A strong accountant cover letter can bolster your chances of landing an interview during your job search. These types of roles tend to have similar job descriptions, and providing a cover letter is a great way to provide unique insights into how you used your knowledge of accounting principles to create value for your clients, teams, and organizations. In this guide, you’ll find expert tips and examples to translate your experience into a winning cover letter.

Accountant Cover Letter Templates and Examples

  • Entry-Level
  • Mid-Career
  • Senior-Level
Resume Callout Image
Build Your Resume
Resume Builder offers free, HR-approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes.

How To Write an Accountant Cover Letter

A great accountant cover letter has five main elements:

1. Heading. Use a professional template to enhance the style and presentation of your cover letter. Be sure your heading includes:

  • Your name, title, and contact info
  • The current date
  • The addressee’s details

2. Salutation. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”

3. Introduction. Lead with a strong opening paragraph to set the tone for your cover letter and convey your interest in the opportunity. Feature your years of experience and relevant accounting skills that match the job description. Highlight one of your most notable career achievements to grab the hiring manager’s attention and establish your credibility as an accountant.

Example


I would like to apply for the accounting manager position with PayPal. During my time with Pantheon Technologies, I managed a 40-person accounting department and oversaw all month-end close activities for a company valued at over $120 million. I am confident my accounting expertise and leadership experience would be an asset to your organization.

4. Body paragraphs. Include up to two paragraphs describing your professional experience and qualifications. Start by mentioning something specific about the company’s reputation or culture and explain why this draws you to apply for the position. Be sure to emphasize career achievements that align with the organization’s needs.

For example, if a company is seeking an accountant with a strong background in financial controls, SOX, and internal audits, provide tangible examples of this from your work history.

Example


PayPal’s well-earned reputation as an innovator within the digital payment industry is what excites me about this opportunity. As an accounting manager, I excel in building dynamic teams and driving positive business outcomes. I believe I can achieve similar results for your organization based on my career achievements:

  • Managed a 40-person accounting department, analyzed and prepared financial reports, coordinated with auditors during internal and external audits, and oversaw monthly and quarterly close activities for a technology company valued at $120 million
  • Conducted reconciliations for client accounts valued at up to $3 million, prepared journal entries, supported SOX internal controls, and drove process improvement initiatives
  • Performed quarterly write-offs in coordination with the CFO, evaluated business items, and identified opportunities to reduce annual operating costs by 15%

5. Closing section. Think of your conclusion as a call to action. Ask the hiring manager to contact you so you can learn more about the position. Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration.

Example


I look forward to speaking with you further regarding how my experience working with enterprise companies could benefit your team. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Meera Patel

Accountant Cover Letter Tips

1. Quantify your career achievements

As an accounting professional, it’s important to add data to your accomplishments whenever possible. Incorporating numbers, hard data, and monetary figures is a powerful way to add depth to your achievements and tell your story. Not only does this establish a sense of scope for the reader, but it demonstrates your strong attention to detail in a much more tangible way.

2. Feature your knowledge of audits and regulatory compliance

Possessing a strong knowledge of audits, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance is essential for accountants. As you build your cover letter, pay attention to specific terminology listed in the job description and incorporate these terms in a way that feels natural. Depending on the role, you might emphasize your knowledge of SOX controls, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, or tax compliance.

3. Tailor your cover letter to the role you’re applying for

Although many accountant jobs have similar responsibilities and requirements, you can still make a strong impression on potential employers by tailoring your cover letter to each position you apply for. For example, if a company mentions month-end close, you might highlight your efforts to automate or streamline closing activities rather than only listing it as a job duty.

Accountant Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

  • Example #1
  • Example #2
  • Example #3

Meera Patel
Senior Accountant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Diego, CA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Tyrone Jackson
Senior Hiring Manager
NetSuite
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]

Dear Mr. Jackson

I would like to apply for the senior accountant position with NetSuite. With over eight years of experience in accounting, I’ve analyzed expenditures, risks, and margins for enterprise companies to drive long-term revenue growth and scalability. I am confident my background in financial analysis and risk management would be an asset to your organization.

NetSuite’s reputation as a leading provider of accounting software solutions is what draws me to apply for this position. Throughout my career, I’ve identified opportunities to streamline accounting processes and drive operational excellence. I believe I can achieve similar results for your organization based on my previous successes:

  • Oversaw all aspects of financials for a software consulting firm valued at $18 million, including cash flow, billing, payroll, HR administration, month-end close, tax returns, stock administration, and 401K management
  • Led the transition from outdated accounting software and payroll platforms, which eliminated redundant processes and reduced annual labor costs by 25%
  • Served as the liaison between the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the accounting team to resolve complex finance issues and perform comprehensive audits

I look forward to speaking with you further regarding how my experience working with enterprise companies could benefit your team. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Meera Patel

Accountant Cover Letter FAQs

Why should I include an accountant cover letter?-

Most applications for accountant positions won’t require a cover letter, but it can be advantageous to include one anyway. Accounting job descriptions tend to be similar, and as a result, so do the resumes. Providing a customized cover letter is a way to provide more insights into who you are as a professional and why you’re the ideal fit for the role.

Are cover letters becoming obsolete?-

Many believe that cover letters are a thing of the past. According to a LinkedIn poll conducted by Forbes, 70% of correspondents voted that cover letters are no longer needed during the application process. Still, taking the time to write one demonstrates your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role you’re applying for. This can sometimes make all the difference in generating interviews during the job search.

How long should my cover letter be?-

Regarding the length of your cover letter, less is more. A concise, focused document that highlights your most notable qualifications and achievements will always have a stronger impact on the reader. Keep your cover letter limited to three or four paragraphs, featuring the most important aspects of your professional experience.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Frank Hackett Headshot

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

CoverLetter Callout Image
Create a perfect cover letter. Try for free.