Steps For Writing An Accounting Internship Resume Objective

Updated 22 September 2023

In the field of accounting, employers often generally prefer candidates with several years of professional experience, even for entry-level positions. You can gain the necessary experience by securing an internship with an accounting firm. Learning how to attract an employer's attention with a well-written resume objective can help you improve your candidacy for an internship. In this article, we explain what an accounting internship resume objective is, provide a step-by-step guide for writing one and provide tips to improve your chances of securing an internship opportunity.

What Is An Accounting Internship Resume Objective?

An accounting internship resume objective is a brief section towards the top of your resume for an accounting intern position. In general, resume objectives consist of two or three sentences in which you provide an overview of your qualifications, discuss your professional goals and explain why you are applying for the position in question. Ideally, by reading the objective, the hiring manager can quickly understand whether you would be a viable candidate for the internship.

The purpose of an accounting internship is to provide an aspiring accountant with the training and experience they require to succeed in the profession. A well-written resume objective for this role succinctly conveys your high potential to learn from seniors, apply your learning to practice and go on to lead a successful accounting career. In an internship, you can expect to learn about common accounting methods, tools and challenges, so a strong preliminary understanding of these areas can convince the hiring manager that you are the right candidate for the role.

How To Write A Resume Objective For An Accounting Internship?

When you are ready to begin writing your resume objective, follow these steps to improve your chances of attracting the hiring manager's attention:

1. Familiarise yourself with the position

The first step to creating a strong resume objective is to study the job listing. This helps you to understand exactly what the intern position entails. As you read, you are likely to encounter details that you can use to your advantage, which include:

The employer's name
The length of the internship
The primary duties of the position
The eligibility requirements
The expectations of the role

Take note of the details that you feel are the most important, as these are keywords that you can include in your resume objective. For example, if the listing mentions the terms accounting software, communication and writing or eagerness to learn, repeating them verbatim in your resume objective may demonstrate to the hiring manager that you possess the baseline qualifications to succeed in the internship role.

2. Begin with strong descriptors

The first few words of your resume objective can capture the hiring manager's attention and persuade them to read more. A descriptor is an adjective or noun that highlights a personal quality directly related to the position you want. Often, you can convert keywords from the listing into strong descriptors that may appeal to the employer. For example, in the case of eagerness to learn, you might consider describing yourself as an eager-to-learn aspiring accountant, which can ensure that you present yourself as someone the employer wants to hire.

If you cannot find usable keywords in the listing, think of qualities that you associate with accounting and consider related descriptors. Skilled accountants often have strong attention to detail, so you could describe yourself as detail-oriented. Interns also work alongside diverse teams of professionals, so it could be helpful to use a descriptor such as supportive team player.

3. Describe your skills

In your objective, include some of your most relevant skills, as this provides the hiring party with an idea of what you can bring to the role. Consider diversifying the skills you describe by including both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical capabilities you learn, while soft skills relate to your style of work and how you interact with others. Again, refer to the job listing to help you determine which skills to mention. If the listing does not specify any competencies, consider mentioning those that are commonly associated with the profession, such as:

Accounting knowledge: Express your familiarity with anything related to common accounting concepts.
Analysis and critical thinking: The ability to evaluate, assess and draw insights from large volumes of numerical data is essential to the accounting profession.
Mathematics and numeracy: Since they deal with numbers, it is crucial for accountants to be adept at performing mathematical and statistical operations, both simple and complex.
Software proficiency: Some common types of software that accountants use are spreadsheets and bookkeeping tools.

4. Mention your credentials

While seeking an internship, you are likely to be a current university student or recent graduate, so you may have limited credentials. Even so, it can be helpful to mention any degrees you have earned or plan to earn and coursework in which you have excelled. If you think it may be helpful, you can also mention your average percentage grade. Your academic success demonstrates that you can perform well in an internship role, thereby improving your candidacy for the position.

5. Describe your clerical or administrative work experience

Detail any clerical or administrative work experience that you have undertaken. This might include tasks such as bookkeeping and documentation management. In an internship, the employer may initially have you perform these duties to help you learn the fundamentals and integrate into the field. Emphasising such experience may improve your appeal since the employer may be able to devote less time to training you on the basics.

6. Describe your career goal

When you describe your career goal, try to relate it to the organisation to which you are applying. Detail which branch of accounting interests you the most, as the employer may try to accommodate you with training specific to that field. Describing your career goal can also show that you are open to longevity and a full-time position should the opportunity arise.

Tips To Help You Write A Resume Objective For An Accounting Internship

For additional guidance to help you write an effective resume objective, consider the following tips:

Be concise

Remember that a resume objective is only a few sentences long. After you finish drafting it, read over what you have written to determine ways to reduce its length. Condense your ideas into fewer words wherever possible and consider rephrasing ideas to make them more succinct.

Mention the employer's name

Common advice from hiring experts is to customise your application documents to specific employers. One way to show that you have customised your resume is to mention the employer's name in the resume objective. This simple practice may show the hiring manager that you have personalised your application specifically to their organisation, which is indicative of qualities desirable in accountants and interns, such as initiative, hard work and effective communication.

Focus on how you can add value to the organisation

As you write and revise your resume objective, focus on how you can be an asset to the organisation. Make it your goal to persuade the employer that you can improve their processes and culture and potentially add lasting value after your internship is over. An employer may be more willing to invest in you if they believe you can bring them a good return on investment.

Examples Of Resume Objectives For An Accounting Internship

Consider the following examples to help you write an objective for an accounting internship resume:

Example 1

Accounting student with exceptional typing and administrative skills, seeking accounting internship with Dalton Accounting Firm to provide software expertise to the role. Holds a bachelor's degree in economics, with coursework primarily focused on tax and financial accounting. Motivated and detail-oriented candidate hoping to gain additional experience in the field and contribute to the firm.

Example 2

Highly skilled mathematician possessing keen problem-solving and maths skills, capable of contributing to the Wallard Agency by computing complex financial equations and creating quick solutions. Seeks to build upon the firm's reputation of excellence and accuracy while pursuing an associate degree in accounting and mathematics. Hoping to secure a position in the actuarial and cost accounting fields after graduation.