You want your cover letter to strike the perfect balance between being professional and showing some personality. But how do you achieve this?
If you write too formally, your tone may come across as stiff. If you're too casual, it may sound overly conversational.
While modesty is always valued, how can you confidently present your skills without sounding arrogant or boastful?
This guide will help you find the right balance, ensuring your cover letter is both professional and personable, while focusing on the key job requirements.
Cover letter examples for finance
Explore additional finance cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry Level Finance Analyst
- Emphasise relevant experience by detailing specific roles and achievements in budget development, financial analysis, and client management, which directly align with the responsibilities of a Junior Account Analyst.
- Highlight educational credentials and supplementary courses in relevant fields, such as the Bachelor of Science in Finance and the Master of Science in Business Analytics, which demonstrate a strong foundation in both finance and data analytics.
- Include notable achievements that quantify results, for example, implementing new financial software that decreased budget preparation time by 30% and cost-saving strategies that resulted in a £50,000 reduction in expenses, showcasing the candidate’s ability to drive efficiency and savings.
- Mention language skills and proficiency, specifically in English and French, which could be beneficial for client communication and project collaborations across diverse teams.
Senior Finance Manager
- Highlighting Certifications: The cover letter effectively underscores certifications such as the Certified Sustainability Practitioner and Corporate Finance Certificate, which are pivotal for demonstrating expertise in ESG frameworks and financial analysis, both essential for a Senior Finance Manager role.
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: The candidate proficiently emphasises their experience in implementing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and collaborating cross-departmentally to enhance ESG data collection, aligning directly with the responsibilities of a Senior Finance Manager focused on non-financial reporting.
- Showcasing Achievements: Noteworthy achievements, such as leading initiatives resulting in a 90% compliance rate and coordinating audits with zero non-conformities, provide solid evidence of the candidate's capability and success in driving compliance and ensuring reporting accuracy.
- Demonstrating Skills: The inclusion of key skills such as change management and cross-functional collaboration is pertinent, illustrating the candidate's ability to manage transitions and work effectively across departments, essential for strategic finance and ESG roles.
Mid-Level Finance Administrator
- Highlighting Relevant Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific accomplishments such as increasing financial efficiency by 20% and reducing discrepancies by 30%, which demonstrate the candidate's impact in previous roles.
- Emphasising Certifications: Mentioning the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification aligns with the emphasis on process improvement, showcasing a commitment to professional development and relevance to the finance role.
- Focus on Data-Driven Decision-Making: By underscoring expertise in data-driven decision-making, the candidate illustrates their ability to utilise data for effective financial planning and strategic initiatives.
- Demonstrating Soft Skills: Effective communication and collaboration are highlighted through examples, such as collaborating across departments and training staff, which are crucial for successful financial administration.
By Role
Finance Analyst in Healthcare
- The cover letter effectively highlights the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) course, showcasing advanced management accounting skills critical for a finance manager role.
- Florence's strategic emphasis on healthcare financial management aligns perfectly with the role's requirement, demonstrating a passion that is directly relevant and valuable.
- The focus on cross-departmental collaborations and workshops underscores Florence's capability to enhance financial understanding and improve budget management across the organisation.
- Emphasis on problem-solving and analytical skills is well-supported by measurable achievements such as the cost reduction initiative and improved forecast accuracy, making Florence a strong candidate for strategic financial positions.
Finance Director in Manufacturing
- The cover letter effectively highlights leadership skills and strategic planning expertise that are crucial for a Finance Director role.
- Incorporates specific achievements and quantifiable results from past positions, such as increasing profitability by 15% at Unilever, which sets a strong precedent for future success.
- Showcases industry-relevant certifications and courses, such as the Advanced Financial Modelling from the Corporate Finance Institute, highlighting specialised knowledge in financial strategies.
- Mentions a passion for mentoring future leaders, reflecting soft skills and a commitment to developing talent within the organisation, which is essential for leadership roles.
Finance Officer in Non-Profit
- Emphasise Quantifiable Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as cost reduction or increased revenue, with precise figures to demonstrate impact, e.g., achieving a 15% overhead cost reduction.
- Detail Leadership Experience: Include instances of leading teams and managing large budgets, such as directing a finance team to streamline processes or managing multimillion-pound budgets with cost-saving outcomes.
- Highlight Industry-Specific Skills: Focus on skills relevant to the non-profit sector, like non-profit financial management, strategic planning, and donor project accounting, underscoring their significance to the role.
- Use Clear Language and Structure: Organise content logically, beginning with a summary of experience and skills, followed by detailed role-specific achievements, to enhance readability and clarity for hiring managers.
Finance Administrator in Education
- Emphasising a solid track record of process improvement, such as increasing administrative efficiency and refining operations, is critical for roles demanding operational excellence.
- Highlighting relevant professional certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP), which showcases a commitment to enhancing project planning and execution skills, aligns with roles in project management.
- Underscoring achievements in event coordination and stakeholder management can demonstrate the candidate’s capability to handle executive-level responsibilities effectively.
- Detailing a history of successful financial oversight and cost management reveals the candidate's ability to contribute to organisational sustainability and budget optimisation.
Finance Consultant in Banking
- Highlighting Key Certifications: The cover letter effectively mentions the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, which is crucial for roles requiring expertise in process improvement and quality management.
- Emphasising Proven Project Success: By detailing the achievement of a 90% project success rate, the letter showcases the candidate's track record of delivering successful outcomes, which is valuable for senior management roles.
- Focus on Strategic Impact: The ability to drive £3M in revenue growth annually and enhance client operational efficiency by 30% illustrates strategic planning and execution skills, critical for a senior IT consultant role.
- Demonstrating Leadership and Team Development: The increase in consultant retention by 30% and fostering a high-performance team culture highlights the candidate's leadership capabilities, essential for senior management positions.
Finance Specialist in Technology
- Emphasise specialised certifications such as the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification, which showcases advanced financial management skills crucial for a finance role.
- Highlight experience with non-profit accounting and grant management, as these are vital skills that align with the requirements of finance roles in conservation organisations.
- Mention leadership initiatives such as spearheading budget tracking improvements and leading audit processes to demonstrate advanced organisational and management capabilities.
- Include significant achievements like streamlining processes or integrating financial software, which illustrate the ability to enhance efficiency and accuracy within financial departments.
Finance Coordinator in Hospitality
- Highlighting the "Advanced Financial Analysis Certification" from Corporate Finance Institute is beneficial as it underscores expertise in financial modelling and forecasting, crucial for a finance role.
- Mentioning proficiency in "Microsoft Office Suite" and "NetSuite" showcases the candidate's capability in essential software tools used in financial management and reporting.
- Citing the achievement of a "15% reduction in unnecessary expenses" effectively demonstrates the candidate's impact on cost efficiency, which is a valuable contribution for any finance administrator role.
- Incorporating experience with "financial record keeping" and "audit preparation," positions the candidate as detail-oriented and compliant with regulatory standards, critical for maintaining financial integrity within a company.
Finance Partner in Law
- Emphasising Oliver's Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification showcases expertise in financial planning, a key requirement for a Financial Strategist role.
- Highlighting successful asset growth achievements, such as the £2M increase, demonstrates proven experience in enhancing client portfolios, a crucial aspect of investment management.
- Mentioning proficiency in securities compliance and advanced financial software underscores the candidate's capability to manage complex financial regulations and data analysis, vital for ensuring regulatory adherence and accurate reporting.
- Focusing on client relationship management skills, evidenced by a 98% client satisfaction rate, signals Oliver's ability to cultivate strong client relationships, essential for long-term success in finance roles.
Finance Controller in Construction
- Highlighting experience in using specific financial software such as Oracle and Power BI demonstrates expertise and relevance to roles requiring technological proficiency in financial management systems.
- Emphasising achievements in risk management and financial auditing showcases a proven track record in improving financial accuracy and compliance, crucial for a Senior Financial Controller role.
- Incorporating team leadership and project management strategies illustrates the ability to guide teams towards improved efficiency and effectiveness, an important skill for senior roles that involve overseeing financial operations.
- Mentioning certifications such as Advanced Financial Analysis from CIMA underlines commitment to continuous professional development and mastery of financial concepts, adding credibility and value to the application.
Finance Operations Lead in Logistics
- Certification Highlight: The inclusion of the "Lean Six Sigma Green Belt" certification demonstrates expertise in process improvement, crucial for logistics transformation roles.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses data, like a 30% efficiency improvement, to substantiate claims of past successes, enhancing credibility.
- Integration of Sustainability: The emphasis on reducing environmental impact by 15% aligns with growing trends in sustainable logistics, making it a compelling point for potential employers.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Highlighting experience in cross-departmental projects and strong communication skills showcases the candidate's ability to lead integrated logistics transformations.
Finance Business Partner in Real Estate
- Relevant Experience and Achievements: Daniel Baker effectively highlights his extensive experience in finance, specifically in real estate, by mentioning the optimisation of a global property portfolio and the significant cost savings achieved (£1.2M annually).
- Specific Skills and Technology Proficiency: Emphasising proficiency in ERP systems and data analytics is crucial for finance roles today. Furthermore, his experience with ERP system enhancement projects aligns with the strategic leadership requirements often sought in a Finance Business Partner.
- Education and Professional Certifications: The inclusion of an MBA and a recognised certification such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development, a key aspect in financial leadership roles.
- Passion and Interests: Citing a passion for sustainable finance and new technologies can be advantageous, particularly as such interests align with evolving industry trends like sustainable investments and the integration of AI in finance.
Finance Systems Manager in IT
- Highlighting D365 Specialisation: Emphasising expertise in D365 implementations is crucial for a Finance Systems Manager role, as it demonstrates specialised skills that are directly relevant to improving financial processes and system management within gaming industry companies.
- Emphasising Process Optimisation Achievements: Detailing specific improvements, such as reducing processing time by 20% and enhancing reporting accuracy, underscores the candidate’s capability to bring tangible process efficiencies to the new organisation.
- Showcasing Leadership and Change Management Skills: Mentioning the successful coordination of system upgrades and managing change requests highlights the candidate’s ability to lead teams and implement changes with minimal disruption, which is essential for maintaining business continuity during transitions.
- Demonstrating Financial Innovation: Providing examples of how financial processes have been enhanced through automation and data analysis, such as using Power BI, showcases the candidate’s commitment to driving innovation and improving financial decision-making.
Finance Project Manager in Engineering
- Highlighting Certifications: The cover letter effectively emphasises certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) and the CDM Regulations for Designers and Contractors, showcasing essential qualifications for complex engineering project management roles requiring adherence to industry standards.
- Skills Emphasis: The focus on skills such as risk management, technical design, and regulatory compliance is highly relevant for a role involving water infrastructure, demonstrating expertise needed to deliver successful projects under strict guidelines.
- Specific Achievements: By citing specific achievements such as leading a £4m reservoir project on time and under budget, the cover letter effectively demonstrates the ability to manage large-scale projects that align with organisational goals.
- Passion and Motivation: Mentioning passions such as sustainable water management and outdoor exploration indicates a personal connection to the role, suggesting motivation and a genuine interest in the field, which can be compelling for employers looking for dedicated candidates.
Finance Executive in Advertising
- Highlight Leadership and Results: The 30% revenue increase achieved by leading a team demonstrates strong leadership and tangible results, which are crucial for a Sales Executive role.
- Emphasise Industry-Specific Experience: Experience in both media sales and out-of-home advertising (OOH) industry knowledge showcases specialised skills essential for the role.
- Prove Client Relationship Building: Acquiring 15 long-term advertising contracts highlights the ability to cultivate and maintain client relationships, a key aspect for effective sales success.
- Point Out Relevant Certifications: Courses in Advanced Strategic Marketing and Effective Media Communication are directly relevant and showcase continued professional development in core areas of the job.
Finance cover letter example
Sophia Foster
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+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
To the Finance Team Department
I am writing to express my interest in the Finance Assistant position within your team. Having closely followed your company's contributions to the Fintech revolution, I admire your commitment to harnessing technology for transformative financial solutions. It aligns with my passion for process optimisation and innovation in finance.
During my tenure at Monzo Bank, I led the development and launch of a new general ledger system. This project shortened the monthly close process by 30% and enhanced real-time financial reporting capabilities. My role involved leveraging advanced data analysis and ERP systems skills, which resulted in significant operational efficiencies and cost savings for the company.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with the goals of your organisation. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your innovative team.
Sincerely,
Sophia Foster, Finance Assistant
Why this cover letter is a winner:
- Specific Project Achievement: Clearly highlight a specific project or achievement that demonstrates your expertise in the field, such as leading the development and launch of a new general ledger system that improved efficiency.
- Technical Skills: Emphasize relevant technical skills that are critical for the finance role, such as proficiency in data analysis and ERP systems, to showcase your capability to contribute to the team.
- Alignment with Company Goals: Express your admiration for the company's contributions and demonstrate understanding of their mission, showing how your aspirations and experiences align with their objectives.
- Quantifiable Impact: Include quantifiable results, such as reducing the monthly close process by 30%, to provide a clear picture of your impact in previous roles.
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
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a finance cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your finance cover letter salutation
In a world of AI and instant prompts, taking the extra time to personalise your cover letter truly makes a difference.
Address the hiring manager directly with a customised greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mr Bond', 'Dear Ms Penny').
You can often find their name on LinkedIn (under the job listing or by searching) or in the ‘About’ or ‘Meet the Team’ section of the company's website. If in doubt, you can also contact the reception for assistance.
If you can't find the name, rather than using 'Dear Sir or Madam', opt for something more personal, such as 'Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager'.
How to write your finance cover letter intro
Employers do want someone who not only delivers results but does so with enthusiasm.
Thus, a great way to start your cover letter is by showing how your personal passions align with the role.
Highlight one or two aspects of the job description that resonate with you, and explain why this makes you a perfect fit for the company and its culture.
Cover Letter Intro
With a robust background in finance and a keen admiration for [Company Name]'s commitment to sustainable investment practices, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to your innovative financial strategies. The company's recent initiative, focusing on ethical growth and community engagement, aligns perfectly with my values and career aspirations.
RIGHT
How to write your finance cover letter body
A well-written cover letter body goes beyond the content of your CV, expanding on your greatest achievement to form your compelling case.
The narrative you tell within it could focus on a few key elements:
- A concrete and noteworthy achievement: Backed by data and relevant to the job.
- Your hard and soft skills: Presented with measurable outcomes and results.
- A successful project: Showing how you contributed to the final result.
The goal is to tell a story that aligns with the company’s needs and adds a more human touch to your application.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as a Senior Financial Analyst at XYZ Corporation, I spearheaded a project that ultimately led to a 15% reduction in operating costs, equating to savings of £2 million annually. Tasked with evaluating inefficiencies, I conducted a thorough analysis of our financial processes, utilising advanced modelling techniques. This diligence allowed me to identify several non-essential expenditures and automate key financial operations. By harnessing data analytics and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, I was instrumental in revamping our budgeting strategy, ensuring streamlined operations and improving our financial posture significantly. This accomplishment not only underscored my analytical acumen but also cemented my ability to drive large-scale financial improvements through strategic insight and effective implementation.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you very much for considering my application for the finance role at your esteemed company. I am eager to bring my skills and experience to your team and contribute to achieving your strategic objectives. I am confident that my analytical skills and attention to detail will provide great value to your organisation. I warmly invite you to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I am highly enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Once again, thank you 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.
