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. Providing a cover letter is a great way to offer 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
How To Write an Accountant Cover Letter
The first step in writing your accountant cover letter is to carefully analyze the job description and identify how your unique skill sets align with the company’s needs. This provides valuable insights to help prioritize aspects of your experience that position you as an ideal candidate for the accountant role.
Once you understand what to include, the next step is to convey your accounting experience by emphasizing your strongest achievements. Show potential employers how you’ve successfully utilized your financial knowledge and analytical skills to improve processes and create value throughout your career. Below, we’ll walk you through the writing process for each section of an accountant cover letter:
1. Contact information and salutation
List all essential contact information in the header of your accountant cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Address 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.” This shows potential employers you’ve done your due diligence and research on the company before applying, which can help you stand out during the job search.
2. Introductory paragraph
Lead with a strong opening paragraph to set the tone for your accountant 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 a financial professional.
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.
3. 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. Customizing your accountant cover letter will maximize your chances of landing the interview.
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 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%
4. Accounting skills and qualifications
Providing a list of professional skills is generally not advisable for your account cover letter, as most of this information has already been covered in the resume. That said, weave key terms from the job description into your paragraphs. This shows potential employers how you’ve successfully applied your accounting skills in fast-paced business environments. Below, you’ll find a list of skill sets you may encounter while pursuing accountant jobs:
| Key Skills and Qualifications | |
|---|---|
| Accounting | Accounts payable (AP) |
| Accounts receivable (AR) | Account reconciliation |
| ADP | Audits |
| Benefits administration | Financial analysis |
| Financial audits | Financial reporting |
| Finance | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) |
| Month-end close | Payroll administration |
| Process improvement | Quantitative analysis |
| QuickBooks | Statistical analysis |
| Tax compliance | Tax reporting |
5. Closing section
End your accountant cover letter with a call to action inviting the hiring manager to schedule an interview. Use this opportunity to reinforce how your expertise in financial analysis and accounting creates value for potential employers. In the last sentence of the paragraph of your babysitter cover letter, thank the hiring manager 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
Accountants must possess a strong knowledge of audits, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance. As you write your cover letter, pay attention to the specific terminology listed in the job description and incorporate these terms naturally. Depending on the role, you might emphasize your knowledge of SOX controls, 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 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.
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