cover letter finance graduate program

Finance Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates for 2024)

You can navigate the landscape of numbers, investments, and economic intricacies.

You’re a financial pro, and you’ve got the expertise to prove it.

But there's just one thing standing between you and a successful job application – your cover letter.

Writing a compelling finance cover letter can feel more complicated than analyzing stock market trends. You might find yourself paralyzed with no idea how to prove your financial prowess.

Don’t worry! We’re here to guide you through it.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What an Amazing Finance Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Finance Cover Letter

3 Essential Finance Cover Letter Tips

Finance cover letter example.

5 Steps for the Perfect Finance Cover Letter

Now that you know what a great cover letter looks like, you're all set to write your own !

Just follow these straightforward steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your finance cover letter by creating a header for your contact details, the same as on your resume .

Here's what you should have in there:

• First and Last Name. Make sure your full name is in plain view at the top.
• Professional Title. Match this with the specific finance role you're after. Hiring managers usually hire for several roles at once, so this will help them notice your application.
• Email Address. Keep it professional, like a combo of your names. The quirky high school email won't cut it. (e.g.: [email protected] is not a good look, but [email protected] is fine.)
• Phone Number. Ensure your phone number is accurate since employers need to reach you easily. A missed digit could mean a missed interview.
• Location. Usually, city and state/country are enough. But if you're open to relocating or working remotely, mention it.
• Relevant Links (optional). Share your LinkedIn or any other relevant social media that can back up your financial expertise.

Now, let's talk about reaching the hiring manager’s contact information :

• Company Name. Mention the financial institution you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find it, great! Check the job listing, the company's website, or LinkedIn profile.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If they've got a fancier title than “Hiring Manager”, such as “Chief Financial Officer”, address them accordingly.
• Location. City and state/country details are crucial, especially for global firms.
• Date of Writing (optional). Adding the date you penned your letter gives it a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've sorted out your finance cover letter's contact details, it's time to address it properly .

Say goodbye to the generic "To Whom It May Concern."

The right greeting can make a positive impression on the hiring manager and set the tone for your entire finance cover letter.

Start with some research. Check the job ad, the company's website, or their LinkedIn profile to identify the finance department's hiring manager. Find their name and use it.

Be sure to address them professionally. You can use “Ms.” or “Mr.”, followed by their last name. But if you're unsure about their gender or marital status, simply use their full name. For example:

• Dear Ms. Anderson
• Dear Emily Anderson

And if you can't find information about the hiring manager or the head of the finance department, address your letter to the department or the company as a whole:

• Dear Finance Department
• Dear Finance Hiring Team
• Dear Human Resources Team
• Dear Head of Finance

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

As the saying goes, time is money, and hiring managers value time a lot. In fact, it doesn’t take them more than a few seconds to decide if an application is worth reading in detail.

That's why writing a strong introductory paragraph in your finance cover letter is essential. Start by introducing yourself as a professional and clearly stating why you're enthusiastic about the position. Showing your passion for the finance industry or the specific role can instantly capture the hiring manager's attention.

But conducting some research on the company can significantly boost your chances, too. The more insights you gather about the employer, the better you can show them your alignment with their work culture or company goals. This shows that you're not applying randomly; you genuinely have your sights set on this specific opportunity, and you’re ready to put in the work.

Depending on your level of experience, you can also kick off your cover letter with an accomplishment or a skill that makes you an ideal fit for the role. Just make sure that this paragraph isn’t too lengthy. All you need to do is spark the hiring manager's curiosity and encourage them to explore your cover letter further.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The body of your cover letter is where you have to prove you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

But don’t repeat what it says on your finance resume . This is your opportunity to really show your financial prowess and qualifications in a way that leaves a mark. Your mission is to persuade the hiring manager that you're the standout choice among the competition, even if they have similar experience and skills.

So shine a spotlight on any noteworthy achievements you have and use the job advertisement as inspiration.

Tailoring your cover letter to align with the specific job ad is crucial. You should emphasize skills and experiences that resonate with the company's needs. For example, if you're applying for a finance role in a tech-driven firm, focus on your tech-related financial skills rather than more generic experiences in finance.

Be sure to demonstrate your understanding of the company, its financial model, or the intricacies of the finance industry as a whole. If you're well-acquainted with the company's financial products or services, mention it in your cover letter to show how and why your financial expertise aligns seamlessly with the company’s mission and corporate culture.

Lastly, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through your words. Convey your genuine excitement for the position and your confidence in your ability to contribute to the company. Show them that you're not just another candidate but the financial talent that meets all their requirements.

If you need even more inspiration, check out our other cover letter examples !

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

The ending of your finance cover letter is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Start closing your finance cover letter by confidently reiterating why you’re the perfect fit for the role and giving a brief recap of your key skills that prove it.

After that, it’s time for a call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, whether it's scheduling an interview or exploring your application in more detail. A well-placed call to action can make all the difference and get you closer to your dream job.

Finally, choose an appropriate closing line. And don’t forget to sign your full name underneath. Like so:

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me via the provided email or phone number so that we may further discuss my application. I eagerly await the opportunity to go over how I can help Company X on its mission to success.

Best regards,

And if you're seeking an alternative to "Best regards," consider these options:

• Warm regards,
• Respectfully yours,
• Thank you for your consideration,

You've got the basics of cover letter writing under your belt!

Now it's time to refine yours with some essential cover letter tips :

#1. Match Your Resume

Clarity is important in the finance industry, and the best place to start with it is on your cover letter.

You have to make sure your finance cover letter’s formatting and layout align with your finance resume as much as possible. This can convey a polished and well-organized image of you as a candidate and make it easier for the hiring manager to identify your application out of the bunch.

So keep your text neatly arranged on the page and maintain uniform font styles and sizes. Pay attention to the page margins and line spacing so your cover letter remains concise and still fits on a single page .

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling overwhelmed?

Just try our resume builder and matching cover letter templates to make crafting your application easier.

Each template is crafted with input from hiring experts worldwide, so they meet all industry standards and look gorgeous.

#2. Mention Skills and Keywords

You don’t want your finance cover letter to come off as generic.

Try to mention as many keywords from the job advertisement as you can. Hiring managers already know what they want from a candidate, so you have to show them you meet all their criteria.

Doing this proves you’ve paid careful attention to the job advertisement, and it also directs hiring managers to the information they care the most about. Just don’t throw in those keywords randomly!

You want to build a narrative that shows your expertise. Focus on the most important skills mentioned in the job ad that match the ones you already have, and explain how they’ve helped you excel at your job.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Your finance cover letter should match your resume’s contact information down to a T.

So, if you added any relevant links to one, make sure the other has them, too. Specifically, when it comes to listing personal websites or social media profiles like LinkedIn, hiring managers appreciate it.

This gives them quick and easy access to see your previous work instead of having to circle back to your resume to find a link. They could even connect with you directly on LinkedIn, so this extra touch of accessibility and professionalism can leave a great impression on potential employers.

Key Takeaways

And you’re all set with writing your finance cover letter!

After reading our guide, we trust you’re well-equipped to secure the exact job you have your sights set on.

Before you head off, let’s summarize some main points from our article:

• Your finance cover letter’s look should match your resume since it shows professionalism, and attention to detail, and makes it easier for the hiring manager to spot your application. Use a resume builder with matching cover letter templates to save time.
• Keep your contact information factual and professional. You don’t want to use an immature email address from your high school years since it could leave a bad impression.
• Include any skills and other keywords from the job description in the body of your cover letter. Use them to illustrate how your experience matches what the employer is looking for and to present yourself as an ideal candidate.
• Wrap up your cover letter with an appropriate closing line, and don’t forget to sign your name at the bottom. This little detail is the bow that ties together a spotless application.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

At Morgan Stanley, we lead with exceptional ideas. Across all our businesses, we offer keen insight on today's most critical issues.

Personal Finance

Learn from our industry leaders about how to manage your wealth and help meet your personal financial goals.

Market Trends

From volatility and geopolitics to economic trends and investment outlooks, stay informed on the key developments shaping today's markets.

Technology & Disruption

Whether it’s hardware, software or age-old businesses, everything today is ripe for disruption. Stay abreast of the latest trends and developments.

Sustainability

Our insightful research, advisory and investing capabilities give us unique and broad perspective on sustainability topics.

Diversity & Inclusion

Multicultural and women entrepreneurs are the cutting-edge leaders of businesses that power markets. Hear their stories and learn about how they are redefining the terms of success.

Wealth Management

Investment Banking & Capital Markets

Sales & Trading

Investment Management

Morgan Stanley at Work

Sustainable Investing

Inclusive Ventures Group

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

We help people, businesses and institutions build, preserve and manage wealth so they can pursue their financial goals.

We have global expertise in market analysis and in advisory and capital-raising services for corporations, institutions and governments.

Global institutions, leading hedge funds and industry innovators turn to Morgan Stanley for sales, trading and market-making services.

We offer timely, integrated analysis of companies, sectors, markets and economies, helping clients with their most critical decisions.

We deliver active investment strategies across public and private markets and custom solutions to institutional and individual investors.

We provide comprehensive workplace financial solutions for organizations and their employees, combining personalized advice with modern technology.

We offer scalable investment products, foster innovative solutions and provide actionable insights across sustainability issues.

From our startup lab to our cutting-edge research, we broaden access to capital for diverse entrepreneurs and spotlight their success.

Core Values

Giving Back

Sponsorships

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Everything we do at Morgan Stanley is guided by our five core values: Do the right thing, put clients first, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back.

Morgan Stanley leadership is dedicated to conducting first-class business in a first-class way. Our board of directors and senior executives hold the belief that capital can and should benefit all of society.

From our origins as a small Wall Street partnership to becoming a global firm of more than 80,000 employees today, Morgan Stanley has been committed to clients and communities for 87 years.

The global presence that Morgan Stanley maintains is key to our clients' success, giving us keen insight across regions and markets, and allowing us to make a difference around the world.

Morgan Stanley is differentiated by the caliber of our diverse team. Our culture of access and inclusion has built our legacy and shapes our future, helping to strengthen our business and bring value to clients.

Our firm's commitment to sustainability informs our operations, governance, risk management, diversity efforts, philanthropy and research.

At Morgan Stanley, giving back is a core value—a central part of our culture globally. We live that commitment through long-lasting partnerships, community-based delivery and engaging our best asset—Morgan Stanley employees.

As a global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley is committed to technological innovation. We rely on our technologists around the world to create leading-edge, secure platforms for all our businesses.

At Morgan Stanley, we believe creating a more equitable society begins with investing in access, knowledge and resources to foster potential for all. We are committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring that they reflect the diversity of the world they inherit.

Why Morgan Stanley

How We Can Help

Building a Future We Believe In

Get Started

Stay in the Know

For 88 years, we’ve had a passion for what’s possible. We leverage the full resources of our firm to help individuals, families and institutions reach their financial goals.

At Morgan Stanley, we focus the expertise of the entire firm—our advice, data, strategies and insights—on creating solutions for our clients, large and small.

We have the experience and agility to partner with clients from individual investors to global CEOs. See how we can help you work toward your goals—even as they evolve over years or generations.

At Morgan Stanley, we put our beliefs to work. We lead with exceptional ideas, prioritize diversity and inclusion and find meaningful ways to give back—all to contribute to a future that benefits our clients and communities.

Meet one of our Financial Advisors and see how we can help you.

Get the latest insights, analyses and market trends in our newsletter, podcasts and videos.

• Opportunities
• Technology Professionals

Experienced Financial Advisors

We believe our greatest asset is our people. We value our commitment to diverse perspectives and a culture of inclusion across the firm. Discover who we are and the right opportunity for you.

Students & Graduates

A career at Morgan Stanley means belonging to an ideas-driven culture that embraces new perspectives to solve complex problems. See how you can make meaningful contributions as a student or recent graduate at Morgan Stanley.

Experienced Professionals

At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find trusted colleagues, committed mentors and a culture that values diverse perspectives, individual intellect and cross-collaboration. See how you can continue your career journey at Morgan Stanley.

At Morgan Stanley, our premier brand, robust resources and market leadership can offer you a new opportunity to grow your practice and continue to fulfill on your commitment to deliver tailored wealth management advice that helps your clients reach their financial goals.

• Students and Graduates

How to Write a Finance Cover Letter

Not all jobs need them, but for those that do, here are some guidelines from morgan stanley’s recruiters on how to write one..

Searching the internet for tips on how to write a cover letter will produce a litany of dos and don’ts: Flex your communication skills, but don’t go over three paragraphs; don’t recite a generic list of skills, but do speak to every requirement in the job description; be professional, but also be personal…the list goes on.

Truth be told, not all jobs need cover letters, but for the times when they’re required, it needn’t be so complicated to get them right.   Our recruiters say that applicants can hit the mark as long as they follow a few basic rules,  and refrain from quoting Shakespeare or likening their job search to Fantine’s demise in Les Miserable. (It happens). 

1. Why You Need One

They provide a missing link between the living-you and the formulaic resume or CV. Your cover letter conveys three important things:

• You understand what the firm is looking for.
• You’ve got the skills.
• You’re articulate.

2. What to Include

Write it like a letter—include your address, Dear Sir/Madam (or better still, the name of the person, if you know who the interviewer is), and make sure to end it with a closing (“Yours faithfully,” etc).

• First Paragraph: An opening statement that sets out why you’re writing the letter. Begin by stating the position you’re applying for and if you became aware of it by going to a recruiting event.
• Middle Paragraphs: Two or three paragraphs to explain what attracted you to the type of work, why you’re interested in working for the company, and why you think you’d be a good fit.
• Last paragraph: Thank the employer and say you’re looking forward to receiving a response.

Wanted: Non-Finance Graduates

5 business communication skills for your career, don’t let these common interview questions trip you up, 3. beware the generic cover letter.

Cover letters  can end up being deal-breakers if  they have mistakes in them, and most mistakes are made when a generic letter is used for every application. You’d be surprised by how many times people forget to switch out the name of one firm for ours. Not only do we know you’re applying elsewhere, but it shows lack of attention to detail.

4. Strike an Authentic Tone

Another reason not to use a generic cover letter: It just doesn’t sound authentic. Writing it from scratch will create  a warmer, more engaging tone—even if it’s just a few paragraphs.

5. No Need to Repeat

Don’t use the cover letter to repeat skills that you’ve already outlined in the resume, which speak specifically to the requirements in the job description. 

6. Make the Most of Your Experiences

Do include  experiences or skills that might not be specifically called for in the job description, but you believe will add to your appeal and help you excel in the role.  Examples could be collaborative, leadership or problem-solving skills from extracurricular activities or previous jobs. Just ensure that they’re truly relevant and compelling, and not a stretch. 

7. Get a Second Opinion

Whatever you end up putting in your cover letter, make sure to check for mistakes. Get someone to proofread your letter for typos, grammatical errors, the wrong firm name, and any Broadway Musical references that might have made their way in.

Good luck! And feel free to reach out to our campus recruiting team members if you have any questions. 

Get Your Career Started At Morgan Stanley

What Do Recruiters Look For?

What makes a student stand out during campus recruiting season? Morgan Stanley asked some of its leading recruiters, and this is what they had to say.

Questions Interns Are Dying to Ask But Don’t

How do you know if you're being overly eager? Should summer analysts speak up at meetings? Here are some answers.

Finding Late-Cycle Winners

As investors look for clues on market durability, our Chief U.S. Equity Strategist highlights which sectors could show more widely distributed gains in the near term.

• Skip to content

Writing a CV and cover letter for graduate finance and accounting jobs

Claire Farrugia

Last updated: 30 Nov 2023, 11:52

Creating a CV and cover letter that showcase your skills and experience is the first step to landing that dream job. Your graduate CV and cover letter should be no longer than two pages and one page respectively. This article will guide you on how to build the CV accounting and finance employers are looking for.

CV header | Your academic history | Your work experience | Other skills and certifications | Writing a cover letter

Creating a graduate CV

Your CV should summarise your educational and professional history while highlighting the relevant skills you have gained. Your CV will be the first thing a recruiter or a hiring manager sees, so this is your opportunity to make a good first impression and maximise your chances of landing an interview and ultimately the job. Format your CV in a way that is clear and easy to read. Use a clear, professional font with appropriate margins and spacing.

Your graduate CV header

Your CV header should include your personal details. Write down your name, location, phone number and email address. Employers will need this information to contact you. There is no need to include your date of birth, gender, ethnicity or marital status in your CV.

Your academic history

This section is where you will outline your educational achievements. Be sure to include your degree and your predicted or actual grade. Include some more detailed information about the subjects you have studied that are directly related to the position you’re applying to. In this section you can also mention group projects you have worked on, details about your dissertation and any academic awards you have been awarded.

Your work experience

Your work experience should follow your academic history. List the titles of jobs you’ve held along with the names of the organisations you’ve worked for and the dates you worked in each role. Below each position include a list of the responsibilities you held in the role and describe what you achieved in the role and the skills you developed. Focus more on the roles that are directly related to the position you’re applying to such as accounting related placements or internships. Don’t forget to include voluntary roles such as leadership positions within student societies and also part-time work.

Don’t leave out jobs that are nor strictly relevant to accounting or finance. Use these roles to highlight how you have developed transferrable skills such as communication and problem solving. These skills are beneficial to all sorts of employers.

Other skills and certifications

Here is where you write about relevant skills and achievements that are not strictly related to the roles you’ve held or your degree. For example, you can highlight your proficiency in accounting software or note short courses you have taken apart from your degree.

Skills such as proficiency in different languages and driving licenses may also be relevant to some jobs in accounting and finance. Don’t forget to note them down if you think they might be relevant.

Writing a cover letter for graduate accountancy roles

Some employers in finance and accounting may ask you to submit a cover letter alongside your CV in your application. Cover letters provide you with an opportunity to showcase your suitability for the job and demonstrate your enthusiasm. You can discuss your education and experience in your cover letter, but don’t reiterate what’s in your CV.

Start your letter with a greeting. Try to find the name of the recruiter hiring for the job. This maybe in the job description or you may be able to find it on the company website.

Your introduction should explain why you’re applying for the job and what drew you to the role.

The first paragraph should focus on why you are a good candidate for the job. Highlight how you fulfil the requirements that the employer is looking for by making use of keywords used in the job description. Feel free to include examples from your education, work experience, extracurricular activities and personal life to demonstrate your qualities and skills.

You should also dedicate a paragraph to explaining what drew you to the employer. For this, you need to research the organisation. Take a look at their website and social media profiles and reference their values, products and achievements. For example, you can discuss how you share their values or are excited by the learning opportunities the company offers its accounting graduates.

Before you submit your application, have someone else review it. This could be a friend, a family member or a member of your university’s careers services. Make sure that your CV and cover letter are free from spelling mistakes and grammatical errors and are easy to understand. Any such errors on a job application may come across as careless and unprofessional. Remember, most jobs are heavily over-subscribed when it comes to applications, so you don’t want to give the recruiter an easy choice to reject an application due to lack of attention to detail.

For more information on working in this sector, read our dedicated gradireland finance sector guide.

gradireland editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the gradireland content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

• Accounting graduate jobs
• Finance graduate jobs
• Accounting internships
• Finance internships
• Investment banking internship

Related careers advice

We've got you