January 13, 2025

Burnout Isn’t Inevitable: Busy Season Survival Tips from Accounting Experts

By: Center For Accounting Transformation / podcast
Image

Combat stress and maintain well-being during the busiest time of year for accountants.

For accountants, busy season often means long hours, tight deadlines, and mounting stress. But burnout isn’t inevitable. In the latest episode of the Accounting ARC podcast, hosts Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA; Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA; and Liz Mason, CPA, share their insights on maintaining balance and resilience.

Plan Ahead for Success
The first step to mitigating burnout is proactive planning. Patrick, CEO of VERIFYiQ and vice president of client success at The B3 Method Institute®, and Shimamoto, founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC and founder and inspiration architect for the Center for Accounting Transformation, emphasize the importance of scheduling personal care tasks like haircuts or massages in advance. Mason, founder and CEO of High Rock Accounting, highlights the benefits of time-blocking, keeping Mondays and Fridays open for high-priority tasks or emergency meetings. Patrick suggests segmenting calendar links for specific purposes to avoid overbooking.

Embrace Boundaries
Setting boundaries is vital. Whether it’s protecting lunch breaks or taking afternoons off, the trio underscore the importance of creating space for rest. “If it’s not on my calendar, it doesn’t happen,” Shimamoto says, stressing the need for deliberate scheduling. Mason also encourages honesty in workplaces about personal needs, such as breaks for health-related reasons.

Combat Toxic Cultures
Toxic workplace cultures often exacerbate burnout. Mason points out the prevalence of “martyr syndrome,” where overworking is celebrated. Patrick adds that firms must challenge the outdated notion of glorifying long hours, asking instead how work processes can improve.

Prioritize Mental Health
Recognizing early signs of burnout and seeking help is essential. Mason recommends leveraging Employee assistance programs and using tools like BetterHelp. “Reaching out is a sign of strength,” Shimamoto echoes, stressing that mental health care is for everyone, not just in crises. Further, he offers resources available at link.improvetheworld.net/arcbusyseason2025.

The Road Ahead
The hosts emphasize that firms are evolving, with many reducing expected hours during busy season or offering post-busy-season perks like Fridays off during the summer months. Keeping the end in sight, whether through planned time off or exciting personal goals, can provide motivation.

Listen to the full episode for more tips and inspiration to make this busy season your healthiest yet.

Don’t miss an episode. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE below:

 

 

Share This Article