job application cover letter accounting

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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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

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

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?

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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.