How long should an accountant resume be?+
One page for entry-level and most staff accountants; two pages is fine for 8+ years, senior or controller roles, or extensive systems and certifications. Keep it single-column so ATS parses your GL, close, and reconciliation keywords cleanly.
Which accounting certifications matter most on a resume?+
The CPA is the most recognized and often required for senior and public roles; the CMA is valued for corporate/management accounting and FP&A. List credential status (licensed, candidate, or exam sections passed) near the top, since many roles filter on it first.
How do I quantify accounting achievements?+
Use three number types: close-cycle days (11 to 7), dollar scope of accounts owned ($42M reconciled), and reconciliation or variance counts (28 GL accounts, findings cut 30%). Add cost savings and forecast accuracy where you have them.
How do I write an entry-level accountant resume with no full-time experience?+
Lead with your degree and GAAP coursework, internships, and any hands-on work in QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Excel. Quantify what you can — accounts reconciled, entries posted, errors reduced — and list CPA exam progress if you've started.