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Entry-Level Accounting Intern Resume
This resume example is effective for recent graduates and career changers as it clearly demonstrates relevant experience in financial analysis and achievement-driven accomplishments that appeal to future employers.
Why this resume works:
A strong academic foundation shows the candidate is well-prepared to transition into this role.
Mid-Career Accounting Intern Resume
This resume example is perfect for accounting interns looking to leverage their hands-on experience and advance towards more specialized roles in the finance sector.
Why this resume works:
This applicant highlights a track record of improving outcomes across multiple settings.
Experienced Accounting Intern Resume
This accounting intern resume example is perfect for aspiring professionals eager to gain hands-on experience while contributing to strong financial projects.
Why this resume works:
Leadership roles and advanced certifications underscore the ability to manage complex scenarios.
Looking for something else?
Create Your Standout Resume Today
Use our resume examples for inspiration on organization, color, and design—and learn how to effectively summarize your accounting intern skills and experience with confidence.
How to Write an Accounting Intern Resume
Learning how to write a resume is essential for accounting interns, as it allows you to highlight your unique strengths rather than just listing your qualifications. This skill will help you stand out in a competitive field and attract the attention of potential employers.
In the upcoming sections, we'll guide you through each step of crafting a compelling resume, providing resume tips on formatting, showcasing relevant experiences, and emphasizing skills that are important for success in accounting roles.
Start with your contact info
The header section contains all your contact information and sits prominently at the top of your resume. Start by placing your name in a large, bold font to ensure it captures attention immediately. Consider using a distinctive font style or adjusting the color to make it stand out further, as this is the first thing recruiters will notice.
Next, include essential contact details such as your email address, phone number, and location; city and state are typically sufficient. These elements are important for facilitating communication and help applicant tracking systems (ATS) categorize your application effectively based on proximity to the job site.
Lastly, think about adding links to relevant certifications or an online portfolio if they pertain to your work in accounting. For instance, showcasing any internships or projects through a website can improve your application by demonstrating practical experience and skills that align with the requirements of an accounting intern role.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary serves as your introduction on an accounting intern resume. Positioned right below your contact details, it’s the first impression recruiters will have of you.
This section should highlight your relevant skills, academic achievements, and eagerness for the internship. Tailoring your summary to match the specific job description demonstrates your interest and alignment with the company’s goals.
Look for effective resume summary examples that can guide you in crafting a strong narrative about yourself. These resources can inspire you on how to showcase your strengths effectively.
Strong vs weak accounting intern summary
Strong
"Motivated accounting intern with two years of experience in financial analysis and bookkeeping, eager to contribute to a dynamic finance team. Proficient in using Excel for data management and analysis, with a proven track record of improving reporting efficiency by 15%. Familiar with GAAP principles and financial software such as QuickBooks. Committed to developing strong analytical skills and gaining hands-on experience in a corporate environment."
Why this example works: This summary effectively illustrates the job seeker's relevant experience, showcases measurable improvements in efficiency, emphasizes key skills specific to accounting, and incorporates important keywords related to the internship.
Weak
"Accounting intern seeking a position to use my skills and learn more about the accounting field. I have some experience with financial statements and enjoy working in a team environment."
Why this example doesn't work: This professional summary lacks specific details about the applicant's relevant skills, experiences, or any measurable achievements in accounting.
To craft a personal mission statement as an accounting intern, identify how your analytical skills and commitment to integrity align with the organization's core values. Highlight your eagerness to contribute fresh perspectives and support the company's financial health beyond just technical tasks.
Share your work history
The work experience section is important for your accounting intern resume. By listing your roles in reverse-chronological order, you highlight your most recent and relevant experiences first. This approach helps employers quickly assess your background and skill set.
When detailing your work history, include:
- Position title and organization
- Employment dates (month and year)
- Primary responsibilities (What tasks did you perform regularly?)
- Contributions and achievements (What did you accomplish? Did you improve procedures or support financial goals?)
- Quantifiable outcomes (Whenever possible, provide metrics like "increased accuracy by 20%.")
Finally, remember to use action verbs that bring energy to your descriptions.
Strong vs weak accounting intern work history
Strong
Accounting Intern, XYZ Financial Services
2022–2023
- Assisted in preparing monthly financial reports, contributing to a 15% increase in reporting accuracy.
- Supported the audit team by organizing and reviewing documentation for over 100 client accounts.
- Streamlined invoice processing procedures, reducing turnaround time by 20%.
Why this example works: This example highlights specific tasks and achievements that showcase the candidate's skills. Quantifiable results clearly demonstrate the candidate's contributions and ability to drive efficiency within an accounting role.
Weak
Accounting Intern
XYZ Corp
- Assisted with financial reports and data entry.
- Helped the team with various accounting tasks.
Why this example doesn't work: The example lacks specific details about the intern's role, such as which financial reports were worked on or what specific tasks were completed. It provides no measurable outcomes or context for the responsibilities, making it difficult for employers to gauge the applicant's skills or contributions.
To boost your professional profile, add your resume to LinkedIn. Highlight skills and experience relevant to accounting internships, and update your headline with targeted keywords that attract finance recruiters seeking fresh talent.
Highlight your key skills
The skills section of your resume is important for highlighting your unique strengths and qualifications. Here's a rundown of various skill types relevant to the accounting intern role and their significance in your application:
- Soft skills are personal attributes that illustrate how you collaborate with others, including attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving. For an accounting intern, qualities like teamwork, time management, and adaptability are important as they enable effective collaboration on financial projects and help ensure accuracy in reporting.
- Hard skills are specific abilities gained through education and experience that are essential for an accounting intern. Examples include skill in accounting software, data analysis, financial reporting, and basic bookkeeping techniques.
- Technical skills important for an accounting intern involve expertise in software and tools that streamline financial tasks. For instance, QuickBooks is essential for bookkeeping, Microsoft Excel aids in data analysis, and SAP is used for enterprise resource planning.
For accounting interns, position the skills section right after your professional summary to highlight your strengths in a competitive field. If you have significant experience, place this section after your work history to let your accomplishments showcase your abilities effectively.
Top 15 skills for your accounting intern resume
When crafting your resume as an accounting intern, it's essential to highlight skills that align with what employers are seeking. Focus on a mix of soft and hard skills, and don't forget to include transferable skills that can improve your candidacy across different roles in the industry.
Below is a list of the top 15 skills for accounting interns, based on feedback from JobHero users. These skills reflect what hiring managers are currently looking for and will help you stand out in your applications.
Build your education section
The education section's placement can vary based on your experience and industry. For seasoned professionals, emphasizing work history often takes precedence over educational background. In such cases, consider placing the education section further down or omitting it if it does not significantly improve your qualifications.
For those with moderate experience, maintain a balanced approach by highlighting both relevant experience and education. This strategy allows you to showcase your growth while still acknowledging your foundational knowledge.
Recent graduates or individuals entering specialized fields should prioritize their education prominently at the top of their resumes. Highlighting academic achievements, relevant coursework, and certifications can strengthen your application and demonstrate preparedness for the role you're pursuing.
20 action verbs to add to your resume
Using action verbs on your resume can significantly improve its impact. These powerful words effectively convey your experience and accomplishments, giving your resume a more dynamic and engaging tone.
When applying for an accounting intern position, concentrate on action verbs that align with the responsibilities of the role. Highlight skills commonly found in job listings to ensure your application resonates with potential employers.
- Analyzed
- Prepared
- Reconciled
- Reported
- Budgeted
- Facilitated
- Assessed
- Streamlined
- Documented
- Calculated
- Supported
- Reviewed
- Collaborated
- Executed
- Optimized
- Verified
- Trained
- Communicated
- Organized
- Contributed
Consider additional resume sections
While your core resume provides the most critical information, adding targeted sections can showcase your unique qualifications. These sections help hiring managers quickly identify your relevant skills, coursework, and experiences beyond standard resume sections.
Here are optional sections we tend to see on accounting intern resumes:
- Relevant coursework: List courses related to finance, accounting principles, auditing, or taxation that demonstrate your academic background.
- Internship experience: Highlight any previous internships or job shadowing experiences in finance or accounting roles.
- Projects and case studies: Describe specific projects or case studies from school that relate to real-world accounting scenarios.
- Professional organizations: Include memberships in student organizations like the Accounting Club or national societies such as AICPA.
5 Tips for Formatting Your Resume
Proper resume formatting is important for job seekers as it improves readability and grabs the attention of recruiters. Using ATS-friendly resume templates ensures your application passes automated filters, making it more likely to land in front of hiring managers.
1. Use consistent line spacing and margins
Proper spacing helps your resume look clean and organized, making it easier for hiring managers to read.
- Maintain margins of 0.5" to 1.0", based on the amount of content you have.
- Use single spacing within sections for clarity and ease of reading.
- Increase space to 1.5" or double-space between distinct sections for better separation.
2. Use a professional font
When selecting a resume font, it's important to consider how it impacts readability and first impressions. Consider these professional options:
- Arial
- Calibri
- Garamond
- Helvetica
- Verdana
- Georgia
Make your name in the header slightly larger or bolder to ensure it catches the eye of hiring managers.
3. Organize your resume sections
A resume should be scannable and easy to read. Use bullet points to clearly outline your responsibilities and achievements as an accounting intern. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb such as "prepared," "analyzed," or "assisted" to convey your active role in previous tasks.
Highlight measurable accomplishments that demonstrate your contributions, like "Streamlined invoice processing, reducing turnaround time by 15%." These specific examples not only showcase your skills but also provide tangible evidence of your impact during the internship.
Finally, ensure that your resume is ATS-friendly by using an ATS resume checker. This will help verify that your formatting and keywords meet industry standards, making it easier for hiring managers to recognize your qualifications and potential fit for the role.
4. Use colors and design
As an accounting intern, your resume should reflect both professionalism and creativity to stand out. Start by selecting a well-organized template that suits your personal brand. The combination resume format is ideal because it effectively highlights your skills while conveying your work history in a structured way.
When choosing colors, aim for a palette that exudes professionalism and clarity. Soft shades like grays or light blues can subtly improve the design without overpowering the content. Alternatively, deeper tones such as navy or dark green can be used sparingly for headings or section dividers to draw attention to key areas.
Avoid overly bright or neon colors, as they can distract from the information you want to convey. Also, steer clear of color schemes that might remind employers of rival firms—your application should feel unique and tailored specifically for them.
5. Keep your resume length to 1-2 pages
A resume should typically be one page long. This length allows you to present your qualifications clearly and concisely, which is essential since recruiters often only spend a few seconds reviewing each document. Focus on including your most relevant experiences and skills that align with the job you're applying for.
If you have extensive experience or are applying for a senior position, it's acceptable to extend your resume to two pages. In fields like academia, consider using a CV instead of a traditional resume to capture all necessary details about your academic accomplishments and publications.
Ultimately, prioritize clarity and relevance in every section of your resume to make a strong impression without overwhelming the reader.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
Writing a cover letter is essential, even for an accounting intern position that might not require one. It allows you to convey your enthusiasm and provide context about your skills and experiences that may not be evident in your resume.
To kickstart your writing process, explore our extensive collection of cover letter examples tailored for various roles, including internships in accounting. These examples can spark ideas and help you showcase your qualifications effectively.
When you're ready to create your personalized letter, don’t forget to use our user-friendly Cover Letter Builder for structured guidance that makes the process seamless.
What is the best resume format?
The right resume format for you depends on your individual career needs. The three main formats are chronological, functional, and combination, each serving a different purpose for various job seekers.
The chronological format is ideal for those with extensive work history as it emphasizes past roles. Those who are recent graduates or changing careers might prefer the functional format, which focuses on skills and education. Lastly, mid-level professionals or individuals transitioning between industries may find the combination format beneficial, as it mixes both experience and skills effectively.
How long should my accounting intern resume be?
As an accounting intern, your resume should ideally be one page. Employers in the finance sector often sift through many resumes quickly, so a concise and clear format will help highlight your important qualifications.
Emphasize relevant coursework, internships, and skills that pertain to accounting. Focus on recent experiences that showcase your ability to contribute to financial tasks or team projects. Remove any unrelated job details, outdated skills, or excessive information about non-accounting roles.
Consider a two-page resume only if you have significant experience in multiple accounting functions or if you're applying for advanced roles where additional detail is essential. In such cases, your comprehensive background can warrant the extra length.
How far back should my work history go?
Generally, include work experience from the last 10 years on your resume. This helps maintain relevance for potential employers. If you have more than a decade of experience or have held multiple relevant positions during your career, feel free to include earlier roles that showcase relevant skills and knowledge in accounting. Focus on what aligns best with the internship you’re applying for to strengthen your application.
Should I use the same resume for every job?
No, you should not use the same resume for every job application. Customizing your resume is vital as it allows you to specifically address the skills and experiences that align with each accounting intern position.
Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to improve your visibility, especially since many companies use ATS that filter resumes based on these terms. Highlight applicable coursework, projects, or internships that showcase your qualifications for that specific role.
By making these adjustments, you significantly improve your chances of getting noticed in a competitive job market.
Build a custom resume in minutes with our professional templates and expert tips.
Natalia Merced
CPRW, Career WriterNatalia is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches and has worked in the career industry for more than two years providing comprehensive guidance on resume writing and job search strategies for individuals across diverse career paths. She holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and a bachelor's degree in public relations and advertising and is passionate about helping job seekers present their professional story effectively through well-crafted resumes and cover letters that demonstrate their value, skills, and experience to potential employers. Some of her work has been featured on JobHero's resume examples career center.
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