Accounting analysts typically work for businesses or government agencies. They are employed in a wide range of industries, including banking, manufacturing, and retail.
Employment of accounting analysts is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected as businesses continue to need accounting and financial analysis to make sound decisions.
An Accounting Analyst earns an average salary of $50,000 per year.
What to Include in a Accounting Analyst Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Prepare and record asset, liability, revenue, and expenses entries by compiling and analyzing account information.
- Maintain and balance subsidiary accounts by verifying, allocating, posting, reconciling transactions; resolving discrepancies.
- Maintain general ledger by transferring subsidiary accounts; preparing a trial balance; reconciling entries.
- Summarize financial status by collecting information; preparing balance sheet, profit and loss, and other statements.
- Complete external audit by analyzing and scheduling general ledger accounts; providing information for auditors.
- Avoid legal challenges by complying with legal requirements.
Education & Skills
Accounting Analyst Skills:
- Able to identify, analyze and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Adept at reporting statistical findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders in a clear manner.
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
- Numerical ability and data entry skills.
- Analytical skills.
Accounting Analyst Education Requirements:
- To be an accounting analyst, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers may require you to have a master’s degree.
- Most accounting analysts take courses in auditing, accounting information systems, managerial accounting, and financial reporting.
- Besides the education requirements, most employers want at least two years of experience in a similar role.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate.
Accounting Analyst Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the position of Accounting Analyst with your company. I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and I have been working as an accountant for the past 5 years. Additionally, I am well-versed in Excel and QuickBooks, which are necessary requirements for this job.
Have been responsible for preparing monthly and quarterly financial reports, helping sales teams achieve their goals through analytics and reporting, developing new tools to improve team efficiency, and maintaining the accuracy of data used in key operational systems.
My achievements include:
- Generating $3 million in additional revenue by analyzing customer purchase trends and recommending strategies to sales teams that increased close rates by 20%.
- Developing a new data tool for tracking customer retention that reduced manual work by 10 hours per week for each member of the sales team.
- Implementing best practices established by other top accounting firms and incorporating them into our day-to-day operations that improved team productivity by 15%.
Throughout my career I have been known as an excellent problem solver and team player who is always willing to go above and beyond to get the job done. My colleagues would describe me as loyal, hardworking, and adaptable. My previous bosses have always commented on my ability to make the numbers work for me.
I believe my experience would be a great addition to your team. Please let me know if you’d like me to send a resume or schedule an interview.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
When writing your accounting analyst cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills and experience in accounting and finance. You may also want to mention any experience you have working in a corporate setting.
Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for, and be sure to proofread your letter for spelling and grammar mistakes.
If you have any questions about how to write your cover letter, or what to include, contact the accounting department at the company you are applying to.
Refer to our Accounting Analyst Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
