Grant Accountant Resume Examples & Templates

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) screen resumes for keywords and simple structure. They match terms like grant billing, indirect cost rate, and OMB Uniform Guidance to filter candidates.

For a Grant Accountant, ATS matters because many grants require specific rules and systems. Recruiters look for GAAP, FAR, OMB Uniform Guidance, grant reconciliations, and A-133 or single audit experience.

Best practices for ATS-friendly resumes:

• Use standard section titles: Work Experience, Education, Skills.
• Include exact keywords from job postings: GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, indirect cost rate, grant billing, accruals, ledgers.
• List software by name: PeopleSoft, Banner, QuickBooks, Excel, Access.
• Note certifications and courses: CPA, Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).

Avoid complex formatting like tables, columns, headers, footers, images, and text boxes. ATS often misread those items and drop content.

Choose clear fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save as PDF or .docx unless the job asks for another format. Keep layout simple and linear.

Common mistakes I see:

• Swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms like "money tracking" instead of "grant reconciliations."
• Putting key details in headers or footers where ATS may skip them.
• Listing tools vaguely, such as "accounting software" instead of naming PeopleSoft or QuickBooks.

Write bullet points that start with action verbs and include measurable impact. State the grant value, audit outcomes, or percent of cost savings when possible. This helps both ATS and hiring managers find your fit fast.

Pick a clean, professional template with a reverse-chronological layout. This layout highlights recent grant accounting roles and keeps sections predictable for recruiters and ATS.

Keep your resume short and focused. One page usually fits entry and mid-level grant accountants. Use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant grant audits, federal awards, or large grant portfolios.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. That keeps headings clear and text readable on screen and print.

Use clear section headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Grants & Awards Managed, Technical Skills, Certifications, Education. Put quantifiable achievements under each role, like dollar amounts, audit results, or reduction in discrepancies.

Keep spacing consistent. Use single-spaced bullets with a blank line between sections. White space helps readers scan your fiscal results, reconciliations, and compliance highlights.

Avoid overly creative designs. Fancy columns, images, or non-standard fonts often confuse ATS. Simple formatting keeps your grant numbers, award IDs, and compliance notes intact during parsing.

Common mistakes to avoid: heavy tables that break parsing, long paragraphs instead of bullet points, and vague duties without numbers. Don’t mix fonts or overuse colors. Make bold and italics consistent for emphasis.

Writing a tailored cover letter helps you explain why you fit the Grant Accountant role. It complements your resume and shows real interest in the funder or nonprofit you want to join.

Header: Put your contact details, the date, and the company's or hiring manager's contact if you know it. Keep this short and clear.

Opening paragraph: Start strong. Name the Grant Accountant role you want and say why you care about the organization. Share one clear qualification that makes you a good match and note where you found the opening.

Body paragraphs: Connect your work to the job's needs. Use one to two short paragraphs for experience, skills, and results. Mention relevant technical skills like fund accounting, GAAP, grant tracking systems, or Excel modeling if they match the posting. Name soft skills like accuracy, communication, and teamwork. Use numbers when you can. Show how you helped reduce reporting errors, sped up close processes, or managed multi-year awards. Mirror keywords from the job post so your letter reads like it fits.

• Highlight one project or accomplishment: describe the task, your action, and the result in a simple sentence.
• List tools and systems you used that match the role.
• Give one brief example of cross-team work or audit support.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the Grant Accountant role and the organization. State you can add value and ask for an interview or call. Thank the reader for their time.

Tone and tailoring: Keep your voice professional, confident, and friendly. Write directly to one reader. Avoid generic letters. Customize each application to the job and organization.

Write conversationally. Use short sentences. Cut extra words. Edit each draft for clarity and brevity before you send it.

When you apply for Grant Accountant roles, details matter. Funders and auditors expect clear numbers, strong controls, and precise wording.

Small resume mistakes can cost you interviews. Fix them now so your skills in grant compliance and fund accounting shine.

If you're building a resume for a Grant Accountant role, this set of FAQs and tips will help you highlight the right skills, numbers, and documents. Use these points to shape a clear, results-focused resume that shows your fund accounting experience and grant compliance know-how.