As a hiring manager reviewing accounting and finance CVs, I’ve seen one mistake more than any other:
Most professional summaries sound like they were copied from a template.
They use the same tired phrases like “results-oriented professional,” “dynamic individual,” “team player,” - none of which actually tell me who you are or what you’ve achieved.
If you want your CV to stand out in a sea of similar profiles, your professional summary needs to show clarity, confidence, and measurable value.
Here are the steps to write a professional summary that actually works.
1. Understand Why It Matters
Your professional summary is not an introduction - it’s a positioning statement.
It tells the recruiter in a few lines:
- Who you are professionally
- The kind of accounting or finance work you do best
- The impact you’ve made
It’s the difference between being seen as “just another accountant” and being seen as the one who can solve specific business problems.
2. Avoid Filler Words
Filler words are empty phrases that take up space without adding real value or evidence.
Examples include:
- “Dedicated professional”
- “Hardworking individual”
- “Passionate about excellence”
- “Self-motivated and goal-oriented”
- “Dynamic and results-driven”
They sound very good but actually mean nothing.
Hiring managers skip over them because they’ve read them a thousand times.
Instead, replace filler words with proof - real facts, measurable outcomes, or specific expertise.
3. Keep It Role-Focused and Value-Driven
Instead of saying what you want, show what you bring.
❌ “Seeking a challenging position in a reputable firm to utilize my skills and grow professionally.”
✅ “Chartered Accountant with 6 years’ experience managing end-to-end financial reporting, tax compliance, and cost control for SME clients.”
The second version works because it’s factual, specific, and aligned with what employers actually hire for.
4. Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers make your work tangible.
Accounting and finance are data-driven professions - your summary should reflect that.
Example:
✅ “Improved monthly reporting accuracy by 25% through process automation using Excel macros.”
✅ “Reduced audit adjustments by 40% by tightening internal control procedures.”
Quantification cannot be overemphasised because it shows impact - and employers notice that instantly.
5. Keep It Short and Structured (3–5 Lines)
Think of your summary as a snapshot, not a story.
Three to five sentences are enough. Each should add unique value - not repeat what’s elsewhere on your CV.
A good structure looks like this:
1. Who you are (e.g., Chartered Accountant with X years of experience…)
2. What you do best (e.g., specialized in payroll, reporting, and compliance…)
3. What you’ve achieved (e.g., helped reduce reporting delays by 30%...)
4. What you offer (e.g., strong understanding of IFRS and SME tax laws…)
6. Strong Example Summaries (No Clichés)
Example 1: For an Accountant
Chartered Accountant with 7+ years’ experience in financial reporting, tax planning, and audit compliance. Skilled in preparing IFRS-compliant statements and streamlining monthly close processes. Delivered 30% faster report turnaround and reduced audit review issues through improved documentation control.
Example 2: For a Finance Officer
Finance Officer with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for mid-sized businesses. Implemented budget tracking models that improved cost visibility and reduced unapproved expenses by 15%. Proficient in Excel, QuickBooks, and local tax reporting standards.
Example 3: For a Payroll Accountant
Payroll Accountant experienced in managing multi-branch payroll processing, statutory deductions, and employee remittances. Automated PAYE and NHF calculations, cutting processing time from 3 days to 1. Ensures 100% compliance with Nigerian tax and pension regulations.
7. Test Your Summary The 3C Rule
Before you finalize your summary, test it against the 3C Rule:
- Clear: Can someone outside your field understand your main expertise?
- Concise: Does it say what matters in under 5 lines?
- Credible: Does every sentence have proof, data, or evidence behind it?
If you fail any of the three, revise it.
In Summary
Your professional summary is the most important 5 lines on your CV.
It decides whether the recruiter scrolls down or moves on.
Avoid filler words. Skip the clichés.
Speak in facts, results, and relevance.
Remember that in accounting, precision is everything, and your CV should reflect that from the very first line.
