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7 AAT Trainee - Accounts and Bookkeeping CV Templates with Example

By Ria · Last Updated On 17 October 2026
CV example — page 1

This guide shows you how to create an AAT Trainee - Accounts and Bookkeeping CV that is clear, focused and easy to review. You will learn how to present relevant evidence for this role and choose a layout that suits your information.

For this role, a useful CV connects bookkeeping and accounts preparation with careful checks and clear records. Show relevant study project work, such as preparing VAT returns, reconciling transactions in Sage 50 or Xero, and using Excel to check figures. Include your AAT study and explain how you handle queries, organise tasks and meet deadlines.

Compare the example in 7 layouts using the PNG image previews, then open a preferred version in the editor to customise it. The guide also covers clear section order, ATS readability and role-specific terms for bookkeeping, VAT and accounts work.

What Makes a Great AAT Trainee - Accounts and Bookkeeping CV in 2026

A strong CV makes bookkeeping, VAT and accounts preparation easy to find. Clear sections and focused bullet points help readers follow your study projects and practical skills.

Use relevant terms such as Sage 50, Xero, Excel, bank reconciliation and corporation tax returns. Add figures only when you can support them with clear evidence.

Note: CV examples are for educational purposes only. Use only information that accurately reflects your experience and qualifications. References to real organisations do not imply affiliation or endorsement.

#1 Simple One Column Format CV Example

Simple One Column Format keeps every CV section in one vertical reading path, making the document easy to follow.

 
CV example — page 1   CV example — page 2

Why This Format Works

  • Experience, education and skills follow one reading path, making section changes easy to track.
  • Project details have a full-width text area without a second body column.
  • The single body column keeps education and training easy to compare.

Best For

  • One-column reading preference
  • Detailed project bullets
  • ATS-friendly CV structure
  • Direct section navigation
  • Education and training details

CV Keywords

  • Bookkeeping records
  • VAT returns
  • accounts preparation
  • Corporation tax returns
  • Sole trader accounts
  • Partnership accounts
  • Limited company accounts
  • entering transactions in Sage 50 and Xero
  • AAT studies
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Client query handling
  • clear explanations and customer care
  • general office administration
See all keywords
 

#2 Simple Two Column Format CV Example

Simple Two Column Format gives the CV two parallel content areas, helping readers scan sections separately.

 
CV example — page 1   CV example — page 2

Why This Format Works

  • Two distinct content areas make section boundaries easier to notice during a scan.
  • Readers can compare CV sections without tracing one long text column.
  • Shorter text lines can make detailed project entries easier to scan.

Best For

  • Parallel section review
  • Side-by-side content scanning
  • Shorter text blocks
  • Several CV section types
  • Distinct content groups

#3 Plain One Column with Shaded Labels CV Example

Plain One Column with Shaded Labels uses one continuous column, so readers can follow the CV from section to section.

 
CV example — page 1   CV example — page 2

Why This Format Works

  • One vertical structure gives experience and education a familiar order for review.
  • Project bullets remain in a shared reading path, keeping related details together.
  • A single text area gives longer descriptions room to read naturally.

Best For

  • Plain vertical section order
  • Simple document navigation
  • Project-led detail
  • Education-focused review
  • Continuous text reading
 

#4 One Column Format with Photo Right CV Example

One Column Format with Photo Right places a portrait at the right while keeping CV text in one reading column.

 
CV example — page 1   CV example — page 2

Why This Format Works

  • Project entries remain in a continuous vertical sequence, keeping related details together.
  • Education and AAT credentials can be checked within the same text flow.
  • Skills and experience stay in one text area instead of competing across columns.

Best For

  • Right-side portrait preference
  • Single-column text review
  • Detailed project entries
  • Clear education section
  • Simple reading order
 

#5 Clean Two Column Sidebar Format CV Example

Clean Two Column Sidebar Format uses two content columns, giving the CV separate areas for section review.

 
CV example — page 1   CV example — page 2

Why This Format Works

  • Two reading areas make section boundaries easier to notice at a glance.
  • Supporting sections can sit apart from detailed project entries.
  • Shorter text blocks can help readers review longer descriptions.

Best For

  • Side-by-side section scanning
  • Separate content groups
  • Shorter text blocks
  • CVs with varied sections
  • Skills and qualifications overview
 
 

#6 Two Column Format CV Example

Two Column Format arranges CV content across two columns, offering a side-by-side way to review sections.

 
CV example — page 1   CV example — page 2

Why This Format Works

  • Separate columns let reviewers move between section groups without losing each section's order.
  • Experience details can be scanned apart from education and other CV content.
  • A balanced division can keep dense information from forming one long text block.

Best For

  • Two-column section review
  • Parallel content areas
  • Mixed detail and summary sections
  • Quick section navigation
  • Compact text groupings
 

#7 Photo Header Two Column Format CV Example

Photo Header Two Column Format pairs a header photo with a two-column CV body, keeping the image apart from the section content.

 
CV example — page 1   CV example — page 2

Why This Format Works

  • The two-column body lets readers scan a section without reading every other section first.
  • Project bullets retain a clear sequence within their own content area.
  • Column breaks give section changes a visible point on the page.

Best For

  • CV header photo preference
  • Two-column reading preference
  • Structured project and education details
  • Distinct section changes
  • Parallel section groups
 
 
 

Why Build Your AAT Trainee - Accounts and Bookkeeping CV with ResumeInMinutes

ResumeInMinutes helps you organise your skills, education and relevant experience into a clear CV. Compare the PNG image previews, then open an example in the editor to customise its content and layout.

  • Different CV layouts
  • Clear section structure
  • Space for role-specific keywords
  • Organised skills and experience
  • PNG image previews
  • CV customisation in the editor

Choose a format that makes your evidence easy to scan. Keep the focus on bookkeeping records, accounts preparation, VAT work, AAT study and the tools you have used.

 

See Also

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these AAT Trainee - Accounts and Bookkeeping CV templates ATS-friendly?

The examples use clear headings and sections to make information easier to scan. Include relevant terms naturally, such as bookkeeping records, VAT returns, accounts preparation, Sage 50, Xero and Microsoft Excel.

Are these separate CV examples or different layouts of one example?

This page presents one role-focused CV example in different layouts. Compare the PNG image previews, then open an example in the editor to customise it.

What should an AAT Trainee - Accounts and Bookkeeping CV include?

Include a clear summary, relevant study or work experience, education, AAT training and skills. You can show evidence of bookkeeping, VAT returns, accounts preparation, corporation tax casework, software use and careful record checks.

Which CV layout works well for this role?

Choose a layout with clear headings and an easy-to-follow order for experience, skills and education. A simple structure helps recruiters and applicant tracking systems find key details.

How can I show bookkeeping and accounts skills on my CV?

Use concise bullet points to explain the task, the tools you used and what you checked. For study projects, you might describe reconciling bank activity, checking VAT calculations in Excel or preparing schedules for tutor review.

Should I include a photo on my CV?

A photo is usually not needed for UK applications. Use the space for relevant skills, education and experience instead.

ATS Score 83%

How we calculate this score

  • Keywords: 60% of the total. AI extracts keywords from your job description. If you do not provide one, a standard job description for the title matching your CV is used. This is not a match to a specific vacancy.
  • Text-based CV: 20%. The text CV assessed here receives 100 for this part.
  • CV quality: 20%. We start at 100 and subtract points for issues found by our CV checks, down to a minimum of zero.
  • Keyword coverage = 100 × (confirmed matches + 0.8 × possible matches) ÷ total keywords, rounded and capped at 100. Possible matches still need checking. Saved generation audits use their saved keyword percentage.
  • Final score = 60% of keyword coverage + 20% of the text score + 20% of the quality score, rounded to a whole number. Without keywords, no overall ATS score is available.

What this score means

Our scores are estimates, not employer ratings. They may contain errors and do not guarantee accurate parsing, a ranking, an interview, or a job. Check your document against the employer’s requirements. You are responsible for relying on this score.

Terms and Conditions

Score weights: Keywords 60% · Text based CV 20% · CV quality 20%

Keywords: 21 matched + 3 possible of 31 (75%) · CV quality: 90%

CV quality 90% · Weight 20% · Issues (1)

Details
  • ✓Name present: Alistair Smith
  • ✓Email format: alistair.smith@example.com
  • ✗Phone format: 07700 90XXXX
  • ✓Experience 1: Job title: AAT Accounts and Bookkeeping Practicum
  • ✓Experience 1: Company name: Academic Project
  • ✓Experience 1: Work location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
  • ✓Experience 1: Employment dates: Feb 2026 - Present
  • ✓Experience 1: Description or achievements: Present
  • ✓Experience 2: Job title: Small Business Accounts Case Study
  • ✓Experience 2: Company name: Academic Project
  • ✓Experience 2: Work location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
  • ✓Experience 2: Employment dates: Sep 2025 - Jan 2026
  • ✓Experience 2: Description or achievements: Present
  • ✓Experience 3: Job title: Office Accounts and Tax Simulation
  • ✓Experience 3: Company name: Course Project
  • ✓Experience 3: Work location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
  • ✓Experience 3: Employment dates: Jan 2025 - Aug 2025
  • ✓Experience 3: Description or achievements: Present
  • ✓No placeholder fields
  • ✓No repeated achievement bullets
  • ✓No empty bullets

Header: Check the phone number: “07700 90XXXX”. Use 7–15 digits, with an optional country code.

Expand details to review the checks.

Text Based CV 100% · Weight 20%

Parsed text
Alistair Smith
07700 90XXXX
alistair.smith@example.com
alistairsmith
Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AB
SUMMARY
Early career AAT trainee with supervised experience in bookkeeping, accounts preparation and VAT through structured study projects, currently progressing through AAT training after completing the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. Prepare records and working papers for sole traders, partnerships and small companies, using Sage 50, Xero and Microsoft Office to organise source documents and check figures. Develop practical experience in VAT returns, corporation tax casework, client queries and office administration, with clear written communication and a professional telephone manner. Apply numerical and analytical skills to reconcile records, identify discrepancies and raise questions for review. Contribute to study groups through shared research and file checks, while organising deadlines across several coursework tasks. Continue AAT studies and review technical and professional updates alongside practical accounting exercises.
EDUCATION
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
2025
AAT study centre
Leeds
A levels: Mathematics, Business and English Language, grades A* to C
2024
Leeds City College
GPA: A* to C
Leeds
GCSEs: Eight subjects at grades A* to C, including English and Mathematics
2022
Leeds City College
GPA: A* to C
Leeds
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Accounting Software: Sage 50, Xero, Microsoft Excel
Office Applications: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook
Bookkeeping Practice: Transaction coding, Bank reconciliation, Source document checks
Accounts Preparation: Trial balance, Control accounts, Year-end adjustments
Tax and VAT: VAT calculations, VAT return forms, Corporation tax schedules
Working Papers: Excel schedules, Client correspondence, Task trackers
SKILLS
Bookkeeping records
VAT return preparation
Accounts preparation
Corporation tax returns
Sole trader accounts
Partnership accounts
Limited company accounts
Accounting software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Client query handling
Customer care
Numerical analysis
Task prioritisation
Office administration
EXPERIENCE
AAT Accounts and Bookkeeping Practicum
Feb 2026 - Present
Academic Project
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Prepared bookkeeping records for simulated sole trader and partnership clients, entering transactions in Sage 50 and Xero and reconciling bank activity to supporting documents.
Drafted VAT returns from coded purchase and sales records, checking VAT treatment and arithmetic in Excel before documenting items requiring review.
Built a small-company accounts and corporation tax return case file from trial balance through to supporting schedules, applying course guidance and recording assumptions for tutor feedback.
Responded to simulated client queries by drafting concise written replies and practising a professional telephone manner, with attention to clear explanations and customer care.
Organised shared case documents and an Excel task tracker, prioritising overlapping deadlines and completing general office administration accurately within the practicum schedule.
Reviewed AAT learning materials and technical updates to strengthen awareness of changing accounting and professional requirements.
Prepared a limited company accounts case file from a trial balance, checking balances and schedules in Excel before submitting corporation tax return workings for tutor review.
Small Business Accounts Case Study
Sep 2025 - Jan 2026
Academic Project
Bradford, West Yorkshire
Prepared bookkeeping schedules for a fictional partnership, categorising receipts and payments in Xero and tracing balances back to source records.
Produced draft accounts for a sole trader and partnership, checking control accounts and year-end adjustments in Excel before presenting queries for tutor review.
Completed a practice VAT return using transaction records and a second bookkeeping software package, reconciling totals and documenting discrepancies for correction.
Shared findings with a three-person study group, explaining numerical checks and dividing research and file review tasks to meet the coursework deadline.
Office Accounts and Tax Simulation
Jan 2025 - Aug 2025
Course Project
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Completed a supervised accounting simulation covering client records, routine bookkeeping and the preparation of basic company accounts from a supplied trial balance.
Used Microsoft Word to format working papers and client correspondence, and Excel to check calculations, organise schedules and identify incomplete information.
Researched a sample corporation tax return using course materials, summarising required supporting details and referring uncertain items to the tutor rather than making unsupported assumptions.
Practised written query responses and role-play phone conversations, applying active listening, clear communication and professional customer care.
LEADERSHIP, AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Commended for accuracy and clear supporting schedules in the 2025 accounting case-study assessment.
A-level Business coursework presentation recognised by the class tutor for clear numerical explanation, 2024.
Organised peer revision sessions for accounting and mathematics classmates, sharing practice questions and study notes, 2025 to 2026.
Took a rotating note-taking and deadline reminder role in a small study group, helping the group coordinate coursework submissions, 2025.
CERTIFICATIONS
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
2025
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, in progress
2026
Microsoft Excel: Essential Training, LinkedIn Learning
2025
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
AAT student membership, supporting ongoing engagement with accounting study and professional updates.
Student member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, connecting bookkeeping learning with professional resources.

Matched keywords (21)

  • Bookkeeping records
  • VAT returns
  • accounts preparation
  • Corporation tax returns
  • Sole trader accounts
  • Partnership accounts
  • Limited company accounts
  • entering transactions in Sage 50 and XeroOriginal keyword in JD: Accounting software packages
  • AAT studies
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Client query handling
  • clear explanations and customer careOriginal keyword in JD: Client service
  • general office administration
  • analytical skills
  • written communication
  • professional telephone manner
  • Customer care
  • Task prioritisation
  • A levels

Missing keywords (7)

  • Organisation
  • Problem-solving
  • Self-motivation
  • Teamwork
  • Verbal communication
  • Time management
  • Multitasking

Possible matches (3)

  • Numerical skills80% credit: 2.58 percentage points of 3.23 possible.
  • Technical and professional development80% credit: 2.58 percentage points of 3.23 possible.
  • GCSEs including English and Mathematics80% credit: 2.58 percentage points of 3.23 possible.
Disclaimer: All names, images, contact information, employment histories, achievements, security clearances, military credentials, and other qualifications shown in this content are fictional and used for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

CV and cover letter examples and recommendations in this article reflect general best practices and professional experience and are provided for guidance only. Results may vary based on role, industry, region, and hiring organisation.

Content Accuracy and Verification: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we do not represent or warrant that CV or cover letter guidance, examples, recommendations, or related information are accurate, complete, current, error-free, or suitable for any particular purpose. You are responsible for independently reviewing and verifying the information before relying on it.

ATS and Cover Letter Scores: ATS scores are estimates calculated using our own formula, informed by publicly available guidance on CV formatting and keyword matching. They are not scores issued or endorsed by an ATS provider or employer. Cover letter scores are also our own assessments. Parsing, weighting, screening criteria, and results vary between systems, employers, job descriptions, and document formats. No score guarantees successful parsing, a particular ranking, an interview, or employment. Use scores as general guidance and independently check your documents against the employer’s requirements. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we accept no liability for errors in scores or parsing, or losses arising from reliance on these assessments. Nothing in this notice excludes liability or limits consumer rights that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

Terms and Conditions
 
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