Certified Public Accountant Cover Letter Example & Writing Tips

Text Format

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

Company Name
Company Address
Date

Dear Mr. /Mrs. /Ms. [Manager’s Name],

Please accept my application for the position of Certified Public Accountant, as advertised in the website’s name website on Date.

As a Senior Audit Associate with Pricewaterhousecoopers, I have displayed an ability to drive out inefficiencies through process improvement and assist in the maintenance and development of financial systems and procedures. Furthermore, I have successfully performed risk assessment, data analytics, and financial review for over 20 projects.

Previously working as a Financial Analyst Intern with Uncle Chen’s Restaurant LLC, I assimilated extensive knowledge of and insights into accountancy and various financial processes including budgeting, purchase orders and accounts reconciliation.

Proactive, innovative and highly influential, I am seeking a challenging but rewarding position, which is why I was naturally drawn to this exciting opportunity.

I hope to discuss my eligibility for the role further with you in the future.

Sincerely,

[Name]

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Cover Letter Writing Tips

Learning how to put together a cover letter for the specific job(s) you want will help you land more interviews.

There are more than 650,000 certified public accountants in the United States, and many lucrative career paths available to professionals who pass their CPA exams.

However, getting a good job as a CPA isn’t always easy. Accounting is a competitive field with high standards for success, so if you want to land your ideal position, you need to make a positive impression with your cover letter.

To help you craft the perfect application, here are three tips to help make your CPA cover letter stand out.

Highlight your skills as a certified public accountant

CPAs are responsible for handling important and sensitive financial documents. To show employers that you’re trustworthy and competent, use your cover letter to emphasize some of your more relevant accounting skills.

A certified public accountant demonstrating the types of accounting skills listed on their cover letter — Certified public accountants require a variety of technical expertise.

For example, these hard skills are valuable for accountants in any industry:

Tax accounting
Management accounting
Internal auditing
Financial analysis
Information technology auditing
Treasury/cash management
Personal financial planning
Economics
Legal knowledge
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Dynamics
Brentmark Estate Planning Quickview
Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
RSM McGladrey Auditor Assistant
ATX Total Tax Office
BNA Income Tax Planning Solutions
Sage 50 Accounting

Additionally, here are some soft skills that are expected of successful accountants:

Planning and organizational skills
Multitasking
The ability work well in a team
Leadership skills
Communication skills
Analytical skills
General business knowledge

Use proper cover letter format

Companies or individuals hiring certified public accountants are looking for candidates who know how to stick to regulations and communicate information efficiently. Formatting your cover letter properly ensures you make a good first impression and convey your qualifications quickly.

Here are tips on how to format your CPA cover letter properly:

Include an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion
Stick to a cover letter length of 250 to 400 words
Your font size should be between 10.5 and 12 points, and for a more professional job like accounting you should stick to a traditional serif cover letter font
Your margins should be ½”–1” on all sides side

Provide examples of your achievements (with numbers)

Whether it’s budgeting or analyzing inventory costs, the success of a great accountant is measured in numbers.

To show employers what you’re capable of, back up the accomplishments on your cover letter with data illustrating the precise results you’ve achieved.

Here are some ways that you can quantify your skills as a CPA on your cover letter:

Evaluated monthly sales report averaging US$50,000 per month and presented findings to the manager for management decisions
Performed risk assessments, data analytics and financial review for over 20 projects. Compiled and presented audit findings and suggested practical business improvement
Guided retirement planning for clients and families with net worths over $1 million.