Top Entry Level Accounting Skills For Resume

Top 20 Entry Level Accounting Skills for Resume

1. Accounting Principles: A solid understanding of fundamental accounting principles such as debits and credits, financial statements, accrual accounting, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
2. Bookkeeping: The ability to record, analyze, and interpret financial transactions in an accurate and timely manner.
3. Cost Accounting: Knowledge of cost accounting principles, techniques, and practices for the allocation of costs among products, services, or other departments within an organization.
4. Financial Analysis: Skills in interpreting and analyzing financial data to make informed business decisions, identify trends, and assess risk.
5. Accounts Receivable & Payable: Experience in managing accounts receivable (invoicing, collections) and accounts payable (payments, vendor management).
6. Payroll Processing: Knowledge of payroll processing procedures, tax withholdings, and reporting requirements.
7. Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS): Understanding of auditing standards and procedures to ensure financial statements are accurate and reliable.
8. Microsoft Excel: Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, modeling, forecasting, and creating financial reports.
9. QuickBooks: Familiarity with QuickBooks or other accounting software for small businesses.
10. Data Entry: Accurate typing skills and ability to enter and verify large amounts of numerical data.
11. GAAP Compliance: Knowledge of how to ensure financial statements comply with GAAP guidelines.
12. Budgeting & Forecasting: Skills in creating budgets, analyzing variances, and forecasting future financial performance.
13. Tax Preparation: Familiarity with personal and business tax laws, regulations, and filing requirements.
14. Internal Controls: Understanding of internal controls and their importance in maintaining financial integrity and security.
15. Accounting Policies & Procedures: Knowledge of the development, implementation, and enforcement of accounting policies and procedures.
16. Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks within an accounting role.
17. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear, concise, and professional communication with colleagues and clients.
18. Problem-Solving: Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve accounting-related issues efficiently.
19. Attention to Detail: Ability to perform accurate calculations and catch errors in financial data.
20. Customer Service: Skills in providing excellent customer service, particularly in handling inquiries related to billing, collections, or account issues.

How to List Entry Level Accounting Skills on Resume

1. Organize by relevance: Prioritize skills based on their importance to the job you're applying for and list them prominently.

2. Quantify achievements: Include numbers, percentages, or other qualitative data whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.

3. Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb like "Analyzed," "Managed," or "Prepared."

4. Tailor for the job description: Customize your resume to address specific requirements mentioned in the job listing.

5. Include relevant coursework: If you're a recent graduate, list any accounting-related courses you've taken and how they can be applied to the role.

   Examples of How to List Entry Level Accounting Skills on Resume

Example 1: Bullet Point Format

• Prepared and analyzed financial statements for accurate reporting using GAAP guidelines.
• Managed accounts receivable, reducing outstanding balances by 15% through improved collection practices.
• Utilized Microsoft Excel to create budgeting models, forecast future financial performance, and perform data analysis.

Example 2: Paragraph Format

As an Accounting Clerk at XYZ Corporation, I was responsible for maintaining the accuracy of the company's financial records. My duties included preparing and analyzing financial statements using GAAP guidelines, managing accounts receivable, and reducing outstanding balances by implementing improved collection practices. Additionally, I utilized Microsoft Excel to create budgeting models, forecast future financial performance, and perform data analysis for informed decision-making.

Example 3: Section-Based Format

Accounting Principles & Financial Analysis:

• Demonstrated a strong understanding of GAAP guidelines in the preparation and analysis of financial statements.
• Performed financial analysis to identify trends, assess risk, and make informed business decisions.

Bookkeeping & Accounts Receivable/Payable:

• Managed accounts receivable, reducing outstanding balances by 15% through improved collection practices.

• Processed payments accurately and efficiently, ensuring vendor management was up-to-date.

  Jobs That Demand Entry Level Accounting Skills

1. Accounting Clerk
2. Bookkeeper
3. Junior Accountant
4. Payroll Specialist
5. Tax Preparer Assistant
6. Financial Analyst (Entry Level)
7. Audit Associate
8. Cost Accountant (Entry Level)
9. Budget Analyst (Entry Level)
10. Financial Planner (Junior)

Other Skills That Are Related to Entry Level Accounting Skills

1. Data Visualization: Skills in creating charts, graphs, and other visualizations to effectively communicate financial data.
2. Project Management: Knowledge of project management principles and tools to coordinate accounting tasks efficiently.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with various regulations such as SOX, HIPAA, and GLBA related to financial services.
4. Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Skills in identifying and mitigating potential risks within the organization's finances.
5. Business Acumen: Understanding of overall business operations, strategies, and objectives.
6. Quality Control: Knowledge of quality control principles to maintain financial integrity and accuracy.
7. Data Security: Familiarity with data security best practices and cybersecurity measures.
8. ERP Systems: Proficiency in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
9. Forecasting & Decision Modeling: Skills in creating forecasts and decision models to support strategic planning.
10. Mergers & Acquisitions: Knowledge of the process and procedures involved in mergers and acquisitions from an accounting perspective.

How Should I Structure My Entry Level Accounting Resume?

A structured resume allows employers to quickly understand your qualifications. Use the following sections: Contact Information, Summary/Objective, Skills, Work Experience (with internships if applicable), Education, and Certifications (if any).

What Should I Include in My Entry Level Accounting Resume's Summary or Objective?

A clear and concise summary highlights your passion for accounting, relevant skills, and career goals. Customize it to show why you are a good fit for the specific entry-level accounting position.

How Should I List My Entry Level Accounting Education on My Resume?

List your educational background in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, and graduation date. If applicable, highlight relevant coursework or accounting certifications.

What Are Essential Entry Level Accounting Skills to Highlight on My Resume?

Key skills for entry-level accounting roles include financial analysis, account reconciliation, bookkeeping, spreadsheet proficiency (Excel), GAAP/IFRS knowledge, and familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero.

How Should I Present My Entry Level Accounting Work Experience on My Resume?

In your work experience section, list your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements related to accounting, such as performing financial analyses, preparing financial reports, or reconciling accounts.

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Entry Level Accounting Resume?

Common mistakes include using generic language, failing to tailor your resume to the job description, and neglecting to proofread for errors. To stand out, focus on demonstrating your accounting skills and qualifications through specific examples.

How Can I Demonstrate My Technical Skills in Entry Level Accounting on My Resume?

Highlight your technical abilities by including relevant software proficiencies (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, or Xero) and any programming languages you may know (like VBA). Quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages to showcase your impact.

Should I Include References on My Entry Level Accounting Resume?

It is generally not necessary to include references on your resume. Instead, list them on a separate page or provide contact information when asked during the application process or interview.

How Can I Showcase My Problem-Solving Skills in Entry Level Accounting on My Resume?

Highlight problem-solving skills by describing situations where you have applied your accounting knowledge to identify and resolve issues, such as reconciling accounts or analyzing financial statements.

How Can I Optimize My Entry Level Accounting Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?

To ensure that your resume gets past ATS, use industry-specific keywords related to accounting throughout your document. Additionally, avoid using images, graphics, or tables as they may not be picked up by the system.