Accountant cover letter example & writing guide
- What should your accountant cover letter include?
- What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
- What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an accountant vacancy?
- How to write a cover letter closing
When it comes to the financial management of businesses and organizations, accountants play pivotal roles. It is their job to ensure compliance while steering through the complex world of financial analysis and strategic planning. If you are applying for a job in this industry, you must portray your abilities to budget, perform financial forecasting, and the many other skills needed to be an effective accountant. That all starts with a great cover letter.
When crafting your cover letter, you should show a hiring manager the skills and achievements you have that make you a fantastic accountant. Better yet, you should show them why you are the best candidate for their current role. Designing your cover letter with the right information is the best way to do that.
Our cover letter guide and corresponding accountant cover letter will show you what to include in your cover letter. Here’s what we will cover:
What should your accountant cover letter include?
What can you write in the introduction of the cover letter
What information can you give in the body of the cover letter
How to write a cover letter closing
What should your accountant cover letter include?
As an accountant, you want your cover letter to show you have the know-how to manage the finances of the business you are applying to. Whether that be related to taxes, managerial accounting, or investing, your cover letter should show a hiring manager what your skills are.
You should start the letter with your header that includes your contact information. Your accountant cover letter should also include an introduction, a body, and a closing. We’ll take a closer look at those various sections in the paragraphs below, but we also have additional tips for writing a spectacular cover letter in our blog post.
What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
The introductory paragraphs to your cover letter are where you’ll want to grab a hiring manager’s attention. Out of the gate, show your enthusiasm for the job and the experience you bring to the table.
It’s also a good idea to mention a specific skill that directly ties back to the job description. For example, if the role focuses on financial management, analysis, and reporting, and this is in your wheelhouse, mention these skills directly in the introduction. Also, if you have a connection to the company, such as an employee referral or specific industry knowledge, include that information in the introduction.
Dear Olivia Parker or HR Department,
Please accept my application for the open Accountant role posted on Indeed. With 10 years of professional experience as an Accountant, Controller, and Consultant, I have developed a comprehensive career in helping businesses to set and achieve their immediate and long-term financial goals. I eagerly await the opportunity to bring my education, experience, and insight to Summit Financial Services.
What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an accountant vacancy?
In the body of your accountant cover letter, you will need to dive a little deeper into the specific skills and achievements you have that make you a good fit for the role.
An effective approach is to break it into 3 different sections:
Why you. A compelling cover letter shows why you are the right candidate for the accountant position. Highlight your experience, education, training, and achievements that demonstrate your qualifications in this role. Illustrate the positive impact you’ve had in previous roles and your experience developing financial strategies, providing comprehensive analysis, and improving financial integrity. Showcase your unique selling points in your cover letter to differentiate yourself from other candidates and leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.
Why here. What excites you the most about joining this company’s financial team? Is it their impactful work in the industry or your opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way? When writing your cover letter, show you understand the company’s mission, values, and culture. You also need to show how your skills align with the company and make you the perfect fit to join their financial team.
Why now. Timing is everything in the business world, especially when it comes to finances. So, what is it about this position that makes it the perfect career move for you right now? Why is this company the right fit, and how does the role fit into your career goals? Including some reasons you connect to the role on a personal level in your cover letter can help you better stand out.
Adding a bit of yourself in your cover letter is a great way to get the attention of a hiring manager. Learn how to show your personality in your cover letter by reading our blog.
- Tailor the skills mentioned in your cover letter around the role.
- Emphasize how your unique skills can benefit the company.
- Add quantifiable achievements to your cover letter and be specific about the work you’ve done.
- Choose a cover letter template that is too difficult to read.
- Fail to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
- Forget to highlight relevant accounting and financial skills that are beneficial to the specific job.
As the enclosed resume illustrates, my background and expertise lie in accounting, financial analysis, and team leadership. While my current role has provided an excellent opportunity to grow my skill set–and I’m quite proud of the contributions I’ve made during my tenure–I now find myself ready for new challenges. The Accountant opening at Summit Financial Services looks like a perfect fit. With sharp organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and my ability to work with speed and accuracy, I am confident I be a valuable asset to your team.
Some highlights of my career accomplishments include:
Identified and capitalized on opportunities to drive down organizational spending by training colleagues to complete tax returns, reducing expenses by 50% and consolidating/upgrading accounting systems to save $20K per year.
Managed large-scale projects, including the $50M sale of 1000 apartments and the merger of two accounting software platforms resulting in streamlined processes, maximized productivity, and maintenance of accurate records.
Built and led successful teams of 20+ while effectively collaborating across departments to drive continuous growth and elevated levels of organizational/financial success.
How to write a cover letter closing
The closing of your cover letter is where you seal the deal and convince a hiring manager to call you for an interview. You should keep it short and only include a sentence or two. Mention your enthusiasm for the role again and be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time. The closing paragraph might be the end of your letter, but it is still important when it comes to convincing a hiring manager you are the best candidate.
Tie everything together. In the closing, mention again your top skills and show how you are the right fit for the job: “I’m confident that my skills and background in managerial accounting, financial analysis, and auditing make me the perfect fit for this role.”
Ask for an interview. Your cover letter should tell a hiring manager what they should do next: “Contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you for your consideration.”
Do you need to write a short cover letter that’s punchy and to the point? Find out how to do that in our blog post.
I look forward to scheduling an interview with you to further discuss my qualifications and learn more about Summit Financial Services. Thank you for taking the time to review my attached resume.
Regards,
Ethan Reynolds
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