Check your accounts assistant CV against the job advert
Accounts assistant adverts want someone accurate who can keep the ledgers moving. Show the tasks, the volume and the systems.
Start with your advert
Every accounts assistant advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What accounts assistant adverts usually ask for
Purchase ledger
Why they askProcessing supplier invoices and payments is often the core of the role.
How to show itDescribe the process and volume.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Processed about [number] supplier invoices a [week / month], matched to purchase orders, and prepared payment runs.
Sales ledger and credit control
Why they askRaising invoices and chasing payments keeps cash coming in.
How to show itSay what you did and any improvement.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Raised sales invoices and chased overdue accounts by phone and email, [result if you know it].
Reconciliations and month-end support
Why they askAssistants often do bank and supplier reconciliations and help at month-end.
How to show itList them.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Completed [bank / supplier statement] reconciliations and posted [types of] journals for month-end.
Excel and systems
Why they askAdverts ask for Excel and often name a finance system.
How to show itName both.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Used [finance system] and Excel ([lookups, pivot tables]) daily.
Studying towards a qualification
Why they askMany employers support AAT or ACCA study and like to see it.
How to show itSay what you're studying and when you'll finish.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Studying AAT Level [number], due to finish [month year].
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost accounts assistant applications
- "Good with numbers" instead of the tasks you did.
- Not naming the finance system.
Questions
How do I get an accounts assistant job without experience?
Show any related work (cash handling, invoicing, admin with numbers), Excel skills, and any AAT study you've started.