When is it time to set boundaries with my non-accountant colleagues and my boss?
I work in a small property management team where my boss and I are offsite, while the rest of the team is onsite. As the only accountant, I’m expected to handle not just the financial tasks but also a lot of the organizational responsibilities for the team.
This means I have to remind everyone about the budget at least once a month, manage spending, initiate event preparation tasks, lead monthly budget meetings, and ensure that event spending stays on track. After events, I’m responsible for coordinating and submitting summaries on time. I find myself constantly reminding the team about deadlines for everything, yet things still get submitted late or not done correctly. Somehow, I end up being blamed for not keeping everything in order.
I’m feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. It’s exhausting to constantly feel like a caretaker when I believe these responsibilities should be shared among the whole team. The team seems disorganized, and my boss has indicated that I need to compensate for their shortcomings to meet our client’s performance goals.
I recognize that in a small team, roles can blur, but it’s disheartening that I am the only one who feels the need to set reminders and stay organized. I recently got reprimanded for a late invoice, despite my efforts to juggle multiple tasks for people who have never been held accountable.
I’ve even shared some of my organizational strategies in a meeting, but nothing seems to stick. I lack the authority to enforce these practices, which lies with my boss (who describes himself as hands-off) and an onsite team member who prefers to delegate tasks without supervision. I’m expected to inform either of them when things aren’t getting done.
I’m seeking some perspective on this situation. It’s clear I’m feeling frustrated, but am I being unreasonable? Should I take a step back and chill out, or is it time for a candid conversation with my boss?
One response
It sounds like you’re in a really tough spot, and your feelings of frustration and exhaustion are completely valid. Setting boundaries in your work environment is important, especially when it feels like you’re carrying an unfair share of the workload. Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Assess the Situation: Reflect on what specific tasks are draining you the most and which responsibilities you feel should be distributed more equitably among your teammates. Identifying these areas will help you articulate your concerns more effectively.
Communicate Openly: Having a frank conversation with your boss could be a beneficial next step. Approach the discussion with a focus on solutions rather than just expressing frustration. You might say something like, “I’m feeling overwhelmed with the organizational tasks that have been accumulating. I believe if we set clearer expectations for the team or assign specific responsibilities, we could meet our goals more effectively.”
Propose Solutions: When speaking with your boss, propose potential solutions. For example, suggest implementing a project management tool or regular team check-ins where everyone can stay updated on deadlines and responsibilities. This way, you’re not just pointing out a problem, but also showing initiative in finding a solution.
Set Clear Boundaries: Gently communicate your limits. It’s okay to say, “I can’t take on any additional responsibilities right now without support or a clearer division of tasks.” Being assertive about what you can realistically manage is crucial.
Encourage Team Accountability: If your team is disorganized, fostering a culture of accountability is essential. Maybe suggest a shared calendar or reminders that everyone can access, so there is more visibility on deadlines and responsibilities.
Consider the Long-Term: If you find that your concerns continue to be disregarded or you’re not receiving the support you need, it might be worth evaluating whether this environment is conducive to your well-being and career growth in the long run.
Remember, it’s not unreasonable to expect teamwork and shared responsibility within a small group. Taking proactive steps to address this situation will not only help you but potentially improve the overall functioning of your team. Good luck!