How to Effectively Include ‘Future CPA’ on Your Resume: Tips and Strategies

I. Introduction

When applying for jobs in the accounting sector, including your intention to obtain the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification on your resume can improve your chances of landing the job. However, the way you include your “Future CPA” status can either help or hinder your success in the job market. For this reason, this article discusses various tips and strategies to help you effectively include ‘Future CPA’ on your resume.

II. The Importance of Including ‘Future CPA’ on Your Resume

Earning a CPA certification is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates that a candidate is equipped with the knowledge and skills required to provide accounting services to the public. The certification is a prestigious qualification that places candidates in the top tier of accounting professionals. Therefore, having a CPA certification on your resume can make recruiters take notice of your application and give you an edge over other non-CPA qualified applicants.

It’s also important to highlight your ‘Future CPA’ status on your resume because it shows that you have a clear career path and are willing to undertake the required courses and exams to obtain certification. This sets you apart from other candidates who may not possess a clear career trajectory.

III. 5 Tips for Writing a Strong ‘Future CPA’ Line on Your Resume

Here are some practical tips to help you write a strong ‘Future CPA’ line on your resume:

1. Use action verbs: Begin your statement with powerful and engaging verbs such as ‘planning to,’ ‘working towards,’ or ‘anticipating.’ This creates a sense of purpose and drive in your statement.
   • Example: “Anticipating CPA certification in 2022.”
2. Highlight industry-relevant skills: Include skills that are relevant to the accounting industry. This includes knowledge of accounting software, financial statements, tax policies, and auditing.
   • Example: “Working towards leveraging my expertise in accounting software, financial statements, and tax policies to gain CPA certification.”
3. Highlight relevant coursework: If you have taken college or university courses that align with the CPA exam, include them in your statement.
   • Example: “Pursuing CPA certification with relevant coursework in financial accounting, auditing, and taxation.”
4. Include career aspirations: Indicate your career aspirations by mentioning long-term career goals that align with CPA certification and the accounting industry.
   • Example: “Working towards gaining CPA certification to advance my career in accounting and become a highly skilled accounting professional.”
5. Use specific dates: Setting a specific date for achieving the CPA certification shows your commitment towards achieving your goals.
   • Example: “Planning to obtain CPA certification by June 2023.”

IV. The Dos and Don’ts of Including ‘Future CPA’ on Your Resume

When it comes to including ‘Future CPA’ on your resume, there are some dos and don’ts to consider. Here are some of them:

1. Do: Indicate your plan to obtain the CPA certification in the future.
2. Don’t: Mislead or exaggerate your commitment to obtaining the certification.
3. Do: Highlight relevant skills and knowledge aligned with becoming a CPA.
4. Don’t: Mention skills that do not align with the CPA certification.
5. Do: Include relevant coursework.
6. Don’t: Include coursework that is not relevant to the CPA exam.
7. Do: Include specific dates indicating when you plan to gain the certification.
8. Don’t: Leave out a specific date or set unrealistic expectations for obtaining the certification.

Following these dos and don’ts can enhance your resume and make it more appealing to potential employers.

V. How to Highlight Your Future CPA Status on Your Resume

When including your ‘Future CPA’ status on your resume, it’s essential to highlight it effectively. Here are some tips to ensure you do so:

1. Include it in your objective statement: Start your resume with an objective statement that includes your ‘Future CPA’ status.
2. Highlight it in your education section: List your ‘Future CPA’ status under your education section together with your degree or coursework.
3. Include it in your skills section: Creating a skills section on your resume can help you highlight your ‘Future CPA’ status and other relevant accounting skills.
4. Use bullet points: Using bullet points can help you break down your ‘Future CPA’ statement into easy-to-read sections.

VI. Making Your Future CPA Status Stand Out on Your Resume: A Guide

If you want to ensure your ‘Future CPA’ status stands out on your resume, consider the following steps:

1. Start with a strong objective statement: Begin your resume with a statement that clearly communicates your intention to obtain the CPA certification.
2. Include industry-related buzzwords: Including industry-related keywords can help your resume stand out from the crowd. Some relevant keywords include accounting, auditing, financial statements, and tax policies.
3. Provide specific dates: Indicate when you plan to obtain the certification to show your dedication and commitment to the process.
4. Highlight your relevant coursework: Include coursework that aligns with the CPA exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the accounting field.
5. Create a skills section: Highlighting your accounting skills can make your resume stand out to potential employers.
6. Quantify your achievements: Providing quantitative information in your resume can help the recruiter understand your skills and experience better.

These steps can help you create a resume that highlights your ‘Future CPA’ status and other important accounting-related aspects to potential employers.

VII. Incorporating Your Future CPA Plans into Your Resume: Best Practices

If you plan to incorporate your ‘Future CPA’ aspirations into your resume, follow these best practices:

1. Use action-oriented language: Use action verbs that showcase your desire and dedication towards achieving the CPA certification.
2. Focus on your achievements: Mention academic and personal achievements that demonstrate your capability to obtain the CPA certification.
3. Customize your objective statement: Customize your objective statement to match the job you’re applying for.
4. Highlight your accounting skills and experience: Emphasize your accounting skills, knowledge, and relevant experience that make you a strong candidate for the CPA certification.

VIII. Crafting the Perfect ‘Future CPA’ Statement for Your Resume

Your ‘Future CPA’ statement is a critical component of your resume that can make or break your chances of obtaining a job. Here’s how you can craft a perfect statement:

1. Be concise: Keep your statement brief and to the point.
2. Use quantifiable information: Provide specifics about your academic and personal accomplishments.
3. Mention industry-relevant skills: Identify skills that are relevant to the CPA certification and the accounting industry.
4. Use engaging language: Use language that captures the reader’s attention and demonstrates your dedication towards obtaining the certification.
5. Customize: Tailor your ‘Future CPA’ statement to the job description to show the recruiter that you’re a perfect fit for the position.

The perfect ‘Future CPA’ statement should be strong, engaging, and relevant to the accounting industry.

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining the CPA certification is a significant accomplishment that can help accounting professionals advance in their careers. Including ‘Future CPA’ status on your resume can distinguish you from other candidates and improve your chances of landing a job in the accounting industry. Remember to follow the dos and don’ts of including ‘Future CPA’ on your resume, use action-oriented language, highlight relevant skills, and provide specific dates to stand out from the crowd. With these tips and strategies, you can create a compelling ‘Future CPA’ statement and advance in your career in the accounting field.

Don’t hesitate to tailor the advice given here to suit your needs and preferences.