What accounts for the disparity in responsibilities between a Senior Accountant and an Accounting Manager? I’m currently in a Senior position, but I’m aspiring to become a manager one day. For those in managerial roles, could you share why it feels like you shoulder the majority of extra tasks? It seems like every role above Senior Accountant involves working 55-60 hours a week, often including weekends.
I’ve been a Senior for three years and generally clock in about 40-45 hours per week. The rare occasions when I exceed 50 hours are typically due to specific projects that require extra time, but those are not the norm.
Are there any managers out there who manage to keep their hours at 40-45 without bringing work home?
One response
It’s a great question and one that many aspiring managers in Accounting ponder. The difference between a Senior Accountant and an Accounting Manager often comes down to scope of responsibility and the nature of the work.
As a Senior Accountant, your primary focus is usually on the execution of Accounting tasks, managing specific projects, and ensuring accuracy in financial reporting. Your workload, while significant, is often more defined and predictable within those parameters.
On the other hand, Accounting Managers are responsible for overseeing the entire accounting department, which includes not just the completion of financial statements and reporting but also managing people, ensuring compliance, budgeting, strategic planning, and often liaising with other departments or stakeholders. With these responsibilities comes a higher level of accountability, which can lead to long hours, especially during peak times like month-end or year-end closing.
As for the 55-60 hour weeks, it’s not uncommon for managers to find themselves in that situation, especially if their teams are under-resourced or during busy periods. However, it doesn’t have to be the norm. Some managers do manage to maintain a healthier work-life balance by effectively delegating tasks and empowering their team members.
If you’re aiming for a management position, consider developing skills in team leadership, project management, and strategic thinking. You might also want to discuss work-life balance with current managers to see how they structure their time and prioritize tasks. Ultimately, setting clear boundaries and expectations with your team and superiors can help create a more manageable workload once you step into a managerial role. Good luck on your journey!