How to Get Noticed in a Sea of Numbers:
CV Tips for Aspiring Accountants
Whether you’re a first-year Bachelor of Accounting student or an honors graduate, having a strong CV is crucial when applying for competitive SAICA or SAIPA training contracts. As you prepare for a career in accounting, your resume is often the first impression you’ll make on potential employers. And with many students vying for similar roles, especially in sought-after regions like the Western Cape, standing out becomes essential.
Here, we’ll share the best tips to craft a standout CV that captures your strengths and makes you a memorable candidate for roles in auditing firms.
About Me: Introduce Yourself with Purpose
The “About Me” section is your chance to give potential employers insight into your goals and core strengths. Since it’s often the first section they read, keep it short and relevant to your professional aspirations.
Do: Briefly outline your career goals, key skills, and qualities, focusing on attributes that matter in accounting, like “detail-oriented,” “analytical thinker,” or “problem-solver.” Employers want to see if you align with the requirements of accounting roles, so give them a clear idea of what you offer.
Don’t: Include personal details or hobbies unrelated to your professional goals – keep this section focused on what you bring to the table.
Work Experience: Showcase Relevant Experience
If you’re just starting out in your career, you may not have much formal work experience. However, don’t overlook the value of internships, volunteer work, and academic projects. Highlighting relevant experience, even if it’s limited, can still show employers that you have the right skills and work ethic.
Do: Include any part-time work, internships, or volunteer roles that demonstrate skills like teamwork, responsibility, and attention to detail. If you haven’t gained much experience yet, consider taking on vacation work for accounting students. Many auditing firms offer these opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build connections in the industry.
Don’t: Include unrelated high school achievements or list generic responsibilities. Instead, focus on contributions you made, even from university projects or group work. Employers are more interested in how you applied yourself in various roles than a long list of basic tasks.
Languages: Highlight Your Communication Skills
In South Africa, language proficiency can be a valuable asset, especially if you’re applying to an auditing firm in the Western Cape, where clients may speak multiple languages.
Do: List the languages you can speak, with proficiency levels (e.g., “Fluent in Afrikaans, Conversational in English”). Fluency in multiple languages can set you apart and make you an asset in client-facing roles.
Do: Make use of diagrams and illustrations to indicate your language proficiency in order to make your CV eye-catching and easy to read.
Don’t: List languages you’re not comfortable using professionally. Employers expect accurate information, so be realistic about your language skills.
Education: Emphasize Relevant Coursework and Accomplishments
For recent graduates, the education section is often a key part of the CV. Employers want to know your academic background, especially if it includes accounting-focused coursework.
Do: Clearly state your current year or recently completed degree (e.g., “Third-Year Accounting Student” or “Honors Accounting Graduate”). Include the year you matriculated, started university, and your expected graduation date. It’s also helpful to mention the names of both your university and high school. Add any relevant coursework or projects that align with accounting, such as financial analysis or auditing.
Don’t: List unrelated courses or achievements that don’t add value to your accounting career path. Focus on relevant academics that build your accounting foundation.
Skills & Software Proficiency: Highlight Your Technical Skills
Your skills section is an opportunity to emphasize both technical and soft skills that are crucial for a career in accounting.
Do: List essential software skills, like Excel and Microsoft Word, that are frequently used in accounting roles. If you’ve had experience with any industry-specific software, even in university, mention those as well. Soft skills like “time management,” “analytical thinking,” and “attention to detail” can also make your CV stand out to employers.
Do: Make use of diagrams and rate your skills out of 5 to make your CV more appealing.
Don’t: List any software or skills that you’re unfamiliar with. Employers expect you to be confident in everything you list here.
Design & Creation: Making Your CV Visually Appealing
A well-designed CV can make a strong first impression, helping your application stand out in a competitive field.
Do: Use software like Canva or Word to design a clear, professional layout, or try automated CV builders like CVmaker. Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages, ensuring it’s easy to read with organized sections.
Don’t: Overcomplicate your design or make your CV too lengthy. Employers appreciate simplicity, so focus on clarity and check for any grammar or spelling errors.
References: Choose Reliable Contacts
References can provide valuable insight into your skills and character, especially when you have limited work experience.
Do: Include an academic reference, such as a lecturer or mentor who can speak to your work ethic and dedication. Make sure your references know they’re listed and are ready to speak about your strengths.
Don’t: List family members or friends as references. Keep it professional and include contacts who can provide genuine insight into your abilities.
Final Thoughts: Stand Out with a Strong CV
As an auditing firm in the Western Cape, we receive hundreds of applications each year for SAICA and SAIPA training contracts. By following these tips, you can turn your CV into a compelling representation of your skills, aspirations, and readiness for a role in accounting.
Even with limited experience, a well-crafted CV can help you stand out and secure the opportunities you’ve been aiming for. Start creating or refining your CV today – a strong application is the first step toward your future career in accounting.