Cover Letter Header

A professional cover letter header should include your name, contact information, and the date, followed by the employer’s details.

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Date
  • Hiring manager’s name and title
  • Company name
  • Company address
Jane Doe
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890
June 17, 2025
Mr. John Smith
Director of Finance
ABC Corporation
123 Business Rd
New York, NY 10001

Cover Letter Greeting

Begin your letter with a respectful greeting to the hiring manager or department head.

  • Dear Mr. Smith,
  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear Finance Department,
Dear Mr. Smith,
Dear Hiring Manager,

Cover Letter Introduction

Your introduction should clearly state your interest in the Financial Controller position and summarize your most compelling qualification.

  • Mention the job title and where you found the listing.
  • Briefly introduce your background in finance or accounting.
  • Convey enthusiasm for the role and company.
I am writing to express my interest in the Financial Controller position at ABC Corporation, as advertised on your careers page. With over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and a strong background in compliance and reporting, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your organization's continued financial success.

Cover Letter Body

Use the body of your cover letter to detail your relevant experience, accomplishments, and alignment with the company’s mission.

  • Highlight key achievements in previous financial roles.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with regulatory standards and internal controls.
  • Show how your leadership improved financial reporting accuracy or efficiency.
Achievements:
In my previous role at XYZ Enterprises, I reduced the monthly closing process time by 40% through process optimization and automation.

Company Fit:
ABC Corporation’s commitment to innovation and transparency aligns perfectly with my approach to financial management and ethical compliance.

Skills:
My expertise in GAAP, ERP systems like SAP and Oracle, and leadership of cross-functional audit teams positions me to excel in this role.

Cover Letter Closing

Conclude by reaffirming your interest, expressing appreciation, and inviting further discussion.

  • Restate enthusiasm for the opportunity.
  • Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
  • Mention you’re looking forward to an interview.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my background aligns with your financial goals. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to ABC Corporation’s continued success.

Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

Enhance your cover letter with these expert tips tailored for Financial Controller candidates.

General Cover Letter Tips

  • Be metrics-driven

    Quantify your accomplishments with specific numbers and percentages to show tangible impact.

  • Tailor to the company

    Research the company’s financial priorities and reflect how your experience supports those initiatives.

Key Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls when crafting your Financial Controller cover letter.

Common Mistakes

  • Being too generic

    Failing to customize your letter can signal a lack of interest in the specific role or company.

  • Overusing jargon

    While financial knowledge is essential, avoid excessive technical terms that obscure your message.

Cover Letter FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about writing a Financial Controller cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I mention my CPA license?

    Yes, if applicable. Licensing is highly valued and demonstrates your professional credibility.

  • Is it okay to reference my management experience?

    Absolutely. Highlighting leadership over accounting teams or departments is a strong asset.

Financial Controller Salary Information

Salaries for Financial Controllers vary by location, company size, and experience level. Senior roles often exceed six figures.

Average Salary: $95,000 - $145,000 per year

Average salary (U.S.)

$112,000

Top 10% salary

$165,000+

Financial Controller Skill Requirements

Understanding the typical requirements for Financial Controller positions can help you tailor your resume and prepare for interviews.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  • Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Experience

  • 7+ years in corporate finance or accounting
  • 3+ years in a managerial or supervisory capacity

Certifications

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Technical Skills

  • Advanced Excel and financial modeling
  • Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)

Soft Skills

  • Analytical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Strategic leadership
  • Strong communication skills