How to Tailor Your Resume to a General Accountant Posting

Landing a General Accountant role requires more than just listing your skills. It’s about showcasing your ability to protect revenue, control costs, and manage financial timelines—all while communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders. This isn’t a generic resume guide; it’s about making your resume speak directly to hiring managers looking for a General Accountant who gets the job done.

What you’ll walk away with

• A 10-bullet rewrite of your current resume, showcasing your impact with quantifiable results.
• A scoring rubric to evaluate your resume bullets, ensuring they highlight the skills and experience hiring managers value.
• A script for addressing a potential weakness in your experience, framing it as a learning opportunity and demonstrating growth.
• A checklist to ensure your resume includes all the essential elements that speak to the specific needs of a General Accountant role.
• A list of red flags that can disqualify you from a General Accountant position and how to avoid them.
• A proof plan to turn a perceived weakness into a demonstrable strength in 30 days.

Scope: What This Is and Isn’t

• This is: A guide to tailoring your existing resume specifically for a General Accountant role.
• This isn’t: A generic resume writing tutorial or a complete career change roadmap.

What a hiring manager scans for in 15 seconds

Hiring managers quickly scan for specific keywords and achievements that demonstrate your ability to handle the core responsibilities of a General Accountant. They’re looking for evidence of your experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance, as well as your ability to analyze data and communicate insights effectively.

• GAAP/IFRS: Demonstrates a strong understanding of accounting principles.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Shows your ability to manage financial resources.
• Variance Analysis: Highlights your analytical skills and ability to identify trends.
• Financial Reporting: Confirms your experience with creating accurate and timely reports.
• Internal Controls: Demonstrates your commitment to maintaining financial integrity.
• Month-End Close: Shows experience with the full accounting cycle.
• Audit Experience: Indicates familiarity with compliance requirements.
• Software Proficiency (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks): Confirms you have the technical skills required.

The mistake that quietly kills candidates

The biggest mistake is being too generic. Using broad terms like “managed budgets” without providing specific details about the budget size, variance, and impact makes your experience difficult to evaluate. To fix this, quantify your accomplishments and provide context.

Use this when rewriting a bullet point on your resume.

Weak: Managed budgets.

Strong: Managed a $5M annual budget, reducing variance by 15% through improved forecasting techniques.

Keyword Strategy for General Accountant Resumes

Keywords are crucial for both ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and human recruiters. Focus on incorporating relevant accounting terms, software skills, and industry-specific keywords throughout your resume.

• Financial Reporting: Essential for demonstrating your experience with creating accurate and timely reports.
• GAAP/IFRS: Shows your understanding of accounting principles.
• Budgeting: Highlights your ability to manage financial resources effectively.
• Forecasting: Demonstrates your skill in predicting future financial performance.
• Variance Analysis: Showcases your ability to identify and explain discrepancies.
• Month-End Close: Confirms your experience with the full accounting cycle.
• Internal Controls: Highlights your commitment to maintaining financial integrity.
• Audit: Demonstrates your familiarity with compliance requirements.
• SAP/Oracle/QuickBooks: Confirms your technical skills.
• Account Reconciliation: Shows your attention to detail and accuracy.

Bullet Rewrite Workshop: From Weak to Strong

Transforming generic bullet points into impactful statements is key to landing a General Accountant role. Focus on quantifying your accomplishments and highlighting your contributions to the company’s financial success.

1. Weak: Prepared financial statements.
   Strong: Prepared monthly financial statements in accordance with GAAP, ensuring timely and accurate reporting for senior management.
2. Weak: Managed accounts payable.
   Strong: Streamlined accounts payable processes, reducing payment cycle by 10 days and improving vendor relationships.
3. Weak: Assisted with audits.
   Strong: Assisted with annual audits, providing documentation and support that resulted in zero material weaknesses identified.
4. Weak: Reconciled bank accounts.
   Strong: Reconciled 20+ bank accounts monthly, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
5. Weak: Processed invoices.
   Strong: Automated invoice processing, reducing manual data entry by 40% and improving efficiency.
6. Weak: Managed the budgeting process.
   Strong: Led the annual budgeting process, developing a comprehensive budget that aligned with strategic goals and improved forecast accuracy by 15%.
7. Weak: Monitored expenses.
   Strong: Monitored departmental expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities that resulted in a 5% reduction in operating costs.
8. Weak: Improved efficiency.
   Strong: Implemented new accounting software, improving efficiency by 20% and reducing errors.
9. Weak: Handled payroll.
   Strong: Managed bi-weekly payroll for 100+ employees, ensuring accurate and timely payments while complying with all relevant regulations.
10. Weak: Supported cross-functional teams.
    Strong: Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop financial models that supported strategic decision-making and improved project ROI by 12%.

Fluff Prevention Checklist

Avoid generic terms and phrases that don’t provide specific information about your experience. Focus on using action verbs and quantifiable results to demonstrate your accomplishments.

• Avoid vague terms like “responsible for” or “assisted with”.
• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible (e.g., percentages, dollar amounts, timeframes).
• Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities (e.g., managed, led, developed, implemented).
• Provide specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions.
• Tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the job description.
• Highlight your key skills and qualifications.
• Proofread your resume carefully for errors in grammar and spelling.
• Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the hiring manager may not understand.
• Focus on the results you achieved, not just the tasks you performed.
• Use keywords from the job description to optimize your resume for ATS.
• Ensure your resume is easy to read and visually appealing.
• Include a summary or objective statement that highlights your key qualifications.
• List your skills and qualifications in a clear and concise manner.
• Provide contact information that is accurate and up-to-date.
• Avoid using generic phrases like “team player” or “hard worker”.

Addressing Weaknesses in Your Experience

Everyone has areas where they can improve. The key is to acknowledge your weaknesses and demonstrate that you are taking steps to address them. Framing a weakness as a learning opportunity can show self-awareness and a commitment to growth.

Use this script when addressing a lack of experience with a specific accounting software during an interview.

“While I haven’t had direct experience with [specific software], I have a strong understanding of accounting principles and have quickly adapted to new software in the past. For example, at [previous company], I mastered [similar software] within two weeks and used it to streamline our month-end close process, reducing the time by 15%. I’m confident I can quickly learn [specific software] and become proficient in its use.”

Proof Plan: Turning Weakness into Strength in 30 Days

Demonstrating a commitment to improvement requires a concrete plan of action. This plan outlines how you can address a perceived weakness and turn it into a demonstrable strength within 30 days.

1. Identify the Weakness: Pinpoint a specific skill or area where you lack experience.
2. Set a Goal: Define a clear and measurable goal for improvement.
3. Create a Learning Plan: Outline the steps you will take to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
4. Seek Opportunities for Practice: Look for ways to apply your new knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
5. Track Your Progress: Monitor your progress and make adjustments to your plan as needed.
6. Document Your Accomplishments: Keep a record of your achievements and quantify your results whenever possible.
7. Highlight Your Improvement: Showcase your progress on your resume and during interviews.

Red Flags That Can Disqualify You

Certain resume elements can raise red flags for hiring managers. Avoid these common mistakes to increase your chances of landing an interview.

• Generic Language: Using vague terms without quantifiable results.
• Lack of Specific Skills: Failing to highlight essential accounting skills.
• Inconsistent Job History: Gaps in employment or frequent job changes without explanation.
• Poor Grammar and Spelling: Demonstrating a lack of attention to detail.
• Irrelevant Information: Including information that is not relevant to the job description.
• Unprofessional Tone: Using an inappropriate or informal tone.

Scoring Rubric for General Accountant Resume Bullets

Use this rubric to evaluate your resume bullets and ensure they highlight the skills and experience that hiring managers value.

• Specificity (25%): Does the bullet provide specific details about your responsibilities and accomplishments?
• Quantifiable Results (25%): Does the bullet include quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact?
• Relevance (20%): Is the bullet relevant to the requirements of the job description?
• Action Verbs (15%): Does the bullet use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities?
• Clarity (15%): Is the bullet easy to read and understand?

Tailoring Your Resume to Different Industries

General Accountant roles can vary significantly across different industries. Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific industry you are targeting.

For example:

• Manufacturing: Emphasize experience with cost accounting, inventory management, and variance analysis.
• Technology: Highlight experience with revenue recognition, SaaS metrics, and financial modeling.

What Strong Looks Like in the Real World

A strong General Accountant resume demonstrates a clear understanding of accounting principles, a proven track record of success, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
• Specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions.
• Relevant skills and qualifications that match the requirements of the job description.
• A clear and concise writing style that is easy to read and understand.
• A professional tone that conveys your expertise and credibility.

FAQ

What are the most important skills for a General Accountant?

The most important skills for a General Accountant include a strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP/IFRS), budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, variance analysis, and internal controls. Proficiency in accounting software such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks is also essential.

How can I quantify my accomplishments on my resume?

To quantify your accomplishments, focus on using numbers to demonstrate your impact. For example, instead of saying “Managed budgets,” say “Managed a $5M annual budget, reducing variance by 15% through improved forecasting techniques.”

What should I include in my resume summary?

Your resume summary should provide a brief overview of your key skills and qualifications, highlighting your most relevant experience and accomplishments. Tailor your summary to the specific requirements of the job description.

How long should my resume be?

Ideally, your resume should be no more than two pages long. Focus on including the most relevant information and avoid unnecessary details.

Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should always include a cover letter with your resume. Your cover letter provides an opportunity to introduce yourself, highlight your key qualifications, and explain why you are a good fit for the job.

What is the best format for my resume?

The best format for your resume is a chronological format, which lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. This format is easy to read and allows hiring managers to quickly see your career progression.

What are some common resume mistakes to avoid?

Some common resume mistakes to avoid include using generic language, failing to quantify your accomplishments, including irrelevant information, and having errors in grammar and spelling.

How can I tailor my resume to a specific job description?

To tailor your resume to a specific job description, carefully review the requirements of the job and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.

What should I do if I have gaps in my employment history?

If you have gaps in your employment history, be honest and provide a brief explanation. You can also highlight any skills or experiences you gained during that time, such as volunteer work or personal projects.

How can I make my resume stand out from the competition?

To make your resume stand out from the competition, focus on quantifying your accomplishments, highlighting your key skills and qualifications, and tailoring your resume to the specific requirements of the job description.

What are some good action verbs to use on my resume?

Some good action verbs to use on your resume include managed, led, developed, implemented, streamlined, improved, and reduced.

How important is it to proofread my resume?

It is extremely important to proofread your resume carefully for errors in grammar and spelling. Even small errors can make a negative impression on hiring managers.

What if I don’t have experience with a specific software program listed in the job description?

If you don’t have experience with a specific software program, highlight your experience with similar software and emphasize your ability to learn new software quickly. You can also take online courses or tutorials to gain proficiency in the required software.

Should I include references on my resume?

You don’t need to include references on your resume. Instead, you can state that references are available upon request.

How do I handle salary expectations on my resume?

It’s generally best to avoid including salary expectations on your resume. You can discuss salary expectations during the interview process.

What if I’m changing careers and don’t have direct experience in accounting?

If you’re changing careers, focus on highlighting transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the General Accountant role. You can also take courses or certifications to gain the necessary knowledge and skills.

How can I showcase my soft skills on my resume?

Showcase your soft skills by providing specific examples of how you have used them in your previous roles. For example, instead of saying “Excellent communication skills,” say “Effectively communicated financial information to senior management, resulting in improved decision-making.”

Is it okay to use a resume template?

Yes, it’s okay to use a resume template as a starting point, but be sure to customize it to reflect your own skills and experience. Avoid using generic templates that don’t allow you to highlight your unique qualifications.

---

More General Accountant resources

Browse more posts and templates for General Accountant: General Accountant