Bookkeeper CV example

If you’re writing a CV that doesn’t immediately show employers your accounting skills or software knowledge, they’ll move on to the next applicant.

This guide takes you step-by-step through crafting a polished, professional CV that highlights your technical know-how, financial accuracy, and ability to keep businesses compliant and in the black.

An effectively structured CV works like a clear set of financial records – easy to follow, with all the important details exactly where they need to be. Busy recruiters just don’t have the time to dig to find out what makes you the right candidate; a clear structure makes this easy.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Your personal details go right at the top so employers know who to contact when they want to book you in for an interview.
• Profile – Open with a summary highlighting your bookkeeping expertise, software proficiency, and eye for detail.
• Core skills – List key abilities, from ledger reconciliation to payroll processing.
• Work experience – Provide your employment history, focusing on financial processes, reporting, and compliance.
• Education – Outline relevant qualifications like degrees, certifications, and accounting training.
• Additional info – Optionally, add any professional memberships, relevant hobbies, and awards.

Messy records make for unhappy auditors – and a messy CV won’t win you interviews either. Keep your formatting clean and professional so employers can quickly find the information they need. Even the most qualified candidates will lose out because of avoidable formatting mistakes, so follow the below tips to ensure your CV is as readable as possible.

Stick to these format principles:

• Bullet points – Break down responsibilities and achievements into skimmable points.
• Divide sections – Clearly separate each part of your CV so nothing gets overlooked.
• Use a clear and readable font – A simple, professional font ensures readability while keeping the layout polished and tidy.
• No more than 2 pages – This gives you the length to detail your experience while keeping it concise enough to respect the recruiter’s time.

Your profile gives employers a fast overview of who you are and why you’re the bookkeeper they need. It should show you’ve got both the technical skills and the reliability to keep their finances accurate and compliant. Think of it like a financial summary – it needs to show your value upfront, to prove the value in hiring you.

Here’s what to include:

• Bookkeeping experience – Mention your years of experience and the types of businesses you’ve worked for.
• Financial processes handled – From reconciling bank statements to preparing VAT returns.
• Software proficiency – Highlight experience with accounting packages like Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks.
• Compliance knowledge – Show your understanding of tax regulations and financial reporting requirements.
• Attention to detail – Emphasise your accuracy and ability to spot errors before they become problems.

This section gives employers a quick view of your bookkeeping toolkit – everything you rely on to keep finances in perfect order.

Tailor the skills for your CV to each application. Some businesses need payroll support, others care more about VAT expertise or cash flow management. Adjust your core skills to match the job advert and the business type.

This quick-glance section helps employers see your most valuable skills straight away – perfect for busy recruiters reviewing financial CVs.

Your work experience proves you’re more than just good with numbers – you’re someone who’s used those skills to keep real businesses financially healthy.

List your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Focus on processes you managed, reports you created, and any compliance responsibilities you handled. If you helped businesses improve their financial processes, cut costs, or recover from errors, make sure that’s highlighted too.

If you’re newer to bookkeeping, mention any admin roles with financial duties, or even voluntary roles where you managed accounts.

• Outline – Briefly explain the company, its size, and your role in keeping its financial records accurate.
• Responsibilities – Describe your core duties, such as processing invoices, preparing reports, or reconciling accounts. Use action words like “prepared,” “reconciled,” and “maintained.”
• Achievements – Highlight improvements you made, errors you caught, or processes you improved – anything that demonstrates your value.

Bookkeeping roles value both formal qualifications and practical experience, so make sure your education section highlights both. Keep your education section brief, as experience is more valued.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, including bookkeeping diplomas, accounting certifications, and software training. If you’re working towards a professional qualification, mention that too – it shows commitment to development.

For less experienced candidates, you can also mention any finance-related courses, maths qualifications, or business studies that are relevant.