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5 Accountant Cover Letter Examples & Guide for 2024

• Accountant Cover Letter
• Assistant Accountant
• Staff Accountant
• Senior Accountant
• Accounts Payable Specialist
• Writing Your Accountant Cover Letter 101
• Accountant CL FAQs

Accountants can make or break a company’s finances. And since companies hire accountants with care to keep their finances in order, getting hired is competitive.

You have the  skills  to make any company proud, but even the best  accountant resume  might not be enough. It’s hard to argue with a killer resume  and  cover letter, though.

Problem is, creating a cover letter can be as hard as building a resume , especially if you’re better with numbers than prose. 

We know it’s no fun having to write a cover letter , but we’ll help you  worry less and write better  with our accountant cover letter examples , writing guide, and AI cover letter generator so you can wow employers and get the accounting role you want.

Accountant Cover Letter Example

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Copy this text for your Accountant cover letter!

123 Pretend Ave Shelburne, VT 05482 (123) 456-7890

January 10, 2023

Joanne Perry Stone Environmental Human Resources/Office Administrator 535 Stone Cutters Way Montpelier, VT 05602

Dear Ms. Perry:

Stone Environmental’s focus on innovation has inspired me to use my accounting skills to create a better world one invoice at a time. More than just a job, I want to find solutions for the world’s problems, like how Stone Environmental provides practical solutions for each client, whether that be a new modeling system for rainwater runoff or a survey tool to document materials containing PCB.

During my time as a consultant for the Coral Reef Research Foundation, my team and I assisted with multiple project setups for reef research. We identified and eliminated multiple unnecessary expenditures, saving a total of $750+ for each project associated with reef research, particularly for their survey work regarding coral cover on the mesophotic reefs of Palau. This specific project spurred my interest in environmental care, particularly water quality and wastewater management.

Similar to Stone Environmental, the past companies I have worked for have also valued collegiality and collaboration, which has made me comfortable working both independently and as part of a dynamic team. At my most recent position with Terracon Consultants, I worked with a group of 5 accountants to improve A/P and A/R systems. By the end of the year, we had lowered ADD and payment error rates by 28 percent and increased FCRR to 1:95:1.

Achieving these goals has been rewarding, but I’m excited to master new skills and handle multiple dynamic projects that will help provide scientific tools, information, and analyses to help clients solve environmental challenges. Stone Environmental is a place where I can live my values, grow my skills, collaborate with a motivated, talented team, and assist employees directly. I would be thrilled to share more of my experience with you and look forward to connecting soon.

Thank you for your consideration,

Matthias Wright

Enclosures: Resume Application Transcripts

Why this cover letter works

• For your accounting cover letter, find a way to incorporate the company’s mission into your experience. You can also discuss how you supported that mission at previous jobs. 
• If the employer lists a vision statement, this could be a way to make a connection. Incorporate their vision into your cover letter by referencing it concerning your own vision for the future. This tells the employer you share the same goals.

Pair Your Cover Letter with a Matching Accountant Resume

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Assistant Accountant Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Assistant Accountant cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 19101 (123) 456-7890

July 20, 2023

Noah Brown Deloitte 123 Fictional Lane Phoenix, AZ 19101

Dear Mr. Brown:

While juggling my finance studies with running a small side hustle during my college years, I was drawn towards the precision and problem-solving involved in maintaining our finances. The intricate dance between debits and credits and the satisfaction of accurate balance sheets propelled me to major in finance. Now, I’m eager to apply my skills in bookkeeping, account reconciliation, and more as an assistant accountant at Deloitte.

Upon graduating, I stepped into the professional world at a local payroll processing company, Paychex. Besides managing regular payroll activities, I automated the payroll system, spearheading a transition that improved processing speed by 21%. This hands-on experience with payroll processing software gave me an aptitude for efficient system utilization.

Earlier, I had an enriching stint as an intern at PetSmart, a household name among pet owners. Here, my proficiency in bookkeeping skills saw considerable growth. The responsibility of managing financial records using QuickBooks was part of my responsibilities. With a keen eye for detail, I was able to spot a vital discrepancy, which helped cut down overstated expenses by 17.4% for that financial quarter.

Owning a small business during my campus years offered me an intimate view of account reconciliation. Every end month, I was at the forefront squaring off invoices, receipts, and assorted bank transactions. The charm of Xero accounting software came to my aid and with its prowess, I successfully ironed out all financial mismatches. That not only amplified my business’s financial precision, but it also was a significant time and resource saver.

With the synergistic combination of theoretical knowledge from my academic pursuits, internship expertise, professional experience, and real-world practice from my business, I’m well-equipped to serve as an assistant accountant at Deloitte. Looking forward to discussing how my skills and qualifications can support Deloitte’s esteemed client roster in maintaining immaculate financial records.

• Such is an unexpected twist that showcases a practical understanding of accounting principles and entrepreneurial spirit. Strive for a similar trick to make your assistant accountant cover letter captivating.

Staff Accountant Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Staff Accountant cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue San Antonio, TX 95101 (123) 456-7890

Benjamin Moore Valero Energy Corporation 123 Fictional Lane San Antonio, TX 95101

Dear Mr. Moore:

Inspired by Valero Energy Corporation’s approach to meeting the world’s growing demand for sustainable energy through innovation, ingenuity, and unmatched execution, I’m excited to join the team of forward-thinking individuals as your next staff accountant. My aim is to apply my financial acuity within an environment that values synergy and creative problem-solving, motives that are crucial in enriching the successful conduct of business finance and, subsequently, the energy industry.

At Kinetic Concepts, managing financial reporting fell under my jurisdiction, where I made friends with ERP and data visualization tools. The powerful combo of detailed analysis and crisp reports worked wonders to curb financial risks, taking decision-making up a notch. This strategy turned the tables in our favor, surging the profit margin by 17.8% within a two-year period.

Silver Eagle Beverages is where I put my tax compliance show on the road. Here, wrestling with brain-twisting IRS guidelines, a stream of regulatory updates, and ticking tax deadlines were pretty regular. The introduction of an automated tax ensured accuracy and punctuality in tax reporting, helping us cut back on late reporting issues by a solid 18.2%.

Over at Profrac Services, my gig revolved around cost analysis, and let me tell you, I wasn’t afraid to get my hands dirty. Delving into company operations led to unearthing hidden gems of savings and means to polish efficiency. One of the golden nuggets from this treasure hunt was a cost-effectiveness study that blew the lid off our supply chain, spotlighting cost savings of 11.7% in our logistics bill.

Being at the vanguard of the energy industry requires a keen understanding of its financial structure. I’m eager to forge ahead and harness my skills to help reinforce Valero’s position as a frontrunner in reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Thank you for your time, and I hope to connect with you soon.

Liam Andersen

• In so doing, align your aim with the potential employer’s needs, demonstrating a convergence of interests that suggests beneficial mutual fulfillment.

Senior Accountant Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Senior Accountant cover letter!

123 Pretend Drive Renton, WA 98055 (123) 456-7890

Siobhan Cutone AMP Services’ Recruiting and Office Manager 200 W. Mercer Street, Suite 511 Seattle, WA 98119

Dear Ms. Cutone:

AMP Services’ mission to offer accounting solutions for the hospitality industry coupled with your glowing client testimonials has inspired me to apply. It is clear AMP Services takes its role as a consultant seriously, as demonstrated by the many satisfied clients you have served and first-hand accounts of how your intervention has revitalized many businesses. I would be honored to use my years of accounting experience and hands-on familiarity within the hospitality industry to offer innovative recommendations to AMP Service’s clients.

When I was the head accountant with Lion & Leopard Consulting, I was responsible for reviewing all financial documentation, including the general ledger, balance sheets, invoices, receivables, and reports. With every document, I identified discrepancies or errors and collaborated with my team members to craft solutions, resulting in a significant decrease in error resolution time and an invoice exception rate of over 27 percent. For every client, I reached out after four months to ensure their financial departments were still running smoothly.

Within the hospitality industry, I have three years of experience working as an accountant for the Goode Company Restaurant Group. I learned how to work within a team-oriented and deadline-driven environment while managing multiple accounts. By the end of my time there, I had lowered the cost per invoice and invoice exception rate by 17 percent, and through my partnership with management, improved the budget to actual variance by 13 percent.

AMP Services understands how accounting can breathe life back into the hospitality industry, and it is my goal to further your mission. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

Best regards,

Samaria Singh

Enclosures: Resume Application Certification

• Use the  accountant job listing  to find out what the company needs and the skills they value. Then you can mention past positions and achievements relevant to the company’s mission in your senior accountant cover letter. 
• For example, AMP Services’ job ad states they need someone who “resolves account discrepancies by investigating documentation.” Samaria speaks directly to this in a paragraph focused on reviewing documentation and how she improved the system.

Accounts Payable Specialist Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Accounts Payable Specialist cover letter!

123 Fictional Lane Denver, CO 80216 (123) 456-7890

Emilio Williamson Employee Engagement & Culture Manager, Alterra Mountain 3501 Wazee St. Denver, CO 80216

Dear Mr. Williamson:

I first heard about Alterra Mountain Company when you joined the Climate Collaborative Charter, and ever since, I’ve wanted to join your community of passionate outdoor adventurers who love the mountains and their communities with equal fervor. As a CAPP with four years of accounts payable experience, I know I can manage your travel and expense systems, resolve system issues, and support Alterra Mountain staff as your Travel & Expenses Accounts Payable Specialist.

During my time at Slavic Mountain, I reviewed transactions for compliance, provided quality customer service related to transaction and account issues, and prepared all financial documents. However, my best achievement was establishing the use of Microsoft D365 software, which reduced payment errors by 34 percent, increased early payment discounts by 47 percent, and lowered overall cycle time.

At my latest position as the AR Specialist at REI, in addition to my daily accounting duties, I established the REI Ski Foundation, which partners with local ski resorts to provide gear, passes, and lessons to those who normally would never be introduced to outdoor sports. It is my firm belief that everyone should be allowed access to the world of winter sports regardless of finances, a position I know Alterra Mountain Company shares.

Accounting does more than just improve the bottom line; it allows the business to grow and invest in its community. I believe in building relationships, providing resources, and encouraging passion just like Alterra. Moreover, I am confident I can manage your travel and expenses systems well, support your staff, and live out your vision. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to speaking soon.

Malik Bashir

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation CAPP certification

• Describe how you’ve positively impacted the company as a whole beyond just measurable accounting metrics. You don’t have to have cured cancer, but employers like to see that you invest in your work beyond duties. 
• Snatch the company’s attention with a company-focused intro. Give them a compelling reason you’re applying—needing to pay the bills won’t convince employers you’re the right candidate for the job, even if it’s truthful. 

Accountant resume

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3 Steps to Writing Your Accountant Cover Letter

An amazing accountant cover letter is two things: specific and separate from your resume. Your cover letter should stand on its own as a concise, detailed document that highlights your qualifications.

Step 1: Due diligence comes first

Many people use the same cover letter repeatedly, but that won’t impress your future employer. Just as you can see financial trouble from a mile away, employers can spot a recycled cover letter within seconds. So, tailor your cover letter to each job for which you apply. 

Just as you can see financial trouble from a mile away, employers can spot a recycled cover letter within seconds.

Stuck on where to start? Let the  accountant job description  you’ve found guide you. Does the company need someone who has experience with Quickbooks? Explain how you used it to manage invoices for annual grants to the community college you worked for last year. Does the job ad mention a need for improved accounting processes? Describe how you implemented a mentorship program that reduced error rates by 33%. 

Do your research to confidently address how you can meet the company’s needs. You can also address the  soft and hard skills  they require; if they need someone to assist with annual audits, discuss how your time reconciling accounts means you have a keen attention to detail and a strong grasp of GAAP and FASB standards. In essence, take what you know and use it to show you have the necessary skills. 

Step 2: Go beyond your resume

Most cover letters summarize their accompanying resume in boring, professional jargon, which won’t inspire someone to hire you.

Your accounting cover letter must convince the employer to seriously consider you even if they haven’t seen your resume. It needs to dig deeper than your resume allows and tell the story of your career.

What are your crowning achievements, and how did they impact your workplace or clients’ financial operations? Refer back to why you’re applying for this role and how you’ll change the company for the better. 

Think of it this way: your resume is a shallow pool, but your cover letter is a narrow trench. One gives a general overview of your qualifications while the other explores a few experiences in-depth. Below, we’ve shared two examples that dive into the trench.

• We identified and eliminated multiple unnecessary expenditures, saving a total of $750+ for each project associated with reef research, particularly for their survey work regarding coral cover on the mesophotic reefs of Palau. This specific project spurred my interest in environmental care, particularly water quality and wastewater management.
• With every document, I identified discrepancies or errors and collaborated with my team members to craft solutions, resulting in a significant decrease in error resolution time and an invoice exception rate of over 27 percent. For every client, I reached out after four months to ensure their financial departments were still running smoothly.

Both mention responsibilities that should also be on the resume, but they  explain the significance of their work and what happened afterward .

Step 3: Do communicate the right message

Now that you know what to include, let’s discuss   how  to include it. Keep in mind this is still a letter; it should be informative without going over a page, and it needs to sound professional without being stuffy.

Much like a normal letter, imagine you’re having a conversation. You need to be professional, but you should also be relatable and interesting. And just like a good conversation, you should always circle back to how you can improve the employer’s business. 

The good news is you can revise your cover letter before you send it. Review your cover letter with the same precision you apply when reviewing financial transactions. As you revise, shorten your sentences, improve your word choice, and establish your personality. We won’t say it’s fun, but revision is an essential step to writing a cover letter that gets you the job.

Outline Your Accountant Cover Letter

Staring at a blank page can be intimidating, especially when it comes to cover letters. Never fear, BeamJobs is here! Use our outline to organize your cover letter to perfection.

Your contact info: Your future employer will need to contact you at some point, so include your number, email, and your location (city and state). And of course, they’ll need your full name, so don’t forget to enter that into your template. Many employers also ask to see your LinkedIn profile. 

• Formatting:  Whether you’re using a template or a block format, leave your name out of your address. If you’re using a template, put your name on the letterhead. If you’re using a block format, only include your name in your signature.

Date:  Every letter needs a date, but if you’re using a template or outline, don’t forget to change the date when you submit. If you sent your letter in April but started drafting it in February, the hiring manager may look at you funny.

• Formatting:  Write out the full date, not just the month and year, e.g. January 3, 2023.

Inside address:  It sounds a bit counter-intuitive to include the inside address (aka the recipient’s address) since most cover letters are virtual, but it shows the employer you’ve done your research, and it makes it look more professional and complete.

Include the hiring manager’s name, their title, and the company’s address at the top of your cover letter, left-justified. If you can’t find the company’s complete address or the hiring manager’s name, don’t stress. Try checking on LinkedIn, Facebook, their website, and other job boards.

• Formatting:  Each part of the address should be on a new line. Double space between the inside address and greeting. 

Joanne Perry Stone Environmental Human Resources/Office Administrator 535 Stone Cutters Way Montpelier, VT 05602 

Greeting:  Just like a good handshake, a good greeting (also called a salutation) helps you make the right first impression. Always say “Dear [Name]” instead of “hello” or any other iteration. (It is a business letter, after all.) Then, address the employer/hiring manager by name. This shows you’ve taken the time to research who’s in charge of the hiring process.

• Formatting:  After your greeting, you can use either a colon or a comma; colons are typically used in business letters, but a comma works if the company is more casual. Whether you use a comma or a colon, don’t forget to include their title of “Mr.” or Ms.” and don’t ever just use their first name.

Body:  The body of your accountant cover letter should cover why you’re interested in the position, your credentials, and your enthusiasm for future discussion. We’ll take a look at each section.

• Formatting:  Single-space the text in your body, but be sure to double-space between paragraphs. 

Opening paragraph:  Just like a good book, you’ve got to get your reader hooked from the first line. That’s hard to accomplish, though, which is why so many cover letter openings sound like this (and yes, we’ve seen this actual example!).

When I found the job listing at Alterra Mountain Company, it sounded like a dream come true.

While this has potential, it’s generic and lifeless. Even the cliché “dream come true” phrase can’t strengthen this intro. This example, though, enthusiastically shows your interest and your credentials. 

This tells the employer that the candidate not only knows about but values the company’s mission. He also makes it clear that he’s studied what this role will entail. 

If you’re struggling to write your intro, write a few openers until you get one that sounds right. Sometimes it takes a few tries, and that’s okay—just keep trying until you hit one that’s focused and engaging.

Paragraphs 2-3:  These paragraphs support your claims in the opening paragraph. Each paragraph should focus on a clear accomplishment. Maybe you managed grants totaling over $15 million for a community college, or maybe you initiated daily reporting to reduce manual reporting work hours. 

Avoid the temptation to tackle too much per paragraph; you can’t go into as much detail (save the list of your credentials for your resume, instead). Here’s a good example of a focused discussion of a significant milestone. 

This paragraph gives a general overview of the candidate’s past role without getting sidetracked. It also includes some phrases from the job description, including “team-oriented” and “deadline-driven” while including metrics. 

Closing paragraph:  Finish strong with a sentence summary of how your values and qualifications align with the company’s needs. Lastly, give a call to action. Whatever you do, don’t end the way 99 percent of other accountants will, like this.

I believe I would be a good fit for the senior accountant position, and I hope to talk more with you soon about my qualifications. 

It’s not that those sentiments are untrue, but they’re, once again, generic and lifeless. This close, however, will leave a positive lasting impression.

Signature:  Make sure you say “thank you” if you didn’t do that in the closing paragraph. Then sign off with a professional closing phrase along with your name. 

• Formatting: If you’re presenting hard copies of your accountant cover letter, you’ll want to physically sign the document, so quadruple space after the closing phrase to leave enough room for your signature in handy black/blue ink.

Enclosure(s):  Lots of cover letters miss this step, but this alerts the hiring manager to what follows your knockout cover letter. As an accountant, you’ll want to include your resume, the job application form, and any reference letters requested in the job ad. Employers may also ask for your college transcript or CPA/CMA licenses, although many just ask for the application and your resume.

• Formatting:  Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on how many documents you attach. If you say “enclosures” but only have your resume, it feels like you copied and pasted it from a template. 

Takeoff with Your Accountant Resume

Now that you have the resources you need to make your cover letter shine, don’t neglect your  accountant resume . They’re two sides of the same coin, so make sure your resume is just as polished as your cover letter. After all, your resume is where you can list the duties you excel at, such as analyzing balance sheet accounts and checking compliance with financial policies and procedures.

We know—it’s exhausting writing financial reports all day only to have to write a resume on top of your cover letter. We ease the process with our quick 11 steps on  how to make a good resume , and we have  free resume templates  like this one, which you can edit right now, to help you start (or rewrite) your resume. 

Senior Accountant Resume

Need a resume to pair with your senior accountant cover letter?

You have what it takes, so let our tools empower you to take your career documents from general to great. We’re cheering for you, and when you land your next accounting role, be sure and let us in on your great news! 

The best approach is to adjust to match the company, but always leave a little room for error and keep things professional if you’re unsure. Browse through the accountant job description and company website—if both are casual, it’s all right for you to be semi-relaxed, too. Keep in mind that accounting involves a lot of hard data and finances are at stake, so maintain a tone of respect and professionalism, but don’t use big words if the job listing doesn’t—it’s important to sound human.

Much like your accountant resume , the cover letter may be scanned and skimmed, so it’s best not to make it too long. Try to keep it around 300 words. Go over it and edit it a few times, cutting out things that don’t accurately showcase your excitement at joining the company or your specific skills as an accountant, such as your background in corporate taxes.

It’s okay to have a template you refer back to every time you apply, but it’s best to update every paragraph to match the job listing. Include the company name, role, and references to the job itself throughout. For instance, if you’d be working in accounts payable, you can talk about your experience using QuickBooks to manage invoices.

Accountant Cover Letter Example for 2024 (+ Full Guide)

You're a master of numbers, a champion of spreadsheets, and a guru of tax codes.

But when it comes to writing that perfect cover letter, it's like facing a complicated audit with no guidelines.

Annoying, right? 

Don't worry; you're not alone. A lot of pros in your field feel like they're crunching the wrong numbers when drafting their cover letters.

We've got your back. This article will give you the formula for writing the perfect accountant cover letter.

Here's what we're going to cover:

• What a Great Accountant Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing an Amazing Accountant Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Accountants

Ready to make that cover letter as polished as your financial reports? 

Let's dive in!

Accountant Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Accountant Cover Letter

You've just read a cover letter that could seal the deal for an accountant job. Now it's your turn to write a cover letter that'll make hiring managers take notice. 

Just follow the steps we're about to lay out for you:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Starting your accountant cover letter right means including essential contact details at the top. This should be in the header of your cover letter, the same way you'd do it on your resume .

Here's the rundown:

• Full Name. Your complete name takes the prime spot at the top.
• Job Title. Match this with the specific accounting job you're applying for. Hiring managers are swamped with applications for various jobs, so clarity is key.
• Email Address. Pick a simple, professional email. Stick to a format that combines your first and last name, like [email protected] , not [email protected]
• Phone Number. Provide your phone number. If you're applying for an overseas position, don't forget to add the dial code in front.
• Location. Just your city and state or country will do. But if you're going after a remote role or are willing to move for the job, make that clear.
• Relevant Links (optional). Feel free to include links to your LinkedIn profile or any other professional sites you have.

Once you've got your contact details sorted, it's time to include the hiring manager's info. 

Here’s what that involves:

• Company Name. Mention the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. Do a bit of digging to find this. Check the job ad or the company's LinkedIn page.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you know they are, for example, the 'Head of Finance,' go ahead and use that title instead of just "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Mention the city and country, particularly if the company is international. Optionally, you can be more specific with the street name and number.
• Email Address (optional). If you find it, you can include the hiring manager's email.
• Date of Writing (optional). For an extra professional touch, include the date you wrote your cover letter.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

When you're preparing your application materials as an accountant, it's important to make a thoughtful impression from the get-go.

Steer clear of the generic "To Whom It May Concern." It's not your best choice.

How you address your cover letter can leave a positive impression on the hiring team—if you do it right, that is.

So, let's start with some research. Take a look at the job posting, the company's website, or their LinkedIn profiles to identify the key decision-makers in the department you're applying to. This way, you can get their name and email address.

Next, address them with respect. We suggest using "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their last name. But if you're unsure about their gender or marital status, simply use their full name instead. For example:

• Dear Ms. Patel
• Dear Taylor Patel

If you can't find specific information about the hiring manager or head of the accounting department, no problem. You can address your letter to the department or the company as a whole:

• Dear Accounting Department
• Dear Finance Team
• Dear Company X
• Dear Head of Finance

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers usually take only seven seconds to scan an application before deciding to read further. So, your accountant cover letter needs to make an impact right away.

Start your first paragraph with your name and why you want this accountant job. If you're keen on the field or the role, say so. This enthusiasm could make the hiring manager want to learn more about you in a way they can’t by only reading your accountant resume .

Doing your homework about the company helps too. The more you know, the better you can show why you'd fit in. This tells the hiring manager you're focused on this job, not just applying all over the place.

If you've got relevant experience, feel free to kick off your cover letter with a key achievement or a skill that makes you the right pick for the position.

But keep it brief. The goal is to make the hiring manager curious enough to read more of your cover letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The body of your accountant cover letter is your chance to dive deep. This isn't the spot for a resume recap. Here, you should lay out what sets you apart from other accountants and weave into a convincing narrative.

Don't just list your skills either; prove that you've got them and that you can use them to contribute. If the job ad requires someone proficient in financial analysis, talk about a project where you used those important skills to cut costs. Use the job ad as your guide for what to focus on.

Understanding the company can help build your case. If you know they're moving towards automated accounting solutions, discuss your experience with this type of tech and how you’re excited to push the boundaries of the field. Show them how you fit the role and their plans for growth.

And don't forget, enthusiasm counts. Make it clear you're excited about this job, not just looking for a paycheck. Show that you’re confident in your ability to bring value to their team, and you’re all set.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

You want to leave the hiring manager with a positive impression by the end of your cover letter. This part is just as important as your opening, so don’t let it fall flat.

End your cover letter the right way by offering a brief conclusion. Just sum up a few key points that make you the right fit for the accounting position, and focus on your unique skills or experiences that set you apart from the crowd.

After that, add a call to action. This is pretty straightforward - just encourage the hiring manager to do something, like discuss your application further or arrange an interview. This proactive step can tip the scales in your favor.

Then finish it with a professional sign-off. Your closing line here sets the tone, so pick something professional. Here's a sample:

Feel free to reach out to me via email or phone to set up an interview. I'm eager to go into more detail about how I can contribute to your team.

Best regards,

If "Best regards" feels too common, you've got other solid options like:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for your consideration,

3 Essential Accountant Cover Letter Tips

You've got the rundown on what makes a standout cover letter for an accountant.

Now, let's dive into some cover letter tips to put the final touches on yours.

#1. Match Your Resume

Ready to crunch numbers as an accountant?

Just make sure your cover letter aligns perfectly with your resume. A mismatched application can make you look disorganized and not detail-oriented.

Your information should be sharp and precise on the page, with consistent fonts throughout your resume and cover letter. And while you're at it, fine-tune those page margins and the line spacing so that your cover letter doesn’t spill over to page two.

Think of your application like a balanced ledger; it’s best presented when it’s clear and consistent.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling pressed for time? 

Try our free resume templates to create a flawless accountant resume, and use one of our cover letter templates to match. 

They're designed in close collaboration with hiring pros from across the globe to meet industry standards and fit your resume seamlessly. You'll have a job-ready application in no time!

#2. Emphasize Your Achievements

You've crunched the numbers, streamlined processes, and maybe even saved your last company a good chunk of change. That's awesome, and your cover letter is the perfect place to spotlight these wins. Achievements tell hiring managers you bring more than the same skills and experience as other candidates—you bring results .

But here's the kicker: Don't just recycle the bullet points from your resume. Your cover letter is a chance to add some color to those achievements. Explain the challenges you faced, the strategies you employed, and how they had a positive impact. This shows you're skilled and capable of going above and beyond to get the job done. 

For example, if you optimized a financial model that led to a 15% increase in revenue, don't just state the fact. Briefly explain how you did it and why it was essential for the business. This connects the dots for the hiring manager, letting them see what you've done and how you could benefit their team.

#3. Save It to the Right Format

You've spent a lot of time perfecting your cover letter, so before you send it, make sure all your hard work isn’t wasted.

The best file format is PDF. It makes sure your formatting stays consistent, no matter what device the hiring manager uses to read your documents, and your layout won’t get scrambled if they accidentally open it with the wrong software.

There's only one exception to the PDF rule—when the job advertisement specifically asks for a different format. If the employer is telling you to send a Word document or paste your cover letter into a text box, do that. Likely, their application system can only handle those formats, and you don’t want all your hard work ending up in the digital trash bin over this. 

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to perfecting your accountant cover letter!

We hope you feel more confident, and we’re sure you’ll get that job you’re eyeing in no time.

Before we say goodbye, let’s briefly summarize what we've talked about so far:

• Your cover letter should always have a header where your contact information is in plain view. Everything here needs to be factually correct, or else you might miss out on an interview call or email.
• Researching the company helps you personalize your cover letter according to the company culture. Address the hiring manager by name for a stronger first impression.
• Make sure to visually match your cover letter to your accountant resume so your whole application looks neat and professional. This also makes the hiring manager’s life easier since they can tell your documents apart from the rest.
• Unless the job ad requests otherwise, save your cover letter and resume in PDF format so your layout stays the same across any device or software.

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

14 accountant cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Accountant cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• Senior Accountant
• Accounting Manager
• Staff Accountant
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Accountant resume examples

Accountant Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, interest and company research.

In this cover letter, the applicant shows genuine interest in the company and highlights their research on the company's recent projects. This demonstrates that they have taken the time to understand the company's values and direction.

Accomplishment and Skill

The applicant provides specific examples of their accomplishments in their previous role, showcasing their skills and experience. This helps the hiring manager understand what the applicant can bring to the table.

Cost-saving Initiative

By mentioning a cost-saving initiative they led, the applicant highlights their ability to think strategically and make a tangible impact on a company's bottom line. This shows they are results-driven and capable of adding value.

Expressing Gratitude

The applicant expresses gratitude for being considered, which shows professionalism and respect for the hiring manager's time. This is a good way to wrap up the cover letter and leave a positive impression.

Prove your impact with quantifiable achievements

The mere mention of a 15% reduction in budgeting errors shows that you've got what it takes to create significant change within an organization. Detailing your accomplishments in this way not only provides hard evidence of your capabilities, but also gives me an idea of what you might achieve in our company.

Highlight your initiative and problem-solving skills

When you talk about spearheading a project that resulted in increased efficiency and fewer errors, you're telling me you don't just sit on the sidelines. You're a proactive problem-solver who seeks out opportunities to improve processes and outcomes, which is precisely what we need in our team.

Show enthusiasm for the company culture

Expressing genuine excitement about working in our dynamic environment demonstrates that you've done your homework and understand what our company is all about. This shows me that you're not just looking for any job, you're looking for this job at our company.

Use Storytelling to Describe Your Role

Describing yourself as a 'financial storyteller' rather than just an accountant, gives a more interesting and compelling insight into your work. It tells me that you're not just crunching numbers, you're using them to create a narrative that can influence business decisions.

Showcase Your Impact with Tangible Outcomes

By quantifying your achievements, like automating processes and reducing time and errors, you're showing concrete evidence of your impact. This proves you're not just all talk; you have results to back up your claims.

Highlight Your Enthusiasm for the Company

Your eagerness to join Deloitte, combined with a clear understanding of their values and vision, shows you've done your homework. This tells me you're not sending generic cover letters, but crafting each one to match the company you're applying to.

Show your enthusiasm for the senior accountant role

Starting your cover letter by expressing genuine excitement about the opportunity can make you stand out. It shows that you're not just looking for any job, but you are specifically interested in this company and its values.

Quantify your achievements in accounting

When you can put numbers to your past successes, it paints a clear picture of your abilities. Mentioning your role in reducing processing time and increasing accuracy by specific percentages demonstrates your impact in a tangible way.

Demonstrate cost-saving initiatives

Talking about a project where you saved the company money highlights your ability to think innovatively and act to improve financial efficiency. This is highly appealing to employers looking for candidates who can contribute to profitability.

Align with the company's values

By researching and mentioning the company's focus on innovation and improvement, you show that you not only understand what they stand for but are also eager to contribute to these areas.

Express eagerness to contribute

Concluding with a forward-looking statement about wanting to discuss your potential contributions demonstrates confidence and readiness to become part of the team.

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Connect with the company’s values

Illustrating your admiration for Grant Thornton's commitment to integrity and innovation right from the beginning establishes a personal connection with the company’s culture and values.

Showcase your accounting expertise

Detailing your experience in financial reporting and process improvement with specific outcomes, like reducing reporting time, emphasizes your capability to enhance efficiency within the accounting team.

Emphasize problem-solving skills

Discussing your ability to address complex issues and drive results underlines your critical thinking and effectiveness in tackling challenges, essential qualities for an accountant.

Blend technical and leadership skills

Mentioning your initiative in starting a mentoring program illustrates your leadership skills and commitment to team development, making you a well-rounded candidate for a collaborative environment.

Invite further discussion

Closing with a note of thanks and an openness to discuss how you can contribute to the team’s success portrays you as polite and eager, traits that enhance your candidacy.

Talking about your excitement for the job and respect for the company can make your application more personal and engaging.

Highlight your key achievements

Describing specific achievements, like saving a company money or improving a process, shows you're not just capable but also impactful in your work.

Demonstrate problem-solving skills

By mentioning your attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, you're telling the hiring manager that you're someone who can navigate and resolve complex financial issues.

Align with the company's mission

Expressing alignment with the company's values and mission shows that you're not just looking for any job but are interested in a meaningful contribution to their team.

Close with a strong call to action

Ending your cover letter by expressing eagerness for a follow-up conversation demonstrates proactivity and genuine interest in the position.

Senior Accountant Cover Letter Example

Illustrate your leadership and efficiency.

Leading a team to revamp a financial system and improve efficiency tells me that you're not just a doer, but a leader. By quantifying the efficiency increase and time reduction, you paint a clear picture of the potential value you could bring to our organization.

Emphasize your role in significant successes

Passing an external audit without major discrepancies is a big deal, and your role in it speaks volumes about your diligence and attention to detail. This tells me that you're someone who can be trusted with the responsibility of maintaining financial integrity in our company.

Demonstrate Your Ability to Innovate

When you say you 'redefined' accounts, it shows you're not just a passive participant in your role, you're proactive and looking for ways to improve things. This kind of mindset is something every employer appreciates.

Show How You Align with the Company

Your clear understanding of PwC's direction and how your skills fit into that is impressive. It shows that you've thought about how you can contribute to the company and that you're not just looking for any job, but specifically for this one.

Emphasize Your Unique Skills

By highlighting your ability to 'see beyond numbers', you're showing that you bring something extra to the table. It's not just about your technical skills, but also about your ability to interpret and understand the bigger picture, which is a valuable asset in a senior role.

Highlight your compatible background

Stating your strong background in areas critical to the job, alongside the company’s reputation, establishes a sense of a perfect match. It’s important to make the employer see you as a natural fit.

Showcase leadership and punctuality

Leading a team and ensuring timely delivery are key strengths in a senior accountant role. Demonstrating these abilities suggests that you are reliable and capable of handling responsibility.

Illustrate your contribution to business growth

Detailing your role in securing a significant contract by leveraging financial expertise showcases your ability to contribute directly to the company’s success. This sets you apart as a valuable asset.

Connect your aspirations with the firm’s goals

Expressing excitement about contributing to the firm’s mission indicates that you have a deep understanding of their objectives and are motivated to help achieve them.

Ending your cover letter with an invitation to discuss how your qualifications meet the firm's needs shows initiative and opens the door for further engagement.

Show your passion for accounting challenges

Talking about your love for tackling complex financial issues shows you're not just there for the job but for the thrill of solving problems. This is what teams look for in a senior accountant.

Highlight process improvements

When you detail how you've made things better, like enhancing financial controls, it tells me you're someone who doesn't just do the job but improves how it's done.

Emphasize communication in service

Mentioning your focus on communication and proactive problem-solving indicates you understand the core of client service is not just numbers but relationships.

Express eagerness to join the team

Your excitement about contributing to our success makes you stand out as a candidate who is already invested in our goals.

Asking to discuss the opportunity more shows you're ready to take the next step, making you a proactive candidate.

Express your fit for the senior accountant position

Starting with your strong interest and highlighting your track record prepares the ground for why you're the right candidate for the role.

Share impactful financial achievements

Detailing a specific instance where you identified and resolved a major issue proves your capability to handle responsibility and protect the company's interests.

Connect with the company's reputation

Showing that the company's reputation and commitment to innovation have drawn you to apply suggests you're looking to grow with and contribute to their success.

Thank the hiring manager

A polite thank you note signifies your appreciation for the opportunity to apply and consideration of your application.

Indicating your willingness to discuss your qualifications in an interview is a proactive step towards moving forward in the hiring process.

Accounting Manager Cover Letter Example

Match your passion with the job.

Showing your enthusiasm for the specific role at Grant Thornton and how it aligns with your personal interests in leading teams and enhancing accounting operations makes your application stand out.

Demonstrate leadership in accounting

Talking about your experience in managing a team and improving processes with tangible results, like reducing month-end close time, highlights your capability to lead and innovate in the accounting field.

Highlight your role in company growth

Your involvement in the acquisition and its positive outcomes showcases your strategic thinking and ability to contribute to business expansion, a valuable trait for the accounting manager role.

Show eagerness to impact the firm

Expressing your desire to contribute to the firm’s success and improve its accounting operations demonstrates a forward-thinking and proactive attitude, traits highly valued in potential employees.

Express gratitude and openness

Thanking the hiring manager for considering your application and showing eagerness to discuss your qualifications further indicates professionalism and a genuine interest in the position.

Staff Accountant Cover Letter Example

Share enthusiasm for the company's values.

Your excitement about our commitment to growth and collaboration tells me you've done your homework and see yourself fitting in.

Detail innovative solutions

Describing how you automated a process not only shows your technical skill but your initiative to make the workplace more efficient.

Spotlight on learning and solving problems

Emphasizing your quick learning and problem-solving abilities signals that you're a staff accountant who will grow and adapt with the team.

Connect attributes to company culture

When you link your work ethic and passion for accounting to our culture, it paints a picture of you being a natural fit.

Express gratitude and eagerness to discuss further

Thanking us for considering your application and showing eagerness to discuss your fit demonstrates humility and readiness for the next step.

Show your passion for the staff accountant role

Mentioning your degree in Accounting and expressing excitement about using it to help businesses shows you are not just looking for any job, but are specifically interested in this field and company. This helps create a connection with the hiring manager.

Highlight efficiency in accounting tasks

Describing how you completed tasks ahead of schedule and improved processes during your internship demonstrates your ability to add value through efficiency and innovation. This is particularly appealing in the accounting sector, where accuracy and productivity are key.

Stating your excitement about learning from the team and contributing to the company signals your readiness to be a proactive and positive addition. It's important to show that you're not just taking a job, but joining a community of professionals.

Emphasize your accounting foundation and motivation

Asserting your solid background in accounting principles and your drive to succeed indicates you have both the educational preparation and the personal ambition necessary for the role. This combination is compelling to hiring managers looking for staff accountants who can grow with the company.

Request an interview politely

Ending your cover letter by politely asking for an interview shows your genuine interest in the position and your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to the team in more detail. This is a respectful and professional way to close your letter, leaving a positive impression.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

Accountant Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write an Accountant Cover Letter

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

A strong accountant cover letter can bolster your chances of landing an interview during your job search. These types of roles tend to have similar job descriptions. Providing a cover letter is a great way to offer unique insights into how you used your knowledge of accounting principles to create value for your clients, teams, and organizations. In this guide, you’ll find expert tips and examples to translate your experience into a winning cover letter.

Accountant Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Accountant text-only cover letter templates and examples.

Kevin Morrison Accountant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | New York, NY 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Lori Taylor Senior Hiring Manager Allstate Insurance (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Taylor:

I’m reaching out to apply for the staff accountant position at Allstate Insurance that I found on LinkedIn . As you can see from my attached resume, I have five years of experience performing comprehensive financial analysis and reporting for large insurance companies. My expertise in payroll management and accounting would be an asset to your team.

Allstate Insurance’s reputation for its collaborative and inclusive work culture is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. Having a progressive corporate culture is essential for the success of any organization. I am confident I can create value for your customers, teams, and organizations based on my career achievements:

• Collaborated with the accounting manager to prepare and distribute financial reports, managed payroll upload from ADP to QuickBooks, and conducted payroll reconciliations valued at $1.5 million for over 200 employees
• Performed financial audits on outstanding balances, and in conjunction with the billing department, constructed payment plans and reduced aging accounts by 30%
• Coordinated transition of payroll and 401k programs and performed all accounting and payroll processes through month-end close

I hope to schedule an interview with you to further discuss how my expertise in payroll management and financial analysis could be an asset to your organization. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kevin Morrison

Meera Patel Senior Accountant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Diego, CA 12345 | LinkedIn

Tyrone Jackson Senior Hiring Manager NetSuite (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Jackson,

I would like to apply for the senior accountant position with NetSuite. With over eight years of experience in accounting, I’ve analyzed expenditures, risks, and margins for enterprise companies to drive long-term revenue growth and scalability. I am confident my background in financial analysis and risk management would be an asset to your organization.

NetSuite’s reputation as a leading provider of accounting software solutions is what draws me to apply for this position. Throughout my career, I’ve identified opportunities to streamline accounting processes and drive operational excellence. I can achieve similar results for your organization based on my previous successes:

• Oversaw all aspects of financials for a software consulting firm valued at $18 million, including cash flow, billing, payroll, HR administration, month-end close, tax returns, stock administration, and 401K management
• Led the transition from outdated accounting software and payroll platforms, which eliminated redundant processes and reduced annual labor costs by 25%
• Served as the liaison between the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the accounting team to resolve complex finance issues and perform comprehensive audits

I look forward to speaking with you further regarding how my experience working with enterprise companies could benefit your team. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Meera Patel

Melissa Anderson Accounting Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Boston, MA 12345 | LinkedIn

Akira Tanaka Senior Hiring Manager PayPal (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Tanaka:

I would like to apply for the accounting manager position with PayPal. During my time with Pantheon Technologies, I managed a 40-person accounting department and oversaw all month-end close activities for a company valued at over $120 million. I am confident that my accounting expertise and leadership experience would be an asset to your organization.

PayPal’s well-earned reputation as an innovator within the digital payment industry is what excites me about this opportunity. As an accounting manager, I excel in building dynamic teams and driving positive business outcomes. I can achieve similar results for your organization based on my career achievements:

• Managed a 40-person accounting department, analyzed and prepared financial reports, coordinated with auditors during internal and external audits, and oversaw monthly and quarterly close activities for a technology company valued at $120 million
• Conducted reconciliations for client accounts valued at up to $3 million, prepared journal entries, supported Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) internal controls, and drove process improvement initiatives
• Performed quarterly write-offs in coordination with the CFO, evaluated business items, and identified opportunities to reduce annual operating costs by 15%

I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my leadership experience would be an asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Melissa Anderson

The first step in writing your accountant cover letter is to carefully analyze the job description and identify how your unique skill sets align with the company’s needs. This provides valuable insights to help prioritize aspects of your experience that position you as an ideal candidate for the accountant role.

Once you understand what to include, the next step is to convey your accounting experience by emphasizing your strongest achievements. Show potential employers how you’ve successfully utilized your financial knowledge and analytical skills to improve processes and create value throughout your career. Below, we’ll walk you through the writing process for each section of an accountant cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

List all essential contact information in the header of your accountant cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This shows potential employers you’ve done your due diligence and research on the company before applying, which can help you stand out during the job search.

2. Introductory paragraph

Lead with a strong opening paragraph to set the tone for your accountant cover letter and convey your interest in the opportunity. Feature your years of experience and relevant accounting skills that match the job description. Highlight one of your most notable career achievements to grab the hiring manager’s attention and establish your credibility as a financial professional.

I would like to apply for the accounting manager position with PayPal. During my time with Pantheon Technologies, I managed a 40-person accounting department and oversaw all month-end close activities for a company valued at over $120 million. I am confident my accounting expertise and leadership experience would be an asset to your organization.

3. Body paragraphs

Include up to two paragraphs describing your professional experience and qualifications. Start by mentioning something specific about the company’s reputation or culture and explain why this draws you to apply for the position. Be sure to emphasize career achievements that align with the organization’s needs.

For example, if a company is seeking an accountant with a strong background in financial controls, SOX, and internal audits, provide tangible examples of this from your work history. Customizing your accountant cover letter will maximize your chances of landing the interview .

• Conducted reconciliations for client accounts valued at up to $3 million, prepared journal entries, supported SOX internal controls, and drove process improvement initiatives

4. Accounting skills and qualifications

Providing a list of professional skills is generally not advisable for your account cover letter, as most of this information has already been covered in the resume. That said, weave key terms from the job description into your paragraphs. This shows potential employers how you’ve successfully applied your accounting skills in fast-paced business environments. Below, you’ll find a list of skill sets you may encounter while pursuing accountant jobs:

5. Closing section

End your accountant cover letter with a call to action inviting the hiring manager to schedule an interview. Use this opportunity to reinforce how your expertise in financial analysis and accounting creates value for potential employers. In the last sentence of the paragraph of your babysitter cover letter, thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

Accountant Cover Letter Tips

1. quantify your career achievements.

As an accounting professional, it’s important to add data to your accomplishments whenever possible. Incorporating numbers, hard data, and monetary figures is a powerful way to add depth to your achievements and tell your story. Not only does this establish a sense of scope for the reader, but it demonstrates your strong attention to detail in a much more tangible way.

2. Feature your knowledge of audits and regulatory compliance

Accountants must possess a strong knowledge of audits, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance. As you write your cover letter, pay attention to the specific terminology listed in the job description and incorporate these terms naturally. Depending on the role, you might emphasize your knowledge of SOX controls, GAAP, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, or tax compliance.

3. Tailor your cover letter to the role you’re applying for

Although many accountant jobs have similar responsibilities and requirements , you can still make a strong impression on potential employers by tailoring your cover letter to each position you apply for. For example, if a company mentions month-end close, you might highlight your efforts to automate or streamline closing activities rather than only listing it as a job duty.

Accountant Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i include an accountant cover letter -.

Most applications for accountant positions won’t require a cover letter, but it can be advantageous to include one anyway. Accounting job descriptions tend to be similar, and as a result, so do the resumes. Providing a customized cover letter is a way to provide more insights into who you are as a professional and why you’re the ideal fit for the role.

Are cover letters becoming obsolete? -

Many believe that cover letters are a thing of the past. According to a LinkedIn poll conducted by Forbes , 70% of correspondents voted that cover letters are no longer needed during the application process. Still, taking the time to write one demonstrates your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role you’re applying for. This can sometimes make all the difference in generating interviews during the job search.

How long should my cover letter be? -

Regarding the length of your cover letter, less is more. A concise, focused document that highlights your most notable qualifications and achievements will always have a stronger impact on the reader. Keep your cover letter limited to three or four paragraphs, featuring the most important aspects of your professional experience.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Accounting cover letter example

Tone of voice

As an accountant you are a whiz with numbers — you can divide 43 by 3 in your head, you know that 100 is 125% of 80, and maybe sometimes you even dream in Microsoft Excel. But to land the accountant job that’s right for you, you’ll need an irresistible pitch that includes an outstanding accountant cover letter. To do that right, alongside your resume, you need to master a different set of skills.

Resume.io has what you need to get started, including an extensive collection of occupation-specific writing guides and corresponding cover letter examples. We also offer resume writing tools, informative blogs and field-tested templates to help you create both types of job application documents.

What you are reading now will take you through the steps to write a persuasive accountant cover letter — the critical companion document to your resume. This one-page document, just 200 to 400 words, is your personal appeal to someone who has the power to offer you a job, and it’s absolutely crucial. 

What we’ll cover in this writing guide, along with a corresponding accountant cover letter example:

• Why a cover letter is a necessary companion to a resume
• How to structure your accounting cover letter
• How to optimize the impact of each cover letter section: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• The psychology of persuasive writing
• Mistakes to avoid in writing and formatting.

The good news for accountants is that the job outlook is solid and the pay is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% job growth for accountants and auditors between 2020 and 2030, which is roughly the same rate as the overall job market. Pretty much all businesses need accountants, and so the number of accounting jobs is expected to keep pace with overall economic growth. 

According to Glassdoor , average base pay for accountants is $60,057 a year, with additional cash compensation in many instances. Yet according to the BLS, the median pay for accountants and auditors is $73,560 a year, meaning half of the people in these occupations earned more than that and half earned less. So the jobs are out there, and you want the best one you can get. Your ticket to your dream job is an outstanding cover letter and resume, and that’s where resume.io can help.

Why you need an accounting cover letter

The cover letter is your personal outreach to a hiring manager — your effort to establish a person-to-person conversation that could lead to a job. The purpose of the letter is to outline your experience, skills and qualifications, and its goal is to maximize your chances of getting the job. 

The same could be said of a resume, but a resume is a more impersonal listing of your employment and education history. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to speak directly to a prospective employer on a personal level. On occasion you’ll encounter an employer that specifically asks you not to send a cover letter, or perhaps its job application system allows the upload of a resume only. In such cases, you have no choice but to comply with the company’s wishes. 

But unless you are specifically asked not to, you should always include a cover letter with a job application. The only possible harm this can do to your case is if your cover letter is badly written or improperly formatted. But when done right, a cover letter can only increase your chances of success.

If you’re looking for additional inspiration for cover letter writing, you can check out our related accounting & finance cover letter examples: 

• Finance cover letter sample
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• Finance Manager cover letter sample
• Bank Teller cover letter sample
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• Private Equity cover letter sample
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• Bank Manager cover letter sample
• Loan Processor cover letter sample
• Accounting Internship cover letter sample
• Financial Advisor cover letter sample
• CFO cover letter sample  

Best format for an accounting cover letter

Cover letters for any occupation should generally follow the same structure:

• Introduction
• Conclusion and signature.

Let’s look at each of these components, what their purpose is, and how to do them right.

Our comprehensive cover letter guide offers more general advice about how to go about compiling cover letters and more cover letter examples. But below you will find specific advice on how to maximize the effectiveness of each specific letter paragraph and section for an accountant.

Cover letter header

The purpose of the header at the top of the letter is to convey your personal contact info, including name, address, phone number and email. It also provides visual branding that should match the resume, and it’s not a bad idea to make the header of your resume and cover letter identical. 

Your name should generally be the first and largest element on the page, demonstrating your confidence and making you more memorable as a job candidate. If your cover letter is printed out and placed in a stack of 10 others, it should be easy to find by looking for your name at the top. 

The traditional format for all business letters includes the sender’s return mailing address. In today’s digital age, mailing addresses are not always considered necessary, but they should usually be included unless there’s a reason not to. At the very least, you should include the city and state (and possibly country) where you live.

Another function of the header is to provide an eye-pleasing design element on a page that will otherwise consist of nothing but blocks of black text. The header introduces the possibility of color, perhaps a photo of yourself, and design elements that give your letter a more interesting look.

Goal of the cover letter header: Stand out from scores of other accounting candidates with a distinctive-looking header that identifies who you are and how recruiters can reach you.

Align document styles

The style of your resume and your cover letter should be a visual match — using the same fonts, font sizes and formatting. It should be obvious at a glance that these two documents came from the same applicant.

If the header and text styles in your resume and cover letter are totally different, it’s going to look like you can’t decide on a visual style, or you don’t even think it matters. Or it might look like you’re using an old resume that you send to all employers, with a letter that you just wrote in your favorite new font. 

On the other hand, a visually pleasing style and design applied to both documents will demonstrate your attention to detail and consistency — signs of a buttoned-down mind that are critical in an accountant.

Cover letter greeting

“Dear Mr. (or Ms.) Xxxxxxx:” is the simplest and most reliable formula for writing the greeting, also known as a salutation. You can’t go wrong with this — unless you misspell the name or get the gender wrong!

However, the age of email has changed a lot of conventions that were once considered unbreachable. “Greetings” or “Hello” are often used to replace the “Dear,” and the colon at the end is now usually replaced by a comma. Study the company you are targeting to understand the appropriate level of formality, given the image it projects and the position you are seeking. And beware of being too informal in a letter you’re writing to a stranger who has the power to offer you a job. 

Try to address your letter to an actual person

With few exceptions, it’s almost always best to address a cover letter to an individual by name. There are several reasons for this:

• It shows that this isn’t the same generic cover letter you sent to 50 other companies.
• It shows that you’ve done your homework to find out who the hiring manager is.
• It establishes a personal connection between you and the recipient.
• People like to read their own names.
• A personally addressed letter is more likely to get a reply.

Job listings often do not name the hiring manager. But it may well be worth your time to call the company and ask who that person is.

However, hiring managers sometimes prefer to remain anonymous, and when you call the company you may be told that there’s no need to include anyone’s name. If so, respect the company’s wishes and find another way to write your greeting — “Dear Human Relations Department,” “Greetings, XYZ team,” or the like.

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off by directly addressing the recruiter in a friendly, professional manner.

Cover letter introduction

Ready, set, write! The first paragraph of your letter should be one or two engaging, sincere, attention-getting sentences that identify the job you’re seeking and provide a quick preview as to why you would be an excellent candidate for this job. The introduction is arguably the most important paragraph of your letter because it comes first. We all know how many chances we get at a first impression. Any turnoffs in your intro — a typo, a clumsy pitch or the wrong tone of voice — will leave a bad taste in your correspondent’s mouth from the start. 

The introduction should be written in lively and energetic yet professional language that sets the tone for the rest of your letter. It should never be boring or bland, nor should it cross a line into excessive familiarity or arrogance. The perfect introduction will make the reader want to read on. 

There’s a guide to public speaking that applies well to writing: “Tell them what you’re going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them.” The introduction is where you “tell them what you’re going to tell them.”

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Appeal to the employer's specific hiring needs by emphasizing the value you would bring as an accountant.

Dear Ms. Pinkerton,

In the world of temporary recruitment, it is often difficult to keep track of the money. After 12 years in recruitment accounting, I have a wide range of financial instruments and software innovations at my disposal to ensure effective financial management.

Cover letter body (or middle part)

This is where you “tell them.” 

The body of your cover letter is your primary pitch. It should be two to three paragraphs focused on your employment history, your achievements in the workplace, any accounting certifications you hold, and the skills and passions that make you great at your job. As you review your employment history, highlight specific job accomplishments. Be as specific as possible — include facts, figures and anecdotes using strong action verbs to illustrate your proven successes.

In the last paragraph of the body of your letter, you can pivot from talking about the past to discuss your overall skills and other qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for this job. You can also discuss how your contributions will specifically help the company you’re writing to. Always remember that the purpose of a cover letter is not to describe why you deserve a job — it’s to convince your correspondents that you can help solve their problems and make them a stronger company.

Goal of the cover letter body: Build the recruiter’s confidence in your abilities as an outstanding accountant.

Cash flow is king for any temp recruiter. As an accredited holder of an MBA with accounts from Ohio University, I have designed systems, balanced budgets, assessed risks and guided strategy for three top-tier recruiters over the past decade, all with over 60% temporary candidates. I now want to move to a smaller company, where I can head the department. I understand that you are expanding internationally — I have four years’ experience working with affiliate offices in Asia and Europe. Regulations differ significantly in different regions and you need someone who has jumped through the various hoops. My husband is from Hong Kong — do I understand correctly that is where your first satellite office might be based? Here are some numbers to give you a taste, but I have many more to share during an interview:

• Created award-winning cloud invoicing and activity tracking system for 800+ temps.
• Track record of managing delinquent accounts — estimated savings of $4 million to $5 million.
• Managed a team of three at my previous employer — developing others is a passion.

Recruiters have always been happy to work with me, because they know that I will do everything in my power to get them paid quicker. I am a committed team player, a meticulous planner and detail freak. I cringe at the possibility of committing an error.

How to close an accounting cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

This is where you “tell them what you told them.” The final paragraph should be a brief summary of the intro and body of your letter, and it should also be a call to action.  For example: "Would you mind if I call you next week to discuss the possibility of arranging an interview?"

A question like this may jolt your correspondent into thinking, “Hmm, this person really wants a response.” And that’s exactly the effect you want to achieve. The last thing you want is for the hiring manager to lay your letter aside and do nothing about it. 

The traditional close for business letters of all kinds, including cover letters, is a simple “Sincerely,” followed by your name. A physical signature is not necessary unless you are sending a printed copy of your cover letter.

Aim of the cover letter closing: End with a call to action, ideally resulting in an interview.

If you need an accountant who is a master in the dark arts of recruitment finance, then I would be delighted to share some more of my secrets when interviewed. Sincerely, Tim Stewart

The psychology of persuasive writing: accounting for your skills

Some writing is meant to be informative, some is meant to be entertaining, but the cover letter falls under the category of persuasive writing. You are literally trying to get your reader to do something different as a result of your letter — and for that you may need to use some psychology. Psychologists say the human brain functions at both an emotional and a rational level. The emotional reaction is typically quicker and more automatic, but it’s powerful because it touches us in a personal place. The rational reaction is slower, more deliberative and more analytical — the very response you need for someone to consider calling you in for an interview.

Studies have shown that an emotional approach can make us more receptive to a rational approach, attaining the best of both worlds. 

Here’s an example of cover letter language that appeals to the heart more than the head:

“I’m the kind of person who gets excited about numbers. I enjoy the challenge of organizing and analyzing complex information and producing accurate and relevant reports — and I cringe at the possibility of ever committing an error

It might seem overly personal to tell a potential employer how you feel about doing your job, but the entire purpose of the cover letter is to make a personal appeal. It shows your correspondents that you are human, and it will make them more likely to pay attention when you segue to more rational statements involving facts, figures and anecdotes.

Study your target, from its job listing to its website to its social media posts, to see what kind of language it uses to address its clients. Then adopt a tone that is similar — not copycat, but using the same level of formality or lack thereof.

Also, consider your position relative to the company. Are you a college student applying for an internship, or are you seeking a senior accounting position with a major firm? Find the appropriate tone relative to who you are and whom you’re addressing.

Confidence is always a good thing, but overconfidence is never helpful. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re addressing, and try to imagine what that person would think of your approach.

Common accounting cover letter sample errors and how to avoid them

Here are some of the mistakes people commonly make in writing cover letters:

• Copy-paste, generic letters that could have been addressed to anybody. You need to demonstrate that you have studied the company you’re addressing and that your pitch is addressed specifically to that company.
• Typos or other mistakes in spelling, grammar or punctuation. Among the most important qualities in any accountant is accuracy, so any mistakes in your letter will be red flags. You absolutely cannot afford to be sloppy. If writing is not your long suit, find an editor to proofread and revise your letter.
• Fluffy, bloated letters full of PR-speak and clichés. Have you mentioned that you’re a “team player” or a “self-starter”? That kind of language was popular in cover letters in 1985, and it’s been repeated a million times since. Use language that’s bold and original, never generic or common.
• Formatting errors in design, font or file type. The worst possible mistake you could make in a cover letter is to send it in a file type or format that your recipient can’t even open. Or your letter may be readable, but it may open in a different application that makes the text jump all over the place and turn parts of it into garble. To avoid this mistake, read on.

Use a professional cover letter template

The best way to sidestep potentially fatal formatting flaws is to use a professional cover letter template. At resume.io, we provide dozens of templates for both resumes and cover letters, with a builder tool that walks you through each step. 

The result will be an attractively designed, field-tested PDF using appropriate fonts. The advantage of a PDF is that it’s universally readable, and it preserves your formatting so that the letter looks the same on the recipient’s screen as it does on yours.

Key takeaways for an accounting cover letter

• The job outlook for accountants is secure, and the median pay is $73,560 a year. But to rise above an expanding group of job applicants, you need an outstanding resume and cover letter.
• Always include a cover letter with a job application unless the employer specifically tells you not to.
• Understand the structure and components of a cover letter and follow the guidelines to writing each part of it correctly.
• Use psychological insights and the right tone of voice to write a persuasive cover letter that will get results.
• Avoid writing and formatting errors, and for best results use a professionally designed template like those at resume.io.

Resume.io is here to make your life easier and your job hunt successful. Go ahead and try out our cover letter builder for all the amazing functionality it provides.

Free professionally designed templates

Accountant Cover Letter Example

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Start your Accountant cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible. This personal touch shows you've done your research and are serious about the role. Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. For example, "Dear Mr. Smith, I am a Certified Public Accountant with over five years of experience in the field, and I am writing to express my interest in the Accountant position at your esteemed organization." This opening is direct and clearly communicates your intent. It's also beneficial to mention a mutual connection or something about the company that stands out to you, to show your enthusiasm and knowledge about the organization.

The best way for accountants to end a cover letter is by summarizing their interest in the role and their qualifications. They should also express enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company. For example, "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to your team and help drive financial efficiency and strategic growth. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further." It's also important to thank the reader for their time and consideration. Always end with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. This ending reiterates your interest, highlights your suitability, and shows appreciation for the reader's time, which is crucial in a professional setting.

In a cover letter, Accountants should include the following: 1. Contact Information: This includes your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If not, use a professional greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager". 3. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention the job you're applying for. You can also mention where you found the job listing. 4. Body: This is where you sell yourself. Highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements that are relevant to the job description. As an accountant, you might want to highlight your proficiency in accounting software, your analytical skills, attention to detail, and your ability to work with large amounts of data. 5. Examples: Provide specific examples of your work. For instance, you might mention a time when you identified a cost-saving opportunity, or when you streamlined a process to improve efficiency. 6. Education and Certifications: Mention your degree in accounting and any relevant certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). 7. Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention relevant soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. 8. Conclusion: Reiterate your interest in the role and the value you can bring to the company. Thank the reader for considering your application. 9. Closing: End with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and signature. Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. It's your chance to tell a story about your career and show why you're a great fit for the role.

Related Cover Letters for Accountant

Related resumes for accountant, try our ai cover letter generator.

32 Professional Accountant Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your accountant cover letter must clearly highlight your expertise in managing financial records. Demonstrate your proficiency with relevant accounting software and standards. Showcase your attention to detail and your ability to communicate financial information effectively. Your cover letter should exemplify your track record of achieving accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Accounting Intern

Senior Accountant

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Entry-Level Accountant

Junior Cost Accountant

Accounting Analyst

Accounting Assistant

Accounting Supervisor

Big 4 Accounting

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Director of Accounting

Financial Accounting

Forensic Accounting

Full Cycle Accounting

Functional Accounting

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General Ledger Accounting

Government Accounting

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Management Accounting

Oracle Project Accounting

Project Accounting

Public Accounting

Purchase Accounting

Tax Accountant

Staff Accountant

Onboarding Accountant

Revenue Tax Accountant

Cover letter guide.

Accountant Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Accountant Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Embarking on your job hunt, you've likely discovered that an accountant cover letter is a must-submit piece alongside your resume. It's not just a repeat of your credentials; your cover letter is the stage for your proudest professional moment, woven into a compelling story that captivates hiring managers. Keep it straightforward and free from overused phrases, ensuring it's concise enough to fit on a single page. Let's tackle the common pitfalls and craft a letter that balances professionalism with personality.

• Create a accountant cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
• Use industry-leading accountant cover letter templates and examples to save time;
• Dedicate your accountant cover letter space to your best achievement;
• Make sure your accountant cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your accountant cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

If the accountant isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Accounting resume guide and example
• Financial Analyst cover letter example
• Construction Accounting cover letter example
• Purchase Manager cover letter example
• Bank Teller cover letter example
• Financial Representative cover letter example
• General Ledger Accounting cover letter example
• Night Auditor cover letter example
• Finance Specialist cover letter example
• Tax Director cover letter example
• Public Accounting Auditor cover letter example

Accountant cover letter example

Charlotte May

Seoul, South Korea

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Alignment with Organizational Goals: The cover letter does an excellent job of aligning the candidate's experience and success with the organization's objectives, demonstrating an understanding of the company's needs and how their skills can contribute meaningfully.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific metrics, such as reduced processing time by 30% or saving $500,000 dollars, helps to quantitatively demonstrate the impact of the candidate's actions in previous roles—providing tangible proof of their capabilities and successes.
• Relevant Past Experience: Highlighting roles at reputable companies like Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics can reassure the hiring manager of the candidate's experience in significant environments and the professional level of their competencies.
• Call to Action: Closing the letter with an invitation to contact the applicant for an interview is a proactive step that simultaneously respects the hiring manager's time and demonstrates the candidate's eagerness to move forward in the application process.

The must-have sections and format of your accountant cover letter

When writing your accountant cover letter, keep in mind that it'll only be read by the recruiters and not the Applicant Tracker System (or software used to assess your profile). That's why you should structure your content with a/an:

• Header (apart from your contact information, include your name, the role you're applying for, and the date);
• Personalized salutation;
• Opening paragraph to win the recruiters over;
• Middle paragraph with key details;
• Closing that starts from clichés;
• Sign off (that's not mandatory).

Industry standards dictate your paragraphs to be single-spaced and to wrap your content in a one-inch margin. Designing your accountant cover letter, refer to one of our templates , which automatically takes care of the spacing and margins.

Choose the same font for your accountant cover letter as you did for your resume : the likes of Lato and Bitter would help you to stand out in a sea of cover letters in Arial or Times New Roman.

Export your whole accountant cover letter from our builder in PDF to keep the same formatting and image quality.

The top sections on a accountant cover letter

• Header : Include your contact information and the date, ensuring the recruiter can easily reach out to you after being impressed by your accounting qualifications and experience.
• Greeting : Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name if possible, to personalize your cover letter and demonstrate that you have done your research on the company.
• Introduction : Clearly state the accounting position you are applying for and give a succinct overview of your qualifications that matches the job requirements, showcasing your attention to detail which is crucial for an accountant.
• Body : Elaborate on your relevant accounting experience, certifications (like CPA), technical skills (such as proficiency in accounting software), and accomplishments with specific figures and examples that quantify your success, which is a key aspect that recruiters look for in accountants.
• Closing : Finish by reiterating your enthusiasm for the role, the value you can bring to the company with your accounting expertise, and a call to action, such as requesting an interview to discuss your fit for the position in more detail.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Attention to detail: Crucial for reviewing financial records and ensuring the accuracy of financial documents.
• Analytical skills: Necessary for interpreting financial data and making recommendations based on financial analysis.
• Proficiency with accounting software: Essential for the efficient handling of accounting tasks and staying current with technology trends in the field.
• Understanding of accounting principles and regulations: Important to ensure compliance with financial laws and generally accepted accounting practices.
• Communication skills: Required for effectively conveying financial information to non-accountants and collaborating with team members.
• Time management and organization: Vital for meeting financial deadlines, managing multiple clients or projects, and maintaining orderly financial records.

What greeting should you use in your accountant cover letter salutation

A simple "Hello" or "Hey" just won't work.

With your accountant cover letter salutation , you set the tone of the whole communication.

You should thus address the hiring managers by using their first (or last name) in your greeting.

But how do you find out who's recruiting for the role?

The easiest way is to look up the role on LinkedIn or the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also contact the organization via social media or email, for more information.

Unable to still obtain the recruiter's name?

Don't go down the "To whom it may concern path". Instead, start your cover letter with a "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Name of the Hiring Manager],
• Dear [Department] Manager,
• Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,

Your accountant cover letter introduction and the value you bring

Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction .

Use those first two sentences of your accountant cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.

Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.

That is - what is your value as a professional?

Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?

Choosing your best achievement for the middle or body of your accountant cover letter

Now that you have the recruiters' attention, it's time to write the chunkiest bit of your accountant cover letter .

The body consists of three to six paragraphs that focus on one of your achievements.

Use your past success to tell a story of how you obtained your most job-crucial skills and know-how (make sure to back these up with tangible metrics).

Another excellent idea for your accountant cover letter's middle paragraphs is to shine a light on your unique professional value.

Write consistently and make sure to present information that is relevant to the role.

Thinking about the closing paragraph of your accountant cover letter

Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your accountant cover letter .

Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.

Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.

Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).

By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.

Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your accountant cover letter?

Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your accountant cover letter .

Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.

Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).

Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).

Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.

Key takeaways

Writing your accountant cover letter has never been easier, so remember to:

• Select a accountant cover letter template that automatically meets industry formatting (e.g. has one-inch margins, is single-spaced, is in PDF, etc.);
• Make your accountant cover letter personal by mentioning the recruiters' first or last name;
• Within the introduction, describe what you like best about the company in no more than two sentences;
• Use your accountant cover letter body to tell a story of your greatest achievement, backed up by job-relevant skills and technologies;
• If you have no professional experience, be honest about it in your accountant cover letter, but also write about your unique talents.

Accountant cover letter examples

Explore additional accountant cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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• Lightning-fast responses

How To Follow Up on a Job Application

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Accountant cover letter examples

You’re great with numbers, but now you need to put your writing skills to the test to create a unique and persuasive cover letter that’s going to make you stand out.

To help you do this, we’ve put together a detailed writing guide, packed with top tips that will help you to showcase the qualifications, experience and skills that make you perfect for the job.

We’ve also put together some handy accountant cover letter examples to inspire your own. Check them out below.

CV templates 

Accountant cover letter example 1

Build your CV now 

Accountant cover letter example 2

Accountant cover letter example 3

These 3 Accountant cover letter example s should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.

Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.

How to write a Accountant cover letter

Here’s how to write your own winning Accountant cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Accountant cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.

Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try to uncover it via these methods.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you have opened the cover letter with a warm greeting, you need to explain which role you are interested in.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant could be managing over 10 vacancies, so it’s crucial to pinpoint exactly which one you are interested in.

Highlight the department/area if possible and look for any reference numbers you can quote.

These are some examples you can add..

• I am interested in applying for the role of Accountant with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Accountant cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Accountant cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

• Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
• Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
• The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
• Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
• Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Accountant cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Accountant cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Good afternoon, Eric

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Accountant position at PwC, as advertised on LinkedIn. With a proven track record of delivering accurate financial analysis and strategic insights, I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your accounting team.

Over the past 8 years as an Accountant for KPMG, I have reduced the time required to produce P&L statements by 40% through implementing streamlined reporting processes, identified cost-saving opportunities which lowered annual expenses by £20K, as well as contributed to a 15% increase in company profits due to accurate revenue forecasting.

I regularly support internal audits, recognise potential areas of improvement, and integrate best practices to mitigate risks. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and expertise to your firm’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and experience in greater detail, at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards

Luke Brooks ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

I am a recent graduate of the University of Birmingham, having obtained a BSc (Honours) in Finance, and would like to express my interest in the Graduate Accounting position offered by Deloitte.

During my academic journey, I excelled in various courses, including managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation. Throughout my hands-on internships over the past year with Haines Watts, I gained practical experience in analysing comprehensive financial data. Some of my notable accomplishments include, assisting in the preparation of monthly statements with 100% accuracy for a portfolio of 100 clients, as well as helping with the implementation of a new bookkeeping system that reduced the time taken to reconcile accounts by 20%.

Furthermore, I can gather documentation and prepare tax filings to ensure compliance with outlined regulations and have excelled in communicating with diverse clientele and vendors to promptly resolve billing inquiries, while enhancing satisfaction levels and maintaining positive relationships.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my skills and qualifications align with the needs of PwC.

Jim Lewis ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Good afternoon, Faith

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Accounting Manager position at Smith & Williamson, advertised on Career Jet. As a professional with a proven track record of successfully leading financial operations, implementing process improvements, and driving strategic financial decision-making, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to your esteemed organisation.

With 18+ years overall experience, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to support the management of the full spectrum of accounting functions, from financial reporting and analysis to budgeting and forecasting. I am passionate about creating and maintaining robust financial systems that promote transparency, accuracy, and efficiency.

In my current role as a Senior Accountant with Moore Stephens, I incorporated automated processes for accounts payable and receivable that reduced processing time by 40%, increased revenue within the first fiscal quarter by £125K through revamping pricing strategies, as well as achieved a clean audit report for 7 consecutive years due to implementing strong internal controls.

I look forward to discussing my skills and experience in greater detail at your convenience.

Felicity Crow ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Accountant job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

Accounting Cover Letter: Examples +Tips & Templates to Excel

To apply for an accounting position, you must know how to stand out with a quality letter to attach to your resume. Indeed, the cover letter allows you to put forward the reasons why you believe that you are the qualified specialist for this position. You will list your work experience, training and qualifications in general accounting. But it is also allowed to briefly express your projects and your objectives in favor of the company or in relation to your personal projects.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Sample Cover Letter for Accountant

Your First name - Last name Your Address Postal code - City Phone E-mail address (City), on (Date)

To the attention of the Human Resources Department ‍ Name + Address Postal Code - City of the company

Subject: Application for the Accountant position

Dear Mr. Jimmy Thompson,

It is with great enthusiasm that I discovered your advertisement for the recruitment of a Senior Accountant, and I would like to send you, my application.

Rigorous and with [number] years of experience in managing accounting through extensive teamwork. With expertise in recording data and account receivable transactions, I master all accounting flows and reports.

With a [accounting degree], I have had successful results working for the AAC Group. Within this framework, I had the opportunity to successfully manage and optimize the current accounting operations, and to prepare the closing of the monthly and annual accounts.

Meticulous and organized, I can work in the respect of the rules of confidentiality, and with the sense of responsibility and the rigour essential to the exercise of this profession.

I am at your disposal for an interview in order to express my motivation in person.

• Thank you for your consideration of my application.

Your Signature

Your First name - Last name

Accounting functions are essential to all businesses. This profession plays a key role in financial management and tax matters. The average salary for an accountant is $73,000 per year in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The recruiter is looking for an ideal candidate, so don't hesitate to showcase yourself in the letter and also during your interview.

Discover our cover letter templates best suited to your profile among our many examples available online.

Here is a sample cover letter for the job of an experienced accountant.

How to write a cover letter for an accountant

To make a letter of application , you must gather every element related to your skills and education in the field of accounting. If you have previously held a similar position in one or more companies, this is a great advantage.

Here are the general rules to keep in mind when writing your cover letter :

• Header: Write your name + first name, your e-mail, your city and postal code, your phone number at the top left, then the city and date below but on the right
• Make sure to put in the center: To ... / to the hiring manager (or human resources) at (company name)
• Introduction: Express your enthusiasm or interest in the ad / offer
• Hook paragraph: put your professional assets (years of experience, training, your expertise...)
• Professional and/or personal section: List your education and training, your diploma(s), your certifications, your internships and other professional experience
• Interview request: You can say that you are eager to join the team; that you are available for this job right away...
• One-sentence closing greeting

How to create a good layout of the Accounting cover letter

The layout for the accounting application letter is organized as follows:

• The letterhead with your contact information, the name and contact information of the employer (no phone number), the city and the date the letter was sent
• The subject of the letter.
• The body text: with 3 or 4 paragraphs maximum. It ends with the closing greeting.
• The footer with the signature and the post-script (optional) to indicate that your resume is attached or that you are going to make a phone contact.

The structure of the accounting cover letter

The traditional structure remains for this letter template. It should ideally fit on one page (reduce the font size or the distance between each line if your text is long) and in MS Word or PDF format. Try to keep your sentences short and change your ideas for each paragraph. Before sending it, check that there are no repetitions and that your words are as clear as possible. More details in our sample letter for the accounting profession.

Writing a cover letter for an accounting job

The header is the part that identifies you and the company to which the application is addressed. Be sure to highlight the area reserved for writing your first and last name, your address (postal code, city) and your e-mail, without forgetting your telephone number. There is no need to put more information about yourself because the resume already contains it. In the area where you put the recipient, write the name of the company or the name of the person who is recruiting if it was mentioned in the ad.

Writing the ideal cover letter for an accounting job

From the very first lines, the sentence must be catchy. The recruiter will judge from the start whether or not your profile interests him/her. In our accounting cover letter template examples, the teaser arrives in 4 or 5 lines and contains:

• A brief summary to show that your profile corresponds to the one the company is looking for (education, years of experience, current situation);
• A few details about the job you are applying for to prove that you know what it is about;
• Some major skills you feel are necessary for this position.

Example of a good hook / Example of a bad hook for an Accounting job

How to mention your professional experience in your accounting cover letter.

To further confirm your motivation, you can talk about your plans or goals once you have obtained the desired position. To do this, talk about the values of the company that you share and highlight your expertise.

Example of a professional summary in an accounting cover letter

How to highlight your strengths and key skills in your cover letter.

You need to be able to explain how your soft skills and hard skills related to general accounting could benefit the company or the position. Your skills and personal qualities must be the solution. In other words, you must convince the recruiter that they really need you.

Here are some examples of hard and soft skills that are essential to the functions of an accountant:

• Mastery of computer tools
• Management of office automation and accounting and tax processing software.
• Mathematical skills
• Good knowledge of legal, fiscal and accounting standards (labor and corporate law, public procurement code, supplier regulations) as well as of the company
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work in a team
• Autonomous and organized
• Good synthesis skills

How to finish your accounting cover letter

It is important to finish the letter well to show the recruiter that you are really interested in the job. There is no need to summarize what has already been said to avoid repetition, but you should conclude with a request for an interview and a greeting.

Examples of phrases to request an interview

The following are sample wordings for an interview request for the accounting position:

• I am immediately available for an interview, and I would really like to join your team and put my skills to work for you.
• I am at your disposal for a possible interview if my profile meets your expectations

Examples of appropriate closing greetings

Here are some examples of polite closing statements for cover letters for this type of job:

• I'd love the opportunity to discuss the role and what skills I can bring to the position.
• Yours respectfully
• Yours sincerely

Summary: Key points for writing the perfect accounting cover letter

To create the best accounting cover letter, it is important to follow the formatting and structure as in our templates and examples available online. Here are some tips for creating your personalized letter:

• Use a professional and uniform font that is easy to read
• Use short sentences
• Be specific and clear
• Aerate the page
• Try not to exceed one page
• Proofread to avoid careless mistakes

Find out more tips and download our resume templates and a sample accountant in our platform.

Frequently Asked Questions for an Accounting Cover Letter

Which resume should i choose for my accounting cover letter.

To accompany your application letter, you should also create a quality resume. Choose from our resume templates . The ideal resume should contain all the information concerning the education and skills required for the accountant's role. The resume should also highlight your profile, summarizing your education and professional experience related to accounting. Your personal information (town/city, telephone number, email) should be included in the first few lines of your resume. Add, of course, your language skills, computer skills and personal qualities. Some recruiters also like to get to know the candidate better through their values, hobbies or interests. No need to put a whole list, 2 to 3 or 4 per heading will suffice. Keep in mind that the resume template should be no longer than one page.

How do I write the e-mail that will contain the cover letter?

You must write a short e-mail to introduce your application, attaching your cover letter and resume. This e-mail must be short and must not contain any spelling mistakes. Start by professionally addressing the recipient, after writing "Hello". Also, remind the recipient of the job title you are applying for, and politely invite them to open the attachments. Don't forget to put your phone number and full name at the bottom of the e-mail so they can call you quickly without having to search through the attachments.

Tasuta allalaetav kaaskirja mall

Motivatsioonikiri, millele on enamikul juhtudel lisatud CV, on iga töötaotluse põhielement. Seda tüüpi kiri peab lühidalt kirjeldama oskusi, võimeid ja teadmisi, mis teil on ja mis on teatud huviga seoses otsitava ametikohaga. Selles mõttes peab kaaskiri lihtsalt sisaldama sellele ametikohale kandideerimise motivatsiooni ja põhjendusi. See peab äratama värbajas huvi ja panema ta pidama teid selle töö jaoks parimaks võimaluseks.

Kuidas koostada lihtsat kaaskirja

• 1 Valige oma valitud CV mall.
• 2 Austab ühtset struktuuri. Näiteks kasutage kaaskirja struktuuriga "Sina-Mina-Meie".
• 3 Lisage järgmised osad, apellatsioonivorm, lühitutvustus, kirja sisu ja järeldus
• 4 Ärge unustage viimast viisakusvalemit. Vaadake kaaskirja viisakusvalemite näiteid.
• 5 Isiklikuma ja formaalsema ilme lisamiseks lisage lehe allossa oma allkiri
• 6 Kui soovite saata selle meili teel, eksportige oma kaaskiri PDF-vormingus.

Teised kaaskirjade näidised

Kaaskirja struktureerimise nõuanded.

Kaaskirja kirjutamise hõlbustamiseks pidage meeles, et koguge eelnevalt kogu vajalik teave. Näidake toimetaja loovust, järgides samal ajal tüpograafiliste reeglite õiget kasutamist ja jälgides, et ei tekiks kirjavigu. Sest hea kaaskiri peegeldab teie kuvandit inimese ja professionaalina. Olge oma kirjutamisel loominguline ja originaalne, jäädes samas lihtsaks, kokkuvõtlikuks ja täpseks. ‍ Näidake läbitud punktide ohutust, enesekindlust ja meisterlikkust. Rõhutage, mida saate ettevõttesse tuua ja mainige oma erialast kogemust vastavas valdkonnas. Märkige ka kõik põhipunktid, mis panevad teid end uute ideedega täitva transformeeriva agendina ilmuma. Täpsustage oma võimet saavutada kavandatud eesmärgid ja kohaneda uute suundumustega.

Näita ennast positiivselt. Ärge langege sellesse viga, et kasutate sama kaaskirja mitme ettevõtte jaoks. Koostage kaaskiri iga taotletava töö kohta. Seda tüüpi kiri võimaldab tööandjal kujundada teie isiksuse kohta arvamust, sest see annab teile võimaluse täpsustada oma motivatsioone, mida lihtsas CV-s tegelikult ei kirjeldata.

Lihtsa ja tõhusa kaaskirja kirjutamise soovitused

• Laiendage Intro ‍ Pidage meeles, et pärast kõne valemit peate välja töötama sissejuhatuse, kus tutvustate end ametlikult ja isiklikult. Ärge unustage märkida peamist eesmärki, mis ajendas teid seda kirja kirjutama.
• Struktureerige oma kirja sisu Laske end juhinduda järgmistest küsimustest: – Miks?, Mis eesmärgil?, Kuidas?, Miks soovite selles ettevõttes töötada? → selles osas peate kirjeldama, mida saate ettevõttele tuua. – Rõhutage, kuidas teie teadmised võivad oluliselt mõjutada ettevõtte funktsioonide arengut ja majandussektorit, kus ta tegutseb. - Kuidas te seda teeksite tee seda? → lihtsalt rõhutab teie teadmisi ja võimeid professionaalina – Rõhutage oma õnnestumisi, varasemaid kogemusi, diplomeid, saadud tunnustusi või auhindu.
• Olge oma järeldustes otsekohene Andke teada, et olete vestluseks saadaval, esitades kontaktteabe, näiteks oma e-posti aadressi, telefoninumbri ja postiaadressi. Kui need kontaktandmed muutuvad, ärge unustage uuendada oma CV-d ja kaaskirja ning saata need uuesti ettevõtetele, kes on need juba saanud.
• Hoolitse paigutuse eest Teie kaaskiri peab olema kooskõlas teie CV-ga. Värbaja peab esmapilgul nägema, et need 2 dokumenti moodustavad ühe taotluse. Kasutage oma kaaskirjas samu värve, fonti, ikoone jne, mis oma CV-s. See väike näpunäide aitab teil luua tõhusa ja professionaalse rakenduse.

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What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Sample letters to download

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Accountant Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Have you come to the realization that you don't know how to write a good accountant cover letter ? Don't worry! With our comprehensive guide, your cover letter will be more than just good. All our tips, templates, cover letter samples, and examples have stood the test of time. So, let’s make your cover letter one to remember!

Keep reading to learn how to:

• Properly format your accountant cover letter header & headline
• Personalize the greeting on your accountant cover letter
• Effectively grab employers’ attention in the cover letter introduction
• Showcase your professional value as an accountant
• End your accountant cover letter with a powerful closing statement
• Access top resources for job-seeking accountants

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. Properly format your accountant cover letter header & headline

To begin writing your accountant cover letter, the first key step to take is to create a properly formatted header and headline.

A cover letter header is the block of text most often found in the upper left corner of the document that includes all the necessary information about the applicant and the company they are applying to.

As for the cover letter headline , this is similar to a title and serves a key role in helping to attract the attention of employers immediately.

To help demonstrate how to craft each of these cover letter elements , we have included more in-depth explanations and examples below:

Formatting the header

The header of your cover letter is the first piece of information an employer will see. As such, it should clearly identify who you are and the company and department the letter is intended for.

Your header should include:

• The name of the company & department you are applying to
• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, etc.)

Altogether, this information should form a header that looks similar to this example

To: McMillan Legal Group, Financial Department From: Joe King , Professional Accountant (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/joe-king

Writing the headline

In the headline of your accountant cover letter, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.

Here is an example of an effective headline from an accountant cover letter, followed by a brief breakdown of its key components

My 3-Step Approach as an Accountant & How It Can Simplify Your Company’s Financial Record System

Trigger Word/Number : 3-Step Approach Keyword: Accountant, Financial Record System Adjective/Verb: Simplify Promise: Your Company – the addition of this statement within your cover letter headline informs the employer that you will specifically explain how your skills can benefit their company.

Let your cover letter write itself — with AI!

2. personalize the greeting on your accountant cover letter.

Whenever you write a cover letter as an accountant, it is crucial to use a personalized greeting to start off your letter strong.

A personalized greeting will address a specific person or department within a company by name, showing the employer that you have great attention to detail and have thoroughly researched their business before submitting your cover letter.

If you are unable to discover the exact person or department who will review your application, try out one of the following alternatives:

To the [Company Name] Team

To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager

3. Grab employers’ attention with your accountant cover letter introduction

When well-written, the headline and greeting of your cover letter will help to initially hook an employer’s attention. However, it is the introduction of your cover letter that will ensure that an employer remains attentive and intrigued by the document.

For the introductory paragraph of your accountant cover letter, you should include:

• A brief overview of your professional history and goals
• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible)

Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write an accountant cover letter introduction

To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,

I am a professional Accountant with 5+ years of experience working in a corporate FinTech office. Our mutual acquaintance and tax services expert, Jack Smith, recommended me for this position after I assisted him in developing a new digital accounting platform.

Find out your resume score!

4. Showcase your professional value as an accountant

Following your introduction are the body paragraphs of your cover letter. You should aim for between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer these 4 key questions:

• What excites you about working at this company?
• What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
• What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
• What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?

Pay special attention to how you include and describe your relevant accomplishments , as they can help immensely in showing employers the real-life value you can bring to the company.

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter

As an Accountant for [Former Client], I optimized their tax filing system and assisted in filling out the necessary deduction paperwork. In the 3 years I helped with this company’s taxes, I improved their record-keeping system which resulted in a 30% decrease in total value owed in taxes annually.

5. End your accountant cover letter with a powerful closing statement

To conclude your accountant cover letter, you will need a powerful closing statement that includes:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of an effective closing statement from an accountant cover letter

I am eager to further discuss how I can apply my accounting talents for the benefit of your company, and would like to schedule a direct in-person or virtual meeting within the next two weeks. I am available every weekday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the best way to reach me is at my office number – (123) 456-7890.

Appreciatively,

[Applicant Name]

  Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.

6. Top resources for job-seeking accountants

To master the process of cover letter writing is one thing; but to master the art of finding the right work opportunities is quite another. But don't let that get you down! You can start by going through these resources:

• Industry-specific job boards: Websites that offer job opportunities specifically for accountants are many. You can start with AccountingJobsToday , GAAPweb , or Accountancy Age Jobs .
• General job boards: Although general search engines like Indeed , Glassdoor , or SimplyHired focus on a broad spectrum of jobs, by using targeted search terms related to accounting, such as " accountant ," " CPA ," or " auditing ," you can narrow down the results. 
• Professional associations: Accountant associations can be an invaluable source of industry news, training, job listings, specialized publications, and networking opportunities. For example, visit websites of the European Accounting Association (EAA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). 
• LinkedIn : You can use LinkedIn as a job search tool, a networking platform, or a source of latest finance news. 
• Accounting agencies: You can also join agencies, such as Careers in Audit , Reed , and Deloitte that can connect you with job opportunities that match your skills and expertise. 
• Continuous learning : To keep on growing as a professional, taking on new courses and certifications is a must. So, besides professional associations, you can also take advantage of online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning , Coursera , or edX . 

No matter how many job postings you decide to apply for, always remember to custom tailor each and every cover letter you write. It's one of the most effective ways to catch the hiring manager's attention and make a lasting first impression. Good luck!

Accountant Cover Letter FAQ

Should i mention my certification or any accounting systems i'm proficient in.

Certainly, yes! Its details like these that could set you apart from your competition. Mention your certification and highlight your proficiency in well-known accounting software like QuickBooks or Microsoft Excel.

Should I detail my soft skills in an accountant cover letter?

Yes, soft skills are definitely worth mentioning too. You can highlight relevant soft skills such as time-management, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in the context of your past experiences.

How can I effectively use keywords in my accountant cover letter?

Firstly, you need to identify keywords from the job description. Then you have to incorporate them into your cover letter. If they're looking for someone with, for example, audit expertise, mention your " audit " experience. Make sure that all the keywords are spelled exactly as they appear in the job posting.

Should I mention that I'm continuing my education or planning to get a higher certification in my cover letter?

Yes, if you're continuing your education or planning to attain further certifications that's worth mentioning. It demonstrates your ambition and commitment to improving your competency as an accountant. Just ensure to briefly touch on how this ongoing education will benefit your potential employer.

How can I demonstrate that I understand the company's needs in my cover letter?

Research is key here. Go through the company's LinkedIn profile, their web page, social media accounts, etc. Identify the company's needs based on the job description and their business goals you've found in your research. Mention these needs in your cover letter and pair them with your skills and experiences. Explain how you can help them achieve their objectives with specific examples.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

All accounting / finance cover letter examples

• Finance Analyst
• Insurance Agent
• Investment Advisor
• Tax Services

All accountant cover letter examples

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How to Write an Accounting Cover Letter [+ Big 4 Sample Cover Letters]

In this article, we'll cover:

Cover Letter Examples for Different Accounting Jobs

How to write an accounting cover letter, accounting big 4 cover letter samples, accounting cover letter template.

The role of an accountant comes with significant responsibilities related to critical financial decisions, including the collection, tracking, and correction of a company's finances. Accountants are also responsible for financial audits and reconciling bank statements while ensuring that financial records are accurate throughout the year.

If you are pursuing a career in this field, consider sending an accounting cover letter alongside your resume/CV. Due to an increase in demand for accountants, a strong accounting cover letter will undoubtedly distinguish you from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job. 

Check out our complete guide to writing a killer accounting resume, plus samples and templates . 

Accounting manager cover letter

Accounts assistant cover letter, bookkeeper cover letter, accounts payable cover letter, senior accountant cover letter, cpa cover letter, tax accountant cover letter.

Kaylee Galeh Austin, TX 78746  [email protected] (+198)-443-5491

May 11, 2023

Steven Kim SOL-Tech Group 5209 McNeil Drive, Austin, TX 78729

Dear Mr. Kim,

I am writing to apply for the Accounting Manager position at SOL-Tech. I am an accounting professional with 11 years of experience in monitoring and coordinating daily accounting activities, analyzing financial reports, preparing tax documents as well as handling budgetary records, receipts, and financials.

With thorough attention to detail, I have handled the accounts of several large corporations and led three successful corporate-wide IRS audits. Besides that, I have a wealth of skills and attributes that lend themselves to my professional candidacy, including my communication, analytical, supervisory, and problem-solving skills.

I look forward to hearing from you, at your earliest convenience, to discuss further on how my expertise and qualifications can provide outstanding accounting management service within your company.

Sincerely, Kaylee Galeh

Dear Hiring Manager, 

I write to express my interest in the Accountant Assistant position at PINA Inc. After reviewing the job posting on your company website, I am confident in my ability to significantly benefit PINA.

For the past four years, I have worked as an Accountant Assistant with main responsibilities including:

• Records keeping
• Preparing financial documents 
• Conducting research
• Analyzing reports
• Performing general administrative tasks

I am analytical-minded and have no problems handling multiple tasks at the same time. Moreover, I have excellent communications skills and fully understand the code of ethics.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your time and for considering me for the Accountant Assistant position at PINA. I hope to hear from you soon.

Respectfully, Kaylee Galeh

Dear Mr. Smith,

I write in response to your advertisement seeking a Bookkeeper at Zedify. I have no doubt that I would bring a detail-focused and problem-solving mindset to this role.

In my previous position, I was responsible for recording and maintaining the financial transactions at ATS while completing payroll accurately and on time. I am  highly proficient in using Excel, Xero, and QuickBooks to handle account reconciliations, cost control, and payrolls.

My comprehensive skill set includes exceptional problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to master new procedures. I have enclosed my resume for your review, in which you can find more details about my work experience and technical skills. 

I thank you for your consideration and hope to have a chance to discuss further on how I can help expand your business goals.

Kind regards, Mia Chen +999-9028831 [email protected]

Dear Hiring Committee,

With 5+ years of experience in reconciling processes and expense analysis, I am excited to apply for the position of Accounts Payable Officer with ABC Company.

In my previous role at Sharon Services, I was responsible for processing invoices and reimbursement requests, and supported the work of 15 collection specialists, resulting in a decrease of 25% in our collection time within 6 months.

My strong communication skills allow for consistently professional interaction with vendors and employees., I have demonstrated the ability to adapt to a new dynamic, fast-paced environment. 

What makes me interested in the job posting the most is the opportunity to work for a family-owned and operated company like ABC. Since your job requirements match precisely my background and qualifications, I strongly believe that I would be able to immediately add value to the team.

I would appreciate the chance to speak with you about how I can boost the productivity rate at ABC. Please take a look at my resume for more details. 

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely, Isabella Davis

+876-91123848  [email protected]

I wish to express my interest in the Senior Accountant position at your company. Given my 15 years of experience in all aspects of accounting and financial management, I believe I am a suitable candidate for the advertised post.

I pride myself on my ability to develop and execute initiatives that improve the companies' profitability and streamline operations. As a Certified Public Accountant, I have handled various tasks in a wide range of areas such as:

• Reconciliation and expense reporting
• Non-profit accounting principles
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Month-end analysis and reconciliation
• Reporting and documentation
• General ledger audits and entries

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated strong leadership and problem-solving skills, with a long list of satisfied clients serving as a fitting testimony. Please kindly see the resume I attached for more details. 

I hope you will grant me an opportunity to discuss further on how my capability can meet your requirements.

Thank you and best regards, Jenny Miser

+998-2290776  [email protected]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I was pleased to discover that you are looking to fill the Certified Public Accountant position within Aprio LLP, as advised on Cake. I have no doubt that this role would be a tremendous opportunity for me to grow both personally and professionally, as well as adding more value to your team.

To briefly describe myself, I am a results-driven and detail-oriented individual with the crucial ability to function well under pressure. I find that the working environment at Aprio LLP matches perfectly with my personal traits, which is why I was naturally drawn to this exciting opportunity.

Having worked as a Certified Public Accountant for almost seven years, I excel at driving out inefficiencies through process improvement and resolving any financial issues, while assisting in the maintenance and development of financial systems and procedures. Moreover, I have successfully performed data analytics, risk assessment, and financial review for 30+ projects.

I have attached my resume for your review so please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m looking forward to hearing back from you soon.

Sincerely, Lizzie Amber

When I learned of VanMoof’s need for a Tax Accountant, I felt compelled to submit this letter. With vast experience in performing tax preparation and service functions, I believe that I am  well positioned to exceed your expectations for this role.

I not only specialize in U.S. commercial tax law but I am also functional in international tax law. For the last four years, I have gained comprehensive knowledge of the federal government regulating corporate tax law and provisions. I am  capable of handling reconciliation, ledger input, analysis, accounting reporting, and general accounting duties with thorough attention to detail. I am  also a great communicator and critical thinker who identified 8 additional write-offs and deductions the company could claim, increasing their annual tax return by 15%.

I have enclosed my resume along with this cover letter. Please kindly review them and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for taking the time to review my application.

With gratitude,  Jessica Young

📚 Further reading: Tax Accountant Resume Sample

In this part, you will find a complete guide to writing a strong job application letter for accountants.

✍🏻 Include all necessary information.

There are 5 important elements you need to include in a cover letter for accountant jobs. 

• For a handwritten accounting application letter, put the date and the information of both the sender & receiver at the top (including name, email, and address)
• For an accounting cover letter sent by email, write a proper subject line, for example:

[Job Title] – [Your Name]

• The name of the hiring manager is known: Dear [Name], 
• Only the team/department is known: Dear Hiring Manager, Dear [Team Name], 
• The recipient is unknown: To Whom It May Concern,
• Introduce who you are and why you're writing this accounting cover letter
• Explain why you're the right fit in terms of educational background, professional experiences, and key skills
• Show the most outstanding accomplishment you've achieved in your former role
• Demonstrate how you can contribute to the company 
• Express your gratitude for the employer's time and consideration
• Insert a CTA (call-to-action) for a meeting or interview 
• Remind them to read your resume/CV and other attached documents

You should use these:

• Best/Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• With gratitude, 

You should not use these:

• Icons or emojis

Reminder: If you're sending your cover letter for the accountant job via email, keep in mind to have a professional email signature that includes your contact information. 

✍🏻 Highlight your accounting technical skills and experience.

Everyone knows how to list skills on a cover letter for accounting positions. However, providing specific examples to support your claims will make a better impression on the hiring manager.

Example of showing skills in a junior accountant cover letter :

“In the previous role at IMN Group, I have had the opportunity to improve my customer service skills so that I can be comfortable managing clients ranging from struggling small businesses to established corporations.”

✍🏻 Include relevant certifications or licenses. 

Accountancy is one of the jobs that require special training and certifications, such as:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 
• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) 
• Certified Tax Planner (CTP) 

Thus, don't forget to highlight your relevant certifications or licenses in your accounting cover letter to fully demonstrate your educational qualifications. 

✍🏻 Keep the letter short & concise.

A job application letter for accountants shouldn’t exceed 400 words.  Make sure you keep your cover letter  brief and straight to the point by providing the information related to the job opening only. The point  is to match the letter content to the job description  and avoid rewriting your resume.

✍🏻 Proofread.

Before submitting your accounting cover letter, make sure you've double-checked the spelling and grammar. Minor  mistakes may blow your chances of making a good first impression on the employer. 

“Big Four” refers to the four largest public accounting firms in the world, namely  Deloitte , PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), KPMG , and Ernst & Young .

To get hired by a Big 4 firm, make sure your accounting cover letter fully demonstrates your proven track record in financial management and auditing, as well as in-depth accounting knowledge.

Below are 4 accountant cover letter samples that show you what an impressive Big 4 cover letter looks like.

Big 4 Cover Letter – Deloitte Cover Letter

Billie Sanchez 23 Big Rock Cove Road, Greenwood, SC 23456 016-234566  [email protected]

June 1, 2023.

Hiring Manager Deloitte United Arab Bank Building, 13th Floor, Al Buhaira, 5470

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the ACA Program at Deloitte Sharjah as advertised on LinkedIn. I am confident that my background and skills combined with my passion to perform complex analyses would provide much value and benefit to your organization.

I am currently employed as a Procurement Expert at ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions. Working with a Fortune 500 company taught me a great deal about how large organizations deal with and solve complex technical, commercial, and financial problems. During this experience, I successfully applied my analytical and research skills by performing market analysis and audits, and developing project-based procurement solutions and strategies.

Besides that, my B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham provided me with a broad foundation in engineering science, a structured way of analyzing problems, and the opportunity to develop interpersonal and management skills. 

I see your vacancy as a unique opportunity to work in an innovative company and to benefit from the latest cutting-edge global business solutions. I jump at the opportunity to gain top-class experience and exposure to leadership and look forward to playing  an important role in helping your team to deliver the changes required to achieve your ambitions.

I thank you in advance for considering my application and I would very much like an opportunity to meet with you to discuss my candidacy further.

Yours sincerely, Billie Sanchez

(Source: Cover letter for the Consultant position at Deloitte )

Big 4 Cover Letter – KPMG Cover Letter

I would like to express my interest in the Staff Accountant position with KPMG LLP. I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce from Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto at  the end of this month and plan to pursue a CPA designation.

I recently had the opportunity of meeting Jennifer Zhang, Tax Analyst at the KPMG Information session where I learned more about the firm’s initiative  of building a diverse and inclusive business culture with clients. I am confident that my strong academic background in accounting and my leadership, analytical, team building, and customer service skills will allow me to make a strong contribution to your firm.

My interest in audit and tax has evolved from my exposure to financial statements and tax compliance required from my volunteer experience at Canada Revenue Agency. I also have developed strong leadership and customer service skills while working within my current role of Vice President, Rotman Commerce Accounting Society, where I am responsible for managing a team of 12 students, co-facilitating key on-campus recruiting events, and overseeing all budgeting for sponsorships with external stakeholders.

I feel that I will uphold KPMG’s objective of being a self-motivated industry leader dedicated to delivering global results and a high value of service to clients. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my application. I look forward to the opportunity for an interview where I can further discuss how I can make a positive contribution to KPMG.

Sincerely, Jorge Santos 016-234566  [email protected]

(Source: Cover letter for the Staff Accountant position at KPMG )

Big 4 Cover Letter – PwC Cover Letter

I attended your recruitment talk at Polytechnic University on  September 13  and I was impressed by the prospect of an auditing and international atmosphere at work in PwC. Since I have a compound background both in Engineering and Finance and I am currently pursuing a master's  degree in Accounting  and expect to graduate in 2017, I welcome the opportunity to become a part of the PwC Assurance team and utilize my knowledge and skills to assist your clients to achieve their goals.

One of the primary competencies  of  a professional service provider is to communicate with clients effectively and efficiently. This skill is extremely essential to an auditor and I have some work experience in interacting with customers as a representative in a mutual funds company. This was an amazing opportunity to enhance my communication skills with customers from different backgrounds  because it allowed me to put myself in their shoes and  understand the points that  they wanted to deliver. I also possess strong analytical  skills which I learned in my  last job as a social media account and content marketing specialist. 

I believe that joining PwC is the ideal beginning to launch my career in public accounting and will help me grow fast and enrich my life. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration.

Thank you, Fan Bintai +998-2290776  [email protected]

(Source: Cover letter for the Assurance position at PwC )

Big 4 Cover Letter – EY Cover Letter

Chris M. College 23 Big Rock Cove Road, Greenwood, SC 23456 016-234566  [email protected]

Mr. Kirkpatrick  Ernst & Young 18101 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1700

Dear Mr. Kirkpatrick,

During a recent conversation with Professor Joe Fasby, my faculty advisor in the Accounting department at Capital University, we discussed the possibility of several upcoming openings for auditors at Ernst & Young. Professor Fasby has worked for Ernst & Young in the past and feels that my education and experience would make me a good match for this type of position. 

Professor Fasby told me that your organization values both practical experience and leadership skills. During my junior and senior years at Capital, I worked as a student accountant in the University bookstore. I also have held leadership positions in the Student Government and within the residence halls as a Resident Assistant. 

I will graduate from Capital University in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. I’m very interested to learn more about these positions at Ernst & Young and look forward to the possibility of interviewing with you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Chris M. College

(Source: Cover letter for the Accounting internship at EY )

[Your Name]  [Your Address]  [Your Phone Number]  [Your Email Address]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]  [Company Name]  [Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager (or [hiring manager's name] ), 

My name is [ your name ], a [ job title ] with [ number ] years of experience in [ your field ]. After reviewing the job listing on [job board] , I'm thrilled to apply for the [ job title ] position at [ company name ]. I’m confident that my proven experience in [specific field of areas] and [key skills] make me an ideal candidate for this role.

During [number] years of experience, I’ve handled [ major job responsibilities ]. The greatest accomplishment I’ve achieved in the field is [ the most outstanding contribution to the former company ]. [ Explain in detail what skills and knowledge you’ve leveraged to make it happen ].

I earned my [ type of degree ] in [ your major ] from [ your college ] and [ certification/license ] in [ year ]. I’m [ personal traits ] with an ability to [ soft skills ]. 

I strongly believe that the professional experience and skills I’ve obtained in the former role(s) have prepared me for this job opportunity. I would appreciate a chance to discuss further with you how I might be an asset to the [ Name Team ]. 

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Please kindly let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,  [Signature]  [Full name]

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Accountant Cover Letter

Cover letter maker.

When applying for a position in the accounting field, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. This guide will walk you through various examples and tips for creating a compelling accountant cover letter .

What is an Accountant Cover Letter?

An accountant cover letter is a professional document that accompanies your resume when applying for an accounting job. It provides an opportunity to highlight your skills, experience, and passion for the role, helping you stand out in a competitive field.

What is a good Cover Letter Example for Accountants?

Here’s an good cover letter example of an effective accountant cover letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corporation. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 5 years of experience in managing financial records, I have honed my analytical skills and attention to detail.

My previous role at ABC Company involved overseeing a team of junior accountants, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and implementing cost-saving strategies. I believe my expertise aligns perfectly with the requirements of this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to the financial success of XYZ Corporation.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Size: 27 KB

Free Accountant Cover Letters – Copy & Paste

Feel free to copy and paste the examples provided in this guide, but remember to tailor them to the specific position and company you’re applying for.

Accountant Cover Letter Format

Dive into our structured Accountant Cover Letter Format, meticulously crafted to showcase your financial acumen and attention to detail in a concise manner.

An accountant cover letter should be structured as follows:

1. Introduction: State the position you’re applying for and how you learned about it. 2. Body (Paragraph 1): Summarize your qualifications, including education and experience. 3. Body (Paragraph 2): Highlight specific skills and achievements that align with the job requirements. 4. Conclusion: Express your eagerness for an interview and provide contact information. 5. Signature: Include a polite closing and your name.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With my extensive background in accounting and financial analysis, I believe I am well-suited to excel in this role.

As a graduate of ABC University with a degree in Accounting, I have 3 years of experience working at DEF Company. There, I managed a portfolio of over 50 clients, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and tax laws.

My commitment to accuracy and efficiency is evident in my successful implementation of a streamlined reporting system that saved the company $10,000 annually. I am eager to bring my expertise to XYZ Corp and contribute to your esteemed team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can add value to XYZ Corp.

Size: 29 KB

Junior Accountant Cover Letter Example

Starting in accounting? Our Junior Accountant Cover Letter Example emphasizes budding skills, enthusiasm, and the drive to grow within the industry.

I am excited to apply for the Junior Accountant position at XYZ Corp. As a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting from ABC University, I have gained experience in financial analysis through my internship at DEF Company.

During my internship, I assisted with monthly financial reporting, budgeting, and reconciliations. My strong analytical skills and attention to detail, coupled with my enthusiasm for accounting, make me a strong candidate for this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to XYZ Corp as a Junior Accountant.

Size: 26 KB

Senior Accountant Cover Letter Example

Take command with our Senior Accountant Cover Letter, detailing your extensive experience, leadership, and strategic financial thinking for high-level roles.

With over 10 years of experience in the accounting field, I am confident in my ability to serve as a Senior Accountant at XYZ Corp. My extensive background includes managing financial statements, tax preparation, and leading a team of junior accountants.

In my previous role at DEF Company, I successfully implemented a new accounting software system, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency. My dedication to continuous improvement and strong leadership skills make me an excellent fit for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my expertise as a Senior Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter with Experience Example

Let our experienced Accountant Cover Letter showcase your comprehensive background, achievements, and mastery of financial processes.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 7 years of experience in various accounting roles, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of financial management, reporting, and compliance.

At DEF Company, I played a key role in preparing annual budgets, conducting audits, and implementing internal controls. My proven track record in improving financial processes and my commitment to professional development make me a strong candidate for this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to XYZ Corp’s financial success.

General Accountant Cover Letter Example

Navigate the vast world of finance with our General Cover Letter  for accounting, highlighting your versatility and broad-based expertise

I am eager to apply for the General Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With a diverse background in accounting, spanning 5 years across various industries, I have honed my skills in financial planning, reporting, and analysis.

In my previous role at DEF Company, I managed all general accounting functions, including reconciliations, accounts payable, and tax compliance. My versatility and dedication to excellence make me a valuable asset to any accounting team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my expertise as a General Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Financial Accountant Cover Letter Example

Emphasize your proficiency in fiscal matters with our Financial Accountant Cover Letter, detailing your specialization in financial statements and forecasts.

I am writing to apply for the Financial Accountant position at XYZ Corp. My 6 years of experience in financial accounting, combined with my CPA certification, have equipped me with the skills necessary to excel in this role.

At DEF Company, I managed financial statements, internal audits, and regulatory compliance. My proven ability to analyze financial data and identify trends contributes to informed decision-making and business growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a Financial Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter for Job Application Example

Enhance your job application with our dedicated Accountant Cover Letter, tailored to exhibit your skills, expertise, and commitment.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With a strong background in accounting, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the financial success of your company.

My 5 years of experience include managing accounts payable and receivable, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. I believe my expertise aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can add value to XYZ Corp.

Fresh Accounting Graduate Cover Letter Example

Begin your career with our Fresh Graduate Cover Letter  for accounting, emphasizing academic excellence and eagerness to contribute.

I am excited to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp as a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting from ABC University. My education, combined with my internship experience at DEF Company, has provided me with a strong foundation in financial management.

During my internship, I gained hands-on experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. My eagerness to learn and my passion for accounting make me an ideal candidate for this entry-level position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to starting my career as an Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Sample Accountant Cover Letter Example

Access our adaptable Sample Accountant Cover Letter, a versatile template crafted for both new and experienced professionals.

I am writing to express my interest in the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 4 years of professional experience, I am well-equipped to contribute to your financial team.

My previous role at DEF Company involved managing payroll, reconciling accounts, and preparing quarterly financial reports. My dedication to accuracy and my ability to work under tight deadlines make me a valuable asset to any accounting department.

Accountant Cover Letter for Resume Example

Pair your resume with our compelling Accountant Cover Letter, expertly designed to complement your qualifications and achievements.

I am excited to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. Enclosed with this cover letter, you will find my resume detailing my extensive experience in accounting.

With 6 years of experience in various financial roles, I have developed expertise in budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting. My strong analytical skills and attention to detail make me a valuable addition to your accounting team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to the continued success of XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter for Internship Example

Launch your career journey with our Internship-focused Cover Letter , spotlighting your academic prowess and eagerness to learn.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant Internship position at XYZ Corp. As a current student pursuing a degree in Accounting at ABC University, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting.

My coursework in financial analysis, coupled with my part-time work as a bookkeeper, has provided me with a strong foundation in accounting principles. I am confident that my skills and enthusiasm make me a strong candidate for this internship opportunity.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to learn and contribute as an intern at XYZ Corp.

Fresher Accountant Cover Letter Example

Make a lasting first impression with our Fresher Cover Letter , designed to emphasize passion, potential, and academic achievements.

I am excited to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp as a fresh graduate with a degree in Accounting from ABC University. My education and internship experience have equipped me with a solid understanding of financial management and reporting.

During my internship at DEF Company, I assisted with monthly reconciliations, accounts payable, and budgeting. My strong analytical skills and eagerness to learn make me a valuable asset to your accounting team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to starting my professional journey as an Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter for Apprenticeship Example

Forge your path with our Apprenticeship-specific Accountant Cover Letter, detailing your drive to gain practical, hands-on experience.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant Apprenticeship program at XYZ Corp. As a current student at ABC University, I am eager to combine my academic knowledge with practical experience in a professional setting.

I have completed coursework in financial analysis, auditing, and tax law, providing me with a strong foundation in accounting principles. I am confident that this apprenticeship opportunity will allow me to further develop my skills and contribute to your esteemed organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to grow as an apprentice at XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter Assistant Accountant Example

Assist and shine with our Assistant Accountant Cover Letter, underscoring your ability to support senior accountants and deliver results.

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 2 years of experience in accounting support roles, I have developed strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail.

My previous role at DEF Company involved assisting senior accountants with financial reporting, reconciliations, and data entry. My ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and my commitment to supporting the accounting team make me an excellent fit for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my skills as an Assistant Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Management Accountant Cover Letter Example

Strategize your way to success with our Management Cover Letter , emphasizing strategic financial planning and decision-making prowess.

I am writing to apply for the Management Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 8 years of experience in financial management,

I am confident in my ability to contribute to the strategic planning and execution of financial goals within your organization.

My previous roles have included overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. My ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights makes me an invaluable asset to your management team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my expertise as a Management Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Trainee Accountant Cover Letter Example

Channel your raw potential with our Trainee Accountant Cover Letter, focusing on your dedication to learning and growing professionally.

I am excited to apply for the Trainee Accountant position at XYZ Corp. As a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting, I am eager to begin my professional journey with hands-on experience.

My academic background has provided me with a strong foundation in accounting principles, and my internship at DEF Company allowed me to gain practical experience in financial management. I believe that this trainee program is the perfect opportunity for me to grow and contribute to your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to learn as a Trainee Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Real Estate Accountant Cover Letter Example

Dive into the property sector with our Real Estate Cover Letter , detailing your expertise in real estate finances and market understanding.

I am writing to apply for the Real Estate Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 5 years of experience in real estate accounting, I have developed specialized skills that align perfectly with the needs of your company.

My previous role at DEF Company involved managing property financial statements, budgeting, and tax compliance. My in-depth knowledge of real estate finance and my ability to work collaboratively with property managers make me a valuable asset to your accounting team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my specialized expertise as a Real Estate Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Corporate Accountant Cover Letter Example

Let our Corporate Accountant Cover Letter reflect your acumen for handling large-scale finances, corporate taxations, and big business financial strategies.

I am writing to apply for the Corporate Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 7 years of experience in corporate finance, I am well-suited to manage the financial needs of your organization.

My previous role at DEF Company involved overseeing financial reporting, internal audits, and compliance with regulatory standards. My ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide financial insights contributes to informed decision-making and business growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a Corporate Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Size: 28 KB

Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example

Analyze opportunities with our Financial Analyst Cover Letter , detailing your expertise in forecasting, budgeting, and financial data interpretation.

I am writing to apply for the Financial Analyst position at XYZ Corp. With a Master’s degree in Finance and 5 years of professional experience, I am equipped to provide valuable financial insights to your organization.

My previous role at DEF Company involved conducting financial analysis, forecasting, and risk assessments. My ability to interpret financial data and communicate findings effectively contributes to strategic planning and business growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute as a Financial Analyst at XYZ Corp.

Entry Level Accountant Cover Letter Example

Propel your early accounting career with our Entry Level Cover Letter, emphasizing foundational skills and an unmatched drive.

I am excited to apply for the Entry Level Accountant position at XYZ Corp. As a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting, I am ready to embark on my professional journey in the world of finance.

My academic background and internship experience have provided me with a strong foundation in accounting principles. My eagerness to learn and my commitment to accuracy make me an ideal candidate for this entry-level role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to beginning my career as an Entry Level Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Size: 25 KB

Accountant Cover Letter for Beginner Example

Start your financial journey with our Beginner Accountant Cover Letter, spotlighting enthusiasm, foundational skills, and a willingness to learn.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. As a beginner in the field of accounting, I am eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to your financial team.

My educational background in Accounting has provided me with a foundational understanding of financial management. I am confident that my strong analytical skills and willingness to learn will make me a valuable asset to your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to growing as an Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Cover Letter for Accounting Job Example

Perfect your application with our tailored Cover Letter for Job , crafted to highlight your financial proficiency and dedication.

I am writing to express my interest in the accounting position at XYZ Corp. With a background in various financial roles, I am equipped to handle the diverse responsibilities of this job.

My experience includes managing accounts payable and receivable, overseeing financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. My ability to work collaboratively and my dedication to accuracy make me an excellent fit for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the financial success of XYZ Corp.

Simple Accountant Cover Letter Example

Make a concise yet impactful statement with our Simple Cover Letter , streamlining your qualifications and passion for the role.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 3 years of professional experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your financial team.

My previous role involved managing basic accounting tasks such as reconciling accounts, managing payroll, and preparing financial statements. My dedication to simplicity and efficiency makes me an excellent fit for any accounting department.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as an Accountant at XYZ Corp.

How do you write a Good cover letter for an Accounting Job?

Creating an impressive cover letter for an accounting role requires a careful balance of professional tone, relevant experience, and personalized touch. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored specifically for an Accountant cover letter:

1. Address the Hiring Manager Properly: Whenever possible, find the name of the hiring manager and address them directly. It adds a personal touch and shows you made an effort. 2. Craft a Targeted Introduction: Mention the exact accounting position you’re applying for, and highlight the unique qualifications that make you an ideal candidate. 3. Detail Accounting Experience and Education: Elaborate on your relevant education and work experiences. Include any specific accounting certifications or courses that pertain to the role. 4. Emphasize Accounting Skills: Focus on the specialized accounting skills you have, such as proficiency in accounting software, financial analysis, compliance with regulations, and so on. 5. Provide Real-Life Examples: Use actual scenarios where you applied your accounting skills to solve problems, save costs, or improve financial efficiency. 6. Express Enthusiasm for the Company: Demonstrate knowledge about the company’s financial standing or industry reputation and articulate why you want to be a part of their team. 7. Close Professionally: Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express eagerness to discuss further during an interview. 8. Maintain Professional Format: Stick to a professional format that is concise, clean, and free from errors.

Tips for Writing an Accountant Cover Letter

When writing an accountant cover letter, adhering to the following specific tips can greatly enhance the quality of your application:

– Tailor the Content to the Position: Different accounting positions may require varied skill sets. Customize your cover letter to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the specific role. – Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements in previous roles. For instance, mention specific percentages or dollar amounts saved through your efforts. – Highlight Technical Proficiencies: If the role requires familiarity with certain accounting software or tools, make sure to mention your competence with them. – Use Accounting-specific Language: Utilize terms and phrases that are relevant to the accounting field to demonstrate your industry knowledge. – Show Alignment with Company Goals: Research the company’s financial objectives and explain how your skills can contribute to achieving them. – Include a Strong Call to Action: Encourage further contact or an interview in your closing paragraph. – Proofread for Accuracy: Accounting requires attention to detail; therefore, your cover letter must be free from grammatical and spelling errors to reflect this quality.

These guidelines will help you create a document that stands out in a competitive job market, resonating with hiring managers looking for skilled and thoughtful professionals in the field of accounting.

Writing an accountant cover letter can be a strategic way to showcase your qualifications and interest in a specific role. By following these guidelines and utilizing the provided examples, you can create a strong, tailored cover letter that emphasizes your suitability for the accounting position you’re seeking. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your accounting career, a well-crafted cover letter can be a key factor in landing your desired job.

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Convincing Cover Letter Examples For Accounting

When it comes to landing a rewarding job as an accountant or in a related financial field, your resume is just one part of the equation. You must also compose and file an engaging cover letter. This is where you will reiterate that you meet the stated qualifications, are a good cultural fit for the organization, and that you are highly interested in the position.

Cover Letter Example For an Accounting Position (Word version)

Download cover letter (.docx)

An Example Cover Letter For an Accountant (text version)

Dear Hiring Manager Name,

I am submitting my resume and this letter to express my interest in the position of Internal Auditor at Company Name. I read the job listing you posted at JobBoard, and decided to apply right away. I have previously worked with your company as an external auditor when I was employed by Partner & Partner. I enjoyed my experiences with your organization, and I appreciated that your financial department operated with such efficiency.

I believe that my acquired experience in compliance and auditing in both medium and large enterprises make me uniquely qualified for this position. I am also very familiar with the Accounting X software package that your organization uses. I am very organized, detail oriented, and capable of managing several projects at once. I have a degree in finance and am in the process of obtaining my MBA. I am a CPA and a member of the Midwest Association of Financial Professionals.

In my current position at Major Corporation, I work directly under the Chief Financial Officer. I am wholly responsible for ensuring that my regional divisions comply with all financial regulations and tax laws and that they meet all reporting requirements. I have personally led several internal audits that have resulted in the recovery of a significant amount of funds and saved the organization numerous penalties and other sanctions.

In addition to my technical skills, I have worked very hard over the years to develop leadership, team building, communication, and conflict resolution abilities. I am proficient in several account and financial software packages. I have also completed a certificate of mastery in Microsoft Office. I am open to the extensive travel that this position requires.

Company Name has a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Your organization is diverse, focused on social good, and forward thinking. I have learned quite a bit about the culture at Company Name as well as your progressive work environment through Company Name’s Instagram page, and Facebook. It’s no wonder that your company was rated the #1 place to work for Millennials in the greater Springfield area.

I am very interested in working for your company, and I believe that I have the qualifications and personality that make me a perfect fit. At your convenience, I would love to move forward to the next stage. Please contact me at any time. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Tabitha Williams

Entry-Level Accounting Cover Letter Example (Word version)

Download cover letter example (.docx)

Entry-Level Accounting Cover Letter Sample (text version)

Dear Mr. Albert Cole

Thank you for looking over my resume and considering me for the accounting position that you have advertised for Lee Financial. While my experience in the accounting industry is limited, I do possess an array of skills and professional qualifications that make me a strong contender for the role. In 2018, I started my position as Payroll Administrator at Birchwood Middle school, where I am currently employed. Before that, I have also worked as a cashier for several local businesses. In parallel, I have pursued an associate’s degree in Accounting and Bookkeeping from Springfield Community College. As well, I have already received my CPA license. 

During my two and a half years in college I have honed the following skills:

• Accrual accounting best practices
• Invoice management 
• Payroll management 
• Tax reporting 
• Accounts reconciliation 

Additionally, I’m also familiar with popular accounting and payroll management software such as FreshBooks and QuickBooks. The above makes me confident that I would be a good fit for the position of Junior Accountant at your Firm. 

I’d be delighted to further illustrate my level of knowledge during an in-person or virtual interview. Please let me know which time would be convenient for you. 

Jannette Austin

Do Accountants Need Cover Letters?

Absolutely! An ​​accounting cover letter is your opportunity to further contextualize your skills and work experiences, listed on the resume, plus address any potential gaps. Or, on the contrary, demonstrate how well you are fitted for the advertised job. Plus, a cover letter provides experienced accountants with a great opportunity to further detail some of the results they’ve achieved for their clients or explain their particular area of expertise.  

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Accounting Job

As an accountant, you probably love systems and frameworks. So here’s one for writing a cover letter :

• Break your letter into small paragraphs . Hiring managers often have dozens of resumes and cover letters to review. Make yours easy on the eyes. Plan to have a clear opening paragraph, a body (consisting of several paragraphs and a bullet-point list), and a closing paragraph. 
• Express your enthusiasm for the job in the cover letter opening. But without gushing. Most accounting firms prefer to keep conversations formal. Be sure to address the ways in which the position aligns with your career goals in 5 to 10 years .
• Add keywords to both the body of your cover letter and your resume . You can get these from the job listing. Keywords include specific skills, names of software packages, years of experience, certifications, and other items that a hiring manager may be ‘scanning’ for.
• Use your accomplishments to quantify your qualifications . Keep your focus on relevant experience, training, and skills. Use facts and data where you can. Don’t simply repeat what is already on your resume.
• Be courteous. Use an appropriate salutation and closing in your letter . Address your document to the hiring manager using their name. Avoid generic salutations whenever possible. Finally, thank the recruiter for considering you for the position.
• Customize your cover letter for each position . You should never send a generic or ‘one size fits all’ cover letter . That’s a recipe for disaster. 

Finally, accounting is a job that requires accuracy and attention to detail. Spelling and grammatical errors are a real turn-off and make the reader question your expertise with numbers. Edit your letter carefully and pay attention to punctuation and common grammar issues. You can do all of the above in our free cover letter creator tool .

Final Thoughts

The work of an accountant is highly structured and analytical. Your resume should reflect that. On the other hand, your cover letter should highlight your skills and qualifications as well as your enthusiasm and personality. The accounting cover letter examples above shows how to do that in a way that reads very naturally, and professionally.

Feel free to use these sample cover letters as a guide when writing your own. Just remember that it’s essential to customize your own letter so that it best reflects your talents and goals. To really make an impact, consider pairing this cover letter with one of our free, professional, resume templates .

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

13 min read · Updated on March 05, 2024

Not sure how to organize your resume? We've got you covered

Did you know that most employers only spend about six seconds skimming each resume that hits their desk? That's right; no matter how qualified you might be, your resume needs to capture a hiring manager's interest in just a few short moments. If you do grab their attention, they'll give the rest of the document more consideration. Fortunately, you can increase your resume's readability by including the right resume sections and organizing them in a structured way.

In this post, we'll explain why organization matters and explore the seven key resume sections that you should include in your resume. We'll also provide some useful tips that can help you to maximize the effectiveness of each section of your resume.

Why the order of your resume sections matters

Resumes need to do more than just provide basic information about your skills and employment history. They need to deliver a compelling message about the value that you can bring to any organization that's fortunate enough to hire you. To convey that narrative, however, you need to arrange your resume sections in a way that tells a story about your skills, professional experience, and achievements.

As we go through each of the key resume sections, you'll notice that each is designed to include a specific type of employment information. Several of the sections will also have their own headings, to ensure that employers can quickly locate those specific details. In addition, certain types of information will be formatted using bullet points to make those details even easier for employers to find.

Seven key resume sections

Though there are many ways to organize your resume, we recommend focusing on a seven-section structure. Those seven sections are:

Contact information

Resume headline

Professional summary

Core competencies

Professional experience

Optional section (or sections)

To better understand why we organize resumes this way, let's go through each section and explain its important role in establishing your career narrative.

1.     Contact Information

This part of a resume may seem obvious, but a TopResume study found that 25% of people either forget to include all the necessary pieces of contact information or fail to format them in a way that can be read by an ATS. When writing your resume, be sure to include the following personal details at the top of the document, just below the header section:

Full name: Include your preferred first name (e.g. Bill instead of William) and last name on your resume. Then, make sure you use the same version of your name on all your other job-search materials, such as your LinkedIn profile, cover letter, and business cards. The key is to be consistent.

Cell phone number: It's best to include the phone number to your personal cell phone on your resume. That way, you have control over the voicemail recording, who answers calls, and when.

Address: Contrary to popular belief, it's no longer necessary to include your full mailing address on your resume. Instead, include your city, state, and zip code if you're seeking work near your home. If you're conducting a long-distance job search or you're open to relocation, you may opt to not include any mailing address information.

Email address: Create an email address that's dedicated to your job-search activities with a modern provider like Gmail, so that it's easy to manage your job applications and communication with recruiters and valuable networking contacts.

Social media: The most common social media profile to include on a resume is a customized URL to your public LinkedIn profile . Other social media profiles should only be added if they're relevant to your line of work. If you work in a creative field, you may also want to add a link to your online portfolio or blog.

Related post : How Should I Format My Contact Information on a Resume ?

2.     Resume headline

The professional title part of a resume is fairly straightforward. Below your contact information, add a line that describes the type of role you're pursuing. For instance, if you're pursuing a position as a Director or Senior Manager of FP&A, you may put “Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Professional” as your professional title.

When you're submitting your resume for a specific job, it's common to change your professional title to match the one listed in the job posting. If you're updating your resume after changing careers and feel weird about putting a title you've never held before at the top, you can place the word “Objective:” in front of it to provide some context for the reader.

3.     Professional Summary

A resume professional summary - also referred to as a career summary, executive summary, or career statement - has taken the place of the resume objective statement you likely learned how to write back in college.

Historically, a standard resume objective statement focused on the job seeker's wants, needs, and goals. A resume professional summary, however, focuses on what the job seeker has to offer a prospective employer, by describing his or her qualifications. Click on the following link to view some resume statement examples .

If you're still unsure about how to create a winning resume summary statement, just use our simple template:

[Professional title] with [years of experience] in [job-related specializations and experiences]. [Describe a measurable achievement that demonstrates your value]. [Describe a second professional achievement that highlights your skills and how you used them to create value for an employer. Use real numbers to quantify that value].

4.     Core competencies

Your “Core Competencies” or "Key Skills" section is a great place to incorporate the all-important keywords that will help your resume get found in searches. Focus on highlighting the hard and soft skills that are most relevant to the role you're pursuing.

If you're unsure what to include in this part of your resume, gather a few job descriptions that interest you and run them through a word cloud generator. This will help you to quickly identify which terms routinely pop up for this type of job opportunity. If you possess that skill, be sure to incorporate it into this section of your resume, your professional summary, and even your work history, where appropriate.

It's also vital to examine the job posting to see which skills and experiences the company cites as required qualifications. There's always a good chance that those qualifications may be used as keywords by applicant tracking systems. Try to use those exact terms in your resume, to increase your chances of being found.

5.     Professional Experience

The most popular resume format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. This means that your most recent professional experience will appear toward the top of your resume and your earliest experiences will be listed towards the end of your document. The rule of thumb is to elaborate on the most recent 10-15 years of experience only.

The work history part of the resume can include a variety of professional experiences beyond a full-time job, from unpaid internships to consulting gigs and relevant volunteer work. That can be vitally important if your work experience is a little thin – for example, if you're trying to change careers and suffer from a lack of experience in your chosen industry.

It's also important to make sure that you include measurable achievements for each job title you've held. Instead of listing that role's duties and responsibilities, focus attention on how you used your skills to provide your employers with real value. Aim for four or more bullet point examples of these achievements and quantify each one with numbers. For example:

Increased client acquisition by 23%, boosting sales revenue by an average of $120,000 each year

Led network acquisition and implementation effort that reduced workplace inefficiencies by 30%

Created a new sales training program that reduced onboarding time by 20%, while increasing team productivity and sales goal achievement by 13% and 31% respectively

6.     Education

If you're a recent college graduate, chances are your newly minted diploma is one of your top selling points at this stage in your career. If that's the case, then this information should appear near the top of your resume, just above your work experience. However, if you're no longer an entry-level professional, it's best to move your education details to the end of your resume. 

This section should include the name of the school, its location (city and state), the degree you earned, and any honors with which you graduated (such as summa cum laude). If you graduated college within the past 15 years, include the year that you received your degree; otherwise, leave the date off.

Note also that it's only necessary to include details about your GPA and some of the 400-level courses you completed if you're new to the workforce and need more fodder to demonstrate your employability to companies.

If you've earned multiple degrees, list these accolades in chronological order, starting with the most recent. This part of the resume is also a great place to list any relevant certifications, licenses, training, or professional development coursework you've completed that will make you a more desirable candidate.

7.     Optional: additional parts of a resume

In addition to these standard resume components, you may want to include some of the following sections, depending on your experience and the role you're targeting.

Career highlights: This section, which is typically used by senior-level professionals with more than 10 years of experience, may be included in addition to, or in lieu of, a professional summary. It calls attention to relevant, noteworthy achievements that may be scattered throughout a professional's extensive work experience. By highlighting these accomplishments at the top of the first page of the resume, you're helping readers to understand the value you bring to the table and enticing them to thoroughly read your resume to learn more.

Volunteer experience: Hiring managers and recruiters alike look favorably on professionals who engage in philanthropic activities such as volunteering for non-profits and mentoring programs. If you actively volunteer for a non-profit organization, consider sharing this information on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Technical hard skills: If you work in a technical field, this section may take the place of your “Core Competencies” at the top of your resume. However, if you work in a non-technical profession but use many technical platforms to do your job - and these tools are often noted in the job descriptions you're interested in - then you may want to add a section at the end of your resume to list all these tools.

Language skills: If you're multilingual, be sure to note these language proficiencies in your professional summary and detail them out in a separate section toward the end of your resume. Only list the language on your resume if you would feel comfortable going to an interview that was spoken in that language.

Publications: If you are seeking work in the medical, dental, academic, scientific, or research field, then your academic resume - also known as an academic CV - will likely include a section to showcase the presentations you've given or publications you've written or been featured in.

Tips for making the most of your resume sections

To help you quickly get up to speed on how to organize your resume sections and make the most of each one, we've compiled some helpful tips.

Choose the right resume section order

While it's important to include the six essential sections (plus any optional sections) in your resume, there may be times when you need to use a different structure than that provided above. For example:

1.      Resume sections for students are often organized using a different order: contact information, resume headline, resume objective statement, education, experience, skills, optional sections.

 The goal of that structure is to focus on your educational qualifications and career objective, to compensate for your lack of experience and skill.

 2.      Experienced professionals may use a structure that emphasizes their work history and achievements: contact information, resume headline, resume summary, work experience, education, skills, optional sections.

 In most instances, an employee with a great deal of experience in their industry will want to emphasize their career trajectory and achievements rather than their skills.

 3.      Career changers often want to use a structure that focuses attention on transferable skills and related achievements. The following structure can help to draw attention to those qualifications: contact information, resume headline, resume summary (including career objective), key skills, work experience (focusing on related experience and emphasizing achievements), education, and optional sections.

Keep it brief

While it might seem as though seven sections will require a lot of resume space, your goal should be to limit the total length of your resume to no more than two pages. One is even better. Remember, hiring managers may be put off by longer resumes, especially if they have dozens or hundreds of other applicants to consider.

Make it readable and informative

Use bullet points for your skills and work achievements. To save space, you should consider formatting your core competencies section into two or three columns.

Don't just list skills in your core competencies section. You should scatter mentions of them throughout your resume, including in your resume summary paragraph and work history achievements.

Don't use the same resume for every job submission. Instead, tailor your base resume to each job you're seeking. To learn more, check out this related post: How to Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job Description .

Make sure that your resume is easy to read and pleasing to the eye. If everything seems a little cramped on the page, try to adjust your margins, fonts, and other page elements to ensure that there's enough white space on the page to make for easy reading.

Always use a blank space or a solid line to separate the different sections on your page. Include headings for your core competencies, professional history, education, and any optional sections, to help hiring managers quickly locate the information they're seeking.

Using the right resume sections is vital for telling the right story

As you design your resume's structure, consider the story you're relaying to your reader. Each resume section is there for a purpose and plays a vital role in convincing the employer that you have what it takes to be a valuable member of their team. With the right resume section structure and a keen commitment to conveying your value as a professional, you can increase your odds of landing that essential interview!

If you're unsure about what should be in a resume, don't be afraid to ask for help. Request a free resume review today to find out how to improve your chances of landing the interview.

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

11 Steps to Writing the Perfect Resume

How to Tailor Your Resume for a Specific Application

10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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