Surviving Busy Season: Tips from a Former Accountant Turned Recruiter
2024 is officially here, which means two words for many accountants:?
busy season.
As someone who has walked in your shoes, I know that busy season can sometimes feel like a never-ending marathon.?
But fear not, in this week’s newsletter I’m sharing tips and tricks to help you not only survive, but thrive during this challenging period that I’ve learned first hand from my time in public accounting, to help reduce stress and the risk of burnout while making it a more positive overall experience.?
Let me know if you found these tips helpful, or if you have any other tips you’d like to share!
1. Build a Support Network
It’s no secret that busy season can be mentally and physically exhausting, which is why it is crucial to have a strong support network in place.?
Long hours and increased workloads can make you feel isolated and overwhelmed. This is where your support network comes in.?
Cultivating relationships with others in the same position as you that understand the challenges you’re facing allows you to lean on each other and share insights.
A strong support network also includes individuals who have successfully navigated busy seasons before and can offer guidance and mentorship. Seek out mentors within your organization or professional network who can provide valuable advice, assist in problem-solving, and share insights based on their own experiences.
Beyond your immediate work environment, professional organizations and groups can provide a broader support network, as well as recruiters and career coaches.
As someone who has transitioned from the world of accounting into a recruiting role, I understand the unique challenges and aspirations of finance and accounting professionals.
By tapping into the expertise and network of a recruiter or career coach, you can navigate busy season with confidence while keeping an eye on your long-term career aspirations.
2. Embrace the Power of Time Management
Efficient time management is the secret weapon for surviving busy season. Start each day by prioritizing your tasks, setting realistic goals, and breaking them down into manageable chunks. Statistics show that around 80% of Canadian professionals find time management skills critical to their success. So, let's tap into that efficiency, shall we?
Personally, I find time blocking the most effective time management strategy - but different approaches work for different people. Parkinson's Law suggests that work expands to fill the time available for its completion, and studies show that multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40%, so setting deadlines and allocating specific time slots for tasks helps prevent procrastination and increases efficiency.
Here are some other practical tips to help you embrace time management during busy season:
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Prioritize tasks: Each day, identify the most critical tasks that need to be accomplished. Focus on completing those first to ensure your energy is directed toward the most impactful work.
Break tasks down: Large projects can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks, and tackle them one at a time. This approach provides a sense of progress and prevents feeling overwhelmed.
Utilize productivity tools: Take advantage of various tools and apps designed to enhance productivity and time management. From project management software to time-tracking apps, find the tools that work best for you and incorporate them into your workflow.
Manage distractions: Minimize distractions by blocking off time for focused work. Silence notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and communicate your availability to colleagues, indicating specific time blocks when you can be interrupted or are completely focused on completing tasks.
3. Take Breaks to Recharge
While it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks is crucial for preserving focus and mental well-being.?
In the midst of a busy season, it's tempting to work non-stop to stay on track, but this can easily lead to burnout.?
It is important to prioritize regular breaks to rejuvenate your mind and body. Whether it's stepping outside for fresh air, engaging in a brief exercise session, or simply taking a few minutes to unwind and clear your mind, incorporating breaks will ultimately benefit your productivity.
4. Reflect on Your Career Goals
Busy season is undoubtedly challenging, but it also presents an opportunity for personal growth and reflection, often providing moments of introspection where you assess your career path and aspirations.?
If you find yourself reconsidering your current role, or feel that it's time to advance to the next step, I encourage you to explore new opportunities.
As a certified CPA, CA turned recruiter, I am here to support you in finding the perfect match for your skills and ambitions.
If you're ready for a change, let's connect and discuss how I can help you take that leap.
If you have other tips to share I’d love to hear them!
See you next Wednesday for another instalment of the Not Another Recruiter Newsletter.