Love crunching numbers? Your next role as an assistant accountant is waiting for you, but if your cover letter is bland, it could end up being a deficit in your job search.
If you’re like many job seekers, you may be tempted to skip the cover letter, but dismissing this important piece of your application may mean a missed opportunity to set yourself apart.
You just need some guidance on how to write a strong cover letter that won’t leave you in the red. Like any financial report, your cover letter should leverage past performance to tell a compelling story. This article gives you expert advice on how to craft a strong assistant accountant cover letter.
Dear Mr. Green,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Assistant Accountant position at Pacific Financial Solutions, as advertised on your company website. With a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from San Diego State University and two years of experience in bookkeeping and financial analysis, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
In my current role at Coastal Enterprises Inc., I have honed my skills in accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting. I am proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, and I have a track record of improving efficiency in financial processes. For instance, I implemented a new filing system that reduced document retrieval time by 30%. My attention to detail and analytical skills have allowed me to identify and correct discrepancies, ensuring accurate financial records.
I am particularly drawn to Pacific Financial Solutions because of your reputation for innovative financial strategies and commitment to client satisfaction. Your company's focus on sustainable business practices aligns with my personal values, and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your mission. I am confident that my strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and dedication to accuracy would make me a valuable asset to your accounting team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of Pacific Financial Solutions. Please feel free to contact me at (619) 555-7890 or mason.mendoza@email.com to arrange an interview. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mason Mendoza
A strong cover letter follows a specific structure. It typically includes the following sections:
Using a structured format helps convey your professionalism and makes sure you hit the mark on what the employer is looking for. Your goal is to clearly articulate how your experience matches up with the needs of the job. Even further, you can show your personality and tell an intriguing story about your career trajectory.
Need inspiration? Browse some other cover letter examples from the financial industry:
For more in-depth guidance on writing cover letters, check out our article on how to write a cover letter.
Instead of starting with the run-of-the-mill introduction, get more creative and captivate the reader with something unique and powerful. This will set you apart and make you memorable among other assistant accountants.
For example, you can start with one of your proudest accomplishments like increasing the accuracy of financial reports by 20% through streamlining internal processes. The financial industry appreciates numbers as they add credibility to your ability to impact the company’s bottom line. Take this opportunity to incorporate metrics.
Since the assistant accountant role is considered entry-level, you may not have hard numbers to showcase. In that case, talk about your accounting knowledge and experience. But, don’t be generic. Use specific industry language–like bookkeeping and financial analysis–that resonates with the reader looking to hire an accounting professional.
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Assistant Accountant position at Pacific Financial Solutions, as advertised on your company website. With a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from San Diego State University and two years of experience in bookkeeping and financial analysis, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
I came across the Assistant Accountant position at Pacific Financial Solutions on your website and felt compelled to apply. I believe I have the skills and background that align well with your needs. I'm eager to contribute to your team and excited about the opportunity to grow within your organization.
The body of your cover letter elaborates on your skills and experiences. It connects your qualifications to the job description. Here’s a sure-fire framework for the body of your cover letter:
The hiring managers must be confident in your ability to do the job. So, use this section to outline your qualifications and incorporate key skills and experiences relevant to the role. Here are some examples:
Here’s how you can weave your qualifications into the body of your cover letter:
Brevity is key
Recruiters don’t have much time to read a long drawn-out letter, so this is not the time to be long-winded. Pack a punch and be concise. Cut the fluffy cliches and phrases and get right to the point. As a reference, aim for a length of about one page (300 words or less).
Research the company you're applying to and align your values with their mission statement and core values. Here are some sample values pulled from the website of Pacific Financial Solutions that you can incorporate into your cover letter:
In your cover letter, mention how these principles align with your work ethic to gain a competitive edge.
In my current role at Coastal Enterprises Inc., I have honed my skills in accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting. I am proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, and I have a track record of improving efficiency in financial processes. For instance, I implemented a new filing system that reduced document retrieval time by 30%. My attention to detail and analytical skills have allowed me to identify and correct discrepancies, ensuring accurate financial records.
I am particularly drawn to Pacific Financial Solutions because of your reputation for innovative financial strategies and commitment to client satisfaction. Your company's focus on sustainable business practices aligns with my personal values, and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your mission. I am confident that my strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and dedication to accuracy would make me a valuable asset to your accounting team.
This is where you need to finish strong. Take this chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, thank them for their time, and invite the hiring manager to contact you for further discussion.
Sign off with a professional closing that includes your full name for a professional touch.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of Pacific Financial Solutions. Please feel free to contact me at (619) 555-7890 or mason.mendoza@email.com to arrange an interview. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mason Mendoza
If you have your heart set on an assistant accountant role with little to no experience, all hope is not lost. Consider these tips:
By focusing on these elements, you can still build a strong case and capture hiring managers’ attention despite a lack of direct experience.
Tailor. Tailor. Tailor.
The most important thing to remember when writing your cover letter is to make it relevant to the job and company. Leverage the job posting to make sure you are aligning your word choices, values, and qualifications with exactly what the company is looking for. This can’t be understated.
Follow a structured format: a header, personalized greeting, engaging introduction, detailed body, impactful conclusion, and professional signature. Highlight transferable skills, relevant experience, and educational background to demonstrate your fit for the position, even if you lack direct experience. Incorporate specific examples and metrics to convey your abilities and how they align with the company's goals and values. Conclude with a powerful call to action, inviting the hiring manager to connect with you for further discussion.
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