Accounting Cover Letter Examples (Free Template & Writing Tips)
You need an accounting cover letter emphasizing your strengths and qualifications to land your dream accounting job. Here are some examples and advice!
Our customers have been hired by:*Foot Note
Accounting cover letter example
An accounting cover letter needs to address everything the job description asks for. While cover letters are typically short, they’re packed with information — such as your skills and experience — to give hiring managers a clearer picture of who you are. Use the accounting cover letter sample below as a base to write your letter, or edit it in our Cover Letter Builder.
Accounting intern cover letter example
If you’re an entry-level candidate needing a cover letter for an internship, look at this accounting internship cover letter example for inspiration. Review how the sample cover letter highlights key information about the candidate and expresses their desire for the opportunity.
Accounting cover letter: 5 key tips
Make sure your accounting cover letter hits the mark by following these tips:
Kick off your letter with a top strength or accomplishment.
The best way to catch an employer’s attention is to start your accounting cover letter with a bang. Instead of simply introducing yourself, include an important achievement you have accomplished or your top strength relevant to the job’s requirements in that opening paragraph.
Provide a mix of hard and soft skills.
Every well-rounded accountant will have a well-balanced mix of hard skills (like bookkeeping, Microsoft Office and data analysis skills) and soft skills (like communication, time management and organizational skills) under their belt. Highlight both of them in your cover letter.
Quantify your achievements.
Numbers matter — you know that, you’re an accountant! A sure way to impress prospective employers is to use percentages and metrics to portray the results of your hard work better. Don’t just say that you increase documentation accuracy, show them by writing, “Increased documentation accuracy by 10%.”
Give details about your job and career goals.
How do you plan to build your career based on this position? Financial institutions like employees who can advance. The key to discussing your plans without making this job opportunity completely about you is to center your letter around how you can help the employer with your skills.
Close your letter with a summation and call to action.
Finally, reiterate your enthusiasm for the job opportunity and invite the employer to contact you to learn more about you.
Write an accounting cover letter in 5 steps
Use this free accounting cover letter example and writing tips to showcase your best skills to the recruiter:1. Heading
Format your accounting cover letter like any professional business letter. Add your full name, phone number and email address to the heading, and align the hiring manager’s name to the left. Below their name, list their job title, the company’s physical address, work email address and work phone number.
2. Salutation
Instead of starting your cover letter with “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern,” do your research to find the hiring manager’s name and address the letter to them (“Dear Mr. Smith”). If you can’t find their name, then address the letter to the department or human resources (“Dear Accounting Department” or “Dear Human Resources”). For more tips, check our Dear Hiring Manager Cover Letter article.
3. Opening paragraph
The best advice is to go straight into your professional cover letter with some great achievements. In the example below, the cover letter comes out of the gate strong, as the applicant notes that her last accounting position allowed her to increase client yield by an average of 26%. This is a huge number, and it will catch the attention of a hiring manager who wants an accountant who will get results.
4. Second paragraph
In the second paragraph, you’ll list active skills that you excel in. Note that in the example, the applicant states that she’s great at bookkeeping, she has a certification as a CPA and she’s good at working independently and utilizing problem-solving skills. Look for skills like these in the job description – the more you can use the same keywords from the posting, the more likely your job application will pass applicant tracking system (ATS) scans that employers use to review resumes and cover letters.
5. Closing and sign-off
The third paragraph features a direct call to action for your desired job. Express your excitement for the opportunity, then mention that you’re looking forward to talking to the hiring manager. This leaves the door open for them to reach out for an interview.
For more tips, read our How to Write a Cover Letter article.
Key skills for an accounting cover letter
Remember, the specific hard skills and soft skills you should highlight in your cover letter will depend on the job description and what the employer wants. However, here are some accounting skills every accountant should consider:
- Data analysis
- Knowledge of regulatory standards
- Great attention to detail or detail-oriented
- Strong communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Business knowledge
- Customer service skills
- Managing payroll
- Analyze financial data
- Forecasting budgets
- Adaptability
- Creative thinking
- Teamwork
Create your accounting cover letter (and resume) with our help
Get your accounting career to the next level with our tools and resources.- Cover Letter Builder: Use our builder to create a professional cover letter in just a few minutes.
- Cover Letter Templates: Find the best template for your accounting cover letter.
- Cover Letter Examples: Get extra writing inspiration from our library of cover letter samples for different jobs and industries.
- How to Format a Cover Letter: Use our tips to ensure your cover letter looks professional.
- Relocation Cover Letter Examples: Craft a compelling cover letter showcasing your readiness to smoothly transition into the new location, turning your relocation into a strength.
- Staff Accountant Resume Examples: Update your resume with the help of our staff account resume samples.
- Senior Accountant Resume Examples: Know what skills and experience to highlight to move onto the next level in your career.
- Accounting Manager Resume Examples: Applying for a management position? Here’s how to highlight your experience!
- How to Write a Resume for Accounting: Succeed in your accounting job application with the help of your resume examples.
FAQ: Accounting cover letter
Have questions? We’re here to help.
What should be included in a cover letter for accounting?
An accounting cover letter should include the four key sections of every letter:
- A header with your full name, work email address and phone number, followed by the hiring manager’s contact information.
- An opening paragraph with a strong hook. This paragraph should mention the job you’re interested in, give a brief overview of your top strengths and express clear enthusiasm for the job opportunity.
- Body paragraphs that expand on your skills and qualifications. Center your cover letter on how you can help the employer instead of how the employer can help you. Show them how you’d positively contribute to the company’s accounting department through your accomplishments and work ethic.
- A closing paragraph that thanks them for their time and invites them to contact you.
Take a look at our accountant cover letter examples to see what information our experts included and how.
What is an example of an entry-level accounting cover letter?
Here’s a free accountant cover letter example you can use for an entry-level position:
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my interest in the Entry-Level Accountant position at [Company Name], as advertised. With a strong educational background in accounting and a passion for financial analysis and reporting, I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to your esteemed organization.
I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from [University Name], where I gained a solid foundation in financial principles, tax preparation and auditing practices. My internship at [Previous Company/Institution] allowed me to apply my classroom learning to real-world scenarios, honing my abilities in reconciling accounts, preparing financial statements and utilizing accounting software proficiently.
Some key strengths that I bring to the table include:
- Proficiency in using accounting software such as QuickBooks, Excel and SAP.
- Strong analytical skills demonstrated through financial data interpretation and report generation.
- Detail-oriented approach to maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and communicate complex financial information.
I am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team’s success while further developing my accounting skills. I am highly motivated, adaptable and eager to learn from experienced professionals in the field.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to the continued success of [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How long should an accounting cover letter be?
Between 250 and 350 words are typically just right.
Ideally, your cover letter should be between half a page and 3/4 of a page long. If the cover letter is shorter than half a page, it will look empty. If it’s longer than 3/4 of a page, the hiring manager may not want to read it all through.
How to write an application letter as an accountant with no experience?
When you have no experience or are writing a cover letter for accounting internships, you must focus on your academic experience, training or volunteer experience, as long as it features skills or responsibilities that tie in with accounting work.
Just because you haven’t worked at a traditional 9-5 job doesn’t mean you don’t have valuable knowledge and skills for an entry-level position. Mention relevant accomplishments, your aptitude for numbers and working under pressure and express enthusiasm for the job opportunity.
Do I really need a cover letter to get an accountant job?
You should always have a cover letter for any job you hope to apply for. Even entry-level jobs can benefit from a cover letter because it shows your hiring manager that you care about getting the position, while a senior accountant can add more details about their career to convince employers they’re the right fit for the job.
If you’re worried about being able to craft the perfect cover letter, use ResumeHelp’s Cover Letter Builder. This builder gives you cover letter tips to ensure your job application looks amazing.
Couldn't find the answer you're looking for?
