What to include in a cover letter for a charity sector finance role
In the world of charity sector finance, where every penny carries the weight of impact, finance professionals play a pivotal role. In 2023, the generous UK public donated an estimated £13.9billion to charity, despite the financial pressures on households. Yet despite this, the cost-of-living crisis has increased the pressure on charities, with rising costs and more demand for their services. It isn’t all about balancing the books – it’s also about effectively aligning financial resources with impactful causes which make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
As a Senior Recruitment Consultant specialising in the charity sector, I’ve seen numerous supporting statements for charity finance roles. Often, these fall short due to their generic nature and the lack of personalisation / alignment to the role in which they are applying to.
Candidates may state their experience without providing concrete examples or context. For instance, stating that they are “passionate about making a difference” without elaborating on specific experiences or initiatives they’ve been involved in can come across as insincere. Instead of simply stating you possess these skills or passions, provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied them in previous roles.
If you’re thinking of applying for a charity finance role and find writing a cover letter or supporting statement a little tricky, here are three factors to include that will resonate with potential employers and set you apart from other candidates.
1. Create a personal connection
Begin your supporting statement by exploring and detailing what sets the organisation apart and why it resonates with you on a personal level. Maybe it’s their dedication to supporting vulnerable communities, or their innovative approach to tackling social issues.
You could also consider sharing a genuine moment or experience that solidifies your connection with their mission. Whether you have volunteered at a local charity or have witnessed the impact of their work first-hand, make it personal and heartfelt. This sets the tone for a supporting statement that goes beyond mere formality and finance, showcasing your genuine passion for the cause.
2. Highlight your passion for the role
You should then transition seamlessly into expressing your enthusiasm for the specific role you’re applying for. Whether it is a Head of Finance, Director of Finance, or a Financial Controller, you should go on to highlight the unique opportunities it presents and how it aligns with your professional aspirations. Is it the chance to utilise your financial acumen to drive sustainable change? Or perhaps it is the opportunity to collaborate with passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference?
Whatever it may be, infuse your words with enthusiasm and optimism. Let your potential employer feel your excitement! By demonstrating your genuine interest and understanding of the role, you set yourself apart as a candidate who is not just looking for a job, but a meaningful opportunity to contribute.
3. Bring your experience to life
Finally, align yourself with the personal specifications outlined for the role but do so in a way that reflects your personality and unique experiences.
Instead of simply listing your current responsibilities, weave a narrative that brings your past experience and achievements to life. You could share anecdotes of challenges you’ve overcome, or any significant accomplishments and the role you played in their successes. Maybe the organisation mentioned that they will be looking to change their accounting system over to cloud-based? Or that you will be leading on devising and executing a new financial strategy?
You should extract specific details the organisation deems to be most important, and use your supporting statement to illustrate how your previous experiences have equipped you with the skills and mindset needed to excel in the role by inserting practical examples. Whether it’s navigating complex financial landscapes or fostering collaborative relationships, paint a vivid picture of your capabilities and how they align with the organisation’s needs.
So, hopefully, this guide has given you more confidence in writing your cover letter or supporting statement for a charity finance role. It requires more than just stating skills and experiences, and infusing your words with authenticity, passion, and a touch of your personality. By including the above factors, you can create a statement that resonates deeply and sets you apart from other candidates.
If you’re ready to start applying, check out our range of charity finance jobs to find that perfect role where you can use your unique set of skills and experiences in the charity sector to make a positive impact on the world!
At Prospectus, our Core Recruitment Team partner with charities and not-for-profit organisations to support the recruitment of a wide breadth of disciplines. So whatever role you’re looking for, whether it’s permanent, temporary or contract, we’re able to provide deep knowledge and comprehensive support to match your unique backgrounds and aspirations.
