Assistant Accountant cover letter example

Crafting a powerful assistant accountant cover letter that showcases your strengths and skills can persuade a hiring manager that you’re the ideal candidate for the job. 

But, while you may be a talented number cruncher, writing a cover letter can often be a daunting prospect. How can you tick all the boxes and make sure your cover letter hits the right note with the hiring manager?

Similar to preparing financial statements, creating an effective cover letter requires a specific strategy. The goal is to provide the reader with a clear picture of your unique value. 

In this cover letter guide, we’ll provide you with the tools to create an assistant accountant cover letter that can get you interviews, including an adaptable cover letter example.  

Assistant Accountant full text-only cover letter example 

Sections of an assistant accountant cover letter

Your assistant accountant cover letter should be structured so that recruiters are drawn to the key points you want them to see. Here are the key elements of a successful cover letter:

1. Cover letter header. Start strong with an attractive and appealing header, that includes your name, contact information, and role title.
2. Greeting. Address the hiring manager directly for a more personalised approach. If this information isn’t on the job posting, check online or call the employer to find out.
3. Introduction. Hook the reader with an intriguing opening to your assistant accountant cover letter. Highlight your most valuable attribute and express your enthusiasm for the role and company.
4. Body. Expand on your qualifications as an assistant accountant, your expertise, and unique selling points (USP). Much like financial assets, show the value you will bring to an organisation, including specific and quantifiable examples of achievements.
5. Conclusion. Inspire the hiring manager to contact you by connecting your talent to the position. Don’t forget to thank them for their time in reviewing your application.
6. Signature. End with a professional goodbye, including your name.

Following this structure will help the reader clearly see how your skills, work experience, and personal traits make you a perfect fit for the accountancy job.

Always aim for a short and snappy one-page cover letter. Hiring managers receive hundreds of applications, so keeping your cover letter concise will be appreciated and shows that you really do respect their time.

If you need more general information and details covering each section, view our article on how to write a cover letter.

Once you’ve crafted your header and greeted the hiring manager, you’re now ready to catch their attention with your opening financial statement or introduction!

Introduction of an assistant accountant cover letter

Your introduction needs to grab the reader’s attention. When starting your cover letter, create some buzz by highlighting your unique value and how this connects to the employer. 

Whether this is a connection with the company or a standout achievement, weaving this into your introduction will encourage the hiring manager to read on and learn more about you. 

Try to avoid a generic introduction to your assistant accountant cover letter as this is unlikely to be effective. Mentioning a standout achievement or connection to the organisation can boost your credibility. For example, stating that you were “referred by an existing employee, Jill Peters” is a great way to spark some interest. The hiring manager is likely to have a chat with Jill, who can then explain why you're a great candidate for the job!

Sharing your enthusiasm for the role and commitment to adding value if appointed will also resonate with the hiring manager. By mentioning this in your opening paragraph, this quickly shows that you’re invested in the role and company.

Assistant accountant cover letter body

Next up is the body of your cover letter, which should be structured as follows: 

• Showcase your skills and experience
• Demonstrate how you're a perfect fit for company culture
• Wrap up with a compelling conclusion
• End with a call to action that encourages the hiring manager to get in touch

First body paragraph

Start strong by highlighting the key skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit for the assistant accountant position. 

Here’s how you can weave these qualifications into your first body paragraph:

1. Highlight your education. ​​Share details of any accounting qualifications you have completed or are working towards, such as courses accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
2. Accounting skills. Spotlight your top-level accountancy skills, such as accurately maintaining financial records, handling accounts payable and receivable, and delivering insightful financial analysis.
3. Emphasise analytical and decision-making skills. Analytical thinking and the ability to make data-driven financial decisions is a high commodity in an assistant accountant. Highlight these valuable soft skills in action.
4. Technology awareness. Recall times when you have harnessed technology to improve accuracy and efficiency in accounting operations. Check the job description for details of specific technology requirements for the role, such as QuickBooks, Sage, and MS Excel.
5. Communication. The ability to communicate financial information to finance and non-finance employees is a true talent. Explain how your strong written and verbal communication skills make this a breeze.

Second body paragraph

One thing that your cover letter can achieve, that your CV cannot, is show your personality. While you need to stay professional, you can add a dash of personality by connecting your values and experiences with a target employer. 

Conducting some research on the organisation’s mission, values, and culture can help you align the tone of your cover letter and garner more positive results in your job search.

In this example of KPMG, some key points that can be taken from their values and culture include:

• Core values of integrity, excellence, courage, and togetherness.
• Clients recognise the company for having a high level of professional ethics, loyalty, and approachability.
• Vision of being recognised as “employers of choice” with the goal of recruiting, retaining, and developing the very best people.

Referencing specific details from an organisation’s vision or values will help you make a great first impression. Provide examples of how you share an employer's vision and values as well as understand their goals and priorities.  

Call to action & conclusion

Finalise your cover letter with a strong conclusion that reinforces your key points and enthusiasm to contribute toward company success. 

Don’t forget to thank the recruiter for considering your application. This is a sign of good manners and that you respect their time.  

Wrap up on a confident note with a call to action to encourage recruiters to get in touch and invite you for an interview.

Conclude your call to action with the professional and polite closing of ‘Sincerely,’ followed by your full name. Then proofread your letter to ensure it is error-free.  

Key takeaways

A job-winning assistant accountant cover letter demonstrates that you have the ideal blend of skills and experience for the role and will be a great fit for the team culture.

Take the time and effort to tailor your cover letter for each job opportunity. Conduct some research so that you have a full understanding of the assistant accountant role, team, and company. You can then explain how your specific skills and experience will add value.

Try our cover letter builder for an easy way to assemble a polished, professional assistant accountant cover letter, boosting your job application and interview prospects!