Highlight your accounting certifications

Certifications are crucial for corporate accountants. They demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. Make sure to prominently feature your certifications on your resume, such as:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Don't just list the acronyms; spell out the full name of each certification. Also, include the year you earned them to show that your knowledge is current.

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   Showcase your experience with accounting software

Proficiency with accounting software is a must-have skill for corporate accountants. Hiring managers want to see that you have hands-on experience with the tools of the trade. Include specific examples of the software you've used, such as:

• QuickBooks: Managed accounts payable and receivable for a company with $10M in annual revenue
• SAP: Implemented SAP FI module, reducing month-end close process by 5 days
• Oracle NetSuite: Customized financial reports, resulting in 20% time savings for the CFO

Quantify your achievements whenever possible to show the impact of your work.

   Demonstrate your knowledge of accounting standards

Corporate accountants must stay up-to-date with the latest accounting standards and regulations. Show that you have this knowledge by mentioning specific standards you've worked with, such as:

• GAAP: Ensured compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for all financial statements
• IFRS: Converted financial reports from GAAP to International Financial Reporting Standards
• SOX: Implemented Sarbanes-Oxley controls, resulting in zero audit findings

If you have experience with industry-specific standards, such as FASB for non-profits or GASB for government entities, be sure to include those as well.

   Emphasize your analytical and problem-solving skills

Corporate accountants are often called upon to analyze complex financial data and solve problems. Highlight specific examples of how you've used your analytical and problem-solving skills to benefit your previous employers. For example:

Analyzed $500K variance in monthly revenue, identified cause as improper booking of deferred revenue, and implemented corrective action, resulting in 100% accuracy of financial statements.

Avoid generic statements like "strong analytical skills" without providing context. Instead, use concrete examples to illustrate your abilities.

   Include relevant education and coursework

While most corporate accountant positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, don't just list your degree and move on. Include relevant coursework, such as:

• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Auditing Theory and Practice
• Corporate Taxation

If you have a master's degree or are pursuing one, definitely include that information as well. Relevant certifications, such as a CPA license, should also be prominently featured.

On the other hand, there's no need to include unrelated coursework or degrees. For example:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Art History 101

   Tailor your resume to the job description

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same generic resume for every application. Instead, take the time to tailor your resume to each specific job description. Look for keywords in the job posting, such as:

• General ledger
• Month-end close
• Financial reporting

Then, make sure to include those keywords in your resume, along with specific examples of how you've performed those tasks in your previous roles. This will help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems and catch the attention of hiring managers.

For example, if the job description mentions "experience with budgeting and forecasting," don't just say:

Responsible for budgeting and forecasting

Instead, provide a specific example:

Created annual budget and rolling 12-month forecast for a $50M business unit, resulting in 95% accuracy of revenue and expense projections.