How to write an accountant CV in Kenya

Finance recruiters look for three things fast: your qualification, the systems you use and evidence that your numbers are right. An accountant CV that shows those clearly, with results in figures, gets shortlisted. This guide works for accountants, accounts assistants, auditors, tax and finance managers.

What should go at the top of an accountant CV?

Your name with your qualification, for example "Jane Wanjiru, CPA (K)", then your phone, email, town, and ICPAK member number if you have one. Add the role you are applying for, such as "Finance officer" or "Audit associate".

How do you write a strong profile?

Two or three sentences with your qualification, years of experience, sector and one result. "CPA (K) with six years' experience in NGO finance, managing donor budgets of up to KES 400 million. Led three clean donor audits and cut month-end close from ten days to five."

How should you describe your experience?

Use numbers. Finance employers trust figures:

• "Prepared monthly management accounts for a group of four companies, delivered by the 5th of each month."
• "Reconciled 12 bank accounts monthly and cleared a backlog of 800 unreconciled items."
• "Handled PAYE, VAT and withholding tax filings with no KRA penalties in three years."
• "Led fieldwork on 15 statutory audits for manufacturing and SACCO clients."

Which systems and skills should you list?

Name the accounting systems you use, such as QuickBooks, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP or Odoo, along with advanced Excel, iTax, and any payroll or ERP systems. Add IFRS, IPSAS for public sector and NGO roles, and donor reporting if relevant. Data skills such as Power BI are increasingly a plus.

Which qualifications should you list?

Your degree, CPA status (completed, or the level reached), ICPAK membership, and any other qualifications such as CIFA, CISA or ACCA. If you are still studying, say which level and when you expect to finish. Our guide to CPA Kenya explains the levels.

What mistakes get finance CVs rejected?

• Spelling or number errors. In finance, a careless CV suggests careless accounts.
• Duties with no results: "responsible for bookkeeping".
• Leaving out the systems you use.
• Including your ID number, date of birth or a photo when the advert does not ask.
• Sending the same CV to audit, tax and NGO finance roles. Lead with what each one needs.

The fastest way to a good finance CV

Use the free CV builder, then score your CV against the advert with the CV checker. Prepare with our accountant interview questions and browse accounting jobs in Kenya.