Do I need AAT to be an accounts assistant?

Not always. Many employers hire on good numeracy and accuracy and support AAT study, but having AAT Level 2 or 3 makes your CV stronger.

Which software should I list?

List the packages you have really used, such as Sage, Xero or QuickBooks, and say how confident you are with Excel.

What if I have only a little finance experience?

Use roles where you handled cash, invoices or stock figures carefully, and mention any AAT or maths qualifications.

Accounts assistant CV example

A strong accounts assistant CV shows accuracy with figures, familiarity with ledgers and accounting software, and steady habits around deadlines. It should list the tasks you handle, such as purchase invoices or bank reconciliations, and any AAT study or qualification.

// accounts assistant

Maya Iqbal

maya@example.com | 07700 900164 | Cardiff

01 — Profile

Accurate accounts assistant with experience in purchase ledger, sales ledger and bank reconciliations for a builders' merchant. Confident using Sage and Excel, chasing payments politely and keeping records ready for month end. Holds AAT Level 2 and is studying towards Level 3.

02 — Experience

Accounts Assistant

a builders' merchant

Processed around 200 supplier invoices a month, matching them to delivery notes and purchase orders

Raised customer invoices and posted receipts to the sales ledger on Sage

Reconciled the company's bank accounts each week and investigated any differences

Phoned customers with overdue accounts and agreed payment dates politely

Prepared supplier payment runs for approval and helped with month-end tasks

Finance Administrator

a small manufacturing firm

Entered sales and purchase invoices and filed the supporting paperwork

Checked and paid staff expense claims, keeping receipts in order

Managed petty cash and reconciled it each month

Supported the finance manager with year-end paperwork for the accountants

03 — Key skills

Purchase ledgerSales ledgerBank reconciliationsCredit controlSage and ExcelExpenses and petty cashMonth-end supportVAT awarenessAttention to detailAAT Level 2 (completed)

Example · fictional candidate · Terminal design · Use this design

Tips for a accounts assistant CV

List your AAT level and what is left to complete, along with the software you know, such as Sage, Xero or QuickBooks
Give volumes, such as invoices processed a month, so the reader can judge the scale of your work
Name each area you cover: purchase ledger, sales ledger, bank reconciliations, credit control and expenses
Show accuracy and deadlines by describing the month-end tasks you supported and how you checked your work
Mention any experience chasing payments and how you kept the customer relationship good
Check every number and date on your own CV, because people in finance notice small mistakes

Applying with a cover letter? See our accounts assistant cover letter example.