Let’s make this clear: a tax accountant is not the same as a public accountant. Sure, tax accountant
resumes stand out more if they have a CPA accreditation, but it’s not an essential factor to being a tax accountant. What’s more, though the two both deal in tax returns, CPAs dabble in a wider range of tasks than tax accountants who are in charge of:
Analyzing financial dataAssisting in tax auditsPreparing, submitting, and managing tax statements and returns for clientsProviding tax planning strategies and advice
Nonetheless, like CPAs, tax accountants still have to have completed studies in a relevant academic background and possess a strong knowledge of tax law and regulations. Fitting this all into your tax accountant
resume will impress hiring managers and help you bank a solid average annual salary of $75,562.
So, where do you start? In this article, we’ll share exactly how to write a tax accountant
resume, outlining what sections you’ll need and what tips will guarantee making an impression. We’ll then move onto some stellar samples, including a professional
resume for entry-level applicants.
Table of Contents:
How to Write a Tax Accountant
Resume
Tips for Writing a Tax Accountant
Resume
Tax Accountant
Resume Samples
Conclusion
How to Write a Tax Accountant
Resume
If you’ve ever written a
resume before, you’ll know that there are four key sections to your
resume: the
Resume Profile, Work Experience, Skills, and Education section (though not necessarily in that order). However, when it comes to tax accountant
resumes, we also have to throw in a Certifications section.
Let’s see how all these sections contribute to crafting a professional tax accountant
resume.
Resume Header
Important features of the
resume profile like contact information (email and mobile) and portfolio links aside, the first thing you need to focus on is your tax accountant
resume header. Essentially a title that you crown unto yourself, the
resume header is a short phrase that sums up the most important thing about you.
While experienced tax accountants may consider the most important thing to be their CPA qualification (which is understandably very important), entry-level candidates may instead choose for their
resume header to be the position they’re applying to, i.e. Tax Accountant. Don’t worry, both methods are acceptable for your tax accountant
resume.
Here are a few simple examples that are great
resume headers:Tax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Header Example #1Jane Doe - Tax AccountantTax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Header Example #2Mary Jan - CPA Senior Tax AccountantTax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Header Example #3Brad Doe - Senior Tax Accountant
Resume Summary
While it’s not a hard and fast rule, it’s generally advised that entry-level candidates focus on a
resume objective, while professional candidates (those with a minimum of 2 years of experience) focus on a tax accountant
resume summary. This stems from the idea that experienced candidates have more achievements that can be summarized, while fresh graduates or career changers only have their transferable skills.
That said, regardless of if you’re more focused on writing a
resume objective, you should still aim to be writing 2 to 4 sentences about yourself. For experienced tax accountants, this can be done through highlighting significant accomplishments, expertise, core competencies, and relevant skills.Tax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Sumnary Example #1Enthusiastic and detail-oriented graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics seeking an entry-level Tax Accountant position. Possesses a solid foundation in tax law, financial planning, and tax strategies.Tax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Summary Example #2Tax Accountant with experience in financial statement preparation, BAS completion, and tax return preparation. Proficient in using software such as QuickBooks and Xero to maintain accurate financial records and reduce errors. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks effectively and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.Tax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Summary Example #3Results-driven Senior Tax Accountant with over two decades of experience in leading tax compliance and planning initiatives for global corporations. Proven track record of developing creative tax strategies to optimize clients’ financial outcomes. Expertise in analyzing financial data, managing tax audits, and providing strategic advice.
💡Pro Tip: It’s easier to write your tax accountant
resume summary after you’ve completed the other sections of your
resume.
Resume Objective
Resume objectives, also referred to as ‘career objectives’, are when you share your motivations, goals, and/or reasons for the application. They’re seen as an important part of a
resume for entry-level tax accountants because they bring the focus to your strengths and transferable skills, rather than your work experience achievements like in a
resume summary.
Unlike fresh graduates, the
resume objective is not hugely important for experienced applicants, however it’s still a good idea to include even just a sentence about why you’re applying or what you think you will gain from this position - and how that will benefit you in the long run.Tax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Summary Example #1Excited to support clients in their financial outcomes.Tax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Summary Example #2Eager to apply academic knowledge and transferable skills to support clients in optimizing financial outcomes at ABC company.Tax Accountant
Resume -
Resume Summary Example #3Committed to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced global company.
💡Pro Tip: Entry-level applicants should try to mention how they can bring value to the position. They may also wish to add their motivations for applying to the position, but this can always be addressed within the cover letter if you don’t have enough space.
Work Experience
Now that we’ve gotten through the meet-and-greet part of the tax accountant
resume, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. That is, the work experience section.
Arguably the most important part of your
resume, the work experience section is your chance to show recruiters how your own skills and tax accountant achievements make you the matching candidate to the job description. You can ensure this by:
Taking Keywords from the Tax Accountant Job Description:
In addition to accurately conveying what you did in a role, you also need to consider how to make your work experiences relate or align to the job that you’re applying to. While you could go down the implication route, it’s actually better for you to use the same keywords as the tax accountant job description in your
resume.
This is for one of two reasons. The first is that it helps the Applicant Tracking System (more on this later) register you as a valid candidate. The second is that using keywords from the job description makes you more attractive to hiring managers as you have, or your tax accountant
resume says you have, exactly what they’re looking for.
Writing in an Active Voice:
Meek, unassertive, resigned,...these are all synonyms of passive, the opposite of what you should convey in your tax accountant
resume. Ensure this by writing in an active voice that conveys confidence and demonstrates your accomplishments within a role. Even better, use one of the thirty active verbs in the table below, tailored precisely for tax accountant job descriptions.
PreparedAnalyzedReviewedAuditedExaminedIdentified
MonitoredRepresentedAdvisedStrategizedCoordinatedDirected
AssistedDevelopedFiledCollaboratedEvaluatedLed
ResearchedMaintainedCalculatedCommunicatedNegotiatedSpearheaded
PerformedReducedManagedImplementedVerifiedSupervised
Quantifying Your Tax Accountant Achievements:
Though it can be hard to know the exact figure of impact, you want to quantify your achievements in your
resume to the best of your knowledge, taking care to ensure that they are practical, compelling, and convincing. This is a position that prides itself on numbers and accuracy, after all.
Below are a few ways to note tax accountant achievements in your
resume. Remember that for each work experience entered, you need to add the job title, company name, location (or country that you worked remotely in), and employment period.Tax Accountant
Resume - Work Experience Example #3Global Tax Specialist | PwC LLP, London, UK 2014 - 2022Managed a portfolio of 10 clients, engaging in oral and written communication on a daily basis, fostering strong client relationships and delivering exceptional customer service.Utilized accounting software (QuickBooks) to input financial data, ensuring accuracy in tax compliance reports.Prepared financial statements with attention to detail, leading to a 15% reduction in errors and discrepancies.
💡Pro Tip: Remember not to disclose any confidential information about previous employers. Confidentiality plays a vital role in accounting, so be cautious when writing your tax accountant
resume to not land in hot water and lose your credibility.
Skills
Tax accountants need to be comfortable with solving complex calculations, delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining keen attention to detail, abiding by tax laws, and proficiency using accounting software. In short, tax accountant must have the following skills:
Knowledge of Tax LawFinancial StatementsAccounting SoftwareAttention to DetailCommunication
That said, there are a great many other skills that you’re likely to see mentioned on tax accountant job descriptions, such as the following 40 hard (technical) and soft tax accountant
resume skills.Hard SkillsFinancial StatementsPayroll ProcessingPayroll TaxesKnowledge of Tax LawTax ReturnsBookkeepingCost AccountingCapitalization ItemsAccount AnalysisAccounting Software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, Wave, etc.)Profit and LossAccount ReconciliationRevenue ProjectionsTax Preparation and PlanningCompliance KnowledgeAuditingIRS RepresentationBudgetingFinancial ReportingsForecastingSoft Skills
Communication
Collaboration
Adaptability
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Analytical
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Leadership
Teamwork
Management
Organization
Interpersonal
Accuracy
Planning
Decision Making
Customer Service
Resilience
Flexibility
Prioritization
💡Pro Tip: Speak multiple languages? Don’t forget to mention any languages you’re proficient in in your skills section; they can make a huge difference for international accounting positions.
Education
Unlike other professions, tax accountants are required to have a bachelor’s degree with a major in either:
AccountingFinanceEconomicsBusiness Administration.
Yes, a high school diploma won’t cut it, nor should you even mention your high school diploma on a tax accountant
resume. Instead, you should mention the university you attended, the degree level (BA, BSc, etc.), program(s) of study, and duration of your study (from start to end). If you’re still studying, you should note down the expected graduation date.
Recent graduates may additionally wish to include more information about their studies, such as coursework, projects, awards, or extracurricular activities, that showcase transferable tax accountant
resume skills.
Professionals with more years of experience may also choose to include resources they used for upskilling, such as completing certifications or courses like:
Chartered Global Management Accountant (AICPA)Enrolled Agent (IRS)Financial Reporting Specialization (Coursera)
💡Pro Tips: Only mention your GPA if it’s above a 3.5 or equivalent.
Here’s how you list your education in a tax accountant
resume:Tax Accountant
Resume - Education Section Example #1MSc in FinanceUniversity of Southern California2023 - 2024B.A. in Accounting with EconomicsUniversity of Manchester2020 - 2023Tax Accountant
Resume - Education Section Example #2BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)IE University2015 - 2019
Certifications
Though not an essential part of becoming a tax accountant, many jobs do require certain certifications (normally CPA). This can easily be added to your tax accountant
resume by adding a ‘Certifications’ section. While you don’t have to list all the certifications you have on your
resume, this isn’t a CV, you should try to mention the most important to the application.
Here are a few relevant certifications to consider applying for that will bolster your tax accountant
resume enormously:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA)Certified Financial Planner (CFP)Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA)Enrolled Agent (EA)
Not completed a certificate yet but in the process of gaining one? Don’t worry, you can still list it on your tax accountant
resume by including your expected completion date.
💡Pro Tips: List your certifications from most relevant to least.
This is an example of certifications list on a tax accountant
resume:Tax Accountant
Resume - Certifications Section Example #2Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Certified Public Accountant Association (CPAA)Certified Tax Accountant (CITA-UK)Certified Institute of Taxation Accountants
Tips for Writing a Tax Accountant
ResumeEnsure you use an ATS-friendly
resume template
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, a software used to collect and scan job applications. While used en masse at large companies - meaning that the likelihood of your tax accountant
resume being run through one is exceptionally high - it’s not an all-knowing system because it struggles to recognize graphs, tables, columns, images, and special characters.
This means that it’s incredibly important for your
resume template to be ATS-friendly. With Cake's ATS-compliant
resumes you can easily avoid running into trouble. All you have to do is set aside 5 minutes of your time to choose an already ATS-compliant
template, customize the text and layout, and save the file as a PDF. That’s it!
Customize your
resume to the job description
Customization is key when it comes to getting the hiring manager’s attention and into their good books, hence why a generic tax accountant
resume just won’t cut it. If you want to avoid your
resume seeming irrelevant, be sure to ask yourself the following questions before hitting that ‘submit’ button:
Have you conveyed the key skills mentioned in the job description on your
resume?Are you using the same keywords and terms used in the tax accountant job description on your
resume?
If you can answer ‘Yes’ and ‘Yes’ then you’ll know that you’ve properly customized your tax accountant
resume to the position.
Use the right
resume format for your tax accountant
resume
Even if you have everything in place for your tax accountant
resume, it could still all fall flat if you choose the wrong
resume format as this is key to showing your organization and attention to detail. But which should you choose? First, you need to consider which fits best with your experience.
The most commonly used format is the reverse chronological format, which is recommended for those with a consistent work history and career progression. However, only experienced professionals are recommended to use this type of format. Entry-level candidates are instead strongly recommended to use a skills-based format for their tax accountant
resume, as this focuses on transferable capabilities rather than work experience.
Include additional sections
You may find that the traditional components of a
resume -
resume profile, work experience, skills, education, and certifications - are not enough to cover everything that you can bring to the position. If that’s the case, you may want to consider creating an additional section on your tax accountant
resume. This could be to include any:
Projects: If you partook in a project that showcases relevant skills and achievements, especially for entry-level applicants, be sure to add this to your tax accountant
resume.Awards: Whether you were awarded university-level or industry-level recognition, be sure to include this to your
resume if you think it shows transferable skills and is relevant to the position.Membership: It is likely, though not compulsory, that more senior tax accountants will be part of an association, like the American Taxation AssocIation (ATA), for example. Should you belong to a relevant taxation body, be sure to mention this on your
resume.
Tax Accountant
Resume SamplesEntry Level Tax Accountant
Resume (Functional
Resume Format)
SAMANTHA ABLETON | ENTRY-LEVEL TAX
[email protected] | Manchester, UK | +44790123463
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics seeking an entry-level Tax Accountant position. Possesses a solid foundation in tax law, financial planning, and tax strategies. Eager to apply academic knowledge and transferable skills to support clients in optimizing financial outcomes at ABC company.
RELEVANT SKILLS
Financial Skills
Collaborated with team members to streamline tax preparation processes, resulting in a 25% increase in efficiency.Utilized accounting software (QuickBooks) to input financial data, ensuring accuracy in tax compliance reports.Assisted in preparing tax compliance reports, contributing to a 20% improvement in report accuracy.Advised on personal/income tax, corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax, transfer pricing, corporate payroll operations, corporate tax compliance, bookkeeping, and statutory reporting.
Attention to Detail
Conducted detailed analysis of tax documents and financial statements, leading to a 15% reduction in discrepancies.Received positive feedback from supervisors for maintaining high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.Managed a portfolio of 10 clients, engaging in oral and written communication on a daily basis, fostering strong client relationships and delivering exceptional customer service.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Tax Intern, EY, Hong KongJune - August 2022Tax Intern, PwC, London, UKJune - August 2023
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with EconomicsUniversity of Manchester2021 - 2024Coursework: Financial Statements, Tax Law, Data Analytics
Junior Tax Accountant
Resume (Chronological
Resume Format)
JACK JONES | TAX
[email protected] | Melbourne, Australia
Tax Accountant with experience in financial statement preparation, BAS completion, and tax return preparation. Proficient in using software such as QuickBooks and Xero to maintain accurate financial records and reduce errors. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks effectively and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Excited to support clients in their financial outcomes.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Junior Tax Accountant, Divide Conquer Advisors, Melbourne, Australia2021 - 2024
Prepared financial statements with attention to detail, leading to a 15% reduction in errors and discrepancies.Compiled and completed client Business Activity Statements (BAS) ahead of schedule, ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties for late filing.Conducted bookkeeping duties using QuickBooks and Xero, maintaining accurate financial records and reducing reconciliation errors by 25%.Assisted in tax return preparation and completion for 50 businesses and 25 individual clients.
Tax Intern, Multiply Converge Accounting, Washington D.C., US2018 - 2019
Supported the preparation of financial analysis, budgets, projections, and product cost analyses.Contributed to 7 special projects, demonstrating adaptability and versatility in meeting project objectives and deadlines.Assisted in month-end close tasks and tax return preparation, contributing to the timely completion of financial reporting and tax compliance.
EDUCATION
BSc AccountingUniversity of Maryland2017 - 2021
SKILLS
Financial StatementsKnowledge of Xero, QuickbooksMicrosoft OfficeAccuracyAttention to DetailPrioritization
Tax Accountant
Resume (Mid-career)
GEMMA LUONG | TAX ACCOUNTANT
[email protected] | Virginia, US
Dedicated Tax Accountant and CPA with success in preparing tax returns and compliance tasks. Demonstrated ability to meet billable hours targets within budget, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity. Skilled in client communication and engagement and possessing a strong educational background in accounting.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Tax Accountant, Johnson Associates Ltd. | Virginia, USA2028 - Present
Prepared financial statements and tax returns for billable hours targets within budget, resulting in increased productivity by 20% within the first six months.Transitioned to working with the Senior Client Manager, engaging with clients through email, Zoom, Slack, and phone conversations, leading to a 14% improvement in client satisfaction ratings within the first year.
Graduate Accountant, Harmon Associates Ltd. | Virginia, US2015 - 2018
Streamlined ledger processing procedures, resulting in a 20% reduction in processing time and improved accuracy.Successfully processed single touch payroll and superannuation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and timely payments with a 100% accuracy rate.Prepared BAS and Financial Statements, leading to a 25% decrease in errors and discrepancies.
EDUCATION
BSc Accounting, Northwestern University, 2010 - 2014
MSc Accounting, Duke University, 2014 - 2015
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Public Accountant, 2016
SKILLS
Revenue ProjectionsTax Preparation and PlanningCompliance KnowledgeAuditingCommunicationCollaborationAdaptabilityAttention to detail
Senior Tax Accountant
Resume
FIONA SMITH | SENIOR TAX ACCOUNTANT
[email protected] | +447127893457 | London, UK
Results-driven Senior Tax Accountant with over two decades of experience in leading tax compliance and planning initiatives for global corporations. Proven track record of developing creative tax strategies to optimize clients’ financial outcomes. Expertise in analyzing financial data, managing tax audits, and providing strategic advice. Committed to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced global company.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Tax Accounting Manager, Ernst Young (EY), London, UK2020 - Present
Spearheaded tax compliance processes, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and minimization of financial risks for more than 10 clients.Led a team of 15 tax professionals in analyzing financial data and providing strategic tax planning advice, leading to the development of tax strategies that reduced clients’ tax liabilities by 15%.Collaborated with senior management to develop innovative tax strategies tailored to clients’ needs.
Global Tax Specialist, London, UK,PwC LLP2014 - 2020
Managed global tax compliance for multinational corporations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with international tax laws.Developed and implemented tax-efficient structures to optimize clients’ global tax positions, leading to a 30% increase in tax savings for clients.Provided expert advice on transfer pricing and international tax planning strategies.
Tax Accountant, PwC LLP, Baltimore, Maryland2010 - 2014
Prepared multi-state tax returns in compliance with US
federal and state law using Xero accounting software, reducing processing times by 15%.Conducted thorough tax research to support tax positions and minimize liabilities for 20 clients.
EDUCATION
BSc Finance,University of Southern California2005 - 2008MSc Finance, University of Southern California2009 - 2010
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Certified Tax Accountant (CITA-UK)
MEMBERSHIP
Member of American Taxation Association
SKILLS
Financial StatementsPayroll TaxesTax ReturnsAttention to DetailCreative Problem SolvingCommunication
ConclusionIn this article we’ve covered what makes a professional tax accountant
resume tick, from how to make the
resume profile pop with key information to the four main skills required for this position (remember: communication, knowledge of tax law, financial statements, proficiency in accounting software, and attention to detail).
We’ve also gone over how to make your
resume stand out from the crowd by finding an ATS-compliant
template, customizing your
resume to the JD, using the right
resume format, and by adding any additional sections like any super important certifications, awards, or projects that give you a chance to highlight transferable skills.
Now all that’s left to do is to start writing your tax accountant
resume. Head on over to Cake’s free
resume builder to get your application started, or continue to procrastinate a little with our vast selection of resources geared towards making your application a piece of cake!— Originally written by Eva O'Mara —