Why you need a compelling cover letter
Your cover letter can be your secret weapon in a job search, and it should accompany your CV in any job application. The cover letter allows you to explain any aspects of your CV that are not immediately obvious, such as gaps in employment. It can also help to magnify the power of your CV and ensure the employer has a more well-rounded view of your qualifications and experiences. Cover letters should not be overlooked, as they have the potential to make or break your job search. Your CV may be the star of the show, but your cover letter wins ‘Best Supporting Actor’ everytime.
Best format for an accounting cover letter
In general, all cover letters contain the following:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
We’ll help you understand the functions of each one and why they’re important, plus any pro tips to help you make a great impression with employers!
Headers
The header at the top of your cover letter is one of the most important parts of your document. It’s also usually the first part of the cover letter potential employers will see, since all good headers are designed to stand out. Your header should contain your contact details so employers know how to reach out to you, including your name, profession, phone number, email address and links to any professional websites or social networks that demonstrate your professional capabilities in a favourable light. You might also like to include your mailing address, though this is not always necessary. Well-designed headers will also have the added benefit of helping you stand out from other candidates. With subtle colour palettes, structured layouts and tidy design elements, we’ve got great accounting cover letter templates for candidates looking to make a memorable impression with employers.
Choose a cover letter template that matches your CV!
All of our CVapp.ie cover letters have matching CV templates. We’ve done this so that it’s easier for employers to recognise your documents. It also adds a more personal touch and lets employers know you went to the effort of keeping your branding consistent. Not only that – but all of our cover letters and CVs have been designed and approved by industry professionals, so you can be sure your documents will engage and impress!
Greetings
Greetings should always be professional and appropriate. Try to be as specific as possible when addressing employers, for example, “Dear Mrs. Gallagher,” or “Dear Mr. Walsh” are acceptable ways to greet potential employers. “Hi to whom it may concern” is not. We always recommend personalising your greetings where possible, so if you know the name of your employer or hiring manager, go ahead and use it! People love reading their own names, and it also shows that you didn’t just submit a generic cover letter to employers. If you do not know the name, you can address the company or team instead. As long as it’s professional and polite, you’re on your way to making a great first impression!
Always keep greetings as personable and professional as possible!
Dear Mr. Sullivan,
Introductions
Cover letter introductions should be direct, professional and sincere, highlighting the qualifications and skills that make you the best candidate for the job. It’s essential that introductions are kept engaging and interesting so that your potential employer or hiring manager is motivated to continue reading your content. As always, being specific is best. Outline the job role you’re applying for and what type of value you can add to the company or organisation, and don’t be afraid to use descriptive, actionable language throughout your cover letter!
"So you're an accountant. That means you work with numbers, right?"
Nearly every accountant has encountered this interaction before. Each time you reveal your career to a new friend or acquaintance, there is a brief moment of anticipation, of knowing what question will come next. It's small talk at it's finest, and genuine curiosity at it's best. After nearly thirteen years of being an accountant, I have answered this question countless times ("yes, kind of!") and I have come to realise that being a good accountant requires more than just working with numbers. Being a good accountant is about more than just balancing the books. It's about going above and beyond for clients and using your accrued knowledge and wisdom to service the needs of clients to the best of your ability.
Body Paragraphs
The goal of cover letters is to highlight the value you can bring to a company. The body paragraphs are where you’ll want to promote your professional skills, qualifications and any relevant professional experience the most. Do you have your CGA or CIA? Have you been working in the accounting industry for years? Let your employers know! As usual, you’ll want to be as specific as possible – include numbers, facts or statistics. For example, “worked as an accountant at Deloitte for 8 years preparing financial documents for clients in the public sector.” The body paragraphs are where you’ll want to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. Why are you a valuable asset to the team? Use your body paragraphs to answer this question as best as possible.
After working as an accountant for over a decade and graduating from the National University of Ireland Maynooth with a Bachelor of Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting, I like to think I know a thing or two about accounting. Truthfully, I continue to learn more about accounting every year. I possess a range of technical knowledge, skills and expertise and pride myself on having excellent data analysis and problem solving skills. At previous employers, I achieved the following;
- Saving previous employers over $10M in tracking dysfunctional expenditure patterns
- Earning private clients an estimated average of $125,000 annually through excellent organisation and management of accounts
- Served over 1,200 clients across ten years, always providing the highest level of professionalism and care
Conclusion
Think of your conclusion as your last effort to make a strong impression with potential employers. You’ll want to make sure this paragraph is convincing and compelling. Conclusions are also important as they can remind the reader to reach out to you to discuss the job position further. We call this a call-to-action statement. For example, near the end of your conclusion, we recommend saying someting such as “I would love to connect with you at your earliest convenience.” It’s also a great idea to thank them for their time and consideration.
To sign–off, just like your greeting, you’ll want to keep it polite and professional. We recommend saying “Yours sincerely,” or “Best wishes,” followed by your name. Now you’re ready to start sharing your cover letter with the world!
I would love the opportunity to discuss this role with you further. I would be happy to share more details about my career experiences, skillset and insights. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
Tadhg Campbell
You’re a few clicks away from your ideal job
Writing a cover letter that stands out can be a challenge, but with CVapp.ie, we’ve got a range of professional resources and tools to help simplify the job search process. From our CV and Cover Letter Builders, to our pro tips and helpful articles, we’ve got all you need to make the best first impression with employers. With CVapp.ie, you’re only moments away from your ideal job. Good luck!
