Chartered Accountant CV Example
A chartered accountant CV should clearly show your qualification (ACA/ACCA), the number of clients you are responsible for and your tax-return and audit expertise in concrete figures. This example offers a structure you can adapt for accountancy-practice and corporate finance-department applications. Keep it one page and ATS-friendly.
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Sophie Harris
Chartered Accountant (ACA)
Leeds, UK
Summary
ACA-qualified chartered accountant with 9 years of experience. I manage the accounting, tax-return and audit processes for more than 120 clients, completing VAT, corporation-tax and payment-on-account returns accurately and on time. My command of tax legislation and my proficiency with Xero and HMRC online filing minimise client risk.
Experience
Founding Partner / Chartered Accountant · Harris Accountancy Practice
Mar 2020 – Present- ›Managed the monthly accounting, VAT, PAYE and corporation-tax return processes for 120+ corporate and sole-trader clients.
- ›Reduced filing errors by 90% by standardising HMRC online filing and payroll (RTI) submission processes.
- ›Represented clients in 3 HMRC enquiries, cutting the additional assessment by 60% on average through settlement.
Senior Accountant · Audit & Assurance Firm
Sep 2016 – Feb 2020- ›Ran the year-end close and trial-balance reviews for mid-sized manufacturing companies.
- ›Cut the preparation time for audit files to 2 weeks by setting up a clean, standards-compliant bookkeeping structure.
Skills
Education
BA Accounting & Finance · University of Leeds (2011 – 2015)
What to Highlight in a Chartered Accountant CV
- ✓State your qualification (ACA/ACCA) and your membership body (ICAEW/ACCA) clearly at the top of your CV.
- ✓Quantify the number of clients you are responsible for and the range of sectors (e.g. 120+ clients, manufacturing/construction).
- ✓List the accounting software you use (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks) individually — employers filter on these.
- ✓Highlight critical experience such as HMRC enquiries, audit and settlement on separate lines.
- ✓Add continuing professional development (CPD, ICAEW/ACCA courses) to your certifications section.
Technical Skills
- •HMRC online filing & RTI
- •VAT / Corporation Tax / self-assessment
- •Xero & Sage accounting software
- •Year-end close & trial balance
- •UK tax legislation
- •Statutory accounts (FRS 102)
Soft Skills
- •Analytical thinking
- •Attention to detail
- •Client communication
- •Time management
Common Mistakes
- ✕Writing only "accountant" without stating your ACA/ACCA qualification.
- ✕Using generic phrasing without stating the number of clients you are responsible for and their sectors.
- ✕Forgetting to list the accounting software you use on your CV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is qualification detail essential on a chartered accountant CV?
Yes. Your ACA/ACCA qualification and professional body (e.g. ICAEW) are the first things an employer looks for; it is best stated right under your contact details.
How should I present my training contract on my CV?
You can write up your ACA/ACCA training contract as experience: the firm you trained with and the responsibilities you took on (preparing returns, managing client files) in concrete terms.
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