ToC

Be sure you use the proper cover letter format to make your cover letter readable and professional.

Accounts Assistant Cover Letter (Text Format)

(Your Address)
(Today’s Date)

(Contact Person’s Name)
(Company Address)

Dear (Mr/Ms/Mx) (Contact Person’s Surname),

I am writing to express my interest in the Accounts Assistant position at (Company Name). With over six years of experience in providing administrative and financial support, coupled with expertise in payroll management, bank reconciliations, and accounting software such as QuickBooks and Sage 50, I am eager to bring my skills to your team.

In my current role at Hays, I manage payroll for over 500 staff members, process up to 200 daily cash and cheque transactions, and foster trusted relationships with suppliers and clients to negotiate favourable terms. At Radisson Hotel Group, I successfully updated purchase ledgers, prepared balance sheets, and conducted detailed profit-and-loss analyses that informed key business decisions. My apprenticeship at Lookers PLC further honed my ability to liaise with auditors, ensure accuracy in financial data, and support annual forecasting.

With a BA (Hons) in Business Administration and fluency in French, I possess strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills to effectively manage diverse accounting tasks. My ability to maintain high accuracy while meeting tight deadlines ensures the delivery of quality financial information that aligns with company goals.

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to (Company Name)’s success by supporting your accounting processes and streamlining financial operations. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)


How to write an accounts assistant cover letter

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a cover letter in a way that makes you seem like the best candidate for the job.

A strong cover letter is crucial for an Accounts Assistant role because it explains how your skills align with the company’s goals and bridges the gap between your CV and the employer’s needs.

From my time advising job applicants in accounting and finance, I’ve seen how a compelling cover letter can demonstrate your enthusiasm for growth and help you stand out.

Here are 3 things to remember when writing your accounts assistant cover letter.

1. Tailor your letter to the job description

Tailoring your letter by weaving in details from the job description is one of the easiest ways to stand out. Even small details, like the company’s niche or recent projects, show that you understand its needs and are invested in its success.

For example, if the advert mentions ‘experience in reconciling accounts’ or ‘knowledge of Xero,’ the employer will be eager to read about those topics in your cover letter. Don’t just name-drop them, though. Illustrate your relevant experience by highlighting achievements or certifications using your relevant skill set.

With over six years of experience in providing administrative and financial support, coupled with expertise in payroll management, bank reconciliations, and accounting software such as QuickBooks and Sage 50, I am eager to bring my skills to your team.

I love how this accounts assistant cover letter clearly aligns the applicant’s skills and experience with the specific job requirements—proficiency in payroll, reconciliations, and accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage 50.

They also refer to specific tasks (e.g., managing payroll for 500+ staff and processing 200 transactions daily), which shows relevance and attention to the job’s needs.

2. Showcase your organisation and communication skills

Soft skills can make or break an application, and because you can’t meaningfully include them in your job application without context, your cover letter is the place to demonstrate them.

I’d always advise candidates to share specific professional details that illustrate how their soft skills come into action in the workplace.

I manage payroll for over 500 staff members, process up to 200 daily cash and cheque transactions, and foster trusted relationships with suppliers and clients to negotiate favourable terms.

See how this sample indirectly highlights organisation and communication skills. Namedropping them would be meaningless.

The applicant mentions that ‘foster trusted relationships with suppliers and clients’. As a recruiter, this would suggest to me that the applicant is reliable and adept at managing professional relationships — that’s much more compelling than ‘I’m a great communicator.’

3. Demonstrate a desire for career growth

Motivated candidates stand out.

Most Accounts Assistant roles are stepping stones to larger responsibilities, so showing your ambition and commitment to professional growth can really strengthen your application.

Expressing an interest in developing further skills or qualifications (like Sage certification or learning payroll systems) can really set you apart, especially if your goals align with the company’s niche.

I’m currently working towards my Level 3 AAT qualification, which has deepened my understanding of financial principles and systems. I’m excited to bring this knowledge into a professional environment and continue developing my expertise.

Just be careful not to overpromise. For example, don’t claim you’re planning to study ACCA if that’s not realistic for you in the near future. Be genuine but enthusiastic about your aspirations.


Seb Morgan
Written by

Seb Morgan

Seb Morgan is a Career Counsellor for CV Genius, where he helps job seekers and professionals get more out of their careers. With over 7 years of experience in business and lifestyle journalism, he's written for a stack of careers-focused publications, including Oxbridge Home Learning, Study International, theHRDirector, and Employee Benefit News, and his expertise includes skill development, interview preparation, and CV and cover letter writing. West Midlands born and raised, Seb has since lived, worked, and studied in 4 countries across 2 continents. He speaks 4 languages and has survived job interviews in 3 of them. He currently also freelances as a travel and culture writer. Reach him at [sebastian] @ [cvgenius.com] or via LinkedIn.