Trainee accountant CV examples

Even if you’re just beginning your accountancy career, your CV should reflect the traits the industry values most: precision and a genuine interest in finance. A well-presented application gives hiring managers confidence that you’re serious about your development and ready to learn on the job.

This guide will walk you through each section of writing a CV – helping you highlight your qualifications, transferable skills, and ambitions – so your CV adds up to a strong first impression.

In the world of accounting, structure matters – and your CV is no exception. A clear, consistent format shows attention to detail and makes it easy for hiring managers to assess your potential at a glance.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Ensure your name and personal details are easily visible at the top. A photo is optional and depends on the role.
• Profile – Craft a short introduction that showcases your professional background and key accomplishments.
• Core skills – Bullet point key attributes like numerical reasoning, Excel proficiency, or financial reporting.
• Work experience – Outline any part-time roles, internships, or placements – especially those involving finance, admin, or analysis.
• Education & certifications – Provide details on your academic background, including a degree, certifications, or specialised training.
• Additional info – Optionally include awards, volunteering, languages, or extra-curricular hobbies that show transferable skills.

Your CV should be no more than 1 or 2 pages in length, with a tidy format, a clear font and logical sectioning, and bullet points to enhance readability. You wouldn’t submit a spreadsheet full of mistakes – treat your CV the same way. Following those formatting tips will ensure a readable and professional CV.

This short paragraph introduces you as a well-organised, motivated candidate ready to begin your accounting career. It should show that you’re confident working with numbers and eager to build experience, and most of all that you’re already developing the skills needed in a financial setting. 

Your CV profile should say more than ‘I like maths’ (you’re not applying to be a calculator) – you need to show off the specific, tangible traits that mean a recruiter should hire you. As a junior candidate, you should consider a longer personal statement with a comprehensive cover letter attached.

Include the following:

• Academic background – Note your degree, diploma, or ongoing studies in a relevant subject like accounting, finance, or maths.
• Career goals – Briefly explain your ambition to qualify as an accountant or work in financial analysis, audit, tax, etc.
• Relevant strengths – Highlight qualities like accuracy, organisation, teamwork, or IT skills.
• Industry awareness – Show you understand the basics of accounting and what the role of a Trainee Accountant involves.

Your CV skills section should show a well-rounded base of abilities that prove you’re ready for entry-level accounting work. Even if you haven’t worked in finance before, you can highlight strengths developed through study or part-time roles.

Tailor your bullet points to the job, with a mix of technical and soft skills – such as data analysis, spreadsheet proficiency, financial reporting basics, organisation, or customer service.

Accounting is a qualification-led profession, so this section will be one of the first places a hiring manager looks. List your education and relevant training clearly, with your most recent qualification first. Especially if you’re a recent graduate, expand on any specific degree modules that instilled important skills.

Include any degrees, diplomas, or accounting-related study, as well as training in progress (e.g. AAT, ACCA, ACA, or CIMA). If you’re planning to enrol soon, you can note this as well.

Example education sections

What to include in your education section

For each qualification, add the following info:

• Qualification & organisation – Name the certification and where you studied for it.
• Dates studied – Give the start and end dates, or state if they’re ongoing.
• Extra details – Particularly relevant modules should contain more detail, to reassure recruiters that those specific courses have provided you the useful skills that they’re looking for.

You don’t need years in finance to show potential – use this section to highlight transferable skills and responsibility. Retail jobs, internships, admin support – they all count if they show reliability and organisation. Employers want to see that you’ve handled responsibility, worked as part of a team, and applied attention to detail.

Begin with your most recent work experience and work backward. Even if you have no experience in the field, focus on transferable tasks like handling transactions, working with data, supporting admin processes, or assisting customers.

• Outline – Introduce the employer, your role, and the type of work environment.
  Responsibilities – Describe duties that demonstrate transferable skills. Use action words like “processed,” “supported,” or “organised.”
• Achievements – Include any positive outcomes, such as improved accuracy, efficiency, or recognition for reliability.

For junior candidates, an Additional Information section is a great way to show skills and qualities that don’t fit into work experience or education.

It can highlight hobbies, achievements, and personal projects that demonstrate initiative, teamwork, or attention to detail. This section helps employers see your potential – even if you’re just starting out.

Good additional info for Trainee Accountant

Additional info example