Certified Public Accountant Resume:
Guide Expert & IA 2026

Include your CPA status and state prominently. Adding the license number is optional and depends on privacy preference and local norms; many candidates omit it. If you include it, place it in a “Certifications” line under your name with “Active” status and state to help recruiters screen quickly.

For 0–7 years of experience, one page is usually sufficient if your bullets are quantified and relevant. For senior CPAs, managers, or specialized roles (SOX, technical accounting, complex consolidations), two pages can be appropriate. Prioritize recent, high-impact work and keep older roles concise.

Use keywords that reflect the job description and your real experience: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), GAAP, month-end close, account reconciliations, internal controls, SOX, audit planning, variance analysis, consolidations, ASC 606, tax compliance, and your ERP (SAP, NetSuite, Oracle). Place them naturally in bullets.

Highlight audit-facing responsibilities: preparing PBC packages, coordinating with external auditors, resolving requests, documenting controls, and reducing audit adjustments. Quantify outcomes like fewer open items, faster turnaround, or reduced fees. Mention standards you applied (GAAP, SOX) and the size/complexity of the environment.

In the US, do not include a photo; it is uncommon and can raise bias concerns. In the UK, it’s still usually not needed, though it may be seen occasionally. If you apply internationally, follow local conventions, but when in doubt for English-language CPA roles, skip the photo.

Use ranges and operational metrics: close cycle days, number of entities, reconciliation count, PBC turnaround time, on-time filing rate, or percentage reduction in adjustments. For financial figures, use approximate values (e.g., “identified $0.5M exposure”) or percentages. Keep it accurate and defensible.