How to write a finance manager cover letter (With example)

Updated 27 July 2023

A finance manager oversees an organisation's financial operations, such as distributing a company's financial resources, planning budgets and offering insights and advice to executive management. When applying for a finance management position, it's standard practise to submit a cover letter highlighting your academic qualifications and work experience. Understanding how to write a cover letter may increase your chances of getting the role. In this article, we provide a guide on writing a finance manager cover letter, highlight what to include within it and give an example you can review before writing your own.

What is a finance manager?

A finance manager is a professional who oversees the distribution of a company's monetary resources. They perform various roles depending on the company and can work in brokerage or insurance firms, banks, museums, government agencies and universities. As a finance manager, your daily duties may include the following:

planning budgets and allocating capital to different departments
borrowing loans to finance projects
paying debts and interest
generating monthly financial reports
designing effective business plans to increase profits
developing cost-reduction properties
making a company's investments

How to write a finance manager cover letter

Here's a step-by-step guide you can follow when writing a finance manager cover letter:

1. Do your research

Research the job description and company to help you write a customised cover letter. Read the job listing carefully and note the keywords that you can include in your cover letter. Hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) use these keywords to analyse applications. Examples of keywords you can include are budgeting, credit management, profit projection and generating invoices.

Visit the company's website and evaluate its culture to help you align your skills and personality with the position. You can also contact the hiring manager to find out more information that may not be available on the website. Research the following:

the founder of the company
the date the company started
the location of the company
the company's products and services
the company's ethics and values
your duties as a finance manager

2. Review a cover letter template and example

A cover letter template guides you in choosing the best format for your cover letter. Cover letter templates help you organise your thoughts and save time drafting your own letter. Use a template when proofreading your cover letter to ensure you have written all the relevant information. Review a few cover letter examples to get ideas before you start writing. These examples also provide keywords you can include in your letter to pass ATS.

3. List your contact details

Write your full name at the top of your cover letter, with your email address and phone number underneath it. Use a professional email address that's easily accessible. Include the date and then the company's contact information on the following line. Include any social media platforms appropriate to the company.

4. Address the reader

Consider directly addressing your cover letter to the hiring manager. The salutation or greetings might be the first part the hiring manager sees. The goal is to make the hiring manager interested in continuing to read your cover letter. Depending on the organisation's culture, you can use their first or last names. Instead of writing vague salutations, such as To whom it may concern, you can opt for Dear Hiring Manager if you can't find their name.

5. Write the body

Mention the job position, the organisation and where you saw the job posting, highlighting your excitement for the job in the first paragraph. Write about how you heard about the job opening and why it interests you. Prior research can help you write a captivating opening paragraph.

In the second paragraph, briefly detail your background concerning the job position. Highlight your significant achievements, relevant skills and expertise. Tell the reader why you chose a career in finance if you graduated recently or have limited work experience. Give a few specific examples of your professional accomplishments, such as how you were the employee of the month as a financial manager of a consulting firm. Include keywords from the job description to describe your skills or achievements. Skills you can emphasise as a finance manager include:

leadership
project management
budgeting
forecasting profits
resource allocation
debt management

6. Conclude your cover letter

In the closing paragraph, highlight another key achievement or skill relevant to the job. Give a summary of why you're the right candidate for the job based on your past professional experiences and express your sincere interest in the position. In this section, end the cover letter with a brief description of why you're applying for the position and why the hiring manager would consider choosing you.

Write that you look forward to hearing from them about the job opening. You may also list your preferred method of contact and availability. End this section with your signature and name at the bottom.

7. Proofread and edit your cover letter

Read through your cover letter to check for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Use grammar checker tools to help you correct issues. Consider asking a mentor or colleague to review it before sending your application. Other tips when proofreading your work include:

changing the cover letter font type and size
reading the cover letter backwards
taking a break to improve your concentration

Financial manager cover letter template

Here's a template you can use when structuring your cover letter:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job, how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your CV.] [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible]. [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company.] [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method]

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Financial manager cover letter example

Here's an example you can review before writing your cover letter:

Amanda Crellin, BSc Finance Management
+02043298712 | amandacrellin@email.com | London

20th October 2022

Harwerth Digital Marketing Corporation

Dear Mr Patterson,

I'm excited to apply for the finance manager position at Harwerth Digital Marketing Corporation, as advertised on your website. With over eight years of experience in investment management, finance and accounts, I'm confident that I'm the best candidate for this position. I believe my academic background and training in finance, including my expertise in managing financial systems, budgeting, making financial forecasts, managing investments and forecasting profits, would be beneficial to your company.

During my five years at Brainwell Financials, I was part of a team that managed the investments of approximately 80 small businesses. My role was to manage the client's finances and monitor budgets and financial systems to increase their revenue. I received a promotion after two years to head a team of financial analysts. I helped my team increase their client's returns by 15% within six months. During my three years at Windwec Insurance, I helped increase its revenue by more than 30% by revamping the company investment strategies and budgets for each department through the latest business model.

I'm confident that with my finance experience, exemplary academic qualifications, leadership and management skills and dedication, I'm well equipped to manage financial company budgets and investments. I've acquired the knowledge and skills that the job requires, and I'm dedicated to reaching company goals and improving financial strategies. You can contact me via phone or email during regular business hours from Monday to Friday. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the role in detail and hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
Amanda Crellin

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.