Crafting a compelling Big 4 accounting cover letter can feel like hitting a wall; you're ready to apply, only to realize this crucial document is the missing piece. It's not about echoing your resume; it's your chance to narrate your proudest professional triumph in a formal yet fresh voice, steering clear of those worn-out phrases. And remember, brevity is key—a single page must hold your story. Let's dive into transforming that daunting task into an opportunity to shine.
- Step your best foot forward in the big 4 accounting cover letter introduction;
- Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
- Structure your big 4 accounting cover letter to feature what matters most;
- Close off your big 4 accounting cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.
But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your big 4 accounting cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).
If the big 4 accounting isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
- Big 4 Accounting resume guide and example
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- Construction Accounting cover letter example
- Finance Specialist cover letter example
- Financial Planning Analyst cover letter example
- Tax Director cover letter example
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- Corporate Accounting cover letter example
Big 4 Accounting cover letter example
Charlotte Jones
New York City, New York
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting relevant experience, such as leading significant initiatives, to show proven expertise in the field and capabilities that the employer is seeking.
- Quantifying achievements (e.g., "achieved a 30% boost in auditing efficiency and accuracy") to provide measurable evidence of the candidate's impact and ability to deliver results.
- Demonstrating knowledge of the company and showing alignment with the organization's values and objectives to create a sense of shared goals and cultural fit.
- Expressing eagerness to contribute and an interest in further discussion to prompt an invitation for an interview and show genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity.
What are the basics of the design or format of your big 4 accounting cover letter?
To start, here's a reminder for you: the Applicant Tracker System (or software that is used to assess candidate profiles), won't be reading your big 4 accounting cover letter.
Recruiters enjoy reading big 4 accounting cover letters with a standardized format that uses:
- the same font as the resume (e.g. modern ones like Raleway or Volkhov are prefered over the clichéd Times New Roman or Arial);
- single spacing to keep the content concise and organized (this is all ready for you in our cover letter templates);
- a one-inch margin to wrap around the text, like in our cover letter builder;
- PDF as a file format, as it allows your design (and visual element) to stay the same.
Finally, we can't go on without mentioning the key sections of your big 4 accounting cover letter.
In the top one-third, make sure to include a header (with your contact information, name, role, and date), a salutation, and an introduction.
Next, follows the heart and soul of your big 4 accounting cover letter or its body.
End your big 4 accounting cover letter with a closing paragraph and, if you wish, a signature.
The top sections on a big 4 accounting cover letter
- Header: It should include your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact details to ensure the letter is addressed properly and can be filed or referred to easily in the recruitment process.
- Opening Greeting: Begin with a professional salutation, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible, to personalize your application and show attention to detail.
- Introduction: Briefly state your intention to apply for the accounting position, mention how you learned about the job, and express enthusiasm for the opportunity to work at a Big 4 firm to engage the reader from the start.
- Body: This section should outline your relevant accounting experience, specific skills that match the job description such as auditing or tax knowledge, and any notable achievements that demonstrate expertise and value you'd bring to the Big 4 firm; it should also reflect knowledge of the firm's culture and values.
- Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position, thank the recruiter for considering your application, and include a call to action, such as mentioning your availability for an interview, to prompt a response and demonstrate proactive communication skills.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Detail-oriented: In accounting, attention to detail ensures accuracy in financial reporting and compliance with laws and regulations.
- Analytical skills: Accountants need to be able to analyze complex financial data and understand how it affects the business.
- Proficiency with accounting software: Familiarity with tools like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle is essential for efficiency and effectiveness in accounting tasks.
- Strong ethical standards: Accountants must adhere to a strict code of ethics, as they handle confidential financial information and must maintain integrity.
- CPA certification: Possessing a Certified Public Accountant credential often sets candidates apart, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise in the field.
- Teamwork and communication skills: Working with various departments and presenting findings means accountants must collaborate well and communicate clearly.
How to greet recruiters in your big 4 accounting cover letter salutation
As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
Write your big 4 accounting cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:
- greeting them on a first-name basis, if you have previously communicated with them (e.g. "Dear Sam,");
- using their last name, if you have more formal communication or haven't spoken to them (e.g. "Dear Mr. Harrows" or "Dear Ms. Marshall");
- writing "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager", if you have no clue about who's recruiting for the role.
Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.
In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [First Name Last Name],
- Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
- Dear [Job Title]
- Dear Members of the [Team/Department Name],
- Dear [Firm Name] Team,
Using your big 4 accounting cover letter intro to show your dedication
We know just how difficult it is to start writing your big 4 accounting cover letter introduction.
There are so many great qualities you have as a professional, which one should you choose?
How about writing up to two sentences about your passion and commitment to the work you do or are set to do?
Try to describe exactly what you enjoy about the potential role.
A positive attitude from the get-go will help you stand out as a motivated big 4 accounting professional.
How to write an achievement-focused big 4 accounting cover letter body
We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your big 4 accounting cover letter - the body.
In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.
What better way to do this than by storytelling?
And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.
Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.
Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.
Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.
The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.
Ending your big 4 accounting cover letter to avoid "Sincerely yours"
Yes, this sort of closing statement may work best before your signature.
But you want to give recruiters something more with your big 4 accounting cover letter ending.
Some professionals choose to go down the path of promises. In a single sentence, they map out what they'd bring about to the role (whether that's a particular technical skill set or personal traits).
Others, decide to be more concrete by thanking recruiters for their time and prompting for their next interview.
Whatever path you choose, remember to always be polite and respectful of the opportunity you've had. Good manners go a long way.
No experience big 4 accounting cover letter: making the most out of your profile
Candidates who happen to have no professional experience use their big 4 accounting cover letter to stand out.
Instead of focusing on a professional achievement, aim to quantify all the relevant, transferrable skills from your life experience.
Once again, the best practice to do so would be to select an accomplishment - from your whole career history.
Another option would be to plan out your career goals and objectives: how do you see yourself growing, as a professional, in the next five years, thanks to this opportunity?
Be precise and concise about your dreams, and align them with the company vision.
Key takeaways
Your big 4 accounting 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 big 4 accounting cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
- Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your big 4 accounting 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 big 4 accounting cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.
