The role of an Accountant is one of the most vital in any organisation. Whether working within a small business, a global corporation, or a public sector organisation, an Accountant is responsible for ensuring that financial records are accurate, tax obligations are met, budgets are effectively managed, and critical financial decisions are supported by reliable data. The job description typically includes preparing accounts, auditing, analysing financial performance, advising on tax planning, and implementing accounting systems. In the UK, salaries for Accountants vary depending on experience and industry. A graduate starting out might expect between £25,000 and £35,000, while mid-level qualified Accountants can earn £40,000 to £55,000, and senior managers and financial controllers may command £60,000 to £100,000+. For chartered Accountants at director or partner level, salaries can rise even higher, often with significant bonuses.
As a career coach with over 25 years of experience helping professionals land their dream roles, I cannot stress enough how important it is to present a winning Accountant cv template that grabs attention within seconds. A well-crafted cv example can make the difference between securing that all-important interview or being overlooked in a competitive field.
Why a Strong Accountant CV Matters
Your CV is your personal marketing tool. Employers and recruiters spend mere seconds scanning each application. This is why creating a professional and tailored cv template is essential. Accountancy is a field that demands precision, trustworthiness, and attention to detail—qualities that must be reflected throughout your CV. A generic CV will not suffice; instead, you need a carefully written and structured document that highlights your technical skills, commercial awareness, and achievements with quantifiable results.
When employers search for the best candidate, they want to see evidence of financial acumen, problem-solving ability, and an ability to add measurable value to the business. Your accountant cv template example should reflect all of this while also being concise, easy to read, and visually well laid out.
Key Sections to Include in an Accountant CV Template
Contact Details
Ensure your name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile link are clearly displayed at the top.
Professional Profile
Write a powerful opening statement summarising your experience, specialisms (e.g., audit, tax, management accounting), and key achievements. This should immediately convey your value to potential employers.
Key Skills
Include a targeted skills list that highlights technical and soft skills. Examples include:
Financial reporting and analysis
Budget management
Forecasting and variance analysis
Tax compliance and planning
Strong knowledge of accounting software such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks
Communication and stakeholder management
Career Experience
Present your work history in reverse chronological order. For each role, include your job title, employer name, dates, and bullet points of responsibilities and achievements. Always emphasise results, such as “Reduced reporting errors by 30% through new audit procedures” or “Implemented financial forecasting model that improved budget accuracy by 20%.”
Education and Qualifications
List degrees, A-levels, and any relevant accounting qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or AAT. Employers place great value on professional certifications.
Additional Information
This can include languages, IT skills, voluntary work, or memberships of professional bodies such as ICAEW or CIMA.
Advice for Graduate Accountants
If you are a graduate or trainee Accountant, your CV should highlight your academic achievements, internships, placement year experience, and transferable skills such as data analysis, teamwork, and problem-solving. Employers understand you may not have extensive experience yet, so focus on your enthusiasm, adaptability, and any exposure to finance or accounting environments. Make sure your CV also includes university projects where you analysed financial data, produced reports, or worked collaboratively on business cases.
Advice for Mid-Level Accountants
For those who are part-qualified or recently qualified, your CV should demonstrate steady career progression and tangible achievements. At this stage, it is vital to emphasise your contribution to financial strategy, cost savings, efficiency improvements, and systems implementation. Employers look for candidates who can take ownership of financial processes and contribute to decision-making at a higher level. Use figures and percentages to illustrate your impact wherever possible.
Advice for Senior Accountants and Financial Managers
At senior level, your cv template must project leadership, commercial acumen, and strategic insight. Highlight your experience managing teams, influencing stakeholders, leading audits, driving business performance, and supporting board-level decision-making. Showcase achievements such as successful mergers and acquisitions, international compliance expertise, and multi-million-pound budget management. At this level, it’s not just about technical expertise, but about positioning yourself as a trusted financial advisor to the business.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing an Accountant CV
Do’s
Do tailor your cv example to each role by including keywords from the job description.
Do keep your CV to 2 pages maximum, unless you are at director level where 3 pages can be acceptable.
Do focus on achievements rather than listing duties.
Do use a clear, professional font and consistent formatting.
Do quantify results with percentages, amounts, and measurable outcomes.
Don’ts
Don’t use an unprofessional email address.
Don’t include irrelevant personal information such as age, marital status, or a photo.
Don’t list every duty you’ve ever done—focus on relevant achievements.
Don’t exaggerate qualifications or experience; honesty is essential in accountancy.
Don’t clutter your CV with excessive detail or confusing layouts.
General Tips to Elevate Your Accountant CV
Tailor Every Application – Use each job description as your guide. Adjust your cv template to highlight the most relevant skills and experience.
Strong Opening Profile – Employers often decide within seconds whether to keep reading, so make your opening statement count.
Show Career Progression – Demonstrate growth, increased responsibility, and leadership over time.
Keep it Concise – Recruiters value clarity and brevity. Avoid waffle and keep your CV punchy.
Complement with LinkedIn – Ensure your LinkedIn profile mirrors your CV and includes endorsements and recommendations.
Final Thoughts from Jerry Frempong
After 25 years of helping professionals in London and across the UK secure life-changing roles, I can confidently say that your CV is the single most important tool in your career journey. A strong Accountant cv template example will not only open doors to interviews but will also give you the confidence to present yourself as the exceptional candidate you are.
If you are serious about standing out, don’t leave it to chance. At CV London, we specialise in transforming CVs and LinkedIn profiles into powerful personal branding documents that win interviews. Whether you’re a graduate, a newly qualified Accountant, or a senior finance leader, we will work with you to highlight your achievements, showcase your unique skills, and present you as the obvious choice for employers.
Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn improved by a seasoned career coach. Click here to book an appointment and take the next step towards landing your ideal Accountant role.
