Bookkeeper Resume Example & Writing Guide

View a professional bookkeeper resume example with proven bullet points, key skills, and expert tips. Copy what works and customize with your own experience.

Finance
4% Growth
Avg. Salary: $45,000

Professional Summary Examples

Start your resume with a compelling summary. Here are proven examples you can adapt:

Accurate and organized bookkeeper with 5+ years of experience managing full-cycle bookkeeping for small to mid-size businesses. Processed 1,000+ monthly transactions across 15 client accounts while maintaining 99.9% accuracy. Proficient in QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel with strong attention to detail.

Experienced bookkeeper specializing in accounts payable, receivable, and payroll for companies with up to $10M in annual revenue. Reduced month-end close time from 8 days to 3 days through process streamlining. Skilled in reconciliation, financial reporting, and tax preparation support.

Reliable bookkeeping professional with expertise in managing financial records for multiple clients simultaneously. Maintained clean books for 20+ small business clients, supporting $500K+ in collective tax savings through accurate record keeping. Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor with advanced Excel skills.

Work Experience Bullet Points

Use these achievement-focused bullet points as inspiration. Replace the numbers with your own metrics.

  • Managed full-cycle bookkeeping for 20+ small business clients with combined annual revenue of $15M
  • Processed 1,200+ monthly transactions including invoicing, bill payments, and bank deposits with 99.9% accuracy
  • Reduced month-end close cycle from 8 days to 3 days by implementing standardized reconciliation procedures
  • Reconciled 30+ bank and credit card accounts monthly, identifying and resolving $45K in discrepancies over 12 months
  • Processed bi-weekly payroll for 150+ employees across 5 entities, ensuring 100% on-time compliance with tax filings
  • Migrated 12 clients from manual spreadsheets to QuickBooks Online, reducing data entry time by 50%
  • Generated monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) for 15 clients, delivered within 5 business days of period close
  • Managed accounts receivable collections reducing average DSO from 52 days to 34 days, improving client cash flow by $200K
  • Organized and maintained financial records for 3 successful IRS audits with zero additional assessments
  • Trained 4 new bookkeeping staff on company procedures, software systems, and client communication protocols

Key Skills for Bookkeeper Resume

Include these skills on your resume to pass ATS screening and impress recruiters:

Accounts Payable & ReceivableBank ReconciliationQuickBooks & XeroGeneral Ledger ManagementPayroll ProcessingFinancial Record KeepingInvoice ManagementMonth-End CloseExcel & SpreadsheetsAttention to Detail

Recommended Certifications

These certifications can strengthen your bookkeeper resume:

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) - AIPB
QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor
Xero Certified Advisor
Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) - NACPB
Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel

Tips for Your Bookkeeper Resume

  • Quantify your achievements: Use specific numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to demonstrate impact.
  • Use industry keywords: Include terms from the job description to pass ATS screening.
  • Lead with action verbs: Start bullet points with strong verbs like developed, implemented, increased, reduced.
  • Keep it concise: Aim for one page unless you have 10+ years of relevant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a bookkeeper put on their resume?

Highlight the number of accounts managed, transaction volumes processed, and accuracy rates maintained. Include software proficiency (QuickBooks, Xero, Excel) and specific bookkeeping tasks like reconciliation, payroll, AP/AR, and month-end close. Certifications add credibility even without a CPA.

How do I make a bookkeeper resume stand out?

Quantify your impact with metrics: transaction volumes, error rates, close time improvements, and money saved through better processes. Show progression in responsibility and software expertise. Include client testimonials or retention rates if available. Accuracy and reliability are your key selling points.

Do I need a degree to be a bookkeeper?

A degree is not always required, but certifications like Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or QuickBooks ProAdvisor significantly strengthen your resume. Highlight relevant coursework, on-the-job training, and years of practical experience. Demonstrating proficiency in accounting software and accurate financial management matters most.

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