What Certifications Should You Add to Your Accounting Resume?

Nov 5, 2021

Posted by: Jason Kroll, Managing Partner, BANKW Staffing

KBWFinancial Team Jason KrollAccounting is a field that requires a great deal of training. Even with an extensive educational background, however, your resume might not stand out in a sea of qualified candidates. To truly demonstrate your industry-specific knowledge, skills, and experience, you need to list your accounting certifications.

The following are some of the certifications you should add to your accounting resume.

Significant Accounting Certifications

Whether you want to work in public or corporate accounting, banking and financial services, audit, fraud, or risk management, include your relevant certification on your resume. For instance, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential means you’re licensed by a state government to write audit reports, sign tax returns as a paid preparer, represent clients in front of the IRS, or give opinions on publicly-traded company financials. The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation shows you specialize in company accounting management and are qualified to work as a chief operating officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), or another executive role. The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation shows you can perform audit procedures and help independent auditors as a compliance officer or auditor.

Formatting Accounting Certifications

How you format accounting certifications on your resume depends on how many you have. If there are a few, and they’re required for the job you want, you can put them in the skills section. If there are several certifications, you can put them in a separate section. Either way, use the following structure: complete name of certification with an acronym, name of certifying body, date obtained, expiration date, and location (if state-appropriate).

Also, write each certification in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recently achieved or any in progress. Avoid listing less important or irrelevant certifications unrelated to the position. If a certification is expired, renew it before listing. If a certification doesn’t directly relate but may help secure an interview, include it in the training, skills, or accomplishments area.

Accounting Certifications and Automatic Tracking Systems

Including relevant accounting certifications on your resume helps it get picked up by an applicant tracking system (ATS). The ATS analyzes work experience, education, certifications, and other information to determine whether you’re qualified for a role. If you are, the ATS sends your resume to a hiring manager for review.

Send KBW Your Accounting Resume 

When you’re ready for your next accounting job, send your resume to KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting. We will meet with you in person to make sure we understand exactly what you’re looking for and match you with employers that are the right fit. See which accounting jobs are available today, then contact us.

About KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting

KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting is the leading provider of staffing and recruiting services in the areas of finance and accounting. Since 2005, KBW has provided thousands of clients with temporary and direct-hire staffing services throughout Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Learn more and search jobs at https://www.kbwfinancial.com

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