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Accountants are financial professionals who perform functions like account analysis, auditing, and statement analysis. Accountants can work within accounting firms or at individual businesses within accounting departments. They can also operate practices, provided they meet state requirements. Many accountants pursue certified public accountant (CPA) status.
Accountants typically own a variety of public or private accounts. These accounts can be owned by businesses or individuals, depending on their needs. Accountants can work with many kinds of organizations, from governments to non-profits and private networks.
Depending on the industry and expertise, accountants can also perform duties beyond account analysis and reviewing financial statements, such as conducting annual audits, reviewing financial operations, preparing tax returns, advising on areas for more cost-savings, and providing risk analysis and forecasting.
Typically, accountants will have completed a bachelor’s degree but some may require special certification to move up within a firm. Accountants can also receive multiple designations, such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), as mentioned above.
Whether you’re transitioning into being an accountant or just joining a new company, your first step is to update your resume. Next, consider your cover letter. The perfect accountant cover letter displays both enthusiasm and qualifications relevant to an accounting job.
Below we’ll discuss the key parts of an accountant letter and what you should consider including to help your cover letter stand out from the competition.
Looking for a job? These position are hiring now near you:
Contact information. At the top of your cover letter, you’ll want to include your contact information just under your name. Your header should reflect your resume, so be sure it’s the same font type and size. Include your LinkedIn profile if it’s currently up to date. Finally, don’t forget the addressee’s details.
Salutation. As an accountant, it’ll be important to develop relationships within the organization. Do your research on the hiring manager and address them with their first and last name. One of an accountant’s most cherished skills is their attention to detail, so don’t skimp on this one.
Cover letter opening. This is one of the most important parts of your cover letter as it sets the tone and expectation for your interview and who you are as a person and if you’d be a good fit for the team. Be sure you craft an appropriate, yet attention-grabbing introduction statement and surface one of your most notable accomplishments.
Cover letter body. The body of your cover letter for an accountant is where you get to show off your accomplishments and skills. To do this effectively, go into detail on why you’re perfect for this position and company, and why the position and company are perfect for you.
Closing. A formal closing on cover letters is best, such as “Best regards,” or “Sincerely.” Don’t use informal closings like “Peace” or “Later” since your cover letter should give off your most professional voice. Additionally, consider adding a concrete call to action.
Signature. If you are sending your cover letter through mail or handing it to the potential employer during a screening interview, it’s a great idea to add a handwritten signature as an extra touch. If you are submitting your cover letter via email, typing your name is acceptable.
You’ll want to start your cover letter off on the right foot. Grab the reader’s attention by discussing something familiar to them and show your value by mentioning an impressive accomplishment or qualification. To do this effectively, focus on these two things:
Why you’re applying. In the first line, it’s important to mention why and what you are applying for. This allows the hiring manager to know exactly what position you’re talking about and why you’re interested.
Why you’re qualified. Cover letters are meant to be a screen test, so mentioning your specific qualifications upfront is best. The hiring manager will want to be sure they’re reading through the work of someone qualified for the job.
Example:
“As a lifelong customer of Sample Company’s products, I was thrilled to see your opening for an Accounting Manager. With my experience as a CPA for Deloitte, I feel confident I can use my skill set to become a valuable member of Sample Company’s accounting team.”
Now, it’s time to show your hiring manager why you’re perfect for this job and why the company would be crazy to pass up the opportunity to hire you. It’s difficult to stand out from the crowd, but by focusing on what you know and can bring to the table, your value can speak for itself. Consider focusing on the following in the body of your accountant cover letter:
The specific value you can bring. Discuss your current position and the skills you have learned there or in other previous jobs that are relevant to this position. Consider pulling out a few statistics from accomplishments you are proud of and listing them in bulleted form. This will demonstrate your specific success that’s been attributed to your work.
Adding this into the body of your cover letter establishes your credibility and hooks the reader.
Why the company is perfect for you. Discussing only why you’re perfect for the company isn’t always the right route. It’s important, especially as an accountant, to discuss what you’re getting out of this job.
This shows enthusiasm and loyalty which is incredibly important as an accountant. This simple paragraph can help establish trust even before you get a job offer.
Example:
“In my current position at Deloitte, I’ve accomplished many things that would serve me well as the accounting manager at Sample Company. Deloitte provides digital services to their clients and I feel that I can transfer much of my knowledge to Sample Company’s products. Additionally, my accounting projects have always been successful and I feel that I could achieve similar results with Sample Company, such as:
Revamped accounting system which increased efficiency by almost 80% in handling accounting controls
Reduced paperwork by 50% by transitioning from paper accounting procedures to electronic forms.
Landing the opportunity at Sample Company would be a lifelong dream of mine. I’ve been a customer for almost my entire life and I’ve admired your values and accomplishments over the years.”
Just like your opening, the closing lines of your cover letter should make a lasting impression. It’s best to try and wrap your closing lines in 1-2 lines, focusing on a final call to action. This can be anything from a prompt to view your resume in more detail or the hope that you’ll speak again in an interview down the road.
Example:
“Thank you for the opportunity to apply with Sample Company and I look forward to discussing your current finance and accounting goals and showing you how my accomplishments at Deloitte can help Sample Company save even more.”
Looking for a job? These position are hiring now near you:
June 6, 2021
Megan Jackson
89 Chicago Avenue
Dinuba, CA, 93618
559-591-2607
megan.jackson@gmail.comLauren Klein
HR Director
Sample Company
123 5th Avenue
New York, NJ 10118Dear Mrs. Klein,
As a lifelong customer of Sample Company’s products, I was thrilled to see your opening for an accounting manager. With my experience as a CPA for Deloitte, I feel confident I can use my skill set to become a valuable member of Sample Company’s accounting team.
In my current position at Deloitte, I’ve accomplished many things that would serve me well as the accounting manager at Sample Company. Deloitte provides digital services to their clients and I feel that I can transfer much of my knowledge to Sample Company’s products. Additionally, my accounting projects have always been successful and I feel that I could achieve similar results with Sample Company, such as:
Revamped accounting system which increased efficiency by almost 80% in handling accounting controls
Reduced paperwork by 50% by transitioning from paper accounting procedures to electronic forms.
Landing the opportunity at Sample Company would be a lifelong dream of mine. I’ve been a customer for almost my entire life and I’ve admired your values and accomplishments over the years.
Thank you for the opportunity to apply with Sample Company and I look forward to discussing your current finance and accounting goals and showing you how my accomplishments at Deloitte can help Sample Company save even more.
Sincerely,
Megan Jackson