How to Prepare an Accounting Portfolio

Accounting portfolios may be needed for job interviews.

An account portfolio is a collection of accounting work that shows a person's experience and abilities within certain areas of accounting, such as financial or cost and management accounting. Job seekers may be asked to present their accounting portfolio for job interviews, since being an accountant does not mean you can successfully do each type of accounting task. Each accounting job requires different skills and abilities, so having an accounting portfolio can highlight your expertise your skills for potential employers.

Instructions

1. Create a list of the various types of accounting tasks you are experienced in. Compare your list of abilities to the job description you are preparing for. According Robert Half Finance & Accounting, an employer is interested in a candidate who displays relevant accounting experience, demonstrates specific capabilities and is passionate about the job in question.

2. Pick the areas of accounting that are required for the specific job in question. Place emphasis on these areas of accounting in your portfolio and leave little space for the other areas. For other accounting jobs, you need to alter your accounting portfolio to suit the specific job descriptions.

3. Create your portfolio by using specific examples from previous work experience or projects. Examples include data calculations, trade ratings, risk statistics, investments, securities, company assets and liabilities, transactions, cash flows and account performances.

4. Incorporate charts into your portfolio, such as return charts, growth charts and risk reward charts. Show your capabilities in the areas required for the job description to make the best impression. You should use professional colors, so use navy blue, dark red or army green.

5. Provide a made-up balance sheet and an in-depth accounting analysis of it. If you are looking for inspiration, you can find balance sheets for various companies from websites such as Annual Reports. Do not, however, use a balance sheet from a previous employer to demonstrate your abilities. While some go public with their balance sheets, other companies prefer to have it kept private.

6. Prepare two different formats for your accounting portfolio. One format should be made using common software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Word, that can open in both PC and Macintosh operating systems. This computer copy allows you to put it on a CD-rom or USB stick, in case someone requests a specific format. The other format should be in print format, including graphs, illustration and text. Print the computer version of your portfolio.

7. Provide a resume with your portfolio and make a connection between the two. For example, if your portfolio demonstrates your abilities in cash flow, mention the companies where you obtained your experience in cash flows.

References

• Portfolio Accounting Lab: Research
• Robert Half Finance & Accounting: In-Person Interviews