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Accountant ATS Keywords

Include these keywords in your CV to pass Applicant Tracking Systems and increase your chances of getting seen by recruiters.

Finance

Which keywords should a Accountant CV include?

Use the exact words from the job advert first: applicant tracking systems match terms, not meanings. For Accountant roles the essential ones are Financial Reporting, GAAP, Month-End Close, Reconciliation, VAT Returns. Put them in your profile, skills list and experience bullets, written as they appear in the advert, and only where they are true for you, in an ATS-friendly CV template.

As of October 2026. Updated .

5Essential
3Recommended
0Nice to Have

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Essential Keywords

Must have

These keywords are critical for Accountant roles. Missing these may result in automatic rejection.

Financial ReportingGAAPMonth-End CloseReconciliationVAT Returns

Recommended Keywords

Should have

Including these keywords will strengthen your application and improve your ranking.

SageXeroACA

Keywords by Category

Technical Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPMonth-End CloseReconciliationVAT Returns

Tools & Software

SageXero

Certifications

ACA

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How to Use These Keywords

1

Integrate Naturally

Weave keywords into your achievement statements rather than listing them separately.

2

Match the Job Description

Use the exact phrasing from the job posting when it matches your experience.

3

Include Variations

Use both acronyms and full terms: "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)"

4

Prioritise Relevance

Only include keywords that genuinely reflect your skills and experience.

Accountant CV FAQs

Include software you know: Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle. Also mention Excel proficiency with specific functions. Match software to the job description when possible.
Absolutely. Include "ACA", "ACCA", "CIMA", or "AAT" with your status (qualified, part-qualified, studying). These are often mandatory requirements that ATS systems screen for.
Include "month-end close", "year-end accounts", "management accounts", "reconciliations", "VAT returns", "payroll", and "fixed assets" based on your experience.
Include industry-specific terms if you have sector experience. For example, "revenue recognition" for tech, "fund accounting" for asset management, or "charity SORP" for non-profits.

Related Roles

Financial AnalystFinance→Financial ControllerFinance→Tax AdvisorFinance→ActuaryFinance→Credit AnalystFinance→Compliance OfficerFinance→

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3 Word templates, a tailoring guide and keyword sheets for 40 UK roles. £12, instant download.

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