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.
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. By the end of the guide, you can expect to be able to:
- Structure your cover letter concisely
- Understand what tweaks can be made to tailor your cover letter to a specific role
- Avoid making mistakes with your accountant cover letter
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.
Best format for an accountant cover letter
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, no longer than one page in length, and we would suggest sticking to the following format:
- Header – the header is situated at the top and contains your key contact details.
- Greeting – the salutation or greeting is the way in which you address the recipient – personalised where possible.
- Introduction – the key aspects of your skills and experience that are relevant to the job.
- Main body – some more detail regarding your skills and experience, and how you will fit into the company and role
- Conclusion – personalise where possible to the company and conclude with a sign off/call to action.
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,
I would like to apply for the role of accountant at your Knightsbridge office. With 3 years of experience working with SME’s and a BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, I have undertaken a wide range of responsibilities, including managing a small team of accounts assistants.
With strong analytical skills, I am able to locate errors in recordskeeping 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 have a particular interest in applying for this role as the reputation of your company precedes you. I have watched with interest as Web Tastic has grown into one of the leading web design agencies in the area.
I look forward to hearing from you and would love to chat further about my areas of expertise and your needs in an accountant.
Sincerely,
Joanne Warburton
Cover letter header
The cover letter heading is situated at the top of the cover letter, and this is where you put your contact details. The font is usually much bigger than the rest of your cover letter. 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.
Cover letter greeting
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.”
The purpose of the cover letter greeting: Start on the right footing with a warm welcome to the hiring manager.
Cover letter introduction
Introduce yourself to the hiring manager in just a few sentences. What are your main skills and expertise relevant to the role?
The purpose of the cover letter intro: A quick, early insight into what you can offer the company.
Cover letter middle part (body)
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.
The main purpose of the body of your cover letter: Give the hiring manager a deeper understanding of what you can do/achieve.
How to finish your accountant cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)
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.
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.
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.
Key takeaways
- A cover letter is an essential part of any complete job application so make sure to put care into yours.
- Your cover letter header should attract attention. See our cover letter sample for more ideas on creating a great formatting.
- End with a call to action that invites the hiring manager to contact you.
