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As an entry-level bookkeeper, you'll be stepping into a role that's integral to businesses of all sizes. You'll be tracking financial transactions, balancing books and preparing financial statements. Lately, the bookkeeping industry has witnessed a digital transformation, with an increasing demand for proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks. So, when you're putting together your resume, ensure it reflects your ability to adapt to these tech advancements. Plus, never underestimate the importance of detailing any experience you have with data entry or financial record keeping, no matter how minor it might seem.
Your resume should clearly highlight your familiarity with accounting software, especially if you've used QuickBooks, Excel or similar programs. Addressing this in your skills section can show how you're on point with current industry trends.
As a bookkeeper, the details count. You need to demonstrate this in your resume. Consider including instances where your meticulous nature and precision were instrumental to your tasks or projects, so potential employers can see your commitment to accuracy.
With colleges constantly changing their curriculum, it can help to write out the particular courses that you feel were most helpful to your role as a bookkeeper. Additionally, if you have participated in any outside activities in your community in a bookkeeping, data entry, or organizational capacity, you can include it as part of your relevant experience.
If you're an entry level bookkeeper, you can draw attention to your skills by including the relevant coursework that was a part of your degree. Hiring managers that see you are specifically educated in "Spreadsheet Applications", for example, will feel comfortable assigning you to data entry, a core responsibility for bookkeepers.
Rather than only demonstrating that you were a student that completed coursework, you can incorporate activities (from volunteering roles to university projects to any committees you may be a part of) that are relevant to bookkeeping. If you have done any pro bono accounting work (such as for non profits or family or friends that have small businesses), be sure to include it (along with the name of the business when possible).
We spoke with hiring managers at top accounting firms and bookkeeping agencies, including Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and Robert Half, to gather their best advice for entry-level bookkeeper resumes. They shared insider tips on what skills and experience to highlight, and what will make your resume stand out. Here are six essential tips to help you craft a winning entry-level bookkeeper resume:
Entry-level bookkeeping jobs require knowledge of accounting software. Showcase your skills in programs like:
Avoid simply listing the software without context, like this:
A resume summary, also known as a professional summary or summary statement, is an optional section that appears at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. While it's not a mandatory component, a well-crafted summary can effectively showcase your most relevant qualifications and help you stand out to potential employers.
Unlike an objective statement, which focuses on your career goals, a summary highlights your key skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job you're applying for. It's particularly useful if you're making a career change or have a diverse background that may not be immediately apparent from your work history alone.
When writing a summary for an entry-level bookkeeper position, focus on your relevant skills, education, and any internship or volunteer experience that demonstrates your aptitude for the role. Keep it concise, typically no more than 3-4 sentences or bullet points, and tailor it to the specific job description.
Your work experience section is the most crucial part of your resume as an entry level bookkeeper. It's where you show hiring managers that you have the skills and experience to succeed in the role. In this section, we'll break down how to write a compelling work experience section that will help you stand out from other candidates.
When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs that are relevant to bookkeeping and accounting. This helps paint a picture of your skills and accomplishments. Instead of saying 'responsible for' or 'worked on', use verbs like:
By using industry-specific verbs, you show that you understand the language of bookkeeping and have the right skills for the job.
The education section of your entry level bookkeeper resume should clearly show that you meet the educational requirements for the position. Keep this section concise, highlighting your most relevant and recent educational achievements.
The skills section is a critical component of your entry level bookkeeper resume. It's where you showcase your relevant abilities and knowledge to potential employers. In this section, you should highlight both your technical skills (such as proficiency with accounting software) and your soft skills (like attention to detail and problem-solving). Let's explore some tips to make your skills section stand out.
Here are examples of popular skills from Entry Level Bookkeeper job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Entry Level Bookkeeper 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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