Revealed! CV Writing Tips For Accounting Jobs In Kenya

By Judith Moraa
Did you know that as an Accounting professional, you can work in any business sector?
Just try to think of any business set up that does not require an accountant.
Whether you’re looking to be a cost controller, Chief accountant or Credit Officer, portfolio manager or accounts manager, the requirements for that CV are the same.
For this reason, as you apply for these accounting jobs in Kenya, it’s important that you ensure that you have a winning CV that will get you the job at first glance.
This is to ensure that your CV is not lost among the thousand others that employers trash due to the small mistakes job applicants make while applying for  these jobs.
Quickly check this out >>> Accounting Advice: Is The Industry Saturated And How Do I Survive?
How will you achieve this?
It’s very important to focus on skills, areas of expertise, certifications and specific accomplishments.
Your CV must convey what you can do for the companies you are targeting. You can do this by illustrating how you contributed to previous employers’ or clients’ achievements.

Let’s look at some few tricks you can use to write your CV for Kenyan Accounting Jobs

1. Identify your main goal
Before you start writing accounting CV, do a little research.
Normally, before applying for any Kenyan jobs, candidates usually tailor their CV to that specific job advert and give the employer a personal touch.
So identify the job you want to apply for.
Research on other companies hiring for the same position and focus on the common requirements and those others that stand out like Knowledge of preparing and submitting statutory deductions like N.S.S.F; N.H.I.F; H.E.L.B and PAYE etc.
This research will help you determine the skills and experience you should emphasize on your resume.
2. Carefully summarize your most important  qualifications
This should be well highlighted in the top half section of your CV.
Here is a good example of a well written section;
Accounts Assistant with 2 years of corporate finance and accounting experience. Hands-on manager with expertise in accounting systems development and financial reporting. Proven record of developing and implementing financial controls that improve profit and loss scenario and competitively position firm.
In reading this brief paragraph, a potential employer will immediately grasp the scope of your professional experience and they won’t have to struggle much.
Follow this section with your areas of expertise, a list of keywords related to your finance or accounting career choice.
In the case of the above candidate, the section might include the following terms:

• Auditing and compliance.
• Accounting standards.
• Budget development and management.
• Cash-flow management and modelling.

The Areas of Expertise should highlight your specific skills and knowledge. You should also include your finance or accounting industry certifications and licenses, such as CPA etc.
3. Highlight both your technical and soft skills
Don’t leave behind your soft skills behind even as you highlight your hard skills.
Abilities such as accounting and finance, banking operations and risk and compliance demonstrate your ability to do that specific job, but your soft skills are what differentiates you from other candidates and hopefully land you the position.
Emotional intelligence is also another important, but always underestimated skill to include in your CV as you apply for accounting jobs in Kenya.
Understanding how your behaviour can influence co-workers strengthens your key areas like problem-solving, leadership and management.
4. Finally, Remember to include strong key words in your CV
A huge part of impressing an employer includes making sure that your CV is utilising the exact words that employers use to advert for their jobs.
This are keywords. Career point Kenya gives the following illustration;
 ‘Assuming you came across a job advert looking for an Accountant with 1 to 2 years of experience.
You have CPA qualifications, an internship and an Assistant Accounts Clerk role that extends to the 1 year mark. Clearly, you are qualified to apply for the position.
But when the recruiter or employer opens your CV attachment, what they see in your work experience section is, “Assistant at XYZ Company” and “Intern at ABC” company.
You forgot to edit the job titles accordingly. You assumed the recruiter will read your CV word for word and determine that you are qualified. Well, that right there, is a failed job application.
In such a scenario, you could tailor your job titles to read “Accounting Clerk Assistant at XYZ Company” and “Accountant Intern at XYZ Company”.
While they may not be the exact job titles in your contract, they still mean the same thing. It is not a lie.
Also, don’t be too obvious. Make the employer want to read more.
As you take note of this,
Whichever route you decide to take whether its finance, accounts or audit, you’ll need a polished CV. Get yourself a professional CV writing advise on how to develop one to make sure that the next application you make does not disappear into the thin air.