ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

Published: Oct 30, 2024 - The Accounting Associate is tasked with processing mid-month and month-end billing, invoices for projects, and payments for subcontractors, vendors, and contractors while conducting budget and cost analysis to monitor and report financial health. Responsibilities include the creation of ad-hoc reports, financial analyses for leadership decisions, assisting in all closing periods, and reconciling discrepancies through comprehensive analysis. Additionally, the role supports internal and external audits, develops standardized reporting tools, and drives efficiency and consistency in financial processes and reporting methods.

An Introduction to Professional Skills and Functions for Accounting Associate with a Cover Letter

1. Details for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Accounts receivable and accounts payable processing
  • Monthly account reconciliations
  • Posting journal entries and preparing annual 1099s
  • Prepare monthly financial statements
  • Prepare and file various monthly and quarterly tax compliance returns (e.g. sales, use, excise)
  • Maintain general ledger and report writing software
  • Provide necessary information to tax preparer
  • Communicate with clients on a regular basis regarding accounting information
  • Compile and/or review annual financial statements
  • Matches, codes, and enters invoices into the system
  • Tracks and verifies invoices, and prepares reports based on invoice status
  • Maintains accurate records and control reports
  • Liaises and corresponds with other departments to handle any inquiries and manage discrepancies
  • Coordinating data from various sources and tracking information in internal systems
  • Inputting invoicing information into databases to ensure payment timelines are fulfilled


Skills: Accounts Receivable Management, Accounts Payable Processing, Financial Statement Preparation, Tax Compliance, General Ledger Maintenance, Reconciliation Skills, Client Communication, Data Coordination and Reporting

2. Roles for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Process mid-month and month-end billing and invoices for all assigned projects
  • Process all subcontractor and independent contractor invoices and vendor accounts payables
  • Conduct project budget and cost analysis
  • Analyze performance to date and assess potential risks and opportunities
  • Provide input on process improvements and drive automation of reporting processes
  • Work closely with company leadership to analyze and understand financial results
  • Create ad-hoc reporting and financial analysis to address specific requests from the leadership team or clients
  • Assist with calculating indirect rate pools and post labor distributions
  • Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close
  • Reconcile discrepancies and variances through research and analysis
  • Create and maintain core/standardized reports using Excel and other cost tools
  • Develop ad hoc reports for internal customers
  • Provide information and support for internal and external audits
  • Identify areas of opportunity to become more efficient in processes and reporting
  • Create and document processes and procedures to ensure consistency of practice


Skills: Mid-Month and Month-End Billing, Invoice Processing, Project Budget Analysis, Performance Assessment, Process Improvement, Financial Results Analysis, Ad-Hoc Reporting, Month-End Close Assistance

3. Responsibilities for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Responding to questions/requests from customers and/or other departments
  • Assisting with updates/changes to subscriptions and invoices
  • Documenting refund requests, processing credit card refunds, and providing refund documents to accounts payable for processing
  • Calling customers with delinquent invoices to collect outstanding balances
  • Assisting the Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist with accounts receivable duties for physical products (direct bill customers only).
  • Performing a match between accounts receivable invoices and related Purchase Orders and making these files available electronically
  • Assisting the accounts receivable department with the mailing of invoices and statements
  • Responding to customer requests for account statements and/or invoices or other similar customer inquires
  • Assisting in assembling information required to process refunds
  • Assisting the Senior Accounts Payable Specialist with accounts payable
  • Pulling supporting invoices and other supporting documents related to checks cut and wires sent weekly, filing this documentation after checks/wires are approved
  • Assisting the accounts payable department with the processing of invoices (which, at times, can be related to purchase orders)
  • Filing accounts payable documents
  • Organizing department records and/or making such documents electronic
  • Liaising with staff to clarify special requests and answer inquiries


Skills: Customer Inquiry Response, Subscription and Invoice Updates, Refund Request Documentation, Delinquent Invoice Collection, Accounts Receivable Assistance, Invoice and Purchase Order Matching, Accounts Payable Support, Document Organization and Filing

4. Functions for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Prepare monthly and quarterly journal entries, reconciliations, and account analyses with high attention to detail and in accordance with GAAP standards
  • Review and coach junior accounting staff in tasks and deliverables
  • Assist the Accounting Manager with workflow implementation and improvements
  • Identify areas for continuous improvement, seek solutions, and present to management
  • Assist in providing deliverables to external auditors on annual audits and quarterly reviews for specific accounting areas owned
  • Assist in the preparation and review of tax and regulatory filings
  • Assist with ad-hoc requests and projects as needed
  • Maintains a high level of confidentiality in handling sensitive documents
  • Supporting other accounting functions for the team
  • Perform all functions within the parameters of Accounting and Finance operations policies and procedures
  • Serve as backup for other management staff
  • Assists with other assignments and/or special projects
  • Assist with administration of the ARCS tool along with maintaining data integrity and quality
  • Enforce ARCS standards, guidelines, and the Chemours Reconciliation Policy and Procedures
  • Continuously assess existing ARCS processes, configuration, and administrative processes for opportunities to drive improvements and efficiencies.


Skills: Journal Entry Preparation, Junior Staff Coaching, Workflow Improvement Assistance, Continuous Improvement Identification, Audit Deliverable Support, Tax and Regulatory Filing Assistance, Confidential Document Handling, ARCS Tool Administration

5. Accountabilities for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Invoice customers based on correct pricing, taxes, freight, and other applicable charges as quoted to the customer or specified customer’s contract.
  • Ensure purchase orders and sales orders are correct in the accounting system for applicable customers.
  • Enter vendor invoices into the accounting system for payment.
  • Handle discrepancies of any vendor and customer invoices.
  • Provide daily pricing and price confirmations for assigned accounts.
  • Update pricing template with daily or monthly changes to products, taxes, freight and surcharges.
  • Provide customers with monthly usage reports and/or statements.
  • Assist with monthly motor fuel tax reports.
  • Ensure compliance with standard accounting practices.
  • Retrieve aging reports from vendors to ensure HPC has received all invoices.
  • Print remittance documents for all applicable customers for payment.
  • Maintain daily logs of orders placed and delivered.
  • Assist with collections and audits.
  • Work collaboratively with other departments to assist with accounting questions or requested reports.


Skills: Invoice Accuracy, Purchase and Sales Order Verification, Vendor Invoice Entry, Invoice Discrepancy Resolution, Pricing Confirmation, Pricing Template Updates, Monthly Usage Reporting, Compliance with Accounting Practices

6. Tasks for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Assists all accountants with accounting tasks
  • Communicate with all levels of management on information related to department projects or any other requests
  • Respond to complex inquiries related to invoices, the company or department rules, regulations, policies and procedures and solves problems as appropriate to position
  • Ensures the Accounting department’s policies and procedures are adhered to
  • Maintains and logs permanent stored files
  • Prepares various accounting statements and reports
  • Prepares, updates, and maintains various periodical files and binders as needed or assigned and distributes as directed
  • Reconciles between systems or accounts as assigned
  • Coordinates and liaises with internal departments and vendors as needed
  • Troubleshoots data issues of assigned invoices
  • Enters assigned data into various assigned system(s)
  • Processes end-of-month journal entries and processes payments
  • Manages and process invoices and distributes processed invoices as assigned or needed through the assigned system
  • Receives, distributes, inputs and proof daily information and handles the daily operations and activities of assigned area


Skills: Accounting Task Assistance, Management Communication, Complex Inquiry Response, Policy Compliance, File Maintenance, Accounting Statement Preparation, Reconciliation Coordination, Invoice Data Processing

7. Expectations for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Processes payment proposals and check runs, and journal entries for capital projects and prepare capital tracking reports
  • Measures volumes and tracks actual vs. budgeted volumes by site
  • Tracks and enters assigned master file additions, changes, and other revisions
  • Coordinates retrieval, recording and retention of corporate or assigned information and obtain corporate registrations and proper business licenses
  • Maintains department calendars to ensure obligations are met as required
  • Assists with the preparation of department budget and cost center allocations
  • Review department expenses as compared to budget, identifying incorrect expense line items
  • Prepares complex business communications, presentations, reports, studies, forms and correspondence
  • Prepares various governmental reports with supervision
  • Assists with collection and preparation for outside tax consultants
  • Assists with assigned department mailings and documentation of such mailings
  • Coordinates internal training program for accounting staff
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (G/L, Controllership, Inventory, Tax, Treasury, IT, etc.) to identify opportunities to improve and standardize accounting processes
  • Create and design KPI dashboards utilizing tools such as PowerBI or Tableau


Skills: Payment Processing, Volume Tracking, Master File Management, Information Coordination, Calendar Management, Budget Preparation Assistance, Business Communication Preparation, KPI Dashboard Creation

8. Competencies for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Reviews expenditure requests to ensure transactional compliance with prescribed policies, procedures and guidelines. 
  • Exercises judgment in applying general policies and regulations to specific transaction requests. 
  • Emphasis is placed on the nature of the transaction and proper treatment of non-routine or high exposure disbursement requests. 
  • Ensures turn-around time on disbursement requests within quality control guidelines, documents any discrepancies and recommends changes
  • Communicates daily with schools and colleges, responding to questions and initiating requests for additional information. 
  • Follows up on a weekly basis with department contacts on problem invoices and responds to telephone inquiries from vendors.
  • Communicates Foundation policies to University staff and facilitates University objectives while complying with Foundation and IRS guidelines. Provides exceptional customer service.
  • Audits checks over $5,000 and maintains related check register.
  • Maintains vendor records by adding new vendors, making corrections to current vendors and documenting tax/entity status.
  • Maintains a current, thorough understanding of tax, accounting and administrative issues and policies and takes appropriate action to apply and integrate these concepts into operational practices.
  • Document the impact of process and technical improvement opportunities
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives for ARCS in the overall finance processes, assign resources accordingly and ensure timely completion
  • Monitor and report ARCS system performance, availability, and utilization
  • Act as a central point of knowledge and control for business processes, communicating with the developers, subject matter experts (SMEs) and the business process owners to answer any queries that arise.
  • Optimize the application structure to accommodate customer needs


Skills: Expenditure Review, Policy Compliance, Disbursement Request Management, Communication with Stakeholders, Vendor Record Maintenance, Tax and Accounting Knowledge, Process Improvement Documentation, ARCS System Monitoring

9. Capabilities for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Manage the Accounts Payable function 
  • Oversee third-party AP service provider
  • Create new vendors and annual external audit
  • Monitor the AP inbox and address queries 
  • Maintain daily technical interface between ERP and external AP platform and troubleshoot exceptions
  • Schedule weekly payment runs
  • Assist in the month-end close process
  • Month-end close process across revenue, cost of goods sold, inventory and SG&A expenses
  • Expense accrual process for timely expense recognition
  • Monthly balance sheet reconciliations, including resolving reconciling items in a timely manner Audits
  • Monthly, quarterly, and annual sales & use tax filings and regulatory audits
  • Troubleshoot JDE transaction flows and interfaces with other systems, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivables, Purchasing, Inventory and Manufacturing
  • Administer the expense reimbursement platform and process all out-of-pocket and corporate card reports, while ensuring compliance with internal corporate policies and tax regulations
  • Process daily inventory and cash transactions
  • Update weekly cash balances and perform monthly bank reconciliations


Skills: Accounts Payable Management, Third-Party Service Oversight, Vendor Creation and Audit Coordination, Query Resolution, ERP Interface Maintenance, Month-End Close Assistance, Tax Filings and Regulatory Audits, Cash Transaction Processing

10. Performance Metrics for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Pays invoices by verifying transaction information, and entering data including direct entry, PO matching, work order matching.
  • Accomplishes job results by maintaining relationships with internal and external clients.
  • Ensures integrity of data by researching and reconciling data variances such as corrects, deletes or re-enters data.
  • Ensures accuracy of daily entries by auditing source documents.
  • Scans entered invoices to LaserFiche for document retention.
  • Serves customers by providing information and resolving problems.
  • Receives, audits and inputs employee expense reports for reimbursement.
  • Receives and organizes vendor statements
  • Checks vendor files for payment of outstanding invoices listed and resolves any issues related to past due outstanding invoices.
  • Takes phone calls and answers any questions from assigned divisions or vendors in regards to invoice payments. 
  • Contact vendors to clarify questionable statement items.
  • Process Accounts Payable invoices, including corporate credit card programs
  • Obtaining proper approvals, coding and preparing payments using Bill.com
  • Manage employee expense reimbursement platform ensuring adherence to policies using Expensify
  • Perform daily activities of the billing function


Skills: Invoice Verification, Client Relationship Management, Data Reconciliation, Source Document Auditing, Document Retention Management, Expense Report Processing, Vendor Statement Organization, Accounts Payable Processing

What Are the Qualifications and Requirements for Accounting Associate in a Cover Letter?

1. Knowledge And Abilities for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Knowledge and understanding of accounting processes and theory.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with 10-key, and expertise working with personal computers.
  • Self-directed, and demonstrate good teambuilding skills.
  • Ability to identify and resolve accounting issues with minimal supervision or assistance.
  • Ability to provide appropriate data to customers, after having reviewed it for accuracy.
  • French, German, or Italian fluency
  • Ability to access reliable transportation for work-related commitments
  • Genuine commitment to anti-racism and willingness to work in racial equity frameworks and experience in addressing racism and racial equity with team members and programmatically.
  • Experience working with QuickBooks or closely related accounting software


Qualifications: BA in Accounting with 2 years of Experience

2. Experience and Requirements for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets
  • Proven ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
  • Solid basic tech knowledge and comfort with electronic communications and data management including G-Mail, G-Drive, and Slack
  • Demonstrates strong attention to detail, communication skills, data entry skills, and math skills
  • Experience using NetSuite
  • Possess well-developed oral and written communication skills, attention to detail
  • Ability to interact effectively with management and prioritize diverse projects for multiple disciplines.
  • Ability to read, write and effectively communicate in English.
  • Data Entry skills and Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Experience using Oracle NetSuite


Qualifications: BS in Finance with 3 years of Experience

3. Skills, Knowledge, and Experience for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Direct experience in a similar Accounting role is required
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to work with a high level of accuracy
  • Experience working with financial data is an asset
  • Ability to efficiently work under deadlines and time-sensitive goals
  • Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral
  • Computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel and must have adequate typing abilities
  • Able to communicate clearly both verbally and in written format. 
  • A strong command of the English language and grammar 
  • Ability to demonstrate an understanding of basic accounting principles, fair credit practices and collection regulations
  • Ability to analyze information and resolve issues


Qualifications: BA in Business Administration with 2 years of Experience

4. Requirements and Experience for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Computer experience with a working knowledge of Excel spreadsheets.
  • Good working knowledge of windows based software programs to be able to communicate effectively via email (Outlook) and for tracking and reconciling applicable reports (Excel and Word).
  • Good organizational skills with the ability to maintain flexibility in carrying out daily job duties, organizing and managing multiple priorities and tasks while interacting with a diversified staff.
  • Able to effectively handle stressful situations in a public setting and resolve job-related problems in a professional manner.
  • Able to establish and maintain an effective professional working relationship with co-workers, the Flagstaff regional accounting office staff, and property managers; working together in a positive work environment.
  • Good interpersonal skills with the ability to read, write, and speak English
  • Recent New graduate with prior co-op experience.
  • Ability to evaluate the accuracy of financial data.
  • Ability to prepare financial summaries such as balance sheets and income statements.
  • Ability to work in a fully computerized environment including advanced Excel skills.
  • Familiarity with bookkeeping and basic accounting principles and procedures


Qualifications: BS in Economics with 4 years of Experience

5. Education and Experience for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Experience with Bill.com or Celigo
  • Familiarity with MS Excel
  • Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and financial reports
  • Ability to perform filing and record-keeping tasks
  • Data entry and word processing skills
  • Ability to work well on large and small multicultural global cross-functional teams required.
  • Excellent verbal & written communication skills.
  • Ability to effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong analytical skills, detail-oriented.
  • Hands-on and detailed Oracle R12 experience
  • Experience with WorkDay and/or Blackline 


Qualifications: BA in Management with 1 year of Experience

6. Professional Background for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Ability to work independently, motivate and be self-motivated, flexible, versatile, and creative.
  • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving ability.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram or schedule form.
  • Demonstrate a wide degree of creativity, initiative, and problem solving is expected.
  • Proficient in Windows and Microsoft Office (Excel and Word) applications and ability to learn various software applications required to perform job functions. 
  • Understanding of compliance with the standard concepts, practices, and procedures of GAAP, as well as other company policies and procedures.
  • Understanding of not-for-profit accounting and compliance standards
  • Experience with or understanding of revenue cycle accounting is a plus.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment balancing multiple client requests simultaneously.


Qualifications: BS in Financial Management with 2 years of Experience

7. Education and Qualifications for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Proficient in Word and Excel.
  • Able to obtain and maintain a Nevada Gaming Control Board Registration and any other certification or license, as required by law or policy.
  • Excellent presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in resolution, assessing the course of action, and implementing or acting based upon findings and resolution.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both in spoken and written form.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with guests and other Team Members of different backgrounds and levels of experience.
  • Physically access all areas of the property and drive areas with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • Maintain composure under pressure and consistently meet deadlines with internal and external customers and contacts.
  • Ability to interact appropriately and effectively with guests, management, other team members, and outside contacts.
  • Ability for prolonged periods to walk, stand, stretch, bend and kneel.
  • Comfortable using bookkeeping software and computer spreadsheets.


Qualifications: BA in Mathematics with 3 years of Experience

8. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Account Manager Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Strong Knowledge of US GAAP along with a fundamental understanding of accounting principles, practices, and standards
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, VLOOKUPS, SUMIFS
  • NetSuite and Bill.com experience
  • Ability to learn, develop, and adjust priorities in a fast paced environment
  • Ability to identify and implement process improvements in a rapid growing business
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience in an emerging growth company or other start-up environment is preferred but not required
  • Experience in general accounting
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office 
  • Advanced Excel and Google Sheets skills
  • Experience in public accounting 
  • Experience with ERP systems, JDE


Qualifications: BS in Statistics with 2 years of Experience

9. Accomplishments for Account Manager Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Accounting for daily transactions as well as month-end procedures including account reconciliation and financial statement preparation
  • Proficient experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Proficient in Sage 100 and QuickBooks accounting software
  • Proven ability to communicate to all levels of employees and clients
  • Respectful of confidential information
  • Demonstrated time management skills
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Able to work in a fast-paced work environment, juggle competing priorities, and work within financial reporting deadlines
  • Knowledgeable of accounting concepts and has a proven ability to apply them in a real-world setting
  • Ability to handle ad-hoc tasks and reprioritize
  • Knowledge of accounting principles
  • Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills


Qualifications: BA in Business Management with 3 years of Experience

10. Key Qualifications for Accounting Associate Cover Letter

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities and strong teamwork skills
  • Ability to prioritize workload efficiently
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills
  • Basic accounting knowledge
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
  • Knowledge of loan products or trading operations
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAP)


Qualifications: BS in Accounting and Information Systems with 1 year of Experience