Writing a CV or resume as a tax accountant can often feel like a daunting task. You need to showcase your expertise, experience, and the unique skills that make you the ideal candidate for the job. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, a well-crafted CV is your first step towards landing that all-important Tax Accountant Interview.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a compelling tax accountant CV, complete with examples to help you along the way. Our aim is to provide you with practical tips and straightforward advice to make your CV stand out to potential employers. Let’s dive in.
Contents
Read The Job Description / Advert
The first step is, of course, to read the job description. We need to know what the firm is looking for so that we can properly highlight these characteristics in our CV. So read back over the job description and try to pinpoint the important points. A lot of times a firm will call things “required”; if you see this, you need to make sure you include that in your CV. Similarly, if certain things are repeated throughout the advert, this indicates they are of high importance, so we will want to make sure our CV shows that as well.
When performing this analysis, take care to copy the ‘exact’ words and phrases that are being used by the hiring manager. We will want to pepper these into our CV later.
Tax Accountant Job Description Example
Tax Accountant Position Available
We are currently seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Tax Accountant to join our dynamic finance team. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about tax accounting and are looking to advance their career in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and file accurate tax returns for both individual and corporate clients, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
- Conduct thorough research on tax laws and regulations to provide effective tax planning advice to clients, helping them minimize liabilities and capitalize on potential tax incentives.
- Regularly review financial records, such as income statements and expenditures, to ensure accurate tax reporting.
- Liaise with tax authorities and handle any inquiries or audits in a professional manner.
- Stay updated on changes in tax legislation and inform clients and team members of any significant impacts.
- Collaborate with other departments to integrate tax strategies into overall business operations.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior tax staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA) is a plus.
- Proven experience in tax accounting, with a strong understanding of local and federal tax laws.
- Proficiency in tax software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex tax concepts in a clear and concise manner.
- A commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and confidentiality.
We offer a competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment. If you are a motivated individual with a keen eye for detail and a passion for tax accounting, we would love to hear from you.
Join our team and play a key role in driving our financial success while developing your tax accounting expertise.
Research The Company
Time to put on your detective hat and do some research on your target company. Look at their website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. You are looking for any piece of intel that will give you the leg up.
- Find out about recent work/projects they have undertaken or will be embarking on (highlight your experience in these areas on your CV)
- Find out what software/processes they use and make sure you include your proficiency in them in your CV
- Learn what interview questions you might expect should you make it that far
See if you know anyone who works there and/or connect (LinkedIn) with people ahead of the interview. A little nepotism could never hurt, and you might be able to glean more information about the role/hiring process in the meantime.
Find A Good CV Template
When selecting a CV template, it’s essential to opt for a simple design and structure. Not only are straightforward layouts more compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), but they also make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly identify and understand key details. A clutter-free and organized CV ensures that your most important information stands out, facilitating a smoother review process for potential employers.
This is the CV template that we recommend (click here)
Write 2 Or 3 Bullet Points As A ‘Professional Summary’
A handy approach is to craft three sentences: the first highlighting your qualifications and experience, the second showcasing your biggest professional achievement, and the third detailing your most recent experience.
Tax Accountant Professional Summary Example
- With over 10 years of experience in tax accounting, holding an ACCA certification and a Master’s degree in Finance. Specialized in corporate tax compliance and strategic tax planning, proficient in using software like Sage Taxation and HMRC’s Making Tax Digital system for efficient tax processing.
- Led a significant tax restructuring project at a previous firm, resulting in a 25% reduction in overall tax liabilities for key corporate clients by implementing advanced tax strategies and ensuring rigorous compliance with changing tax laws.
- Most recently, managed a portfolio worth over £350 million, overseeing all aspects of tax operations, from preparing and filing complex tax returns to advising on tax implications of business decisions, using tools like CCH Tagetik for streamlined reporting and analysis.
Detail Your Employment History
Begin by listing your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This allows potential employers to see your recent experience upfront, which holds greater value. Keep in mind that brevity is key.
As you go further back in time, reduce the level of detail to ensure your CV doesn’t exceed two pages. Employers are less likely to read lengthy CVs.
When writing about your responsibilities on your CV, focus on highlighting your achievements within those roles. For instance, rather than simply stating “Handled tax compliance,” you could say, “Ensured accurate and timely tax compliance for over 200 corporate clients, leading to a 30% decrease in compliance issues and client commendations for efficiency.” This approach not only shows that you were in charge of tax compliance but also demonstrates your ability to manage a large client base effectively and the positive impact you had on reducing issues and improving client satisfaction. This method gives a clearer picture of your capabilities and successes as a Tax Accountant.
Detail Your Education History
Keep your CV concise, aiming for a two-page limit. The education section can often be streamlined.
Highlight the most relevant qualifications. For instance, if you have a degree, your A-levels become less significant. Similarly, if you’re in the U.S., having an MBA overshadows your high school GPA.
Unless an older educational milestone is crucial for the job or highly pertinent, focus on showcasing your Bachelor’s degree, post-graduate studies, or professional certifications. If you lack these, mention your latest qualifications. Remember, having a Master’s suggests you’ve finished school, so no need to state the obvious. Only include your educational background if it’s pertinent to the job.
CV Structure
Tactically structure your CV to the ‘most wanted’ attributes of the job description. For example, if the job description values “qualified”, then place your qualifications first; if they want someone with RECENT experience, put your last job up top. If they want multiple years of experience, highlight your tenure.
We always recommend that you have a Professional Summary up top (after your name/contact info), as it will be the first thing that anyone reads. As discussed earlier, this should be tailored towards the job advert and showcase your experience and skills in what the employer is looking for.
A fairly typical structure would go:
- Name and contact info
- Professional Summary
- Current (or most recent employment)
- Education & Professional Qualifications
- Employment History
WHAT NOT TO DO
Now that we’ve discussed what you should be including in your CV, let’s look at some things that you should avoid doing.
- Do not include personal history or likes. Employers are not going to care about your hobbies, so unless you have some inside information that the hiring manager only hires people who play a particular sport, for example, then leave your extracurricular activities off your CV. This does not extend to things like volunteer or charity work. Definitely include that if you have the space.
- Do not list your skillset and the tools/applications you have experience with. It takes up valuable space and is often obvious (Skilled in Excel…?). Instead, include these in your achievements section (Example: “Used Asana to manage and coordinate tasks for a remote team of 25 members”).
- Do not include references or “references available on request”. If employers want a reference, they will ask you for them; otherwise, this is just wasted space on your CV.
- Do not include a photo of yourself unless specifically asked. In many countries, including the UK and US, you should not include a photo of yourself on your CV/resume. Companies don’t want you to do it, as it opens them up to liability, and there is absolutely nothing for you to gain by doing so – plus, you are making it easier for firms to discriminate against you, either implicitly or explicitly.
- Do not use any fancy graphic or artistic CV format. Most CVs come in a standard format, allowing Application Tracking Software, recruiters and hiring managers to easily pick out the key pieces of information they need quickly based on their experience. If you throw them a CV in an artistic format, they are more likely to get annoyed and throw your application away. This is not a situation where standing out is good. You want your skills/experience to be noted, not your CV format.
- Do not include your previous salaries. This will severely impact your negotiation abilities down the line.
Tax Accountant CV Tips – Recap
Let’s recap what we’ve discussed so far:
Understand the Role and Tailor Your CV Accordingly
? Every tax accountant role can have different requirements. Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your CV to match the specific skills and experiences the employer is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Certifications
? If you have qualifications like ACCA, CIMA, or a relevant degree, make sure these are prominently featured on your CV. These certifications are often key requirements for tax accountant roles.
Showcase Your Experience with Specific Examples
? Instead of just listing your job responsibilities, focus on specific achievements in your roles. Use numbers and data where possible, like “Managed tax filings for 300+ individual clients annually, maintaining a 99% accuracy rate.”
Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Tax Software and Tools
? Tax accountants need to be proficient in various software. Include any experience you have with tools like Sage, QuickBooks, or other relevant tax software.
Include Soft Skills
? Tax accountancy isn’t just about numbers. Skills like attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving are crucial. Include examples of how you’ve used these skills in your work.
Keep It Concise and Error-Free
✂️ A CV should be clear, concise, and free of any spelling or grammatical errors. Aim for a maximum of two pages, and make sure every sentence adds value to your application.
Use a Professional Format
? Stick to a professional and easy-to-read format. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean font to ensure your CV is easy to navigate.
Update Regularly
? Tax laws and regulations change frequently. Keep your CV updated with any new skills or knowledge you acquire, especially if it’s relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Tax Accountant CV Sample
Below is an example CV from someone with a number of years experience in the field. For an editable .DOCX version, click here.
