Highlight your experience with accounting software

Hiring managers want to see that you have hands-on experience with the accounting software and tools they use. Be specific about the software you've worked with and how you've used it to improve processes or solve problems.

• Implemented and managed NetSuite ERP system, reducing month-end close process from 10 days to 5 days
• Proficient in QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage 50, with experience training junior staff on best practices

Avoid simply listing software without context, like this:

• Familiar with accounting software
• Used various ERP systems

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   Demonstrate your leadership and mentorship abilities

As a senior bookkeeper, you'll likely be responsible for managing and mentoring junior staff. Highlight any experience you have leading teams, training new hires, or improving processes.

• Managed a team of 3 junior bookkeepers, providing ongoing training and support to ensure accuracy and efficiency
• Developed and implemented a new onboarding program for incoming bookkeeping staff, reducing training time by 25%

Don't just say you have leadership skills without backing it up. Weak examples include:

• Strong leadership abilities
• Mentored junior staff

   Quantify your impact with specific metrics

Numbers jump off the page and help hiring managers quickly understand the scope and impact of your work. Whenever possible, include specific metrics that demonstrate your contributions.

• Managed accounts payable and receivable for a $10M company, ensuring 98% on-time payment and collection
• Identified and corrected errors in financial statements, saving the company $50K in potential tax penalties

Vague statements without numbers are less impactful, like:

• Handled accounts payable and receivable
• Found and fixed errors in financial statements

   Showcase your problem-solving skills with specific examples

Bookkeepers often face challenges like discrepancies, tight deadlines, or implementing new processes. Use specific examples to highlight your problem-solving abilities.

When tasked with streamlining our expense reporting process, I researched and recommended a new software solution. After implementing it and training the team, we reduced the time spent on monthly expense reports by 40% and improved accuracy to over 99%.

Problem-solving examples are less effective when they lack details:

Helped improve various accounting processes and solved problems that came up.

   Tailor your resume to the specific job and company

While many bookkeeping skills are transferable, it's important to customize your resume for each application. Look for keywords in the job description and mirror that language where applicable.

For example, if a job posting emphasizes experience with nonprofit accounting, highlight any relevant experience you have:

• Managed bookkeeping for a $5M nonprofit, ensuring compliance with GAAP and IRS Form 990 requirements
• Well-versed in fund accounting, grants management, and donor reporting

Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, like having a generic skills list:

• Accounts payable
• Accounts receivable
• Payroll
• General ledger

   Highlight your certifications and ongoing education

In addition to a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to ongoing learning. Be sure to include any relevant certifications you've earned.

• Certified Bookkeeper (CB) - American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
• Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) - National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
• Completed 30 hours of continuing education in advanced QuickBooks techniques and best practices

Simply listing 'bookkeeping certification' is too vague. Hiring managers want to know the specific certifications you hold:

• Bookkeeping certification
• Continuing education in accounting