CPA SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: May 28, 2025 - The professional CPA demonstrates expertise in financial reporting, tax compliance, and auditing standards. This role requires strong analytical abilities to evaluate financial data, ensure accuracy, and maintain regulatory compliance. The individual utilizes advanced accounting systems and develops internal controls to enhance operational efficiency and financial integrity.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Certified Public Accountant Resume
  • Financial Reporting
  • Tax Preparation
  • Audit Preparation
  • Cost Accounting
  • Inventory Reconciliation
  • Journal Entries
  • Financial Analysis
  • Regulatory Reporting
  • Standard Costing
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Client Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Workflow Coordination
  • Community Engagement
  • Project Coordination
  • Executive Support
  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Team Collaboration

Summary of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Public Accounting with 2 years of Experience

  • Must complete the PA undergrad pre-requisite course requirements before graduation
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word)
  • Knowledge of another software program for data analytics 
  • Highly developed analytical, interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to articulate the “business story”
  • Self-starter who works well independently as well as in a team environment
  • Can-do attitude with a passion for telecommunications
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to manage a heavy workload without sacrificing the quality of work or relationships
  • Passion to serve others, especially nonprofit organizations

2. BA in Auditing with 5 years of Experience

  • Solid, hands-on accounting experience with a professional services firm (accounting, law, engineering or similar)
  • Able to work well independently and willing to work occasional overtime
  • Previous accounting-related office experience 
  • Customer service and/or client service experience
  • Experience working with accounting and tax software
  • Ability to read and interpret industry-specific documents, write routine reports and speak effectively to clients and employees of the firm
  • Above average ability to learn and use computer software (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
  • Ability to develop open and trusting relationships
  • Ability to work in a team, whether as a member or a leader
  • Ability to motivate him/herself to grow professionally and serve with excellence
  • Ability to assume responsibility for and complete agreed-upon assignments

3. BA in Taxation with 3 years of Experience

  • Working experience in public accounting, A&A or both A&A and tax
  • Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office
  • Proficiency with Thomson Reuters UltraTax and accounting products
  • Able to provide and utilize expert knowledge where necessary to maximize the Group Companies' financial performance
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Able to handle pressure and adhere to strict time guidelines
  • Deep knowledge of PC tools and accounting ERP (Tally, etc)

4. BA in Internal Auditing with 8 years of Experience

  • Proven experience preparing and reviewing individual and corporate tax returns
  • Proven track record of solving problems
  • Proven ability to handle a high-volume workload at a high level of efficiency 
  • Proven experience in writing and maintaining complex reporting
  • High proficiency in tax software and Prosystems
  • Proven experience in technical tax competencies on individual, C-corporation, S-corporation, and partnership matters
  • Experience as a practicing CPA
  • Ability to provide business and tax advisory services
  • Proficiency in the preparation of financial statements, individual, corporate and partnership tax returns, and monthly accounting utilizing the company tax program and the firm’s procedures
  • Demonstrate flexibility in the work environment and willingness to work on priority tasks as determined by our Managers and Partners
  • Willingness to stay current on developing industry laws
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to maintain and promote a positive attitude and work environment
  • Working knowledge of office software (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Knowledge of Thomson Reuters Ultra Tax and Accounting CS Programs

5. BA in Cost Accounting with 2 years of Experience

  • In-depth understanding of GAAP and the ability to research and apply technical accounting issues to recording financial results
  • An intermediate to advanced understanding of the Microsoft Office suite of products, including Word and Excel
  • Strong organizational and communication skills to success
  • Ability to work with various and multiple software and reporting systems
  • In-depth knowledge of financial data requirements to implement new programs and maintain the proper levels of controls
  • Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple simultaneous projects
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and projects
  • Able to communicate effectively with management, coworkers and external auditors

6. BA in Forensic Accounting with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience with a healthcare background, and must be a CPA
  • Experience in GL accounting and/or financial reporting
  • Attention to detail and demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Clear and effective written and oral communication skills to directly interface with joint venture partners
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment for a rapidly growing company
  • Excellent organizational skills and strong ability to multitask against multiple deadlines
  • Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all organizational levels
  • Advanced to Intermediate Proficiency in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, index match and VLOOKUP
  • Experience with Great Plains or a similar general ledger platform 
  • Working experience in the Healthcare industry

7. BA in Finance with 2 years of Experience

  • Credible, ethical, confidential and understands the ethical standards
  • Conscientious about the timeliness of assignments and quality of work product
  • Possesses exceptional written and verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to articulate recommendations in a concise and timely manner
  • Able to handle multiple tasks and maintain control and order over the same
  • Strong GAAP and financial reporting technical skills
  • Exceptional computer skills in the operation and functioning of all programs typically used in a dealership setting
  • Able to prioritize and work with multiple supervisors

8. BA in Financial Management with 1 year of Experience

  • Proven work experience as a Tax Accountant, Tax Analyst or Tax Preparer
  • Knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping procedures
  • Familiarity with accounting software packages
  • Must have computer literacy (MS Excel in particular)
  • Excellent analytical and time management skills
  • Strong numeracy skills and keen attention to detail

9. BA in Corporate Finance with 2 years of Experience

  • Proven work experience as a Certified Public Accountant or Senior Accountant
  • Thorough knowledge of accounting and financial procedures
  • Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Advanced MS Excel knowledge (familiarity with formulas, VLOOKUPs and pivot tables)
  • Excellent analytical skills with an attention to detail
  • Integrity, with an ability to handle confidential information

10. BA in Business Management with 3 years of Experience

  • Previous experience in accounting or other related fields
  • Fundamental knowledge of GAAP
  • Experience with current computer accounting programs and reporting tools
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience with current accounting and tax software
  • Strong knowledge of QuickBooks
  • Ability to multitask, detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines
  • Ability to effectively communicate with clients

11. BA in Financial Economics with 2 years of Experience

  • Must possess a strong knowledge of accounting principles, including GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley
  • Experience with ERP systems
  • Attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to manage time effectively
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage competing priorities with deadlines, without sacrificing quality
  • Must demonstrate leadership and initiative
  • Able to work independently as well as part of a team

12. BA in Economics with 4 years of Experience

  • Working experience in accounting
  • Experience working in a CPA Firm
  • Working knowledge of Excel
  • Excellent skill level in QuickBooks (Desktop) 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Attention to detail, accuracy, and strong time and project management skills
  • Ability to work independently and multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • Solid understanding of bookkeeping and accounting payable/receivable principles
  • Proven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial records
  • Data entry skills, along with a knack for numbers
  • Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and proprietary software
  • Customer service orientation and negotiation skills
  • High degree of accuracy and attention to detail

13. BA in Applied Finance with 1 year of Experience

  • Proven experience in e-commerce bookkeeping
  • Highly knowledgeable about sales tax
  • Must possess a CPA designation
  • Previous professional accounting experience
  • Proficiency with MS Office, Excel, and QuickBooks
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills

14. BA in Commerce with 2 years of Experience

  • Recent CPA firm experience, including audits
  • Fundamental knowledge in corporate, partnership and individual income tax
  • Knowledge of financial reporting standards and excellent technical accounting skills
  • Strong Excel and other software skills (ProSeries Tax Software)
  • Excellent communication skills both oral and written and interpersonal skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task, handling multiple priorities, clients and tight deadlines

15. BA in Investment Management with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience as a CPA in a corporate setting
  • Familiarity with QuickBooks and financial statements
  • Proficient knowledge of accounting principles and procedures (including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, profit and loss, etc.)
  • Must possess exceptional organizational skills, be able to effectively multitask, and be attentive to detail
  • Must be self-motivated and able to work independently and effectively with little direction or oversight
  • Must possess the ability to meet internal and external deadlines
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office with strong knowledge of Word and Excel
  • Must possess professional maturity to deal with confidential information of a written and spoken nature
  • Must have strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
  • Must be able to work under stress and time pressures
  • Must handle and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive/personal information with professional discretion

16. BA in Banking and Finance with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in fiscal/financial management
  • Significant experience in the management of government contracts
  • Supervisory skills to effectively manage the daily operations and administration of the assigned function
  • Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with partners and employees and to effectively negotiate contracts with funding partners
  • Mental ability to handle pressures related to meeting deadlines
  • Able to work on multiple tasks requiring concentration and attention to detail
  • Able to organize projects in the context of the whole organization
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