With an eye for numbers and an ability to play close diligence, the role of an accountant requires someone that can juggle a number of financial tasks. An accountant may work for a large or small organisation, and the tasks are likely to differ depending on this. While the number crunching may increasingly be done by machines (thank goodness), there is a human side to accountancy that is becoming increasingly important - your accountant cover letter can showcase how you explain the numbers to your colleagues. Don't hide behind your spreadsheets.
This accountant cover letter guide and the corresponding resume examples are suitable for those who don’t know where to start, as well as those who just need some additional help or clarity. Accountants don't usually need to be creative with words, so this is a task worth taking slowly. By the end of the guide, you can expect to be able to:
If you are looking for a role in accountancy, you will find that there are many opportunities, with a demand that is expected to continue to rise over the next 5 or more years. Although the opportunities may be increasing, it is often challenging to obtain a role within accountancy, and a good degree qualification will be necessary.
This cover letter guide is one of 125+ designed to help you navigate this essential job search document. Check out our library of cover letter examples for more writing tips.
You should think of your accountant cover letter as the introduction that leads the hiring manager to your CV. It should be short and concise and no longer than one page in length. Your future boss will not be keen to read too much about you - let your numbers do the talking. We would suggest sticking to the following format:
You may want to have a look at our comprehensive cover letter guide for further help with creating your accountant cover letter.
Check out our adaptable accountant cover letter sample below.
Dear Mr. Fleming,
As an accountant with 4 years’ experience working with SMEs in the marketing industry, I would like to apply for the role at your Knightsbridge office. After my degree in Accounting and Finance, I was swiftly promoted with management responsibility for a team of three part-time accountants.
With strong analytical skills, I am proficient in locating errors in record keeping and communicate these to stakeholders before they become larger issues. I am an astute individual who enjoys working within small companies and being an integral part of their growth. I am familiar with all major accounting software and have led training courses at my previous employer for my non-financial colleagues.
I have watched with interest as WebTastic has grown into one of the leading web design agencies in the area. I have experience of accounting with a B2B employer and used new developments in legislation to save 4% on operating costs at my previous employer. I pride myself in keeping close to commercial developments, with a preference to participate rather than simply record.
I look forward to hearing from you and would love to chat further about my areas of expertise.
Sincerely,
Joanne Warburton
The cover letter heading is situated at the top of the cover letter, and this is where you put your contact details. The font for your name is usually much bigger than the rest of your cover letter.
Do not feel that you should include your full home address. There can be data protection and even discrimination issues here. Sharing your town or city of residence is transparent enough. Also, the "inside address" of the employer is not required as this is considered very formal. If you are applying to a top accountancy firm and want to aim for perfection, then consider including it.
See our accountant cover letter example for more ideas on creating a great header.
The reason for the cover letter header: Inform the hiring manager of how to contact you.
You should always start your cover letter with a greeting, avoiding informal greetings such as ‘hello’ or ‘hi’ in favour of a more formal greeting such as “Dear.” Check the name of the hiring manager - it is normally on the job description. Alternatively you could choose to phone the employer to check, while asking any other questions that you may have at the same time.
The purpose of the cover letter greeting: Start on the right footing with a warm welcome to the hiring manager.
Introduce yourself to the hiring manager in just a few sentences. What are your main skills and expertise relevant to the role? They will be interested in how you go about your work as well as what you have achieved. Share how you contributed to a significant project or made a significant difference to the bottom line. The introduction should include the most relevant and impressive part of your career story. What will make the hiring manager sit up and take notice?
The purpose of the cover letter intro: A quick, early insight into what you can offer the company.
Dear Mr. Fleming,
As an accountant with 4 years’ experience working with SMEs in the marketing industry, I would like to apply for the role at your Knightsbridge office. After my degree in Accounting and Finance, I was swiftly promoted with management responsibility for a team of three part-time accountants.
The middle section, or body, is slightly longer, a few sentences is fine, and this is where you’ll go into a bit more detail about your experience and skills – and any significant achievements. The cover letter is only a synopsis of your experience and skills, so don’t worry about going into too much detail here. Share a couple of significant projects and don't forget to add financials and context. Don't share anything confidential - you need to be seen to be a safe pair of hands with the numbers.
The main purpose of the body of your cover letter: Give the hiring manager a deeper understanding of what you can do/achieve.
With strong analytical skills, I am proficient in locating errors in record keeping and communicate these to stakeholders before they become larger issues. I am an astute individual who enjoys working within small companies and being an integral part of their growth. I am familiar with all major accounting software and have led training courses at my previous employer for my non-financial colleagues.
I have watched with interest as WebTastic has grown into one of the leading web design agencies in the area. I have experience of accounting with a B2B employer and used new developments in legislation to save 4% on operating costs at my previous employer. I pride myself in keeping close to commercial developments, with a preference to participate rather than simply record.
The last section of your accountant cover letter is where you reach a conclusion and sign-off. Where possible, we would advise that you try to personalise this to the company, as it will leave them feeling that you are a) enthusiastic about the company and b) that you have taken the time to conduct some research. Most accountants will have plenty of career stories to tell, but leave a few for when you meet during an interview. The conclusion should be reserved for a polite sign off and a hope to find out more.
The purpose of the conclusion: Reinforce your interest and share some knowledge on the company/job. Leave the hiring manager with a keen desire to find out more about you.
I look forward to hearing from you and would love to chat further about my areas of expertise.
Sincerely,
Joanne Warburton
Professional formatting can make all the difference when it comes to conveying your expertise to an employer. If you’re struggling to find the balance between eye-catching and functional, consider using an expertly-designed resume template to save time and eliminate stress.