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.
Our templates are crafted by professional resume writers to make creating your resume quick, easy, and effective.
Sign up now to download your template and access exclusive benefits:
Professional resume template downloads
Customized cover letter generation
AI resume writing support
Career-building resources and advice
Accountant Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
Accountant
Staff Accountant
Senior Accountant
Accounting Manager
Tax Accountant
Financial Analyst
Kevin Morrison
Accountant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | New York, NY 12345 | LinkedIn
January 1, 2025
Lori Taylor
Senior Hiring Manager
Allstate Insurance
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Taylor:
I’m reaching out to apply for the staff accountant position at Allstate Insurance that I found on LinkedIn. As you can see from my attached resume, I have five years of experience performing comprehensive financial analysis and reporting for large insurance companies. My expertise in payroll management and accounting would be an asset to your team.
Allstate Insurance’s reputation for its collaborative and inclusive work culture is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. Having a progressive corporate culture is essential for the success of any organization. I am confident I can create value for your customers, teams, and organizations based on my career achievements:
Collaborated with the accounting manager to prepare and distribute financial reports, managed payroll upload from ADP to QuickBooks, and conducted payroll reconciliations valued at $1.5 million for over 200 employees
Performed financial audits on outstanding balances, and in conjunction with the billing department, constructed payment plans and reduced aging accounts by 30%
Coordinated transition of payroll and 401k programs and performed all accounting and payroll processes through month-end close
I hope to schedule an interview with you to further discuss how my expertise in payroll management and financial analysis could be an asset to your organization. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kevin Morrison
Meera Patel
Senior Accountant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Diego, CA 12345 | LinkedIn
January 1, 2025
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
Melissa Anderson
Accounting Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Boston, MA 12345 | LinkedIn
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 that my accounting expertise and leadership experience would be an asset to your organization.
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 Sarbanes-Oxley Act (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%
I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my leadership experience would be an asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Melissa Anderson
Melissa Anderson
Accounting Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Boston, MA 12345 | LinkedIn
During my time with Pantheon Technologies, I managed a 40-person accounting department and oversaw all month-end close activities for a $120 million company. My accounting and leadership skills would be an asset to your organization.
PayPal’s reputation as an innovator in the digital payment industry is what excites me about this opportunity. As an accounting manager, I excel at 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 $120 million tech company
Conducted reconciliations for client accounts valued up to $3 million, prepared journal entries, supported Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) internal controls, and drove process improvement initiatives
Performed quarterly write-offs in coordination with the CFO, evaluated business items, and uncovered opportunities to reduce annual operating costs by 15%
I would like to schedule an interview to discuss how my leadership experience would be an asset to your team. Please contact me by phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Melissa Anderson
David Reynolds
Tax Accountant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Chicago, IL 12345 | LinkedIn
With six years of experience in tax accounting, I specialize in preparing complex returns, ensuring regulatory compliance, and finding ways to reduce costs. My tax strategy and audit preparation expertise would be an asset to your organization.
Deloitte’s reputation for quality financial services and innovative tax solutions is what draws me to apply for this position. I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy solving complex tax challenges. Below are three of my recent successes:
Prepared and filed corporate, partnership, and individual tax returns for businesses ranging from startup to $50 million revenue
Conducted tax planning and compliance audits, reducing liabilities by an average of 18% through strategic deductions and credits
Served as the primary liaison during IRS audits, ensuring accurate documentation and achieving favorable outcomes for clients
I would welcome the chance to discuss how my tax accounting experience can support your organization’s success. Please contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
James Carter
Senior Hiring Manager
Goldman Sachs
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Carter:
With five years of experience as a financial analyst, I specialize in budgeting, forecasting, and data-driven financial planning. My ability to analyze complex data and identify trends that drive profitability would be an asset to your team.
Goldman Sachs’s reputation as a leader in financial services excites me about this opportunity. Throughout my career, I’ve developed strategies that improved financial performance and supported long-term business goals. My key achievements include:
Developed financial models to forecast revenue and expenses, improving budget accuracy by 22% for a midsize investment firm
Analyzed key financial metrics for cost-saving opportunities, leading to 15% reduction in operational expenses
Collaborated with executive leadership to evaluate investment opportunities, resulting in a $10 million portfolio expansion
I would love the opportunity to discuss how my financial expertise could benefit your organization. Please reach out to schedule an interview at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sophia Bennett
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 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 a new cover letter in minutes
Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.
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).
