Crafting a CPA cover letter can feel daunting, especially if you're already knee-deep in job applications and realize it's a vital piece of your professional puzzle. It's not just a repeat of your resume – it's your chance to showcase a crowning achievement through a compelling narrative. Striking the fine balance between formal and fresh, without falling into clichés, is essential. Remember to keep it concise; a powerful one-page letter is your goal. Let's ensure yours stands out.
- Writing the essential cpa 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 cpa cover letter, despite your lack of professional experience;
- Finding the perfect format for your[ cpa 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 cpa cover letter should look, in mere moments.
If the cpa 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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CPA cover letter example
ALEXANDER TAYLOR
Denver, Colorado
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- Demonstrating specialized certification (e.g., CPA) to establish credibility for a role that requires accredited expertise in financial management and accounting practices.
- Highlighting relevant experience, such as leading successful negotiations with the IRS, which showcases problem-solving capabilities and specific, high-stakes accomplishments within the field of tax planning and dispute resolution.
- Expressing familiarity with the potential employer's strategic vision, indicating a proactive approach to understanding the business context and an ability to contribute meaningfully to the company's objectives.
- Mentioning the desire to contribute to process efficiency improvements, a skill that is highly valued in financial roles to streamline operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
Designing your cpa cover letter: what is the best format
Let's start with the basics, your cpa cover letter should include your:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body paragraph
- Closing statement
- Signature (that's not a must)
Next, we'll move to the spacing of your cpa cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced (automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates).
Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.
Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.
Finally, ensure your cpa resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).
P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.
Too busy to write your cover letter? Let our free cover letter generator handle it in just a few clicks.
The top sections on a cpa cover letter
- Header: This section includes your contact information and the date, and it sets the professional tone of your cover letter, indicating that you pay attention to details, which is critical for a CPA role.
- Greeting: Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name whenever possible, as it shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position, a key trait for someone entrusted with financial responsibilities.
- Introduction: Your introduction should immediately capture the recruiter's attention by concisely stating your CPA credentials and expressing your enthusiasm for the role, demonstrating your commitment to the accounting profession.
- Body: This section should highlight your relevant accounting experiences, technical skills, and specific accomplishments with figures and context where possible, as quantitative proof of your capabilities resonates strongly in accounting positions.
- Closing and Signature: Reinforce your interest in the position and indicate your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to the company's financial goals, leaving the recruiter with a clear call to action, which mirrors the proactive approach required in the accounting field.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations: Essential for ensuring compliance and accuracy in reporting.
- Detail-oriented mindset: Crucial for detecting errors and ensuring the precision of financial records.
- Proficiency with accounting software and systems: Necessary for efficient and effective data management and analysis.
- Experience with tax preparation and planning: Valued for helping clients or employers optimize their financial strategies.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills: Important for addressing complex financial issues and providing sound decision-making support.
- Excellent communication skills: Needed to convey financial information clearly to non-accountants and to maintain strong client relationships.
Greeting recruiters with your cpa cover letter salutation
What better way to start your conversation with the hiring manager, than by greeting them?
Take the time to find out who the professional, recruiting for the role, is.
Search on LinkedIn, the company website. And for those still keen on making a fantastic first impression, you could even contact the organization, asking for the recruiter's name and more details about the job.
Address recruiters in the cpa greeting by either their first name or last name. (e.g. "Dear Anthony" or "Dear Ms. Smarts").
If you're unable to discover the recruiter's name - don't go for the impersonal "To whom it may concern", but instead use "Dear HR team".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Specific Name of the Hiring Manager],
- Dear [Name of the Recruiting Manager/Recruiter],
- Dear [Name of the Department Head],
- Dear [Name of the Partner/Principal],
- Dear Members of the [Department Name] Team,
First introductions in your cpa cover letter
Within your cpa cover letter introduction, genuinely state what you like about the organization.
Research the latest company projects, honorary awards, company updates, etc.
Write up to two sentences to let recruiters know what impresses you about the company,
This would help you to set a good tone for the rest of the communication.
Structuring your cpa cover letter body to add more value
You've hinted at your value as a professional (this may be your passion for the job or interest in the company) in your introduction.
Next, it's time to pan out the body or middle of your cpa cover letter.
When creating your resume, you've probably gone over the advert a million times to select the most relevant skills.
Well, it's time to repeat this activity. Or just copy and paste your previous list of job-crucial requirements.
Then, select one of your past accomplishments, which is relevant and would impress hiring managers.
Write between three and six paragraphs to focus on the value your professional achievement would bring to your potential, new organization.
Tell a story around your success that ultimately shows off your real value as a professional.
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 cpa cover letter.
But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?
Most cpa 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 cpa cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.
CPA cover letter advice for candidates with no experience
If you're worried about writing your CPA 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 CPA 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
Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your cpa cover letter:
- Always make sure your cpa cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
- In your cpa cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
- Focus your cpa cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
- Ensure your cpa cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
- If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.
