Senior Accountants Face High Stress During Tax Season, Survey Finds

What's Happening?

A survey by Distinct reveals that senior accountants are experiencing significant stress during the 2024-2025 tax season. The survey, which polled 110 tax and audit professionals, found that 75% of senior accountants described the season as 'extremely' or 'somewhat' stressful. The survey highlights the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, with many respondents working over 51 hours per week. Recognition for mid-career accountants is also lacking, with seniors feeling undervalued compared to partners.

Why It's Important?

The findings underscore the pressures faced by senior accountants during busy tax seasons, which can lead to burnout and affect retention rates. The lack of recognition and work-life balance challenges highlight the need for firms to address these issues to maintain a motivated and productive workforce. Offering solutions such as flexible hours, wellness programs, and automation tools could help alleviate stress and improve job satisfaction among accountants.

What's Next?

Accounting firms may need to implement strategies to support their staff during busy seasons, focusing on improving work-life balance and recognition. Providing practical tools and resources to manage workloads could help reduce stress and prevent burnout. Firms should also consider succession planning and retention strategies to ensure long-term stability and growth.

Beyond the Headlines

The stress experienced by senior accountants raises broader questions about the sustainability of current work practices in the accounting industry. As firms seek to attract and retain talent, they must address the underlying issues contributing to stress and burnout. This may involve reevaluating workload expectations and fostering a culture of recognition and support.