Accounting Cover Letter Samples + How-to Guide

Are cover letters necessary in accounting?

Some people question whether cover letters are needed, but it’s your chance to personalize your job application and may even make you look like you were a referred candidate. Referred hires are over 70% to hire. This can give you a MASSIVE ADVANTAGE in terms of actually landing the offer.

Here are three cover letter tips for writing an impressive accountant cover letter to help you stand out from other applicants:

1. Start with an Outline
2. Be Concise & Highlight Your Accounting Skills
3. Emphasize your analytical skills

These cover letter examples are specifically targeted toward accounting positions. These tips are intended to aid you in crafting your own successful cover letter. Select from a variety of template layouts and customize the accountant cover letter to suit you. Please find accounting cover letter examples below, as well as a downloadable Google Doc template.

What are the key sections to include in your cover letter and what should each section contain and why? 

When writing a cover letter, there are certain key sections you should always include. Starting with a brief introduction, followed by a detailed explanation of your accounting skills and experience. Be sure to conclude with a strong call-to-action that inspires the reader to contact you for an interview.

What are the 3 basic structures of a cover letter?

The right cover letter format always follows the same basic structure:

Salutation

Body, including two sections of accomplishments and one section on Education

Closing paragraph

Tips

1. Salutation is to entice readers to review resume.
2. Be extremely concise and keep paragraphs brief.
3. Divide internal paragraphs into sections that focus on particular skills.
4. Focus on accomplishments to prove skills.
5. Always find the name of the hiring manager on LinkedIn and personalize your salutation.

2. Be Concise & Highlight Your Accounting Skills

When writing a cover letter for an accounting position, it is important to be concise and highlight your accounting skills. This means that you should start with a strong introduction that shows your knowledge of the company and the specific role you are applying for. You should then focus on outlining your relevant accomplishments and experience, emphasizing any analytical skills or other key competencies such as financial management that are relevant to the position. Finally, be sure to end your cover letter with a strong closing paragraph that encourages the reader to review your resume and get in touch for an interview.

What are recruiters and hiring managers looking for when they review a professional cover letter for an accountant in the finance industry? 

Let the job description of the desired job lead you where you need to go. Determine the strongest one or two skills required by the employer (skills which you have) and focus the cover letter paragraphs on those. Keep paragraphs to 5 lines or less, unless applying for more senior roles. Include 1 or 2 key accomplishments for each skills paragraph. Re-read several times to find where you can cut and be more concise. Limit “fluff” words. Focus on stating accomplishments that prove skills.

How do I write a cover letter for accounting?

Accounting cover letter sample

May 18, 2016

Mr. (Ms.) ________________

(Company)

(Address 1)

(Address 2)

Dear Mr. (Ms.) _________________,

As a leader in financial analysis with over ten years of experience advancing organizational initiatives and sound fiscal health, I am confident I possess the skills you seek for the position of BLANK. My expertise in financial modeling, financial and variance analysis, leadership advisement and reporting, budgets, training and mentoring make me an ideal candidate. Please allow me to highlight my qualifications.

Financial Planning & Analysis – For more than ten years, I have advanced through progressively responsible roles at Raytheon Seapower Capability Center, one of the largest military contractors in the world. By forming and reviewing financial planning models, my recommendations assist leadership in determining future proposals and ad-hoc customer funding initiatives. By evaluating new opportunities, building and analyzing financial models and providing analysis reporting to senior leadership, I have enabled the company to secure major development and production contracts, retain contract funding and perform well financially throughout the life of each project. Over the course of my career, I have earned eight achievement awards for my efforts, including training and mentoring junior finance professionals.

Customer Relations – With heavy contact and negotiation with the U.S. government and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), as well as interfacing with external auditors, I provide exceptional customer service to stakeholders. For example, by creating and negotiating three cost-overrun proposals with the government, I maintained funding for the remaining project work on a key contract. Equally important, I collaborate closely with and assist internal employees at all levels. For example, I partnered with the capture manager and the chief engineer to spearhead Phase 0 of a competitive opportunity and assisted 20 engineering managers in opening and closing labor charge numbers and reporting on weekly costs, manpower and the status of material commitments.

These are but a few of the ways I have achieved bottom-line results for my employers, and you can rest assured I would bring this same analytical eye, customer service focus, and strong business acumen to your organization. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss further your needs and my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

John Smith

3. Emphasize Your Analytical Skills

What are the hard and soft skills, hands-on experiences, accomplishments and outcomes they want to see on an accountant cover letter?

The hard and soft skills, hands-on experiences, accomplishments, and outcomes that employers typically look for in an accountant include strong analytical and financial modeling skills, advanced proficiency with financial reporting software and tools, excellent communication skills, the ability to work well in a team environment, proven leadership abilities, and a track record of delivering results. Some other key skills and qualities that employers seek in an accountant include:

• A strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• The ability to prepare and interpret financial statements

• Excellent problem-solving skills

• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

• Strong attention to detail

• Excellent organizational skills

• A willingness to learn and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight any experiences that demonstrate these key skills and qualities. For example, you might include details about specific projects or assignments you have completed, how you excelled in a leadership role, or any challenges you faced and overcame while working in a team environment. Including these types of specific details will help show employers that you have the skills and qualities they are looking for in an accountant.

Conclusion

There are several key sections that should be included on your accounting cover letter, including:

1. An introductory paragraph that briefly states who you are, what you are applying for, and why you are interested in the position

2. A main body section that highlights your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments

3. A closing paragraph that states your availability for an interview and thanks the employer for their time and consideration

So, if you’re looking for ways to make your accountant cover letter more impressive, start by following these tips. And remember, a well-written and polished resume is key to getting the attention of hiring managers. If you need help putting together a strong application package, our team can assist you. Contact us today to book a complimentary consultation and learn more about our accounting recruitment services.