本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛PART I: PRINCIPLES IN DRAFTING AN EFFECTIVE RESUME
Behind all rules about resume writing, I would like to highlight the principles behind them. The following 6 items are listed in order of importance, based on typical problems I have seen from review of résumés prepared by applicants from a Chinese cultural background.
1. Keep it simple
2. Be relevant and specific
3. Use parallel structure
4. Rank items in logical order
5. Background information
6. Use format that sells
Refer to the following 7 real-life cases for application of above 6 principles. The before section lists extracts of the original resume prepared by job applicants. The after section reflects suggested revision, with each case focusing on the application of each principle.
KEEP IT SIMPLE: CASE 1 - BUSINESS ANALYST
BEFORE
Business Analyst
ABC Consulting Inc., Toronto, Canada
1. Conducted user sessions to gather business requirements for the development of CJ Employment Information System and created the business requirements and system specification document. Comments: More is less here. All that is needed is Gather business requirements
2. Deliverables include business requirements document, business and system Use Cases specifications, data dictionary, business rules catalogue and user interface specifications.
3. Coordinated application development tasks, user acceptance test, including managing stakeholder expectations.
4. Conducted sessions for project inception and documented project tasks as assigned by Project Manager.
5. Accountabilities include eliciting from clients detail business requirements via walkthrough user interview and JAD sessions for project scoping, feasibility analysis, business process future state and development effort.
6. Platforms/Tools: Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Enterprise Architect, UML
Word count: 110
Reviewer's comments:
1. Very long sentences confuse/disinterest the reader. Keep sentence short and succinct by using a simple parallel structure.
2. Take away points that do not sell you to the specific job you aim at.
3. Phrases highlighted in yellow do not convey much information. Each word you put on resume should convey useful information. If not, delete it!
4. Avoid repetition.
5. Stick to simplicity, avoid randomness!
AFTER
Business Analyst
ABC CONSULTING INC., Toronto, Canada
1. Gather business requirements for the development of CJ Employment Information System;
2. Prioritize stakeholder expectations, determine project scoping, and conduct feasibility and future state analyses; Comments: Describing each phase in logical steps using common project management terms demonstrates good knowledge of a project life cycle. This statement combines bullet #2/3/4 of the original. The original bullet point 2 to 5 repeated same steps in a project life cycle.
3. Document business requirements and system specifications; Comments: what was documented was not clear in the original. Be specific.
4. Compile data dictionary, business rules catalogue and user interface specifications;
5. Coordinate development tasks and user acceptance testing;
6. Facilitate project inception and joint application development, document project execution.
Word count: 63
Reviewer's comments:
1. Points 1-6 above are listed in order of a typical project life cycle.
2. Use proper terms that are known to project managers. Be simple yet clear about each step. It is critical to DEMONSTRATE your knowledge of project management as a BA.
BE RELEVANT AND SPECIFIC: CASE 2 - FREIGHT AUDITOR
BEFORE
Freight Auditor-ABC Company mm/yyyy - mm/yyyy
1. Developed and modified Microsoft Access programs which automated the audit procedure; greatly improved efficiency and pricing accuracy;
2. Reviewed invoices per payment terms & conditions upon receipt of any receipts/invoices from carrier; matched purchase order, packing slips or bill of landing; coded and verified A/P invoices; Reconcile carrier statements
3. Ensured the financial transactions were accurate and complied with companys database system and policies;
4. Responded to inquiries from carriers, vendors; investigated discrepancies found as a result of the reconciliations and made the appropriate change
5. Processed credit notes to deduct from the payment.
6. Prepared monthly accrual for accounts payable; reconciled carrier accounts and identified issues with outstanding invoices for management on weekly basis;
7. Created and customized rate template based on rate table by using Excel;
8. Interfaced with transportation department and warehouses to provide guidance in ongoing spending control and identify cost efficiencies; Worked with financial system programmers and planners to enhance WMS,WCP system;
9. Prepared audit reports that initiate appropriate corrective actions and followed-up to ensure the correction actions were implemented;
Word count: 176
AFTER
Freight Auditor mmm.yyyy - mmm.yyyy
ABC Company, Toronto, Ontario
ABC Company is a world-class leader and innovator in the distribution and operating in 169 locations in 41 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
1. Verified accuracy of financial transactions against the database records and report on compliance with operating policies;
2. Automated internal audit procedure by using Access database;
3. Matched invoices, receipts, with purchase orders and examined supporting documents;
4. Advised Shipping Department on spending control and identified cost saving opportunities;
5. Drafted internal audit reports followed up on managements implementation of audit recommendations.
World count: 87
Comments:
1. For a freight auditor, #8 is core duties, why list it at the end?
2. #1,2,4,5 in the original resume seem irrelevant to what a freight auditor do. Even if they are what you do in reality, be very careful not to confuse the reader with seemingly irrelevant duties. Doing so reduce your credibility.
3. 1-5 in the revised resume above are ranked in order or relevance to an auditors duties.
USE PARALLEL STRUCTURE: CASE 3 - ACCOUNTANT
BEFORE
Accountant
ABC Group Feb 200X - Present
1. Report to VP Finance and Accounting Manager. Assist in preparation of quarterly and yearly financial statements and MD&A.
2. Analyze monthly financial results. Monitor B/S account and P&L analysis.
3. Prepare annual budget, forecasting for operation and marketing.
4. Reconcile revenue, A/R, fixed assets and some expenses from GL accounts. Control and reconcile accrual liability and capital lease. Ensure compliance with companys policy and GAAP.
5. Maintain capital asset continuity schedule.
6. Assist corporate tax return and GST filing.
7. Review bank reconciliation and oversee over 28 different dental practices and 2 medical clinics. Investigate unidentified items and implement internal controls.
8. Act as a liaison, providing support and guidance to clinic managers on accounting issues and clients payment dispute. Control audit trail to ensure the accuracy and completeness.
9. Work with auditors to prepare year-end audit working papers and schedules.
10. Involved in other projects assigned.
Word count: 148
Comments:
1. This is relatively a good example of using parallel structure, i.e. verb + object
2. Wording highlighted in yellow are not consistent with the parallel structure applicant has been using. We can easily change them into more appropriate verb+ object structure.
AFTER
Accountant
ABC Group Feb 200X - Present
1. Assist in preparing quarterly and yearly financial statements and MD&A;
2. Monitor and analyze monthly balance sheet and income statement results;
3. Prepare annual capital and operating budget;
4. Reconcile major balance sheet and income statement accounts;
5. Report on compliance with companys accounting policy;
6. Maintain capital asset continuity schedule;
7. Review and approve bank reconciliation for 30 operating branches;
8. Advise clinic managers on accounting issues and resolve payment dispute;
9. Maintain proper accounting and financial records as audit trails;
10. Liaise with external auditor and provided audit trails;
11. Assist in filing corporate tax return and GST remittance.
Word count: 102
RANK ITEMS IN LOGICAL ORDER: CASE 4 - SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Job description
In this position, you will take a lead role in financial and management reporting A, including analysis. In a dynamic and fast-paced environment, you will also support the Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and other operating functions as required B. Reporting to the Controller, you will be based out of our head office location in Toronto.
Financial statement preparation, reporting and analysis
Accounts payable
Accounts receivable
Other duties
Specific knowledge and skills required
" College diploma, university degree C or equivalent work experience
" Five years accounting and finance experience, including a minimum of two years with solid exposure to full cycle accounting
" Preference will be given to individuals with partial to substantial completion of CGA program C
" Excellent MS Excel skills D
" Must be flexible and proactive F, with a high attention to detail E
" Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines G with a sense of urgency
" Strong written and oral communication skills
" Previous insurance industry experience H is a strong asset
Comments: Read the above JD over and over again. Note the order of essential skills required. The most important skills always come first and less important skills are placed after. Never ignore such ranking in the JD.
BEFORE
Summary of Qualifications
" Over 5 years accounting experience in insurance/financial services industry with solid exposure to full cycle accounting, focusing on financial reporting, balance sheets analysis, reconciliation, accounts payable, and accounts receivable
" Certified General Accountant (CGA) Level 4 student
" Good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
" Superior MS Excel skills at Pivot table, lookups, and VBA Macro level
" Proficient in Word, Access, and Other Microsoft Office Applications
" Familiar with SAP, AS400, PeopleSoft, On-Demand, Service platform, Capisl, IRIS, Siebel, Sage Accpac ERP and SUN Unix system
" Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines with a sense of urgency
" Excellent problem solving and analytical skills with a can-do attitude
" Enjoy working with large volume of data and keeping high level of accuracy at a fast-paced environment
Word count: 132
Comments: Read the JD very carefully and understand the requirements really well!!! Might be a good idea to borrow key words (buss words) from the JD?
AFTER
Summary of Qualifications
" Six years of financial accounting and management reporting A experience in the insurance and financial service industry H;
" Sound knowledge of GAAP A and regulatory reporting in the insurance industry;
" Solid experience in A/R and A/P operating and reconciliation B procedures;
" Substantial completion of CGA Program (Level 4); C
" Proficiency in advanced Excel D and Access functions, and other MS applications;
" Knowledge of SAP, AS400, PeopleSoft, On-Demand, Service platform, Capisl, IRIS, Siebel, Sage Accpac ERP and SUN Unix system
" Flexible and proactive F, with a high attention to details and accuracy.
" A strong performer in a multi-tasking and deadline-driven G work environment;
Word count: 108
Note: Refer to the Job description. The ranking of above points is based on the ranking of the skills needed in the job description. I have cross referenced JD requirements with resume items accordingly.
RANK ITEMS IN LOGICAL ORDER: CASE 5 - AP/AR ACCOUNTANT
BEFORE
ABC Company, Toronto
Accountant - Accounts payable, Accounts receivable
" Matched, coded, verified invoices with PO and posted into appropriate expense accounts
" Issued invoices and credit notes, distributed billings and statements to clients
" Daily bank deposits; conducted EFT payment; run cheques as required
" Reconciled credit card, debit card and cheques payment transaction; cash application
" Performed multi-currency(US and CAD) and inter-company transactions
" Analyze and reconcile balance sheet, revenue and expense accounts
" Reconcile balance sheet accounts and AP/AR sub ledgers to GL
" Bank reconciliation on monthly basis
" Performed month end closing procedure
" Maintained employee and non-employee expense reports in a timely manner
" Reconciled and processed petty cash entries; prepared the summary for the replenishment
" Investigated and resolved discrepancies with clients and vendors
" Analyzed month- end operating financial statement for specific program
" Engaged in forecasting and budgeting of revenue and expense for specific program
" Involved and participated with the implementation of new project
Word count: 155
AFTER
ABC International College, Toronto
Accountant - Accounts payable, Accounts receivable
" Matched, coded, verified invoices against purchase orders and receiving documents;
" Issued invoices and credit notes and billed clients
" Processed daily receipts & disbursements and performed check-runs.
" Reconciled from payment records to cash ledger account
" Posted foreign exchange transactions and reconciled inter-company accounts
" Analyzed and reconciled major balance sheet and income statement accounts
" Reconciled AP/AR sub ledgers to general ledger
" Performed bank reconciliation at month-end;
" Performed month-end closing procedure
" Maintained expense reports
" Maintained petty cash and updated cash and accounting records;
" Investigated and resolved discrepancies with clients and vendors
" Analyzed monthly income statement key accounts to prepare for management reporting;
" Supported forecasting and budgeting of revenue and expense for specific program
" Participated in business project planning by providing financial data
Word count: 133
Comments: Above items are ranked carefully in the order of an AP/AR accounting cycle. What you do first, what you do next and last should be presented in a logic order, be it in terms of a business cycle or financial statement presentation.
SUPPY BACKGROUND INFORMAITON: CASE 6
Sample 1:
Project Manager - Bank Assurance Service Jan.200X-Jan.200X
American International Group (AIG), China Division
(Bank Assurance provides services to banks through selling assurance products to its customers in order to mitigate bank business risk and expand bank service coverage)
Sample 2:
MCAP is Canada's largest independent mortgage and equipment financing company, with more than $30 billion in assets under administration. (Operating in four key lines of business: residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, construction loans, and equipment financing. The company generates combined annual new asset production of over $10 billion, with more than 100 institutional investors and over 130,000 borrowers.)
Comments: In sample 1, bank assurance service is a kind of service rarely known to most people. There is a need to early and briefly explain what this service is about.
In sample 2, the company is private and not known to many people. However, it is a company with significant weight in its industry and adds value to applicants professional credibility if we know how significant the company is in its own industry. Need to tell three things clearly: 1. companys place in its industry; 2. what does it do 3. Support the significance of the company by sales volume, asset amount or client base, etc.
USE PROPER FORMAT: CASE 7 - SENIOR ACCOUTING CLERK
BEFORE
Senior Accounting Clerk
ABC Int'l Trading Group May 2003 - Jan 2006
Managed various accounts including Wal-Mart (30 Million CAD sales a year) and HBC (8 Million CAD a year), and oversaw detailed trial balance to ensure A/R collected in a timely basis and paid correctly. Planed and developed procedures to improve the operating quality and efficiency. Interacted with various clients to ensure that the issues and disputes in compliance with GAAP.
" A/R: Issued invoices and credit note based on shipping document and claim. Prepared and maintained trial balance. Cash forecast and collection, daily payment posting. Prepared GST/PST filing monthly. Communicated with various clients about the aged accounts.
" A/P: Verified A/P invoices and prepared and issued checks and payroll.
AFTER
Senior Accounting Clerk
ABC International Trading Group May 2003 - January 2006
1. Liaised with key corporate accounts including Walmart and HSBC and followed up on service issues;
2. Issued invoices upon matching shipping documents with purchase requests;
3. Maintained A/R sub ledger and performed aging analyses;
4. Followed up with suppliers on collection of amounts receivable;
5. Maintained A/P sub ledger and analyzed overdue payments;
6. Issue cheques and prepare payrolls for payment;
7. Supported period-end accrual adjustments with payment outstanding analyses;
8. Projected cash flows and filed tax remittance.
Comments:
" The original format appears to be not reader friendly due to unnecessary use of Justify block edit, incomplete sentence, and illogic placement of each point.
" Misspelling. There is no hyphen in Walmart . Be very careful with these spelling details.
" Use formal written language. Avoid using abbreviation like Intl . Use full name International . It is also better to spell months fully. If you use short form of months, it should come with a period following the short form. January 2006 or Jan. 2006
" Only in magazine or newspaper, we really need to use justify block edit so that it leaves same margin on both side. However, the blank space created in between words actually creates stop signs to readers eye. It is usually better to use align left block edit. Uneven margin on the right side of the page should be perfectly fine.
" Everyone knows how gigantic HSBC and Walmart are. Is it still necessary to include specific sale volume information in the bracket?更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
Behind all rules about resume writing, I would like to highlight the principles behind them. The following 6 items are listed in order of importance, based on typical problems I have seen from review of résumés prepared by applicants from a Chinese cultural background.
1. Keep it simple
2. Be relevant and specific
3. Use parallel structure
4. Rank items in logical order
5. Background information
6. Use format that sells
Refer to the following 7 real-life cases for application of above 6 principles. The before section lists extracts of the original resume prepared by job applicants. The after section reflects suggested revision, with each case focusing on the application of each principle.
KEEP IT SIMPLE: CASE 1 - BUSINESS ANALYST
BEFORE
Business Analyst
ABC Consulting Inc., Toronto, Canada
1. Conducted user sessions to gather business requirements for the development of CJ Employment Information System and created the business requirements and system specification document. Comments: More is less here. All that is needed is Gather business requirements
2. Deliverables include business requirements document, business and system Use Cases specifications, data dictionary, business rules catalogue and user interface specifications.
3. Coordinated application development tasks, user acceptance test, including managing stakeholder expectations.
4. Conducted sessions for project inception and documented project tasks as assigned by Project Manager.
5. Accountabilities include eliciting from clients detail business requirements via walkthrough user interview and JAD sessions for project scoping, feasibility analysis, business process future state and development effort.
6. Platforms/Tools: Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Enterprise Architect, UML
Word count: 110
Reviewer's comments:
1. Very long sentences confuse/disinterest the reader. Keep sentence short and succinct by using a simple parallel structure.
2. Take away points that do not sell you to the specific job you aim at.
3. Phrases highlighted in yellow do not convey much information. Each word you put on resume should convey useful information. If not, delete it!
4. Avoid repetition.
5. Stick to simplicity, avoid randomness!
AFTER
Business Analyst
ABC CONSULTING INC., Toronto, Canada
1. Gather business requirements for the development of CJ Employment Information System;
2. Prioritize stakeholder expectations, determine project scoping, and conduct feasibility and future state analyses; Comments: Describing each phase in logical steps using common project management terms demonstrates good knowledge of a project life cycle. This statement combines bullet #2/3/4 of the original. The original bullet point 2 to 5 repeated same steps in a project life cycle.
3. Document business requirements and system specifications; Comments: what was documented was not clear in the original. Be specific.
4. Compile data dictionary, business rules catalogue and user interface specifications;
5. Coordinate development tasks and user acceptance testing;
6. Facilitate project inception and joint application development, document project execution.
Word count: 63
Reviewer's comments:
1. Points 1-6 above are listed in order of a typical project life cycle.
2. Use proper terms that are known to project managers. Be simple yet clear about each step. It is critical to DEMONSTRATE your knowledge of project management as a BA.
BE RELEVANT AND SPECIFIC: CASE 2 - FREIGHT AUDITOR
BEFORE
Freight Auditor-ABC Company mm/yyyy - mm/yyyy
1. Developed and modified Microsoft Access programs which automated the audit procedure; greatly improved efficiency and pricing accuracy;
2. Reviewed invoices per payment terms & conditions upon receipt of any receipts/invoices from carrier; matched purchase order, packing slips or bill of landing; coded and verified A/P invoices; Reconcile carrier statements
3. Ensured the financial transactions were accurate and complied with companys database system and policies;
4. Responded to inquiries from carriers, vendors; investigated discrepancies found as a result of the reconciliations and made the appropriate change
5. Processed credit notes to deduct from the payment.
6. Prepared monthly accrual for accounts payable; reconciled carrier accounts and identified issues with outstanding invoices for management on weekly basis;
7. Created and customized rate template based on rate table by using Excel;
8. Interfaced with transportation department and warehouses to provide guidance in ongoing spending control and identify cost efficiencies; Worked with financial system programmers and planners to enhance WMS,WCP system;
9. Prepared audit reports that initiate appropriate corrective actions and followed-up to ensure the correction actions were implemented;
Word count: 176
AFTER
Freight Auditor mmm.yyyy - mmm.yyyy
ABC Company, Toronto, Ontario
ABC Company is a world-class leader and innovator in the distribution and operating in 169 locations in 41 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
1. Verified accuracy of financial transactions against the database records and report on compliance with operating policies;
2. Automated internal audit procedure by using Access database;
3. Matched invoices, receipts, with purchase orders and examined supporting documents;
4. Advised Shipping Department on spending control and identified cost saving opportunities;
5. Drafted internal audit reports followed up on managements implementation of audit recommendations.
World count: 87
Comments:
1. For a freight auditor, #8 is core duties, why list it at the end?
2. #1,2,4,5 in the original resume seem irrelevant to what a freight auditor do. Even if they are what you do in reality, be very careful not to confuse the reader with seemingly irrelevant duties. Doing so reduce your credibility.
3. 1-5 in the revised resume above are ranked in order or relevance to an auditors duties.
USE PARALLEL STRUCTURE: CASE 3 - ACCOUNTANT
BEFORE
Accountant
ABC Group Feb 200X - Present
1. Report to VP Finance and Accounting Manager. Assist in preparation of quarterly and yearly financial statements and MD&A.
2. Analyze monthly financial results. Monitor B/S account and P&L analysis.
3. Prepare annual budget, forecasting for operation and marketing.
4. Reconcile revenue, A/R, fixed assets and some expenses from GL accounts. Control and reconcile accrual liability and capital lease. Ensure compliance with companys policy and GAAP.
5. Maintain capital asset continuity schedule.
6. Assist corporate tax return and GST filing.
7. Review bank reconciliation and oversee over 28 different dental practices and 2 medical clinics. Investigate unidentified items and implement internal controls.
8. Act as a liaison, providing support and guidance to clinic managers on accounting issues and clients payment dispute. Control audit trail to ensure the accuracy and completeness.
9. Work with auditors to prepare year-end audit working papers and schedules.
10. Involved in other projects assigned.
Word count: 148
Comments:
1. This is relatively a good example of using parallel structure, i.e. verb + object
2. Wording highlighted in yellow are not consistent with the parallel structure applicant has been using. We can easily change them into more appropriate verb+ object structure.
AFTER
Accountant
ABC Group Feb 200X - Present
1. Assist in preparing quarterly and yearly financial statements and MD&A;
2. Monitor and analyze monthly balance sheet and income statement results;
3. Prepare annual capital and operating budget;
4. Reconcile major balance sheet and income statement accounts;
5. Report on compliance with companys accounting policy;
6. Maintain capital asset continuity schedule;
7. Review and approve bank reconciliation for 30 operating branches;
8. Advise clinic managers on accounting issues and resolve payment dispute;
9. Maintain proper accounting and financial records as audit trails;
10. Liaise with external auditor and provided audit trails;
11. Assist in filing corporate tax return and GST remittance.
Word count: 102
RANK ITEMS IN LOGICAL ORDER: CASE 4 - SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Job description
In this position, you will take a lead role in financial and management reporting A, including analysis. In a dynamic and fast-paced environment, you will also support the Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and other operating functions as required B. Reporting to the Controller, you will be based out of our head office location in Toronto.
Financial statement preparation, reporting and analysis
Accounts payable
Accounts receivable
Other duties
Specific knowledge and skills required
" College diploma, university degree C or equivalent work experience
" Five years accounting and finance experience, including a minimum of two years with solid exposure to full cycle accounting
" Preference will be given to individuals with partial to substantial completion of CGA program C
" Excellent MS Excel skills D
" Must be flexible and proactive F, with a high attention to detail E
" Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines G with a sense of urgency
" Strong written and oral communication skills
" Previous insurance industry experience H is a strong asset
Comments: Read the above JD over and over again. Note the order of essential skills required. The most important skills always come first and less important skills are placed after. Never ignore such ranking in the JD.
BEFORE
Summary of Qualifications
" Over 5 years accounting experience in insurance/financial services industry with solid exposure to full cycle accounting, focusing on financial reporting, balance sheets analysis, reconciliation, accounts payable, and accounts receivable
" Certified General Accountant (CGA) Level 4 student
" Good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
" Superior MS Excel skills at Pivot table, lookups, and VBA Macro level
" Proficient in Word, Access, and Other Microsoft Office Applications
" Familiar with SAP, AS400, PeopleSoft, On-Demand, Service platform, Capisl, IRIS, Siebel, Sage Accpac ERP and SUN Unix system
" Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines with a sense of urgency
" Excellent problem solving and analytical skills with a can-do attitude
" Enjoy working with large volume of data and keeping high level of accuracy at a fast-paced environment
Word count: 132
Comments: Read the JD very carefully and understand the requirements really well!!! Might be a good idea to borrow key words (buss words) from the JD?
AFTER
Summary of Qualifications
" Six years of financial accounting and management reporting A experience in the insurance and financial service industry H;
" Sound knowledge of GAAP A and regulatory reporting in the insurance industry;
" Solid experience in A/R and A/P operating and reconciliation B procedures;
" Substantial completion of CGA Program (Level 4); C
" Proficiency in advanced Excel D and Access functions, and other MS applications;
" Knowledge of SAP, AS400, PeopleSoft, On-Demand, Service platform, Capisl, IRIS, Siebel, Sage Accpac ERP and SUN Unix system
" Flexible and proactive F, with a high attention to details and accuracy.
" A strong performer in a multi-tasking and deadline-driven G work environment;
Word count: 108
Note: Refer to the Job description. The ranking of above points is based on the ranking of the skills needed in the job description. I have cross referenced JD requirements with resume items accordingly.
RANK ITEMS IN LOGICAL ORDER: CASE 5 - AP/AR ACCOUNTANT
BEFORE
ABC Company, Toronto
Accountant - Accounts payable, Accounts receivable
" Matched, coded, verified invoices with PO and posted into appropriate expense accounts
" Issued invoices and credit notes, distributed billings and statements to clients
" Daily bank deposits; conducted EFT payment; run cheques as required
" Reconciled credit card, debit card and cheques payment transaction; cash application
" Performed multi-currency(US and CAD) and inter-company transactions
" Analyze and reconcile balance sheet, revenue and expense accounts
" Reconcile balance sheet accounts and AP/AR sub ledgers to GL
" Bank reconciliation on monthly basis
" Performed month end closing procedure
" Maintained employee and non-employee expense reports in a timely manner
" Reconciled and processed petty cash entries; prepared the summary for the replenishment
" Investigated and resolved discrepancies with clients and vendors
" Analyzed month- end operating financial statement for specific program
" Engaged in forecasting and budgeting of revenue and expense for specific program
" Involved and participated with the implementation of new project
Word count: 155
AFTER
ABC International College, Toronto
Accountant - Accounts payable, Accounts receivable
" Matched, coded, verified invoices against purchase orders and receiving documents;
" Issued invoices and credit notes and billed clients
" Processed daily receipts & disbursements and performed check-runs.
" Reconciled from payment records to cash ledger account
" Posted foreign exchange transactions and reconciled inter-company accounts
" Analyzed and reconciled major balance sheet and income statement accounts
" Reconciled AP/AR sub ledgers to general ledger
" Performed bank reconciliation at month-end;
" Performed month-end closing procedure
" Maintained expense reports
" Maintained petty cash and updated cash and accounting records;
" Investigated and resolved discrepancies with clients and vendors
" Analyzed monthly income statement key accounts to prepare for management reporting;
" Supported forecasting and budgeting of revenue and expense for specific program
" Participated in business project planning by providing financial data
Word count: 133
Comments: Above items are ranked carefully in the order of an AP/AR accounting cycle. What you do first, what you do next and last should be presented in a logic order, be it in terms of a business cycle or financial statement presentation.
SUPPY BACKGROUND INFORMAITON: CASE 6
Sample 1:
Project Manager - Bank Assurance Service Jan.200X-Jan.200X
American International Group (AIG), China Division
(Bank Assurance provides services to banks through selling assurance products to its customers in order to mitigate bank business risk and expand bank service coverage)
Sample 2:
MCAP is Canada's largest independent mortgage and equipment financing company, with more than $30 billion in assets under administration. (Operating in four key lines of business: residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, construction loans, and equipment financing. The company generates combined annual new asset production of over $10 billion, with more than 100 institutional investors and over 130,000 borrowers.)
Comments: In sample 1, bank assurance service is a kind of service rarely known to most people. There is a need to early and briefly explain what this service is about.
In sample 2, the company is private and not known to many people. However, it is a company with significant weight in its industry and adds value to applicants professional credibility if we know how significant the company is in its own industry. Need to tell three things clearly: 1. companys place in its industry; 2. what does it do 3. Support the significance of the company by sales volume, asset amount or client base, etc.
USE PROPER FORMAT: CASE 7 - SENIOR ACCOUTING CLERK
BEFORE
Senior Accounting Clerk
ABC Int'l Trading Group May 2003 - Jan 2006
Managed various accounts including Wal-Mart (30 Million CAD sales a year) and HBC (8 Million CAD a year), and oversaw detailed trial balance to ensure A/R collected in a timely basis and paid correctly. Planed and developed procedures to improve the operating quality and efficiency. Interacted with various clients to ensure that the issues and disputes in compliance with GAAP.
" A/R: Issued invoices and credit note based on shipping document and claim. Prepared and maintained trial balance. Cash forecast and collection, daily payment posting. Prepared GST/PST filing monthly. Communicated with various clients about the aged accounts.
" A/P: Verified A/P invoices and prepared and issued checks and payroll.
AFTER
Senior Accounting Clerk
ABC International Trading Group May 2003 - January 2006
1. Liaised with key corporate accounts including Walmart and HSBC and followed up on service issues;
2. Issued invoices upon matching shipping documents with purchase requests;
3. Maintained A/R sub ledger and performed aging analyses;
4. Followed up with suppliers on collection of amounts receivable;
5. Maintained A/P sub ledger and analyzed overdue payments;
6. Issue cheques and prepare payrolls for payment;
7. Supported period-end accrual adjustments with payment outstanding analyses;
8. Projected cash flows and filed tax remittance.
Comments:
" The original format appears to be not reader friendly due to unnecessary use of Justify block edit, incomplete sentence, and illogic placement of each point.
" Misspelling. There is no hyphen in Walmart . Be very careful with these spelling details.
" Use formal written language. Avoid using abbreviation like Intl . Use full name International . It is also better to spell months fully. If you use short form of months, it should come with a period following the short form. January 2006 or Jan. 2006
" Only in magazine or newspaper, we really need to use justify block edit so that it leaves same margin on both side. However, the blank space created in between words actually creates stop signs to readers eye. It is usually better to use align left block edit. Uneven margin on the right side of the page should be perfectly fine.
" Everyone knows how gigantic HSBC and Walmart are. Is it still necessary to include specific sale volume information in the bracket?更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net