Finance Manager cover letter example & writing guide

Finance managers are more than just the “money people.” They’re responsible for a company’s financial health, including planning, budgeting, forecasting, investment, and analysis. Finance managers work in all industries, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, investment firms, or small businesses. However, while you might be a financial wizard, crafting an effective cover letter to show off your substantial skills and expertise might seem a little overwhelming.

Just like creating a balance sheet reconciliation, writing a great cover letter requires accuracy, planning, and attention to detail. The result is that the reader gets a complete picture of who you are as a finance professional as well as the value you bring to the table.

In this cover letter guide, along with the corresponding finance manager cover letter example, we’ll examine how to craft a cover letter that can get your foot in the door, including: 

• What should your finance manager 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 finance manager cover letter include?   

Just like a budget analysis, your finance manager cover letter should be set up so that the reader sees the information you need them to see, beginning with a header that provides your contact information as well as the information of the company you're applying to. Then, greet the reader. We give more examples and information in our article, How to address a cover letter. Your finance manager cover letter should also include an introduction, a body, and a closing. Don’t worry, we will review these sections in detail in the following paragraphs.

What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?

You have a limited amount of space in your cover letter, so you need to start off strong by placing the spotlight on your most impressive skills and achievements, like how you might highlight a company’s growth and profits in a report.

Don’t beat around the bush; you can come right out and say you’d like to work with that company. But you have to do more than ask for the job: show them why you’d be a great hire by giving an overview of your accomplishments, such as your track record of reducing operational expenditures, your expertise in strategic expense controls, or your thorough financial analysis skills. If you have a connection in common or have a referral, mention it here. The most important thing is for the hiring manager to know you’re sincere and enthusiastic about the position, which will inspire them to keep reading your cover letter.

What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for a finance manager vacancy?  

The body of the finance manager cover letter is the “meat and potatoes” of the letter, where you elaborate on your background, core skills, and accomplishments, all of which make up your Unique Selling Point (USP), which is the heart of what makes you the best at what you do.

A good way to do this is to divide the body into three parts:

1. Why you? Lay your cards on the table and give them an overview of your background, including your education, experience, and achievements. Highlight your finance degree or any relevant certifications (such as Certified Financial Manager (CFM)), and then segway into your job history. Don’t just make a list; incorporate your quantifiable achievements throughout the body of the cover letter. Were you the one to use AI to create a financial forecasting system that saved a large amount of money? Are you the best at utilizing robotic process automation (RPA) to automate routine tasks and reducing the month-end close time from 14 days to 5 days? That’s your USP. Employers want to hire people who get results. The cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate that you’re someone who does.

2. Why here?  What appeals to you about this particular company? Have you always wanted to work for a governmental agency? Are you excited to work at a startup? Does this company’s mission and values match yours? Keep in mind that while you do want to sincerely compliment the company, you also have to ensure they understand how you’d fit in with the overall culture.

3. Why now? Why is this the right job for you at this point in your career? Are you looking to eventually become a CFO? Go ahead and mention how your career path has led you to this opportunity, and why it’s the next logical step in your career.

Get more in-depth advice in our blog: What should you write in a cover letter body

How to write a cover letter closing

If you’ve managed to inspire the hiring manager to read your entire cover letter, you’ve got one more thing to accomplish—you want them to contact you! Keep the closing to one or two sentences, and express gratitude for their time and attention. But this isn’t just good manners; believe it or not, it can make or break your chances of getting an interview.

• Link your expertise to the position. Demonstrate how your talents make you the perfect fit for the job: “With my strong background in budget forecasting, I can make an immediate contribution to the team.”

• Don’t forget a Call to Action. Motivate the hiring manager to call you: “I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss my qualifications more in-depth.”

Begin strong, end strong. Learn more here: How to close a cover letter.

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