If you had to explain your accounts payable job to a 12-year-old, you'd probably describe it as being the strategist in a video game, managing resources to help your team succeed by paying bills and handling finances smartly. The same goes for your accounts payable (AP) resume. It should communicate your varied skills and achievements so clearly, that even non-specialists (and 12-year-olds) can understand it.
This guide will help you do just that. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- How to organize your resume to showcase your organizational skills, precision, and diligence.
- How to communicate your knowledge and illustrate how you’ve applied it in practical situations.
- How to ensure your technical abilities in accounts payable don't overshadow essential soft skills.
- Which certifications and financial software packages are most important to list on your accounts payable resume.
- How to create a resume that’s packed with the right keywords and make it appealing to both automated systems and human recruiters.
Before we dive in, have a look at some more resume examples for various accounting positions.
- Accounts Receivable Resume
- Accounts payable Manager Resume
- Bank Manager Resume
- Account Executive Resume
- Tax Accountant Resume
- CPA Resume Example
- Accounts payable Cover Letter
How to format an accounts payable resume
The accounts payable role demands a resume that balances meticulous detail with clarity and efficiency, much like the invoices and financial statements you handle daily. Here's how to shape your resume to reflect both the precision of your work and your ability to navigate the financial intricacies of business operations.
First, start by choosing the right resume format. Generally, you’d want to go with the hybrid (combination) format, as it allows you to display your chronological work history and specific skills and achievements. This versatile format enables you to highlight various aspects of your career—your expertise in managing payables, your knack for negotiating payment terms, and your proficiency in using finance software.
There are two more resume formats to consider. The reverse-chronological resume, for instance, is perfect for those with a substantial background in accounts payable and focuses on your career progression. Conversely, the functional resume emphasizes your skills and is particularly suitable for those new to the field or looking to pivot into accounts payable from another career.
Think about the market’s preferences – a Canadian resume, for instance, could have a different layout.