Accountant Resume Examples and Templates
20 Best Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
By Andrew Stoner
, Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner
Read More
Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Last Updated:
December 3, 2025
To write a great resume for certified public accountant (CPA) jobs, highlight your state license, accounting education, and relevant work experience. Use clear, concise language to show your expertise in audit, tax, financial reporting, or other specialties, and tailor your resume to the position requirements.
This guide provides expert tips to help you create a persuasive resume showing your best CPA skills.
Key takeaways:
- Brainstorm details about your work history on a separate document or blank sheet of paper. Then, identify the most relevant ones to feature in your experience section – this helps you focus your resume on the role of CPA.
- Articulate the positive impact of your past accounting work. Describe how your efforts helped each company monitor transactions and achieve goals.
- Follow the combination resume format to provide all required information while positioning yourself for CPA jobs that interest you.
Most Popular Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resumes
Entry-Level CPA Resume Example
Why this entry-level CPA resume example is strong:
Alex’s resume reflects a clear and compliant path to CPA licensure, beginning with an internship and advancing into a full-time staff accounting role. The document conveys readiness to take on more responsibility while showcasing quantifiable results.
Key Tip:
Even as a new CPA, you’ve already demonstrated commitment and practical value. Structure your resume to show growth and real-world results. Learn more in how to write a convincing resume profile.
CPA Resume Example
Why this CPA resume example is strong:
Jordan’s resume focuses on measurable improvements and highlights a smooth transition from public to corporate accounting. The focus on process improvement and audit compliance helps it stand out.
Key Tip:
Use resume keywords from job descriptions to improve your chances of getting past automated systems.
Tax CPA Resume Example
Why this tax CPA resume example is strong:
Morgan’s resume showcases expertise in both tax prep and long-term planning. Metrics like tax savings and client count show scope and value.
Key Tip:
Include your niche clearly in the summary. Learn more about writing a compelling summary in how to write a resume summary.
CPA Auditor Resume Example
Why this CPA auditor resume example is strong:
Casey’s experience is layered and progressive, showing clear advancement. The audit-specific skills and terminology match what hiring managers look for in this niche.
Key Tip:
Use resume job description tips to fine-tune the verbs and outcomes in your experience section.
Experienced CPA Resume Example
Why this experienced CPA resume example is strong:
Jamie’s resume reflects high-level financial influence and strategic leadership. It’s rich with senior-level language and shows long-term growth in scope.
Key Tip:
Use the right resume format to highlight a long and evolving career like Jamie’s.
CPA MBA Resume Example
Why this CPA MBA resume example is strong:
Cameron’s resume combines CPA credibility with advanced business strategy training, creating a strong hybrid candidate profile. It showcases leadership and planning skills, supported by MBA-level financial rigor.
Key Tip:
Learn how to structure resumes for dual-degree professionals in how to list your education on a resume.
Professional CPA Resume Example
Why this professional CPA resume example is strong:
Drew’s resume is tailored for a seasoned accountant who now works in a consulting capacity. It shows a mix of technical skills, advisory strengths, and quantifiable client value.
Key Tip:
Build out hybrid roles and fractional work clearly with help from resume job description examples.
Clinical Project Assistant CPA Resume Example
Why this clinical project assistant CPA resume example is strong:
Riley’s resume uniquely applies CPA qualifications to the clinical research space. It highlights compliance expertise and funding management experience—both critical in life sciences.
Key Tip:
Not all CPAs work in traditional firms. Learn to translate niche experience with job titles for resume.
Forensic Accountant CPA Resume Example
Why this forensic accountant CPA resume example is strong:
Pat’s resume clearly reflects specialized forensic experience, supported by outcomes and legal context. The niche focus helps them stand out in investigative or compliance-heavy roles.
Key Tip:
If your job blends two fields, use a tailored summary like Pat’s. See more guidance in how to write your first job resume.
Government Accountant CPA Resume Example
Why this government accountant CPA resume example is strong:
Alex’s resume emphasizes public-sector experience and regulatory compliance, both critical for roles in government agencies. It also outlines direct oversight of large budgets.
Key Tip:
If applying to public roles, make sure your resume reflects government-specific frameworks like GASB. Use resume action words to strengthen your experience section.
Remote CPA Resume Example
Why this remote CPA resume example is strong:
Jordan’s resume emphasizes tech adaptability, independent accountability, and client results—all crucial for remote accounting roles.
Key Tip:
Mention the software and tools you’ve used remotely. Get more insight in how to list skills on a resume.
Nonprofit CPA Resume Example
Why this nonprofit CPA resume example is strong:
Morgan’s resume highlights nonprofit-specific skills and compliance knowledge, backed by real budget and audit outcomes.
Key Tip:
Use job-specific terms like “donor-restricted funds” to appeal to nonprofit recruiters. Learn more in what to put on a resume.
CPA Financial Analyst Resume Example
Why this CPA financial analyst resume example is strong:
Casey’s resume blends CPA technical rigor with strategic financial planning skills, which appeals to growing finance teams.
Key Tip:
When applying for hybrid roles, make your analytics and accounting strengths equally visible. Explore more in resume personal statement examples.
CPA Controller Resume Example
Why this CPA controller resume example is strong:
Jamie’s resume reflects a natural career progression into leadership, with a focus on systems and team development. The metrics around budget and process improvement make it impactful.
Key Tip:
Management-focused CPAs should highlight process and people improvements. Find more ideas in how far should a resume go.
CPA Bookkeeper Resume Example
Why this CPA bookkeeper resume example is strong:
Cameron’s resume clearly communicates small-business value: accurate books, clean reconciliations, and proactive tax prep. The freelance experience is especially relevant.
Key Tip:
Freelancers should show consistency and client loyalty. See more tips in how to show a promotion on a resume.
CPA Payroll Specialist Resume Example
Why this CPA payroll specialist resume example is strong:
Drew’s resume is tightly focused on payroll expertise, with a clear emphasis on efficiency and error reduction. Hiring managers can quickly see the impact on operations.
Key Tip:
If you’re applying for payroll-specific roles, use software names and exact payroll volumes. Learn more in how to build a professional resume.
CPA Staff Accountant Resume Example
Why this CPA staff accountant resume example is strong:
Riley’s resume is clear and focused, with a progression from intern to staff accountant. It shows reliability, system knowledge, and audit support skills.
Key Tip:
Use your early-career timeline to show growth, even within similar job functions. Learn more in how to mention year of graduation in resume.
CPA Real Estate Accountant Resume Example
Why this CPA real estate accountant resume example is strong:
Pat’s resume clearly aligns with industry-specific expectations, from CAM reconciliations to lease accounting. It speaks directly to property firms.
Key Tip:
Always include industry-specific software (like Yardi or MRI) when targeting real estate roles. Explore more in core competencies resume.
CPA Cost Accountant Resume Example
Why this CPA cost accountant resume example is strong:
Alex’s resume stands out with deep cost accounting terminology, real-world ERP use, and tangible savings. It’s laser-focused on manufacturing.
Key Tip:
Use line-item language that matches the industry, like BOM or routing. See examples in technical skills in IT resume.
CPA Tax Consultant Resume Example
Why this CPA tax consultant resume example is strong:
Jordan’s resume uses strong numbers and consulting outcomes to show impact. It emphasizes client savings, compliance, and credibility.
Key Tip:
Consulting roles require trust. Use verbs that show action and ownership. Read more in resume action words.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume
A template can help you organize your career information for an effective CPA resume. Your resume should usually have these sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certification(s)
Before starting work on your resume, jot down any preferences you have for your target job duties, industry, company size, or work culture. These notes will help you determine and emphasize your best career details as you develop each section.
1. Share your contact information
Give your full name, phone number, email address, location, and links to any online professional profiles. Also consider adding “CPA” after your name so hiring managers can immediately see your expertise.
Template:
Your Name, CPA
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | City, ST | LinkedIn
2. Write a brief summary of your certified public accountant (CPA) qualifications
Impress hiring managers at the top of your resume by giving the three to five main reasons you can excel as their next CPA. Consider what sets you apart from other candidates, such as your:
- Years of related work experience
- Main strengths or accounting specialties
- Advanced degree or other credentials in your field
(Note: Most job seekers find it easier to write their profile last.)
Example:
Certified public accountant with over 10 years of experience specializing in financial reporting, risk mitigation, and internal audit. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, driving SOX compliance, and advising executives on fiscal strategy.
3. Outline your relevant accounting experience
View the experience section as a chance to give examples of your work and success in prior CPA or general accounting roles. For each job in your recent work history, brainstorm your duties and achievements on a separate document or blank sheet of paper. Then, choose the most relevant details to feature as bullet points in this section. This two-stage process helps you create an experience section that’s both detailed and focused.
Example:
Senior Accountant, Western Equity Partners, Chicago, IL | August 2020 to July 2025
- Led quarterly and yearend closings for a $75 million portfolio with 100% compliance
- Reduced tax liability $450,000 by restructuring business expenses
- Directed internal audits that uncovered $2 million in billing discrepancies
- Improved monthly reporting efficiency 30% by revamping Excel templates
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
When possible, cite relevant performance data and metrics to show the results you’ve achieved as an accountant. Hard numbers put your work in context and give recruiters a better sense of your scope and impact.
Do
- “Reduced client tax liability $250,000 through comprehensive expense categorization and R&D credit analysis”
Don’t
- “Handled client tax preparation and reviewed expenses”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume to each job type
Before sending your resume, review it carefully against multiple CPA job postings. Delete any details that don’t speak to the requirements, and consider using that space for more information about your relevant experience. This process takes extra time, obviously. But it can shorten your overall job search by giving you an edge over the many applicants who send a more general, less convincing resume.
What if you have no experience as a certified public accountant (CPA)?
As long as the job posting doesn’t strictly require it, you don’t need direct work experience to write an effective resume. The trick is focusing on your transferable skills, which can come from various areas such as your other past accounting jobs, internships, volunteer positions, or college courses. By detailing these areas in full on your resume, you can ensure it helps you get interviews for your target job.
4. List your education and credentials relevant to certified public accountant (CPA)
Your CPA license is the centerpiece here, but also include your degree and any related credentials like certified fraud examiner (CFE) or certified management accountant (CMA).
Below are templates and examples to help you organize this information on your resume (note, years are optional).
Education
Template:
[Degree Name], [School Name], [City, ST] | [Graduation Year]
[Relevant honors, coursework, or activities]
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
[Description if the credential is lesser-known but relevant]
Example:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Colorado State Board of Accountancy | 2023
5. List key certified public accountant (CPA) skills
A skills section lets you quickly show the different ways you can contribute and excel in your target CPA position. It also helps your resume perform well on applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers to screen candidates. Below, you’ll find some key terms and skills to consider for this section:
| Key skills (alphabetized): | |
|---|---|
| Account reconciliation | Budget forecasting |
| Cost accounting | Financial analysis |
| Financial reporting | GAAP compliance |
| Internal audits | Microsoft Excel |
| QuickBooks | Risk assessment |
| SOX compliance | Strategic planning |
| Tax planning | Tax return preparation |
| Variance analysis | Workflow optimization |
Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you keep the hiring manager’s attention and tell a compelling story about your experience.
The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your CPA resume:
| Action verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Audited |
| Budgeted | Calculated |
| Clarified | Conducted |
| Created | Decreased |
| Doubled | Earned |
| Encouraged | Enhanced |
| Ensured | Forecasted |
| Fostered | Generated |
| Grew | Improved |
| Increased | Introduced |
| Lowered | Managed |
| Monitored | Prepared |
| Prevented | Ranked |
| Recommended | Recorded |
| Reduced | Reinforced |
| Reported | Reversed |
| Reviewed | Streamlined |
| Summarized | Updated |
| Verified | Won |
How To Pick the Best Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume Template
The best resume templates are simple and easy to edit. Choose one that lets you quickly add, delete, flesh out, rearrange, and reorder sections. With a flexible design, you can tailor and optimize your resume for each job application.
Frequently Asked Questions: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a certified public accountant (CPA) job posting?
First, look closely at the job post text and note any words that are repeated or emphasized. Compare these phrases with the language in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, seek ways to align your resume language with the job posting while not copying phrases or misstating your background.
For example, if the organization seeks someone collaborative, call out that aspect of your experience in your profile. Or say the firm has many non-English speaking clients and partners. Cite your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each opportunity.
What is the best certified public accountant (CPA) resume format?
The combination or hybrid format, which merges a functional resume's profile section with a chronological resume's experience section. Most modern resumes (including the ones on this page) follow the combination format because it gives hiring managers the clearest view of an applicant's strengths and work history.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
A good cover letter can enhance your job application. To write a standout cover letter, get specific. Tell the hiring manager why you’re interested in their organization and the CPA role they hope to fill.
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Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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