candidate for the role. When crafting your skills section, consider the following tips to ensure it effectively communicates your value and aligns with the job requirements.
Here are examples of popular skills from Chief Accounting Officer job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Chief Accounting Officer job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
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