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!
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You need an accounting cover letter emphasizing your strengths and qualifications to land your dream accounting job. Here are some examples and advice!
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.
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.
Make sure your accounting cover letter hits the mark by following these tips:
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.
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.
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%.”
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.
Finally, reiterate your enthusiasm for the job opportunity and invite the employer to contact you to learn more about you.
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.
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”).
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.
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.
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.
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:
Have questions? We’re here to help.
An accounting cover letter should include the four key sections of every letter:
Take a look at our accountant cover letter examples to see what information our experts included and how.
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:
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]
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.
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.
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.
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