Accounting Cover Letter Examples (Writing Guide + Tips)

Accounting being a high-level profession, applicants must sell themselves on their application to convince the hiring managers that they are overall a good fit for the job position. When applying for a job, sending a cover letter increases the chances of being selected by the hiring committee. Therefore, accountants send an accounting cover letter as part of their application. The cover letter highlights the unique qualifications, skills, and personal traits that set the candidate apart from other applicants. With the help of this article, the readers will be able to write a professional accounting cover letter.

If you want to craft a cover letter, the best way is to start with a pre-made template. Here is a collection of free templates you can use

Accounting Cover Letter Example 01

Accounting Cover Letter Sample 02

Accounting Cover Letter Example 03

Accounting Cover Letter Example 04

Accounting Cover Letter Sample 05

Accounting Cover Letter Example 06

Accounting Cover Letter Example 07

Accounting Cover Letter Sample 08

Importance

A well-written accounting cover letter markets the applicant by emphasizing their suitability for the position based on professional qualifications and personal qualities. This way, the applicant can reference the requirements given in the job description and persuade the hiring manager they are all-rounded suitable for the position and the company. Additionally, an accounting cover letter marks the beginning of a relationship with the potential employer. Unlike a resume, which lists qualifications, a cover letter should have a personal touch and mention accomplishments (professional and personal), current employment status, core values, etc.

Points to Remember

A compelling accounting cover letter should have several features that ensure your cover letter stands out. First, it should focus on what you bring to the company and position and your most vital marketable soft skills. Second, it should highlight how these qualities have been utilized previously to attain mentioned benefits using metrics and statistics. Third, the letter shouldn’t focus on educational qualifications too much or use technical language that only accountants would be familiar with. Lastly, it would be best to avoid generic accounting cover letters – write a customized one that befits the respective company for each accountant application.

When writing an accounting cover letter, you should highlight the best and most authentic version of yourself to outshine other candidates. This will typically involve discussing various things that make you suitable for the position.

Below is a step-by-step procedure of what to include when writing your cover letter for an accounting job application:

Header

An accounting cover letter should take up a business format since it is a matter of official record. Therefore, it is an excellent way to introduce your professionalism through a cover letter. Also, it goes into your employee file if you get the position.

The cover letter should therefore have a header that outlines the following information:

Date: An accounting cover letter must be dated. Indicate when the letter was written as the first item. Ensure to show the day, month, and year.

Your name and contact details: The next item is writing your name and contact information after skipping a line. This includes your official name, street address, city, state, and zip code.

Recipient’s name and contact details: After your contact information, skip a line and address the letter to the appropriate staff member and company. If you know the recruiter’s or hiring manager’s name, address it to them. However, if you are not familiar with their name, you can use applicable terms such as “Hiring manager/officer” or “hiring committee.” Then indicate the company address, city, state, and zip code. 

The subject of the letter: A subject line should also be included. Ensure the subject communicates the letter’s purpose of seeking employment for an accountant job.

Salutation: After the subject line, add a formal and respectful salutation. The salutation should include Mr/Mrs/Ms followed by their last name. Respective titles such as Dr. can also be used.

Introduction

The next section of the accounting cover letter is the introduction. The introduction must include the purpose of the letter, the position you are applying for, and where you heard about the job vacancy.

Body

The body of the letter should get into details about how the applicant is suited for the position. This section should discuss the following details in one or two paragraphs.

Show your passion for the job

Start by declaring your passion for accounting and a brief background of how this passion developed and grew to become your career. Then, you can align your passion for accounting with the multiple disciplines.

Detail your qualification in reverse chronological order

Next, mention your professional qualification in reverse chronological order, from the most recent to the oldest. Qualification can include master’s, bachelor’s degrees, or any finance, business, and economics certifications.

Highlight your relevant experience and achievements

Experience is a huge consideration for most recruiters. After discussing your qualifications, talk about any experience you have gained that has positively contributed to your professional development and other aspects of your life. Review the job description and note down the skills and experiences the recruiter is most likely to prioritize. Try to align your accounting cover letter to the shortlisted qualifications.

Also, mention any significant achievements you’ve had in your career and personal life, for example, accolades for outstanding work. Achievements can be backed with statistical data showing measurable benefits.

Highlight your accounting, analytical and soft skills

In the next paragraph, you should discuss the skills that make you the most suitable candidate. This includes hard and soft skills used in accounting. Align these skills to the job requirements. Examples of accounting skills required are knowledge in Microsoft Office, accounting software, regulatory and legal laws, etc. Accountants should be analytical and have skills such as statistics, data manipulation, report preparation, error checking, information presentation, and reconciliations. In addition, you must include interpersonal skills such as organizational skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, analytical skills, written and verbal communication skills, teamwork, etc.  

Conclusion

An accounting cover letter should have a comprehensive conclusion. An excellent conclusion will outline the following details:

Thank them for reading your letter: Add a thank you statement that expresses your thankfulness to the hiring team reviewing your letter. An appreciation statement is a courtesy gesture, which indicates politeness and professionalism.

Sign-off: Next, sign off the letter by providing a complimentary close such as “sincerely” or “sincerely yours.”

Your signature: Lastly, sign the letter to authenticate the document.

Accounting Cover Letter

Given below we have template and samples with all essential information you can include in your letter:

Accounting Cover Letter Example 09

Accounting Cover Letter Sample 10

Do’s and Don’ts

It would be best to write an accounting cover letter that best reflects your personality, professional capability, and why you would be a positive addition to the company. To ensure your cover letter achieves this, below are some points you should have at the back of your mind before and during writing the letter:

The do’s of writing an accounting cover letter include:

Use right format

In terms of formatting, consider using a business letter format. The letter should have a header, introductory paragraph, body, and conclusion. Also, write using a traditional font like Arial or Times New Roman with a 10.5-12 points font size and use 1 and 1 ½ inch margins. Additionally, keep the letter short and detailed – one page is enough with 250-350 words.

Check for mistakes

In terms of correctness, you should correct any grammar and spelling mistakes before handing the letter to the employer. Afterward, verify the name of the organization and recipient before submitting the letter. Lastly, ascertain that the letter is legible and organized.

Avoid the following things when writing a cover letter for an accountant position:

• It would be best not to rewrite your resume. Instead, borrow the essential and best bits and discuss how they make you suitable for the position while adding some personality.
• Even though the aim is to be genuine throughout the letter, you should avoid providing explanations for experience and skills gaps.
• You shouldn’t reuse a cover letter, even though sometimes it might feel like a lot of writing work is pending.
• You must avoid providing outdated and unprofessional contact information that should not be used.
• You must avoid using company-specific terminology. Instead, use language that is standard at an industry level. 

Job Seeking Tips

Below are some job-seeking tips you can implement to simplify the often frustrating job search process:

• Develop a job-seeking plan that befits your current situation. For example, if you’re unemployed, aim to get a temporary job while job hunting. If you’re employed, set targets on how many jobs you want to apply for each day or week. 
• Be proactive when job searching and go to fairs, conferences, or any other social settings where you can learn current openings.
• Consult fellow and more established accountants and learn what it takes to get in senior positions and what interviewers are looking for.
• Look for openings from different avenues. For example, consider online channels and traditional job ads in the newspapers.

An accountant’s cover letter is an opportunity for applicants to market themselves to the hiring manager or recruiter. The cover letter should summarize your strengths, describing how these strengths make you the right person for the position you are applying for. As a result, your cover letter will differ from other candidates. You should write the accounting cover letter in a formal business format. It should reflect your professionalism to create a positive lasting impression on the recruiter. To ensure this is achieved, accounting cover letter templates are common.

About This Article

Authored by:

Megan V.

Award-Winning Resume Writing, Cover Letters, Executive Bios, Public Relations

Megan V. is an acclaimed resume writing professional, celebrated repeatedly as one of the "Top Ten Best Resume Writers in the Bay Area," a title she proudly reclaimed in 2023. Transitioning from her extensive experience owning and steering a public relations agency since 2009, Megan has tailored her writing prowess to cater to individuals seeking standout resumes, compelling cover letters, and detailed executive bios.