You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for financial controller
Explore additional financial controller cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Financial Controller
- The cover letter effectively highlights Ava's extensive experience in financial control and M&A expertise, central to the role of a Senior Financial Controller.
- Specific achievements, such as leading projects that resulted in significant cost reductions and revenue growth, are underscored to demonstrate proven success and impact in previous roles.
- Emphasising leadership in managing and developing finance teams, along with driving financial strategies, aligns with the expectations for senior-level positions.
- Listing relevant certifications and courses in advanced financial modelling and M&A underscores Ava's commitment to professional development and expertise in specialised areas.
Assistant Financial Controller
- Highlighting quantifiable achievements such as a 15% increase in cost efficiency, which showcases the candidate's ability to contribute to financial improvements in a measurable way.
- Emphasising proficiency in specific financial systems and tools like the LVMH finance system, which is directly relevant to high-end businesses and luxury brand management environments.
- Describing collaborative efforts that led to a 25% improvement in contract labour reporting, demonstrating teamwork skills and the impact on decision-making processes.
- Noting advanced skills acquired through specific courses such as "Advanced Excel for Financial Modelling", which are crucial for roles requiring detailed financial analysis and modelling.
Chief Financial Controller
- Emphasising ACA qualification highlights specialised skills and proficiency essential for a Chief Financial Accountant role.
- Highlighting achievements such as enhancing revenue by 15% and improving compliance underscores strategic leadership capabilities.
- Including experiences with leading audit processes and enhancing internal controls demonstrates a strong aptitude for compliance and financial oversight.
- Mentioning proficiency in both UK GAAP and SOX compliance showcases expertise crucial for senior financial and compliance roles.
Junior Financial Controller
- Highlight your experience with US GAAP and SOX compliance, as these are significant for the role of a Financial Controller, particularly in a multinational context.
- Make sure to emphasise leadership skills by mentioning your successful management of international audits and teams, underscoring your capability to lead and deliver results.
- Showcase your achievements in financial modelling and tax efficiency projects, as these demonstrate your ability to apply analytical skills effectively and drive profitability.
- Include your passion for finance technology innovations to illustrate your forward-thinking approach and readiness to optimise financial processes through technology.
Group Financial Controller
- Highlight Industry-Specific Experience: Mentioning leadership roles and achievements at major tech companies like Cisco Systems and IBM underscores relevance to the dynamic IT services field and demonstrates industry-specific expertise.
- Quantify Achievements: The use of specific figures and percentages to illustrate past successes, such as a 25% increase in profitability and a 20% reduction in costs, reinforces the candidate's ability to deliver tangible financial impact.
- Demonstrate Continuous Learning: Mentioning advanced courses like those from CIMA and ACCA showcases a commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date with global financial standards.
- Showcase Leadership and Team Building: Highlighting experience in leading and mentoring teams, as well as collaborating with cross-functional departments, exemplifies key leadership and interpersonal skills vital for a financial controller role.
Regional Financial Controller
- Highlight Achievements: This cover letter effectively demonstrates the candidate's accomplishments, such as reducing costs, enhancing compliance, and streamlining processes, which are highly relevant for a financial management role.
- Emphasise Expertise in ERP Systems: Mentioning specific competencies like Oracle and SAP is crucial, as these systems are often integral to financial controller roles.
- Showcase Leadership Skills: Leading teams across multiple countries and improving team performance is essential for high-level management positions like a Regional Financial Controller.
- Focus on Industry Experience: Highlighting experience with large corporations like BP, Shell, and ExxonMobil provides credibility and reassures the potential employer of the candidate's ability to handle complex financial operations.
International Financial Controller
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Daniel's experience in finance-focused roles, such as his positions at KPMG and Ernst & Young, showcasing relevant skills and a track record of improving financial processes.
- Emphasising Professional Development: By mentioning additional courses like Advanced Financial Reporting with ACCA and the UK GAAP and IFRS Workshop, Daniel illustrates a commitment to continuous professional growth, essential for an aspiring financial controller.
- Stressing Achievements and Impact: The cover letter provides quantifiable achievements, such as improving reporting accuracy, enhancing governance, and achieving cost reductions, thereby demonstrating Daniel's capability to add value and drive improvements in financial management.
- Demonstrating Leadership and Training Skills: By highlighting his role in organising professional training workshops and developing financial literacy initiatives, Daniel showcases valuable leadership and educational skills relevant to enhancing team capabilities and financial operations.
Divisional Financial Controller
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The letter effectively showcases Ava's extensive experience as a Divisional Financial Controller, detailing achievements such as leading financial governance, process automation, and strategic financial leadership, which are critical for the role.
- Emphasise Key Achievements: The cover letter does well to mention specific measurable outcomes such as a 30% reduction in audit discrepancies and a £3 million annual cost saving. These achievements provide concrete evidence of Ava's capabilities.
- Stress Certifications and Education: The inclusion of advanced certifications like the Certified Corporate Governance Professional and pertinent education details bolster Ava's qualifications for strategic financial leadership roles.
- Reflect Passion and Values: Ava's genuine interest in maritime finance innovation and commitment to sustainable business practices are highlighted, aligning her personal passions with professional objectives, which adds depth to her profile.
By Role
Financial Controller in Manufacturing
- Relevance of Experience: Highlighting over seven years of experience in management accounting within the manufacturing sector demonstrates expertise and suitability for the role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Providing specific metrics, such as achieving a 20% reduction in operational costs and improving efficiency by 25%, underscores the candidate's impact and ability to deliver results.
- Technical Skills and Certifications: Emphasising proficiency in SAP and holding a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential confirms the candidate's technical expertise and commitment to professional development.
- Process Improvement Focus: Mentioning the implementation of lean methodologies and process improvements highlights a proactive approach to enhancing departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
Financial Controller in Retail
- Highlighting Key Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific achievements such as reducing financial discrepancies by 25% and improving audit processes, which demonstrate the candidate's capability in enhancing financial operations and efficiency.
- Emphasis on Leadership Skills: The candidate has underscored team leadership through mentoring and improving productivity and retention rates, which is crucial for a Financial Controller role.
- Relevance of Certifications: Mentioning the CPA certification adds credibility and strengthens the candidate's qualifications for the role by evidencing expertise in accounting standards and practices.
- Focus on Industry-Specific Skills: The cover letter ties skills such as GAAP compliance, inventory management, and ERP systems to the roles worked in, aligning experience with job requirements for a Financial Controller role.
Financial Controller in Healthcare
- Highlighting the Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) certification is crucial as it underscores expertise in complex financial operations within the healthcare sector, which is highly relevant for the Corporate Controller role.
- Emphasising previous leadership roles, such as Senior Financial Controller at Bupa UK, showcases the candidate’s ability to manage financial operations, lead teams, and drive cost reductions—all key aspects for a Corporate Controller.
- Detailing achievements like Cost Reduction Leader and Budget Efficiency Creator indicates the candidate’s proficiency in improving resource allocation and operational cost-efficiency, which are critical skills for financial management in healthcare.
- Incorporating skills in Advanced Excel, SAP, and QuickBooks highlights technical proficiency with essential tools that support efficient financial analysis and reporting in healthcare organisations.
Strategic Financial Controller
- Showcasing leadership and team management skills, such as successfully managing a team of account professionals and mentoring junior analysts, illustrates the candidate's capability to lead and inspire financial teams, which is essential for a Financial Controller role.
- Highlighting a strategic accomplishment, like influencing major investment decisions through detailed financial analysis, emphasizes the candidate's impact on business growth and strategic direction, highlighting their advisory role.
- Emphasizing expertise in process optimisation and efficiency improvements, including streamlining procurement and the month-end closing process, demonstrates the ability to enhance organisational productivity and cost savings, a vital aspect of financial management positions.
- Detailing advanced certifications and relevant programmes, such as the Advanced Financial Reporting Certification and courses from the London Business School, supports the candidate’s specialised knowledge and commitment to ongoing professional development in finance.
Financial Controller in Non-Profit
- Emphasise extensive experience in nonprofit financial management, which includes roles like Financial Manager and Finance and Grants Coordinator that demonstrate expertise and impact in reducing costs and enhancing compliance.
- Highlight specific achievements, such as reducing organisational expenses by 20% and enhancing donor retention by 15%, to showcase measurable impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Mention relevant certifications such as the "Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional" for credibility and specialised knowledge in nonprofit accounting standards.
- Include achievements in process automation and financial workflow optimisation to illustrate technological proficiency and ability to improve departmental productivity.
Financial Controller in Education
- Highlighting Relevant Certifications: The cover letter effectively mentions certifications such as the Governance, Risk and Compliance Certification, which is crucial in finance roles requiring oversight and risk management.
- Specific and Measurable Achievements: The applicant details measurable accomplishments, like a 20% reduction in financial reporting delivery time and a successful system migration project, showcasing their positive impact in previous roles.
- Experience in Strategic Roles: The letter draws attention to strategic positions, particularly the role at Kier Group, which involved leading a team and collaborating with cross-functional groups to enhance operational efficiency.
- Special Skills Emphasised: The letter lists specific skills such as SAP and BOBJ, which are crucial tools in financial management and reporting, underscoring expertise relevant to senior finance positions.
Operational Financial Controller
- Highlighting Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases Harry's achievements, such as boosting annual turnover by 10% and reducing operational costs by 20%, which are crucial metrics in financial controlling roles.
- Certifications and Education: The inclusion of relevant courses like 'Advanced Financial Analysis' and his MBA from the University of Warwick shows commitment to continuous learning, valued in financial positions.
- Specific Skills: Emphasising skills like KPI Development and GAAP Compliance demonstrates Harry's capability to manage financial operations effectively, critical in a Financial Controller role.
- Role-Specific Experience: Detailing experiences such as managing quarterly financial reports aligned with IFRS standards signals capability in handling complex financial reporting and stakeholder communications.
Financial Controller in Hospitality
- Highlighting Industry-Specific Software Proficiency: Mentioning expertise in XERO accounting software showcases specialised skills relevant to finance roles and demonstrates adaptability to industry-specific tools.
- Emphasising Leadership and Strategic Impact: The cover letter effectively underscores leadership experience and the candidate’s role in strategic initiatives that have resulted in significant financial improvements, such as cost reductions and revenue boosts.
- Quantifying Achievements: The candidate provides concrete evidence of their impact by articulating percentage improvements and financial figures, such as a 15% cost reduction and a £450,000 revenue increase.
- Detailing Continuous Professional Development: Including courses such as 'Advanced Financial Modelling' enhances credibility and portrays a commitment to ongoing skill enhancement and professional growth.
Financial Controller in Technology
- Expertise Highlighted: Emphasises extensive experience in financial management and digital technology integration, vital for a Financial Controller role aiming to boost operational efficiency.
- Major Achievements: Demonstrates significant impact by highlighting achievements such as improving operational efficiency by 25% and leading a cost reduction initiative saving £800,000.
- Skills and Certifications: Connects specific skills like Financial Management, Budgeting, and Risk Management with professional certifications such as the Financial Management Certificate Course, underlining credibility.
- Leadership and Innovation: Illustrates leadership in roles by discussing successful implementation of digital tools and software, leading to improved processing speeds and enhanced financial reporting accuracy.
Project Financial Controller
- Emphasise achievements in improving financial efficiency and reporting accuracy, demonstrating strategic capability and commitment to continuous improvement, which are crucial in financial leadership roles.
- Highlight strong leadership and team management skills through examples such as leading a 15-member finance team and mentoring junior associates, as these are important for cultivating high-performing teams.
- Draw attention to specific experience with financial regulations like IFRS and GAAP, ensuring compliance, as proficiency in these is essential for this position.
- Include instances of collaborating with cross-functional teams and influencing strategic direction, which showcases the candidate's ability to drive cohesive business strategies and enhance profitability.
Financial Controller in Construction
- Showcase Relevant Experience: Highlight extensive experience in accounting operations within the construction industry, emphasizing specific roles such as Controller at Balfour Beatty, which underline expertise in leading financial projects and teams.
- Emphasise Key Achievements: Illustrate significant quantifiable achievements, such as reducing month-end close time by 30% or increasing project profitability by 20%, to demonstrate the positive impact on previous employers.
- Highlight Specialised Skills and Certifications: Draw attention to specialized skills like WIP Accounting, Budget Forecasting, and Payroll Administration, supported by relevant certifications and courses from reputable institutions.
- Align Past Roles with Job Requirements: Align past roles and responsibilities with strategic activities and skills that are critical for the desired role, showing competence in Strategic Decision-Making and Regulatory Compliance.
Financial Controller in Logistics
- Emphasise Industry Experience: The candidate highlights 8 years of specialised experience in SAP and sales forecasting, crucial for a Customer Fulfilment Specialist role, by presenting quantifiable achievements, such as improving fulfilment efficiency by 30%.
- Showcase Results-Driven Experience: The cover letter captures specific achievements that underline the candidate's ability to drive improvements, such as reducing delivery costs by 10% and successfully resolving over 95% of customer credit and invoice issues.
- Highlight Relevant Skills and Tools: Key skills and tools relevant to the role, such as SAP and Excel, are prominently featured, reinforcing the candidate's capability to handle the operational demands of the job.
- Professional Development: By including advanced certifications in SAP and Sales Analytics, the candidate reinforces their commitment to professional growth and staying current with industry best practices.
Financial Controller cover letter example
Evie Perry
Manchester, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Financial Controller position at your esteemed company. Having extensively researched your team’s innovative approach to strategic financial management, I am inspired by your commitment to pioneering efficient and compliant financial processes on a global scale.
At Deloitte, as a Senior Financial Analyst, I led a multi-country financial forecasting initiative that influenced strategic direction by projecting revenues exceeding £10M. This role honed my expertise in cross-functional team management, allowing us to streamline financial reporting processes and reduce the closing cycle by 30%. Our efforts directly supported data-driven decision-making and achieved a 20% cost reduction aligned with the firm’s strategic goals, without compromising operational quality.
I am eager to bring my decade of experience in global statutory compliance, financial reporting, and team leadership to your organization. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your financial strategies and successes. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to discuss my candidacy with you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Evie Perry, Financial Controller
The reason this cover letter is so effective:
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter draws attention to the applicant’s experience as a Senior Financial Analyst at a reputable firm, Deloitte, which adds credibility and relevance to the Financial Controller role.
- Quantification of Achievements: By specifying achievements with numerical values (e.g., projecting revenues exceeding £10M, reducing the closing cycle by 30%), the letter effectively demonstrates the candidate's impact and capability.
- Aligning Skills with Company Goals: The candidate aligns personal skills and accomplishments, such as reducing costs and strategic decision-making, with the company’s commitment to global financial efficiency, enhancing relevance to the employer’s needs.
- Expressing Enthusiasm and Fit: The closing paragraph not only expresses eagerness to contribute to the company’s strategic goals but also hints at a good cultural fit, which is essential for such a pivotal financial role.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a vital part of professional job applications, helping shape recruiters' first impression of your profile.
Here’s why they’re important:
- Indicates your genuine interest: A well-researched cover letter reflects your knowledge of the company and role.
- Professionalism from the outset: Employers expect your cover letter to be structured, polite, and formal. If you wish to add a more personalised touch, be sure to address your recipient directly.
- Capture the recruiters' attention: For most roles, candidates tend to have rather similar experience, which is why you should use your cover letter to explain what is unique about your profile.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a financial controller cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your financial controller cover letter salutation
First impressions often start with the greeting and in the case of your job application, 'Dear Sir or Madam' simply won't suffice.
Find out who’s hiring for the role—by calling or emailing the company, searching online, or using LinkedIn—and address them correctly.
Generally, you should address them by their surname (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Weasley'), but if you've spoken to them before, you might use their first name (e.g., 'Dear Albus').
How to write your financial controller cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
Having long admired the commitment of [Company Name] to sustainable finance and innovative growth, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to your financial team as a Financial Controller. With a proven track record of implementing efficient financial strategies and a shared dedication to forward-thinking practices, I am eager to support your goals and uphold your esteemed reputation in the industry.
RIGHT
How to write your financial controller cover letter body
Which makes for a stronger cover letter body: a long-winded account of everything you’ve ever done, or a focused achievement that’s directly relevant to the job?
Hint: recruiters prefer the second.
When writing your cover letter, select your most impressive achievement that:
- Directly aligns with the job description and role.
- Is quantifiable with tangible metrics like numbers or percentages.
- Maps out your hard and soft skills, showcasing what makes you unique.
- Tells the story of the impact you could have on the organisation.
Cover Letter Body
In my previous role as a Financial Controller at XYZ Ltd, I successfully spearheaded a financial overhaul project that led the company to achieve savings of £3 million annually. By developing and implementing a new budgeting system, I managed to streamline the financial operations, effectively increasing the efficiency of our processes by 25%. This significant cost reduction was primarily achieved through meticulous analysis of the company’s expense reports, allowing me to identify key areas of improvement.
In addition to the fiscal benefits, this project honed my capabilities in cross-departmental collaboration and project management. I worked closely with all departmental heads, ensuring that the financial strategy was not only effective but also adaptable to their unique requirements, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. By leveraging my analytical skills and proactive approach, I was able to anticipate potential bottlenecks and swiftly implement corrective measures, maintaining the project's trajectory and achieving superior results.
This experience has significantly enriched my capability to drive financial strategy and performance, equipping me with the skills vital for contributing meaningfully to your esteemed team.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the Financial Controller position at your esteemed organisation. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my expertise in financial management and strategic planning to your team. I am confident that my skills and experiences align with the goals of your company, and I am eager to bring my dedication to financial excellence to your esteemed team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you in greater detail. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange an interview. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
