[Anonymous]

I have my CPA license and I recently passed the CFE exam but don’t have the certification yet. Currently working in public accounting as an auditor and would like to do something with my CFE. There really isn’t a dept at my firm that focuses on utilizing the CFE. Currently, I have 4 sections on my resume- objective, education, work experience and volunteer experience. Would you recommend putting the cpa and cfe info in the “education” section or creating a new section? Also, I always struggle with coming up with good objectives. Can anyone provide good examples that would revolve around landing a job that the cfe would comeback in handy for? Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

bump!

[M123]

There were articles recently that you have 6 seconds to impress a resume reviewer. You have to make your biggest salvo the first thing they see.

Some things to consider:

– By mentioning resume you are really saying black hole.

– A human reviewer is not the first reviewer for your resume – it's being read by a text mining algorithm to look for terms consistent with the job

So to address these items, you can ensure that your highest and best accomplishments are the first thing they see. I'd certainly put a bold title, followed by a 2-3 sentence summary (as you say objective + key skills) followed by the most important part of your skillset such as your certifications. The objective can be the “next” thing you want to do. Then your experience. I'd say it's even game to put experience in college if they are distinctive, such as leading a team audit or tax case study, etc. Finally, make sure that you use some of the EXACT terms that the job listing uses, so that those computer algorithms pick you up.

But back to the black hole. The reality is that a good majority of jobs out in the real world are from networking. So go to every networking event you can – campus career days, job fairs, even CPE trainings – and bring the charm. And just happen to have a resume handy if the topic comes up. If they interact with you and like you – you will have a better chance than sending to some black hole on a web site or LinkedIn. That still works but you can create your own advantage.
***
Example:

HIGH PERFORMING PUBLIC ACCOUNTING AUDITOR WITH CPA AND ON TRACK FOR CFE (spelled out)

High performing audit professional with distinctive work among peers seeking expanding role as CPA and in pursuit of CFE. Driven and motivated professional ready to help your organization achieve its goals.

Certifications:
xxx
xxy (in progress)

[Missy]

The letters CPA should be right after your name since it's a credential you possess and the fact you've passed the CFE belongs with education. Ditch the objective entirely, it's a moot point. The place to specify your career goal is in your cover letter. More than half the time the first reviewer of your resume is a human, so tweak your resume to every position you apply to so it's clear to a person whose expertise is not accounting that you are qualified for the position you're applying to.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

I do think networking is key! that's a great point. I got rid of the objective line but why do you feel that CFE should go under education and not under something called “professional credentials”, for example?

[Missy]

Well I wouldn't call it a credential until you're certified. Sure you could try to create a section to draw attention to it but I even with the CPA exams most people put them with education until a license has been issued.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

Thank you all!

[Kim W.]

I put my CPA info under education with the title “CPA Candidate” along with the dates I passed each section.

Kim W.

[Jdn9201]

I had CPA candidate in my objective until I passed, then replaced it with licensed CPA after I passed and received my license. I don't think it should go in the Education section unless that section is towards the front of the resume. For most people who have relevant work experience, their education will be towards the bottom of their resume. Some people may delete the objective section, but I like it as long as it's short. The reason why I keep mine is sometimes companies have similar jobs that aren't posted. If for some reason they don't think of me for the posted job, they may be aware of similar unposted jobs that I'd be a good fit for. If they have an idea as to what I'm looking for (objective) that can help them figure out other roles I may be suited for.

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Anonymous]

I added a header and called it “professional credentials” I put cpa and the date I got licensed. I also put cfe and wrote “to be certified X date”. I deleted the objective all together.


@jdn9201 you make a good point about the objective comment. I looked at it a little different though. I took the objective off because If I applied for job X and HR might look at my resume or based on my interview they might come back and say, ” hey we think you might be a better fit for this role instead”. So if I put an objective that I'm interested in job X the HR person might not even both recommending another role.

[Author]

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