Burnout is a critical issue in many accounting firms. In fact, Accounting Today refers to it as an epidemic, citing a study performed by FloQast and the University of Georgia that found 99% of accountants suffer from some level of burnout.
Yet, in our experience, burnout varies depending on the department and role within a firm. For example, we don’t see a lot of burnout in the Client Advisory and Accounting Services (CAAS) department, where the nature of the work differs markedly from other areas of a firm.
What makes CAAS different?
So what makes the CAAS department different? And what can other departments and positions learn from their CAAS coworkers to create a healthier work-life balance for themselves?
Distributing the workload throughout the year
One of the primary reasons CAAS professionals experience less burnout is their ability to spread work evenly throughout the year.
Unlike roles in tax or audit, where workloads spike dramatically during busy seasons, CAAS professionals provide ongoing, consistent client support. This steady stream of work allows for a more balanced approach to deadlines and client deliverables, reducing the pressure associated with compressed timelines.
Flexibility in managing workloads
CAAS professionals typically have more control over their workload, allowing them to manage their tasks in a way that minimizes burnout. This flexibility can manifest in several ways. For example, they can:
Set boundaries around work hours. Audit and tax professionals might work 60 to 70 hours per week or more during busy season. CAAS employees might occasionally put in longer hours, but they can usually cap the hours they work each week.
Flex hours. CAAS professionals may adjust their work schedules to accommodate family commitments, see friends, enjoy hobbies, or take care of their health. For instance, some CAAS professionals can structure their workweeks to take Fridays off or start their days early so they’re available to pick up their kids from school during the week.
Work remotely. Tax professionals might be expected to be in the office to meet with clients, and auditors might handle field work in person at a client’s location. CAAS employees often have the option to work remotely.
This adaptability provides a unique opportunity to align work commitments with personal well-being, making maintaining a healthier quality of life easier.
Value billing vs. hourly billing
Another distinguishing feature of the CAAS department is the focus on value billing rather than hourly billing.
Many other areas of a firm focus on billable hours. High billable hour expectations contribute significantly to stress and burnout. By contrast, the performance of CAAS professionals is more often measured by the number of client engagements they complete and the value they bring to clients rather than the hours they log. This shift in focus allows CAAS professionals to concentrate on delivering meaningful outcomes, fostering a more satisfying work environment prioritizing quality over quantity.
How CAAS delivers quality of life and well-being
The combination of manageable workloads, flexible scheduling and value-based billing directly contributes to improved quality of life and reduced burnout for CAAS professionals. They can spread heavy workloads over time, reducing the sense of overwhelm and allowing for more deliberate, thoughtful work.
Additionally, CAAS professionals often have the time and energy to prioritize self-care, pursue personal interests and spend more time with family and friends. These are all critical components of combating burnout and promoting overall wellness.
What other departments can learn from their CAAS counterparts
The CAAS department's structure supports a better work/life balance. So, what can other departments learn from their CAAS coworkers?
Here are some takeaways that can help firms take proactive steps against burnout:
Place less emphasis on peak busy seasons. Your ideal clients should work with you proactively throughout the year—not just at tax time or during the annual audit. With more consistent work patterns, professionals can engage in wellness practices like regular exercise, mental health breaks and planned vacations without the looming pressure of an intense workload.
Leverage automation and outsourcing to manage workloads. Technology can help tax and audit professionals do more with less. Just make sure you don’t fill this extra capacity with more of the same work.
Offer flexibility. Give employees the option to work remotely and flex their schedules. This allows people to reduce stress and improve their quality of life.
Switch to value billing. Measure employee performance based on results rather than hours spent.
These steps can enhance individual well-being and contribute to more sustainable and enjoyable career paths within the firm.
As you continue exploring ways to support employee well-being, look to the CAAS model for insight into how structural adjustments can combat burnout across your firm.
As the Solutions Manager for Boomer Consulting, Inc., Deanna works to help clients and prospective clients identify their dangers, opportunities and strengths. Once these are identified, she works to develop a personalized game plan for their firm to focus on the area, or areas, they need to improve on most. These areas are critical to a firm’s success and future-readiness; Leadership, Talent, Technology, Process and Growth.