CPA Resume Samples, Template and Job Descriptions

A CPA (certified public accountant) is a specialist helping organizations and individuals prepare and submit tax forms as well as budgeting and tax returns. They are more than simple bookkeepers, as they need to remain up to date with changes in laws, understand legal provisions and act in the client’s best interest by suggesting possible tax exemptions.

A good CPA is able to assess the specific requirements of each company or individual, can make suggestions about benefits or retirement packages and execute extremely accurate forms, making sure no required information is missing. To get the necessary skills and knowledge a bachelor’s degree in accounting is required, maybe even a master’s degree and of course, to pass the CPA exam.

When applying for a CPA job, it is advisable that you have good skills in working with data, relevant law and tax knowledge as well as some solid communication skills.

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Tips for CPA Resumes

Accounting and Audit Skills

CPAs are highly qualified professionals in auditing and performing accounting work, since their attestation exam for this part takes 8 hours in total and requires them to answer 180 questions. They are also asked to do task based simulations to prove that they are ready for any problem they could encounter during the actual performance of their job.

This means they are analytical individuals, being able to look at cash flows and determine problems in an organization or ways to cut down on the client’s tax liabilities. As all records are kept in software nowadays, it is a good idea to list the programs you have previously used (like Quickbooks) and feel comfortable to prove that you have the theoretical knowledge, but also the practical skills.

Business Concepts

A CPA should see the business as a living, breathing organism and understand that each part of it is connected to the others. Any change in one department will influence the whole company. Some of the key skills you could list here include business awareness, business environment, and problem solving abilities.

Communication and Reporting

A CPA’s work is valuable if it is clear and actionable even for people who are not finance specialists. They should be able to communicate to management, clients or other accountants as well as to authorities. They key here is to be able to provide a synthesis of their findings in a simple way.

Whenever there is a change in tax law, a good CPA will inform colleagues on the bits that are related to their competence and the eventual reporting changes they need to make.

CPA Resume Samples

The following resume samples and templates for CPA can help you get a better idea of what your resume can look like.

When applying to a CPA job try to highlight in your resume the strong points such detail orientation and professionalism.

Additional CPA Resume Tips

• Revenue and payroll– Since these are one of the most important accounts, highlighting your abilities to make relevant revenue projections and computing payroll taxes and liabilities show your strong skills. Put in some KPIs showing how many employees your company has and how accurate your predictions were in the last 5 years.
• Teamwork and corporate environment –CPAs are expected to work in large corporations, therefore being able to blend in a team is necessary and having some interest in developing good interpersonal relationships within a hierarchy are qualities to highlight when building your CV. Show that you are motivated to bring your organization to e higher level together with others.

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