Embarking on your job search, you've diligently sent out resumes only to realize you need an impactful accounting cover letter to complement your application. This crucial document shouldn't echo your resume; instead, it should spotlight a significant professional triumph that showcases your skills. Writing formally yet authentically without resorting to clichés, and keeping it concise within one page, can be daunting. Let's address these challenges together and craft a cover letter that sets you apart.
- Write a functional accounting cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
- Understand how to start and end your functional accounting cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
- What to include in the body of your functional accounting cover letter to put your best foot forward;
- Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your functional accounting cover letter.
And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your functional accounting resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.
If the functional accounting isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
- Functional Accounting resume guide and example
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- Financial Operations Manager cover letter example
- Cost Accounting cover letter example
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Functional Accounting cover letter example
OLIVIA DAVIS
Los Angeles, California
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasizing concrete achievements, such as leading a major transition to new accounting standards and improving financial reporting workflows, directly demonstrates the applicant’s capability and relevant experience.
- Highlighting the ability to achieve and exceed targets showcases the applicant's dedication to efficiency and excellence, which is crucial for roles in financial management and analysis.
- Connecting past accomplishments to the prospective employer's vision illustrates the candidate's alignment with the company's goals and their potential for future contributions.
- Requesting an interview in a confident manner while expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity leaves the applicant’s interaction with the hiring manager on a proactive and positive note.
Structuring and formatting your functional accounting cover letter
Here's what the structure of your functional accounting cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your functional accounting resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your functional accounting cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your functional accounting cover letter.
The top sections on a functional accounting cover letter
- Header (with contact information): This includes your name, address, phone number, email address, and the date which are essential for the employer to easily contact you for an interview.
- Greeting: Tailor this section to address the hiring manager by name whenever possible as it demonstrates you've done your research and are serious about the role.
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the accounting position you’re applying for, while capturing the recruiter's attention with your enthusiasm and an overview of your strongest qualifications.
- Body (highlighting relevant experience and skills): Elaborate on your accounting experience, special skills like proficiency with specific accounting software, and achievements using quantifiable data to showcase how you can benefit the company's financial operations.
- Closing and Call to Action: Conclude with a strong closing statement that reiterates your interest in the role, thanks the reader for their time, and includes a polite call to action, encouraging the recruiter to schedule an interview.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Proficiency in accounting software (like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle): To show capability in efficiently managing and processing financial data.
- Attention to detail: Critical for ensuring accuracy in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and identifying errors or discrepancies in financial statements.
- Strong analytical skills: Necessary for analyzing financial data, interpreting fiscal trends, and providing insightful recommendations for financial planning and decision-making.
- Understanding of financial regulations and standards (such as GAAP or IFRS): To ensure compliance with legal standards, reduce audit risks, and maintain the company's financial integrity.
- Solid educational background in accounting or finance: Indicates a strong foundation in core accounting principles and technical knowledge required for various accounting tasks.
- Experience with budget preparation and financial forecasting: Reflects ability to plan ahead, manage company finances effectively, and assist in strategic decision-making for fiscal health and growth.
Kick off your functional accounting cover letter: the salutation or greeting
When writing your functional accounting cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.
And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them. Personally.
So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.
Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.
If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your functional accounting cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").
A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Name of the Recruiter],
- Distinguished Search Committee,
- Esteemed Human Resources Director,
- Attention: [Specific department or team such as "Accounts Payable Department"],
- Respected Finance Team Leader,
How to start your functional accounting cover letter introduction
The opening paragraph of your functional accounting cover letter can seem like a real enigma.
Where do you start writing?
In your functional accounting cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:
- gets you motivated and excited about the role;
- you like best about the company, from culture to awards.
Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
What comes next: your functional accounting cover letter middle paragraphs
In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your functional accounting cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.
Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.
That's one big no-no.
Remember that when writing your functional accounting cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.
So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.
Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.
Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.
Ending your functional accounting cover letter: a closing paragraph with a promise
If you're thinking of finishing your functional accounting cover letter with a "Sincerely yours" or "Thanks for the consideration," you need to read on.
End the final paragraph of your functional accounting cover letter with a twist:
- a promise - of how you'd grow as a professional, part of the company, or improve organizational metrics;
- a call to action - prompt interviewers with some follow-up actions if they are interested in your profile.
A personalized ending would surely help you to stand out by being a memorable candidate.
Functional Accounting cover letter advice for candidates with no experience
If you're worried about writing your Functional Accounting 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 Functional Accounting 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
Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise functional accounting cover letter that:
- Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the functional accounting resume;
- Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
- Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
- Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
- Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.
