Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.
Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.
Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.
Cover letter examples for cfo
Explore additional cfo cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior CFO
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively utilises statistics and figures to quantify achievements, such as improving forecasting accuracy by 20% and enhancing cash reserves by £500k, making the candidate's impact clear and measurable.
- Specific Skill Set: The role-related skills like "Financial Modelling" and "Data Analysis" are prominently highlighted, aligning well with the job title and industry expectations.
- Collaborative Experience: Emphasising collaboration with cross-functional teams showcases the candidate's ability to work in diverse groups to achieve cost reductions and enhance operational efficiency.
- Professional Development: Completion of relevant courses such as "Financial Modelling and Valuation" adds depth to the candidate's profile, demonstrating ongoing commitment to professional growth and expertise in key areas.
Senior CFO
- Highlight the candidate's successful capital raise of £5M at NET-A-PORTER, demonstrating capability in financial stabilisation and growth facilitation, crucial for a CFO role.
- Emphasise the development and execution of a comprehensive financial strategy that resulted in a 30% increase in annual revenue, showcasing expertise in revenue growth and strategic financial planning.
- Include experience of spearheading the integration of new financial software systems to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency, reflecting strong skills in technological adaptation and financial process optimisation.
- Mention the Advanced Financial Modelling and Forecasting certification, showing dedication to advanced technical skills necessary for strategic financial roles.
Entry-level CFO
- Relevant Experience: Lily's cover letter efficiently highlights a strong background in wealth management and financial planning, which is highly relevant to the role of a Financial Planner. This demonstrates expertise and a proven track record in similar job functions.
- Certifications: Mentioning the Certified Financial Planner course offered by the Chartered Insurance Institute directly aligns with the specialised nature of the role and showcases commitment to professional development and client strategy enhancement.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses quantitative data, such as improving client satisfaction scores by 25% and portfolio returns by 15%, which provides concrete evidence of Lily's ability to achieve results.
- Core Competencies: Skills like tax reduction, risk assessment, retirement planning, and client relationship management are concisely highlighted, showcasing crucial competencies that align with the expected responsibilities of a Financial Planner.
Mid-level CFO
- The cover letter effectively begins with a concise yet comprehensive summary that highlights key skills and achievements in predictive analytics and data analysis, immediately demonstrating the applicant's relevance and competency for a Data Scientist role.
- It underscores significant career achievements with quantitative outcomes, such as leading a team to develop a predictive analytics model that increased revenue by 12%, showcasing both leadership and technical prowess.
- The letter highlights specific technical skills like Python, SQL, and machine learning, crucial for a data scientist role, alongside accomplishments in implementing and optimising models for improved business performance and accuracy.
- Evidences of continuing education through advanced courses and certifications, like the Machine Learning Specialisation on Coursera, convey the applicant’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge skill set in the rapidly evolving data science field.
CFO with International Experience
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: Isabella effectively showcases her experience as a Sports Event Coordinator and Financial Modelling Workshop Facilitator, illustrating her capability to manage logistics, budgets, and volunteer teams in a high-profile environment. This aligns directly with her interest in sports media and finance.
- Certifications and Education: Including her "Certification in Financial Modelling and Valuation" and "Bachelor of Science in Finance" provides credibility and demonstrates a strong foundation in financial principles necessary for a career in finance and fintech.
- Key Skills and Achievements: Emphasising skills like financial modelling, network building, and achievements such as increasing workshop enrolment through strategic partnerships proves her ability to drive results and engage effectively with industry professionals.
- Passion Alignment with Role: By detailing passions such as being a Football Enthusiast and Technology Innovator, she connects her personal interests with professional roles. This demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for the industry, which is valuable for startups or roles that demand a strong personal interest.
CFO with Mergers and Acquisitions Experience
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Charlie's tenure as a CFO and their extensive experience with ASC 606 compliance, FP&A, and strategic financial planning, which are crucial for a senior finance executive role.
- Demonstrate Achievements Quantitatively: The use of specific figures, such as achieving a 25% annual revenue growth and a 30% increase in processing efficiency, provides compelling evidence of the candidate's capability to drive results.
- Emphasise Leadership Skills: By mentioning successful team mentorship and efficiency improvements, the cover letter underscores Charlie's leadership abilities, which are essential for guiding and developing finance teams.
- Include Relevant Certifications and Courses: The inclusion of certifications like "Advanced Financial Modelling" and "ASC 606 Compliance Mastery" enhances the candidate's credibility in financial strategy and compliance, which are pivotal for their role.
CFO with Start-up Experience
- Highlighting significant financial accomplishments, such as securing a £30M Series B capital raise, demonstrates the ability to attract investment and contribute to company growth.
- Emphasis on leadership in financial strategies, exemplified by roles such as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, showcases strategic leadership skills necessary for higher level finance roles.
- Including diverse, cross-industry financial experience, e.g. logistics and fintech, adds value by illustrating a broad understanding of financial operations across different sectors.
- Showcasing advanced qualifications, such as a Master of Science in Financial Management, ensures academic credentials align with the expertise required for senior financial leadership positions.
CFO with Public Sector Experience
- Strategic Financial Leadership: The cover letter highlights extensive experience in strategic financial leadership, crucial for a Chief Finance Officer role, by detailing success stories in improving financial performance and partnership fostering.
- Transformational Projects: Emphasising a leadership role in transformation projects that resulted in a 30% improvement in financial outcomes is pivotal for demonstrating capability in driving organisational change.
- Specialised Industry Insight: The focus on delivering sustainable healthcare improvements in Greater Manchester aligns with the expertise in healthcare, showcasing industry-specific knowledge that is beneficial for advancing healthcare finance initiatives.
- Risk Management Initiatives: Underlining successful risk management initiatives, which safeguarded significant assets, establishes a strong precedent in upholding financial security within an organisation.
CFO with Private Sector Experience
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter showcases over 15 years of expertise in financial management with a significant focus on strategic planning and non-profit operations, aligning well with executive financial roles.
- Quantifying Achievements: Specific achievements like a 20% growth in reserves and a 30% error reduction through new financial systems illustrate the candidate’s ability to deliver tangible results.
- Showcasing Leadership Skills: Experience in training and developing high-performing teams and improving departmental KPIs emphasizes strong leadership and team management capability.
- Specialised Certifications: The mention of a Non-Profit Financial Stewardship Certification highlights a tailored qualification that is particularly relevant to roles in non-profit financial management.
CFO with Non-profit Experience
- Highlight Relevant Certifications: The inclusion of AWS and Azure certifications is crucial for roles focusing on digital transformations and cloud architecture as they affirm the candidate's expertise and enhance trust with clients.
- Emphasise Quantifiable Achievements: Using statistics such as a 30% increase in client satisfaction and a 20% revenue growth provides concrete evidence of effectiveness and success in previous positions.
- Showcase Leadership and Innovation: Detailing experiences like leading high-level consultations and developing innovative solutions demonstrates strong leadership qualities and a forward-thinking approach, both essential for advisory roles.
- Focus on Collaborative Success: Mentioning collaboration with alliance partners and boosting cross-practice deals underscores the ability to work effectively in team settings, which is vital for building comprehensive client solutions.
By Role
CFO in Healthcare
- Highlight Relevant Certifications: Mentioning the Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) certification is crucial for roles within healthcare finance, as it underscores specialised knowledge in managing the financial aspects of healthcare organisations.
- Focus on Leadership Skills: Emphasising team leadership and management experience is vital for a CFO role, showcasing the ability to lead high-performing teams to achieve strategic and financial goals.
- Demonstrate Quantifiable Achievements: Providing specific examples of revenue growth, cost savings, and process enhancements with precise figures (e.g., 35% revenue growth, £2M in cost savings) strengthens the case by highlighting real, measurable impacts.
- Incorporate Strategic Financial Skills: Including skills such as financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies is essential in illustrating the candidate's capability to manage the financial health of an organisation effectively.
CFO in Retail
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases over 15 years of finance leadership experience, critical for a Head of Finance role. Emphasising past roles at major companies like Shell, BP, and Tesco adds credibility.
- Detail Key Achievements: Outlining significant achievements such as a £2M cost savings initiative and a £3M increase in annual revenue demonstrates the applicant's impact and potential to drive financial growth.
- Emphasise Skills and Education: Featuring important skills such as Financial Reporting, SAP expertise, and IFRS16 proficiency aligns with the responsibilities of a Head of Finance position. Additionally, relevant degrees from recognised institutions support the applicant’s qualifications.
- Include Professional Development: Mentioning courses like Advanced Financial Modelling and Business Risk Management Certification shows commitment to professional development, which is important for staying current in financial strategy and risk management.
CFO in Manufacturing
- Emphasise quantifiable results: The cover letter highlights impressive numerical achievements, such as optimising P&L by 15%. This gives concrete evidence of capability and adds credibility to claims of success.
- Leadership and Mentoring: Demonstrating experience in leading teams and mentoring junior staff, as seen in Harry Williams' role at Deloitte, is crucial for senior executive positions where leadership and personal development are key.
- Skills and Coursework Alignment: The cover letter effectively aligns both skills and courses with job responsibilities, such as integrating financial models and M&A strategies, suggesting continuous professional development in relevant fields.
- Industry-Specific Achievements: Focusing on achievements relevant to the industry, like successful acquisition integrations in the energy sector, shows a deep understanding of sector-specific challenges and solutions.
CFO in Technology
- Tailoring Expertise: The cover letter effectively highlights the candidate's specialised expertise in cost management and strategic partnerships, which are crucial for the role of a Finance Business Partner, especially in technology and change environments.
- Showcasing Achievements: Featuring specific accomplishments such as achieving a £2m cost saving and automating invoice processing, emphasises the candidate's ability to drive efficiency and success in financial management.
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The candidate's experience with leading financial management and collaborating with senior stakeholders at Aon and Lloyds Banking Group demonstrates a proven record in roles that meet the demands of a Finance Business Partner.
- Integration of Technical Skills: Mentioning advanced Excel skills and proficiency in Oracle Financials underlines the candidate's technical capability, a vital component in financial analysis and reporting for technology sectors.
CFO in Real Estate
- Highlighting the role-specific expertise, such as proficiency in SPV structures and tax planning, which is crucial for strategic growth in property development finance.
- Emphasising leadership achievements, such as spearheading a 15% year-on-year increase in profitability and leading teams to improve financial performance efficiency by 20% through strategic planning.
- Mentioning secured funding, like negotiating £10 million in developmental loans, which showcases the ability to enhance capital structure and support expansion objectives.
- Incorporating impactful achievements, such as optimising SPV processes for a 30% increase in transaction efficiency, aligns with the role’s requirements for innovative financial management solutions.
CFO in Banking
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases 15 years of experience in strategic financial planning, a critical component for a CFO role, emphasising Arthur's capacity to propel organisational growth.
- Emphasis on Achievements: By specifying measurable outcomes like a 30% increase in investor interest and 20% improvement in cash flow management efficiency, the cover letter demonstrates tangible contributions to financial success.
- Skills Alignment: The cover letter aligns Arthur's skills, such as M&A Transactions and Cash Flow Management, with the CFO responsibilities, indicating strong proficiency in essential financial operations.
- Education and Continuous Learning: It mentions advanced education and courses, such as the MBA from London Business School and specialised Coursera courses, which highlight continuous learning and strategic acumen vital for senior finance leadership.
CFO in Non-profit
- Highlight certification such as the "CFO Leadership Program" from Wharton Online, focusing on strategic thinking and financial leadership, specifically tailored for CFO roles.
- Emphasise proven experience in strategic financial planning and achieving substantial revenue growth, like the 20% revenue increase in small businesses.
- Demonstrate bilingual communication skills as a significant asset in enhancing client relations and supporting diverse business environments.
- Mention expertise with financial management tools and software which improve data handling efficiency, as this technical proficiency supports advisory roles.
CFO in Education
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Alexander Jackson's extensive experience in roles such as Senior Rehabilitation Officer and Case Manager, which are directly aligned with the responsibilities of a CFO Hub Support Worker.
- Emphasise Measurable Achievements: The mention of achieving a 30% reduction in reoffending rates and 75% participant integration into employment or further education highlights his ability to deliver tangible results.
- Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills: The cover letter points out Alexander's proficiency in building strong partnerships and collaborations, such as securing 15 group partnerships, which is crucial for a collaborative-focused role like the CFO Hub Support Worker.
- Demonstrate Continuous Improvement: By underscoring implemented monitoring systems and mentorship initiatives that improved process accuracy and participant engagement, the letter conveys Alexander’s commitment to ongoing enhancement and effectiveness.
CFO in Energy
- Focus on Strategic Accomplishments: Highlight key accomplishments such as leading strategies that resulted in significant revenue increases and operational efficiencies. These examples demonstrate tangible results aligning with the role's objectives.
- Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasising experience in leading teams and mentoring programmes illustrates strong leadership skills and an ability to foster team development, which is valuable for a management position.
- Client Relationship Management: Underscore expertise in building and maintaining strong client relationships, which is crucial for roles involving sales and account management.
- Holistic Skill Set: Comprehensive skills list including business strategy, financial planning, and market analysis showcases a well-rounded candidate capable of tackling multi-faceted challenges.
CFO in Agriculture
- Emphasise Strategic Achievements: The letter effectively highlights strategic achievements such as the 20% increase in budget efficiency and £1 million annual cost reductions, showcasing the ability to lead impactful financial initiatives.
- Leadership in Financial Systems: Mentioning the development of automated financial tracking systems is crucial, demonstrating proficiency in modernising operations and enhancing transparency and accuracy.
- Education and Continued Learning: The inclusion of a Master of Business Administration and relevant courses underscores a commitment to continuous professional development and strategic financial management.
- Stakeholder Confidence and Compliance: Reference to audit compliance successes and stakeholder engagement signals reliability, trustworthiness, and adherence to industry regulations, essential for a senior financial role.
CFO cover letter example
Harper Webb
Wolverhampton, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the CFO position within your organization. Having extensively researched your company's strategic initiatives and commitment to innovative real estate financing solutions, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to your team's success with my proven track record in financial leadership and strategic growth.
During my tenure as Chief Financial Officer at British Land, I led the strategic restructuring of a £500m debt portfolio, which not only secured more favorable terms but also slashed interest payments by 15%. This achievement not only demonstrates my prowess in strategic financial planning and debt structuring but also highlights my capability to drive substantial cost savings for the organization.
I am keen to bring my expertise in treasury management, strategic financial planning, and team leadership to your esteemed company. I believe that my background in managing large-scale financial operations and my passion for fostering corporate growth align well with your organization's goals. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I could make a valuable contribution to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Harper Webb, Experienced CFO
Why this cover letter is impressive:
- Highlight significant financial achievements: Emphasizing the restructuring of a £500m debt portfolio and the resulting cost savings demonstrates a proven track record in financial leadership and strategic planning, which is crucial for a CFO role.
- Align past experiences with company goals: Discussing capabilities in treasury management, strategic financial planning, and leadership in relation to the company's focus on innovative real estate financing solutions shows an understanding of the company's objectives and how past experiences directly relate to them.
- Express enthusiasm for the company's mission: Showing knowledge of the company's strategic initiatives and expressing a strong interest in being part of their success can convey a genuine desire to contribute to the organization, which can be appealing to hiring managers.
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
When writing your cover letter for a UK employer, it’s important to keep several things in mind. First, you need to conduct a thorough research, which includes reading up on the company’s website, recent news, and their presence on social media. Understanding the company’s latest achievements and its overall mission will allow you to tailor your letter to their specific needs.
Next, focus on the company’s core values. Whether they value teamwork, innovation, or community involvement, highlighting how your own experience aligns with these principles is essential.
Finally, don’t forget to match your skills to the job’s requirements. Study the job description carefully and pick out the most important qualifications or competencies. Then, provide evidence of how you meet those criteria with concrete examples from your past work experience.
How to format a cfo cover letter
To get your cover letter's formatting right:
- Use a modern font like Lato, Raleway, or Chivo, rather than the overused Arial or Times New Roman.
- Set your cover letter to be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides—our templates are automatically set up for you.
- Ensure both your CV and cover letter are consistent in font style and formatting.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to prevent alterations and preserve its layout.
When it comes to structuring your cover letter, follow this sequence: begin with your address and contact details, then the employer's details (i.e. name and address), and the date. Next, start with a personalised greeting, followed by your introductory, body, and closing paragraphs. Be sure to include a sign-off and your signature at the end.
Remember, although Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, which may scan your CV for keywords, won't read your cover letter, it will be reviewed by recruiters.
How to write your cfo cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your cfo cover letter intro
A great option to begin your cover letter is by showing recruiters you've done your homework or research.
If the company has won an award or made headlines, congratulate them in your opening sentence, or express how impressed you are.
Provide this achievement as a reason why you admire the company, ensuring your tone remains genuine, sincere, and authentic.
Cover Letter Intro
Having closely followed Grangepoint's innovative strides in sustainability and its impact on industry standards, I am keen to contribute to its financial leadership as Chief Financial Officer to further bolster its commitment to ethical business practices.
RIGHT
How to write your cfo cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
As the Chief Financial Officer of XYZ Corporation, I successfully led a comprehensive financial restructuring initiative that resulted in a 25% reduction in operational costs over two years, driving increased profitability and long-term sustainability. The restructuring not only optimized resource allocation but also involved an strategic overhaul of our financial reporting processes. By implementing data-driven analytics and fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility, our team was able to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, streamlining operations without sacrificing quality or employee morale. This achievement not only underscores my ability to transform financial processes but also highlights my capacity to lead cross-functional teams effectively towards achieving common business goals.
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 very much for considering my application. I am genuinely excited about the possibility of contributing to your esteemed company in the capacity of CFO. I am confident that my extensive experience and strategic vision will be a valuable asset to your team. I welcome the opportunity to discuss in more detail how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I am eager to explore the ways in which I can support and drive your organisation's financial success. 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.
