Is it common in the industry to have to ask for work?
I’m a first-year staff accountant at a firm with three CPAs, two senior accountants, and a few bookkeepers. My boss has been very clear that my production levels are not where he wants them to be, but I’m actively requesting work, and it seems there just isn’t enough to go around. For some context, during my best week this tax season, I worked 51.8 hours, with 17.8 hours being unbillable, leaving me with 34 hours of productive work. I haven’t come close to that since, despite asking for tasks almost daily.
So, in the Accounting world, is it typical to have to request work more often than being assigned it?
I really don’t understand why I’m being called out in meetings for my low production when I’m genuinely trying my hardest!
One response
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated. Unfortunately, in many Accounting firms—especially smaller ones—there can be variability in workload distribution. Here are a few points to consider:
Workload Management: It’s not uncommon for junior staff to have to actively seek out work, especially in a firm with limited resources. Senior staff may be juggling multiple responsibilities, and tasks might not always be allocated efficiently.
Communication: Continuous communication is key. If you’re feeling underutilized, it’s important to express this to your supervisors. They might not be fully aware of your availability or your eagerness to take on more work.
Production Expectations: It sounds like your boss has high expectations for productivity, which is common in the industry, especially during busy seasons like tax time. However, their expectations should also take into account the realities of your workload. It may be worth having a candid conversation with them about your concerns and the challenges you’re facing.
Seek Feedback: Engage with your colleagues or supervisors to better understand what types of additional projects or tasks could keep you busy. Sometimes, knowing where to look or how to phrase your requests can make a big difference.
Efficiency vs. Quantity: Also, consider that sometimes “billable hours” are less about the quantity of hours worked and more about the efficiency and quality of the work delivered. If you’re spending a lot of time on unbillable work, perhaps there are strategies you can implement to focus more on billable tasks.
Overall, while it’s not unusual to have to ask for work, it’s important for it to feel balanced and fair. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek clarity on how to align with your boss’s expectations. You deserve to know how you can improve and what is truly within your control!