Crafting an effective accounting assistant cover letter can be a challenging task, especially if you're in the thick of job applications and realize you can't simply rehash your resume. Your cover letter is a chance to spotlight a crowning professional achievement, weaving a narrative that showcases your skills without falling into the trap of clichés. Remember to keep it formal, engaging, and no longer than a page—a succinct introduction to the unique value you offer.
- Writing the essential accounting assistant cover letter sections: balancing your professionalism and personality;
- Mixing storytelling, your unique skill set, and your greatest achievement;
- Providing relevant (and interesting) information with your accounting assistant cover letter, despite your lack of professional experience;
- Finding the perfect format for your[ accounting assistant cover letter, using templates from industry experts.
Leverage the power of Enhancv's AI: upload your resume and our platform will map out how your accounting assistant cover letter should look, in mere moments.
If the accounting assistant isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Accounting assistant cover letter example
BENJAMIN GARCIA
Chicago, Illinois
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting Specific Achievements: The cover letter mentions spearheading a company-wide initiative to overhaul the excise tax compliance process, directly showing the ability to lead important projects and achieve significant improvements.
- Quantifiable Results: It includes quantifiable results such as reducing preparation errors by 20%, which provides concrete evidence of the candidate's impact on their previous organization.
- Alignment with Company Values: The cover letter emphasizes the candidate's focus on efficiency and compliance, which aligns with the organization's commitment to excellence, thereby showcasing the candidate's fit with the company culture.
- Call to Action: The cover letter closes with an invitation to contact the candidate for a meeting, which is a proactive step and gives clear next steps for the hiring manager to follow up.
Five tips on formatting your accounting assistant cover letter
Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your accounting assistant cover letter?
Make sure to include the following:
- Header and Salutation;
- Introductory paragraph;
- Body paragraph;
- Closing paragraph;
- Signature (this one is up to you).
Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your accounting assistant cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)
Ensure your accounting assistant cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates.
Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your accounting assistant cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.
At the end of the day, your accounting assistant cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.
Writing a cover letter can take time. Skip the hassle with our free cover letter generator and make one in seconds.
The top sections on a accounting assistant cover letter
- Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the employer's details to ensure the hiring manager knows who you are and how to reach you, reflecting your attention to detail which is crucial for an accounting assistant role.
- Greeting: Use a professional salutation directed to the specific hiring manager or recruiter to show that you have done your research and are invested in this particular accounting position.
- Introduction: Briefly mention your accounting and administrative experience, emphasizing your proficiency with numbers and organizational skills, which are key assets in an accounting assistant position.
- Body: Elaborate on your relevant experience with financial processes, understanding of accounting software, and your ability to assist with preparing reports and reconciliations, as these technical skills and experiences are what recruiters in this field are specifically searching for.
- Closing: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role of accounting assistant, express your willingness to further discuss how your background aligns with the needs of their team, and thank the reader for considering your application, showcasing your professionalism and courtesy.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP): Recruiters look for candidates familiar with industry-standard accounting tools to ensure a smooth integration into their systems.
Attention to detail: This ensures that financial records are accurate and that errors are minimized, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of financial reporting.
Strong numerical skills: Essential for handling and processing large volumes of financial data.
Knowledge of financial principles and accounting practices: A strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and other accounting standards is crucial for compiling and organizing financial information.
Excellent organization skills: Important for managing multiple tasks, maintaining orderly records, and meeting deadlines.
Effective communication skills: Necessary for conveying financial information clearly to colleagues and senior management, as well as for collaborating with other departments.
How to start your accounting assistant cover letter: with a greeting, of course
Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?
We sure have news for you! Your accounting assistant cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.
Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.
Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.
"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your accounting assistant cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
- Dear [Job Title] Hiring Committee,
- Dear [Department] Team,
The accounting assistant cover letter intro: aligning your interest with the company culture
You only have one chance at making a memorable first impression on recruiters with your accounting assistant cover letter.
Structure your introduction to be precise and to include no more than two sentences.
Here are some ideas on how to write a job-winning accounting assistant cover letter introduction:
- get creative - show off your personality from the get-go (if this aligns with the company culture);
- focus on your motivation - be specific when you say what gets you excited about this opportunity.
That one achievement in your accounting assistant cover letter body
The lengthiest part of your accounting assistant cover letter is the body.
Within the next three to six middle paragraphs, present yourself as the best candidate for the role.
How can you do that without retelling your whole professional resume?
Select one key achievement that covers job-crucial skills and technologies (and is memorable).
Within the body of your accounting assistant cover letter, aim to tell the story of how you achieved your success. Also, write about how this would help out your potential team.
Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action
You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your accounting assistant cover letter.
But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?
Most accounting assistant professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.
Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).
Choose to close your accounting assistant cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.
Accounting assistant cover letter advice for candidates with no experience
If you're worried about writing your Accounting Assistant cover letter and have no professional experience, we sure have some advice for you.
Turn recruiters' attention to your transferable or relevant skills gained thanks to your life and work experience.
Instead of writing about past jobs, focus on one achievement (whether from your volunteering experience, education, etc.) and the skills it has helped you build.
Alternatively, you could focus your Accounting Assistant cover letter on your career objectives and goals. Always remember to make those relevant to the job you're applying for by detailing how you see yourself growing as part of the company.
Recruiters would be way more impressed with candidates who fit the job profile and can bring about plenty of skills and vision to the table.
Key takeaways
Your accounting assistant cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:
- Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your accounting assistant cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
- Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your accounting assistant cover letter greeting;
- Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
- Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
- Close your accounting assistant cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.
Accounting Assistant cover letter examples
By Experience
Forensic Accounting Assistant
- Emphasize Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights over three years of experience in accounting, showcasing the candidate's dedication and expertise in the field.
- Use Quantifiable Achievements: It provides concrete achievements, such as digitizing 3,500 financial documents and saving over 200 man-hours annually, to demonstrate the candidate’s ability to contribute to operational efficiency.
- Showcase Specialized Skills: The mention of skills in forensic accounting and data organization aligns with the precision required in accounting roles, emphasizing the candidate's capability to manage complex financial data.
Cost Accounting Assistant
- Concrete Achievements: Highlighting the implementation of a streamlined accounts receivable process that increased efficiency by 25% demonstrates tangible results and problem-solving skills crucial for finance roles.
- Collaboration Across Departments: Mentioning collaboration to ensure accurate handling of over 200 monthly invoices illustrates teamwork and communication skills, key aspects in finance operations.
- Industry-Specific Skills: Referencing skills like DCAA compliance and financial reconciliation directly aligns with the requirements for roles dealing with federal contracts, showcasing relevant expertise.
