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Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

Trainee Accountant CV Template (Text Format)

SUMMARY

Detail-oriented Trainee Accountant with experience at top firms, including Grant Thornton and PwC. Proficient in financial reporting, account reconciliations, and Excel-based financial modelling, with a track record of improving accuracy and streamlining processes. Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a focus on compliance and tax planning.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Grant Thornton UK LLP | London | July 20XX – August 20XX

  • Assisted in preparing financial statements for clients in various sectors, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and improving accuracy by 15%
  • Contributed to Excel-based financial models to support budgeting and forecasting, reducing project completion time by 10%
  • Performed account reconciliations for multiple accounts, resolving discrepancies within 24 hours on average
  • Collaborated with senior accountants to assist with VAT returns and tax planning, ensuring timely and compliant submissions
  • Developed strong communication skills by preparing reports and presenting financial data to clients

PwC | London | Jun 20XX – September 20XX

  • Supported the audit team in reviewing client financial reports, helping to identify and rectify discrepancies
  • Created detailed Excel spreadsheets to track financial performance, contributing to process improvements across several audits
  • Assisted in the preparation of tax documents, ensuring accurate filings for multiple clients
  • Improved time management skills by balancing multiple tasks and meeting tight deadlines during audit periods
  • Worked closely with team members, enhancing problem-solving abilities and ensuring the accuracy of final audit reports

EDUCATION

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance | University of Westminster | September 20XX – July 20XX

  • Graduated with Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)
  • Relevant coursework: Financial Reporting, Corporate Finance, Taxation, and Management Accounting

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting | Kaplan Financial | Completed: August 20XX

  • Covered advanced bookkeeping, financial statements, and budgeting
  • Achieved distinction

GCSEs and A-Levels | Hammersmith Academy | Completed: July 20XX

  • A-Levels: Mathematics (A), Economics (B), Business Studies (B)
  • GCSEs: 9 GCSEs including Mathematics (Grade 9) and English (Grade 8)

SKILLS

  • Financial reporting and UK GAAP compliance
  • Excel-based financial modelling and analysis
  • Account reconciliations and discrepancy resolution
  • Tax planning and VAT returns
  • Audit support and financial statement preparation

How to write a trainee accountant CV

Writing a CV as a trainee accountant requires a balance between showcasing your academic achievements and highlighting any practical experience gained through internships, projects, or related activities. Your CV should demonstrate your commitment to developing in the field, including any progress towards professional certifications like ACCA or CIMA.

This guide will walk you through how to effectively structure your CV, emphasising your skills, education, and early experience to make a strong impression as a future accounting professional.

1. Present relevant career goals in your personal statement

As a trainee accountant, your personal statement should reflect your enthusiasm for the field and demonstrate your commitment to gaining practical experience. Highlight relevant coursework, any early achievements, and specific career goals, such as obtaining professional qualifications (e.g., ACCA, ACA). Use this section to show your motivation and potential for growth in the accounting industry.

Example trainee accountant personal statement

Motivated and detail-oriented trainee accountant with a solid academic foundation in accounting and finance, holding a BSc from the University of Leeds. Developed practical skills in financial reporting and auditing through internships and project work, with a focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Currently pursuing ACCA certification to advance expertise. Passionate about gaining hands-on experience and contributing to a forward-thinking accounting team.

2. Highlight your education and certifications

For a trainee accountant, your education section forms the core of your qualifications. Highlight relevant degrees, coursework, and any certifications you are working towards, such as ACCA, ACA, or CIMA. If you have completed modules in financial reporting, auditing, or taxation, mention these to demonstrate your preparedness for the role.

Example of a trainee accountant’s education and certifications section

BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance, University of Leeds(20XX–20XX)
Key Modules: Financial Accounting, Auditing, Corporate Finance, and Taxation

  • Achieved First Class Honours

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) – In progress

  • Passed first 4 foundational exams, building expertise in financial and management accounting
A good example of a CV.
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3. Emphasise the right accounting skills

Skills for a trainee accountant should focus on both technical abilities and soft skills. Include technical skills such as proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks), as well as critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication abilities, which are essential for working with teams and clients. Ensure that the skills align with your career level while showing potential for growth.

Example of a trainee accountant’s skills section

Skills

  • Financial reporting
  • Analytical thinking
  • Accounting software (Sage, QuickBooks, Xero)
  • Team collaboration
  • Microsoft Excel

4. Lay out your relevant accounting experience

Even as a trainee, internships and accounting-related projects can be added to your work experience section as they demonstrate your ability to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings. Focus on experiences where you’ve contributed to financial processes, assisted in audits, or supported teams with data analysis. If you lack formal work experience, highlight relevant university projects or volunteering activities related to accounting or finance.

Example of a trainee accountant’s work experience section

Accounting Intern, Grant Thornton – Basingstoke (June–August 20XX)

  • Assisted senior accountants in preparing financial statements for clients.
  • Supported the audit team in data collection and analysis, helping to identify discrepancies
  • Managed the organisation of client invoices and expense tracking using QuickBooks
  • University Project: Financial Analysis of Local Business – (January–March 20XX)
  • Collaborated with a team to conduct a financial performance analysis for a small local business
  • Prepared balance sheets and income statements, identifying areas for cost-saving measures
  • Presented findings to the business owners, leading to a 10% reduction in operating expenses
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Seb Morgan
Written by

Seb Morgan

Seb Morgan is a Career Counsellor for CV Genius, where he helps job seekers and professionals get more out of their careers. With over 7 years of experience in business and lifestyle journalism, he's written for a stack of careers-focused publications, including Oxbridge Home Learning, Study International, theHRDirector, and Employee Benefit News, and his expertise includes skill development, interview preparation, and CV and cover letter writing. West Midlands born and raised, Seb has since lived, worked, and studied in 4 countries across 2 continents. He speaks 4 languages and has survived job interviews in 3 of them. He currently also freelances as a travel and culture writer. Reach him at [sebastian] @ [cvgenius.com] or via LinkedIn.