Professional CPA Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Home > 
Professional CPA Cover Letter Examples...

Your CPA cover letter must immediately highlight your certifications and experience. Specify your CPA license status and any relevant accounting specializations to stand out. Demonstrate your expertise in accounting principles and your proficiency in financial software within the second paragraph. Your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights is invaluable—let them see that.

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.

Elevate your cpa cover letter game to impress recruiters with our helpful tips on:

  • 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.

CPA cover letter example

ALEXANDER TAYLOR

Denver, Colorado

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I recently had the opportunity to delve into the strategic vision of your firm, and I am duly impressed by the innovative approaches your team employs to navigate the complexities of financial management. My tenure at PricewaterhouseCoopers has honed my proficiency in elevating tax planning to an art form, which I believe aligns perfectly with the direction your company is headed.

Among the high points of my career was leading a negotiation with the IRS for a major client, which culminated in averting a potential $500,000 liability. This significant accomplishment not only salvaged the client's financial standing but also solidified our firm's reputation as a leader in complex tax dispute resolution. The critical thinking, diplomatic negotiation, and keen understanding of tax law I utilized in that instance are skills I am eager to bring to your esteemed team, providing winning strategies and steadfast guidance.

I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your firm's continued success and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my tax planning acumen, client advisory expertise, and track record of enhancing process efficiency can be an asset to your team. I look forward to the prospect of arranging a meeting to dive deeper into potential collaborations.

Sincerely, ALEXANDER TAYLOR, CPA Advisor
What makes this cover letter good:


  • 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.

top sections icon

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.
top sections icon

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".

top sections icon

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.

Intro Paragraph
Steeped in the rich heritage of fiscal responsibility and innovation that characterizes [Company Name], I recognize the alignment of my professional expertise with your commitment to excellence in accounting practices. My history of streamlining financial operations for diverse corporations mirrors the ambition of [Company Name] to not only maintain but elevate industry standards.
RIGHT

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.

Body Paragraph
Spearheading a comprehensive financial audit for a mid-sized manufacturing firm, I uncovered and rectified a $2.5M accounting discrepancy. This initiative not only recovered substantial lost revenue but also improved the client's financial reporting accuracy by 35%, showcasing my analytical acumen and attention to detail—essential traits for yielding high-impact results in the auditing realm.
RIGHT

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.

Closing Paragraph
Eager to discuss my qualifications for the CPA role further, I hope to arrange an interview at your earliest convenience.
RIGHT

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.
Rate my article:
Professional CPA Cover Letter Examples for 2024
Average: 4.80 / 5.00
(564 people already rated it)
Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
AI Section BackgroundAI Section Lines

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

  • Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
  • ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
  • Lightning-fast responses
Create a Cover Letter
Cover Letter Background
Cover Letter Example
AI Panel Box
Continue Reading
Check more recommended readings to get the job of your dreams.