Bookkeeper resume example
What makes this resume great
This resume is a great example for a Bookkeeper because it highlights relevant experience at multiple organizations, including both full-time and contract roles. The candidate showcases a strong educational background in accounting and lists key bookkeeping skills such as QuickBooks, Excel, and payroll processing. The progression from Junior Bookkeeper to Bookkeeper demonstrates career growth. The resume is concise, well-organized, and tailored to the bookkeeping field.
Resume summary examples for Bookkeeper
Example #1
Strong Summary
Detail-oriented Bookkeeper with over 7 years of experience managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting for diverse organizations. Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, with a proven track record of improving financial processes and ensuring accuracy. Holds a B.S. in Accounting from DePaul University.
Weak Summary
I am a bookkeeper who has worked at a few companies and know how to use QuickBooks and Excel.
Example #2
Strong Summary
Experienced Bookkeeper skilled in bank reconciliation, payroll processing, and data entry, with a strong focus on accuracy and efficiency. Adept at supporting financial operations and delivering timely reports.
Weak Summary
I have done bookkeeping and can do payroll and reports.
Example #3
Strong Summary
Results-driven accounting professional with a solid background in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and process improvement. Recognized for attention to detail and ability to streamline workflows.
Weak Summary
I am good at details and have worked in accounting jobs.
Resume achievement examples for Bookkeeper
Example #1
Strong Achievement
Reduced monthly bank reconciliation time by 30% at Greenfield Consulting by implementing automated processes in QuickBooks.
Weak Achievement
Did bank reconciliations at Greenfield Consulting.
Example #2
Strong Achievement
Managed accounts payable and receivable for over 100 clients, ensuring 98% on-time payments and reducing outstanding receivables by 20%.
Weak Achievement
Handled accounts payable and receivable for clients.
Example #3
Strong Achievement
Processed bi-weekly payroll for 50+ employees with zero errors for two consecutive years at Sunrise Retail Group.
Weak Achievement
Processed payroll for employees at Sunrise Retail Group.
Essential skills for a Bookkeeper
- Bookkeeping
- QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Bank Reconciliation
- Payroll Processing
- Financial Reporting
- Data Entry
- Attention to Detail
Resume best practices
Tailor Your Resume for a Bookkeeper
Customize your resume for the specific position you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the most relevant experience.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Ideally, your resume should be one page (two if you have extensive experience). Focus on achievements and essential information and avoid fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
Stick to a simple layout with consistent font, spacing, and section headings. Use bullet points for readability. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
Start with a Strong Summary
Write a compelling summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your background, key skills, and what you bring to being a Bookkeeper.
Emphasize Achievements Over Duties
Use bullet points to describe what you accomplished as a Bookkeeper, not just what you were responsible for. Include measurable results when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months").
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Streamlined," to convey impact and ownership.
Highlight Skills and Tools
Create a dedicated skills section that includes technical tools, software, or soft skills relevant to being a Bookkeeper (e.g., Excel, Python, CRM systems, leadership, communication).
Include Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications or ongoing courses. Mention GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.5) and you're early in your career.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling or grammatical errors since they can be deal-breakers. Ask someone else to review your resume or use tools like Grammarly.