Possessing a strong affinity for numbers may be your forte, yet encountering an accountant job description in Ireland might lead to a momentary hesitation, given the task of crafting an impressive CV and cover letter. The realm of accounting is notably competitive, rendering even the attainment of an interview invitation a significant accomplishment.

In the forthcoming article, we have already delved into accounting interview questions and answers. Now, our focus shifts to the art of composing a compelling CV capable of securing that pivotal interview opportunity.

Guidelines for Crafting an Accountant CV

When shaping an accounting CV, it is pivotal to grasp the appropriate format. While it remains true that hiring managers harbor an aversion to generic CVs, they still anticipate a specific structure that is easily digestible. Below, we have provided a CV template. However, let us first examine the correct arrangement.

Personal Details

Hiring managers anticipate the inclusion of essential personal information at the CV’s outset. Kindly provide your full name, email address, telephone number, and residential address. While certain online job applications might necessitate supplementary details like gender, birthdate, and marital status, it is prudent to withhold this information unless expressly requested.

Accounting Personal Statement in CV

Arguably the most pivotal segment of your CV, this section often determines whether employers will delve further. Succinctly encapsulate yourself in two sentences. Compressing your finest professional attributes within 50-60 words is undoubtedly a challenge, but precision is key.

Accounting Skills in CV

Within this segment, it is imperative to detail the skills that position you as an ideal fit for the role. For instance, an exemplary grasp of IT skills, encompassing adeptness with relevant software, is essential. Craft original content to stand out amidst the multitude of CVs that hiring managers sift through.

The foremost accounting skills coveted by Irish employers include:

• Proficiency with SAP or Oracle systems
• Experience within a multinational context
• Post-qualification expertise
• Hard and Soft Skills for an Accountant CV

The role of an accountant necessitates a diverse skill set. However, judiciously list the skills most aligned with the job description. Before embarking on your CV composition, catalog both your hard and soft skills. Subsequently, focus on those most pertinent to the job advertisement. Here are some highly sought-after accounting skills:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Mathematics
• Coordination
• Systems analysis
• Active listening
• Writing
• Communication
• Deductive reasoning
• Synopsizing Qualifications and Educational Background

Hiring managers seek evidence of your educational achievements. Prioritize listing recent qualifications first. For instance, cite your Chartered Accountant status subsequent to your Bachelor’s Degree. In the realm of accounting CVs, professional certifications hold paramount importance.

Professional Experience

Given space constraints, it is typically judicious to limit the inclusion of more than three roles. Prioritize roles showcasing transferable skills and responsibilities pertinent to the prospective position. If your past roles encompass a wide spectrum such as Payroll Accountant and Sales Clerk, it is prudent to omit brief stints unrelated to the potential role.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

This segment holds lesser significance within the CV, and its absence should not unduly impact your application. Nonetheless, it provides an opportunity to challenge the stereotype of accountants lacking personality. Furthermore, it permits you to address gaps in experience; for instance, highlighting leadership prowess by citing a successful stint as a sports team captain.

It is not uncommon for applications to necessitate up to four references. This section should exclusively feature employers, educators, or professionals. Include their name, job title, contact information, and, if applicable, their company’s address.

Ready to Progress Toward an Accountant Role?

Prepared to delve into the next phase of your journey toward becoming an accountant? Explore these Accountant job opportunities and initiate the application process!

Constructing an Accountant CV and Experience

In the subsequent section, we offer a template to serve as the foundation for your CV. Before that, consider these tips when crafting an accounting resume:

Select the appropriate CV format, favouring chronological or functional (skills-based) structure, particularly if you possess limited real-world experience as a recent graduate.

Include a succinct resume objective under your personal information. Condense your skills, education, and pertinent experience.

Prioritize educational information and skills above work experience. Offer comprehensive details about academic achievements, encompassing years attended, school name, degree earned, and overall grade received.

If your work experience is limited, do not hesitate to incorporate volunteer roles. Commence each bullet point with an action verb to infuse vitality into your descriptions.

Consider augmenting your CV with supplementary sections.

Further Additions to an Accountant CV

While requisite qualifications and adept numeracy skills define an accountant, augment your CV with supplementary segments that highlight your multifaceted attributes. Appraise any unique talents, interests, or proficiencies that portray you as an exceptional accountant.

This segment might encompass additional certifications, notable accomplishments, or linguistic proficiencies. Introducing a creative hobby could also convey your capacity to manage workplace stress. Without further ado, let’s peruse a practical CV template. However, bear in mind that this serves as a framework. Tailoring your CV to seamlessly align with the job description and employer remains imperative.

Accountant CV Template –

For recent graduates, contending with peers possessing similar qualifications and a few years of experience necessitates a distinctive CV. The below template aids in crafting an accountant CV that captivates attention, irrespective of your tenure in the professional sphere. Access our Accountant CV Template for individuals without experience.

Sample Accountant CV

Concluding Thoughts

When formulating an accountant’s CV, rigorously review it for spelling and grammatical precision. Exclude irrelevant data and, if applying digitally, incorporate pertinent keywords such as ‘management account,’ ‘financial accountant,’ ‘SAP,’ ‘Oracle,’ and ‘R2R’ to heighten your CV’s searchability.

Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment specialises in the placement of qualified accountants up to executive level nationwide, Our teams have extensive experience (67 years combined) recruiting in the Irish Market. Reach out to the team here at Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment for the best advice and support in building your finance teams contact us today.