Writing a strong Bookkeeper CV
Hiring managers reviewing a Bookkeeper CV look for evidence of clean transaction processing, reliable bank reconciliations, payroll support, and confidence with accounting platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, or FreeAgent. Your CV should make clear whether you handle purchase and sales ledgers, VAT returns, credit control, CIS, expenses, or month-end journals. Include the size of the accounts you support, the number of entities or clients you manage, and any AAT, ICB, or bookkeeping qualifications. Accuracy matters, but so does showing that you understand deadlines, audit trails, and how your work feeds into management accounts.
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Three things that matter most
- Specify the ledgers and workflows you manage, such as purchase ledger, sales ledger, bank feeds, supplier payments, payroll journals, VAT submissions, or month-end accruals.
- Name the accounting software you use and how you use it, whether that means reconciling bank feeds in Xero, running reports in Sage 50, processing payroll in BrightPay, or preparing Making Tax Digital VAT returns.
- Show the scale of your bookkeeping work by mentioning transaction volumes, number of client accounts, payroll headcount, multi-currency work, or frequency of reconciliations.
Skills hiring managers look for
Frequently asked
How do I write a Bookkeeper CV with no experience?
Emphasise practical bookkeeping training, AAT or ICB coursework, and any experience using Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, or Excel. Include college projects, practice accounts, volunteer treasurer work, or small business admin where you handled invoices, receipts, expenses, or reconciliations. Make it clear that you understand double-entry bookkeeping, VAT basics, and the importance of maintaining an audit trail.
What accounting software should I include on a Bookkeeper CV?
List the platforms you can use confidently, such as Xero, QuickBooks Online, Sage 50, FreeAgent, KashFlow, Dext, Hubdoc, BrightPay, or Excel. If you have only used training versions, say so honestly but describe the tasks you completed, such as bank reconciliations, invoice posting, VAT reports, or trial balance reviews.
Should a Bookkeeper CV include VAT and payroll experience?
Yes, if you have handled these areas, they should be visible because many employers need bookkeepers who can support compliance deadlines. Mention whether you prepare VAT returns, submit through Making Tax Digital, process payroll, calculate pensions, or post payroll journals. If payroll or VAT was checked by an accountant, describe your part in the workflow accurately.
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