The busy season is undoubtedly one of the most challenging periods for CPAs, testing resilience and expertise in equal measure. Following the intensity of tax season, April 15th and 30th are welcome milestones for many.
Despite efforts from numerous firms, CPAs often find themselves working extensive hours, ranging from 50–80 hours a week. These demanding schedules persist well beyond the immediate lead-up to the tax deadline, spanning from January to April.
It’s imperative for CPA professionals to prioritize self-care during this taxing time. For practical advice on maintaining well-being during the busy season, please refer to our post “5 ways to look after your well-being during busy season”.
Equally important, yet often overlooked, is the post-busy season period. As the adrenaline of deadlines subside and CPAs take some well-deserved time off, it presents an opportunity to reflect on the whirlwind of the preceding months. In this blog post, we delve into strategies and tips for navigating this period.
Take time to decompress
First and foremost, prioritize giving yourself a much-needed break. In the accounting sector, sick leave tends to surge in March, with 49.8% more hours logged than in any other month. While many may have booked some well-deserved PTO, transitioning to a more ‘normal’ working pace can be jarring and it will take time to decompress. Consciously embracing slower days in the weeks or even months following this period is key for recalibration.
Reflect on busy season
In order to meet deadlines during busy season, many will have had to maintain pace by moving from one task to the next, in rapid succession. Consequently, now can be a valuable time to reflect, pause and acknowledge your accomplishments. Whether you successfully met deadlines, resolved complex client issues or supported your team through challenging projects, each achievement deserves recognition.
Moreover, taking time to reflect on the challenges faced and lessons learned is invaluable. As Darryl Ucheya, Tax Associate at KPMG puts it – “despite the long hours and sometimes stressful days, I love busy season. And that’s because you learn a great deal in a short period of time.”
Busy season can be a unique opportunity for professional growth, making it crucial to reflect on the challenges faced. Identifying these hurdles is the first step towards devising effective strategies to help you succeed in the future. Whether this involves refining technical skills, improving communication methods or prioritizing work-life balance, these insights are invaluable for both personal and professional development.
Reestablish work-life balance
CPAs often experience blurred boundaries between work and personal life during busy seasons. Regaining a sense of balance afterward requires intentional effort. Some small but practical steps include re-communicating specific work hours to colleagues and clients and scheduling regular breaks. Incorporating short breaks throughout your workday to stretch, walk or engage in relaxing activities can actually enhance overall productivity.
Additionally, consider adding “white space” to your post-busy season routine. White space simply refers to blocks of time in your schedule, which are not assigned to any specific activity or task. After a period where every hour or minute is accounted for, allowing yourself the freedom to have some unstructured work time can be liberating.
Reevaluate professional aspirations
Post-busy season is also a great time to reevaluate your career and future aspirations. As mentioned, the busy season offers a great opportunity for professional growth. Once you’ve had a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and the challenges you’ve overcome, it’s invaluable to honestly assess your current work opportunities and determine whether you’re satisfied with your career trajectory or if changes are needed. Consider what you want to achieve both professionally and personally and create a plan to work toward those goals.
If you find that your current CPA firm isn’t the right fit or might not support your future goals, we’re here to help. We collaborate with a wide range of firms, from those offering a clear path to partnership, to those with manageable hour caps during and beyond the busy season. Our specialist public accounting team provides a free, candidate-first service. To discuss the market and explore further career opportunities, get in touch with us today.
