Can Accounting Firms Achieve a 4-Day Work Week Without Falling Behind?

Why smarter work practices and AI mean you don’t have to choose between productivity and balance.

In 2009, I was living a dream many accountants still think is impossible today.

I was a CFO, working a 4-day week, and I often worked remotely—long before “remote work” became mainstream. I had started my remote working whilst working for a tech company. I had travelled between offices in Manchester, Milan, Paris Zaragoza ,Amsterdam and my apartment in Gran Canaria, meeting clients and teams when needed, but mostly, I worked from wherever I happened to be that week.

People asked me how I managed to stay on top of everything, and the answer was always the same systems and smart planning. I learned early on that efficiency wasn’t just about working faster; it was about working smarter.

Today, with AI at our disposal, I know that a 4-day work week can be more than just a dream for accounting firms—it can be the new normal.

Is a 4-Day Week Possible for Accounting Firms?

The idea of a 4-day work week is gaining momentum across industries, and accounting firms can join in without falling behind. It's not just about working fewer days; it's about working better, smarter, and with less stress.

In accounting, where long hours and busy seasons are the norm, the benefits of a shorter work week are clear enhanced productivity better job satisfaction, and fewer burnout cases. But it takes a smart approach, which means embracing technology to make sure nothing gets missed.

AI is the key that makes it possible. By automating repetitive tasks like data entry, bookkeeping, and even some compliance checks, AI gives accountants the time to focus on value-adding activities—whether that’s providing strategic advice or spending more time with family.

How I Made It Work Back in 2009 ????

When I worked my 4-day schedule back in 2009, it wasn’t common. Remote work, in particular, was a bit of a novelty. To make it work, I leaned heavily on smart systems and built trust with my team. The approach was simple:

Prioritise the Essentials: I focused on what truly mattered for our clients and the business. Everything else was delegated, automated, or eliminated.

Efficiency Over Hours: We didn’t count hours; we counted outcomes. What got done was more important than how long it took.

Remote Tools: Even back then, we used technology to streamline communication and make sure work was always in progress, whether I was at a desk or not.

What I had back then were decent systems and a willingness to try something new. But today, we have AI an even more powerful tool that makes a 4-day work week achievable without missing a beat.

AI Is Changing the Accounting Game ??

Today, AI can make that balance even more accessible. AI tools can take care of repetitive tasks like:

- Accounts Payable: Imagine invoices being processed without your manual input.

- Financial Reporting: Getting real-time, automated reports with no errors—leaving you with more time for analysis and insights.

- Client FAQs: AI chat tools can answer those common client questions—like "What's my VAT due this quarter?" saving back-and-forth emails and calls.

This doesn’t just save time. It allows accountants to focus on what they do best advising clients and driving business value.

A 4-Day Week for Staff, a 5-Day Service for Clients ?????

One of the big fears with the 4-day week is the effect on client service. But here’s the thing—the office doesn’t need to shut down just because individual team members work fewer days.

Using AI and smarter scheduling:

The office remains open five days a week. Teams work in staggered shifts, ensuring someone or your AI agents are always there for clients.

Routine tasks are handled through automated workflows, so nothing falls behind even when individual staff members are out.

Cloud-based systems mean that information is always accessible, and staff can respond flexibly to client needs.

Clients see the same seamless experience, while the team gets to enjoy the benefits of better work-life balance.

Real-World Success Stories ??

There are firms today, just like mine back in 2009, that are making the 4-day work week a reality. What do they have in common? They’ve embraced technology—particularly AI—and planned out their work so that productivity doesn’t dip.

With AI automating the back-office and administrative tasks, these firms are not only maintaining productivity but boosting their client relationships by having more time to focus on the strategic aspects of the business.

How Can Your Firm Make the Shift?

Transitioning to a 4-day work week doesn’t mean taking shortcuts. It means investing in smart tools that free you up from the mundane. Here’s how you can start:

1. Identify Routine Tasks: Start by finding the repetitive tasks—these are prime candidates for automation.

2. Set Clear Goals: Communicate clearly with your team and clients about the new schedule and how it works.

3. Utilise AI Tools: From bookkeeping agents like JackAI to AI-driven client FAQ services, use technology that helps maintain a seamless workflow.

It’s all about smart planning—just like I did in 2009, but with even better tools today.

The Future of Work: Work Smarter, Not Harder ??

Adopting a 4-day work week is a bold step for any accounting firm. It’s about working smarte not just squeezing the same work into fewer days, but streamlining, automating, and strategising.

By embracing AI, accounting firms can not only keep up but thrive in a work environment that values quality over quantity. The future is about creating workplaces that don’t just keep the lights on but allow employees to shine.

What do you think? Could a 4-day work week work for your firm if you had the right tools?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s make accounting smarter, together.??