Accountants Aren’t Drowning in Work Because They’re Bad at Their Jobs—They’re Drowning Because They’re Expected to Do Too Much
In many businesses, accountants are stretched thin, juggling multiple roles that extend far beyond their core expertise. It’s not because they’re inefficient or incapable—it’s because they’re expected to wear too many hats. From bookkeeping to financial reporting to strategic planning, accountants are often tasked with responsibilities that should be divided among multiple roles: the bookkeeper, the controller, and the CFO.
If your accountant is drowning in work, it’s time to take a step back and ask: Do you have the right people doing the right things?
Understanding the Different Roles in Accounting
To truly appreciate why your accountant is overwhelmed, it’s important to understand the distinct functions within an accounting team:
Bookkeeper: Responsible for recording financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, and maintaining accurate financial records.
Controller: Oversees financial reporting, ensures compliance with regulations, and manages budgeting and forecasting.
CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Provides strategic financial guidance, analyzes company performance, and makes high-level decisions about growth and investment.
When one person is expected to do all three jobs, it’s no surprise that things start slipping through the cracks. The sheer volume of work and the range of expertise required make it nearly impossible for any individual to excel in all areas simultaneously.
The Consequences of Overburdening Your Accountant
For businesses, forcing one person to handle bookkeeping, financial management, and strategic planning leads to inefficiencies and potential risks, including:
Burnout and Turnover: Overworked accountants are more likely to leave, forcing you to deal with hiring and training replacements.
Errors and Compliance Risks: Rushing through tasks can result in mistakes that could lead to financial penalties or missed opportunities.
Missed Strategic Insights: If your accountant is bogged down with day-to-day transactions, they won’t have time to focus on high-level financial strategy that could drive business growth.
How to Fix the Problem
Rather than overwhelming a single person, business owners should focus on structuring their financial teams effectively. Here’s how:
1. Ensure the Right People Are in the Right Roles
Consider whether your accountant is handling tasks that align with their skills and expertise. If they’re constantly switching between transactional work and strategic planning, it may be time to reassess their responsibilities.
2. Leverage a Fractional Approach
Many small and mid-sized businesses can’t afford a full-time controller or CFO, but that doesn’t mean they should ignore these roles. Hiring fractional support—outsourced professionals who handle specific functions part-time—can provide the expertise your business needs without the overhead of full-time salaries.
3. Invest in the Right Technology
A great tech stack can significantly lighten the load for your accounting team. Cloud-based accounting software, automation tools, and AI-powered financial solutions can streamline processes and reduce manual work, allowing accountants to focus on more valuable tasks.
Final Thoughts
Your accountant isn’t drowning in work because they’re bad at their job. They’re drowning because they’re being asked to do too much. By structuring your accounting team properly—whether through hiring, outsourcing, or leveraging technology—you can ensure that financial operations run smoothly and strategically.
As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to set up your team for success. If you want to have it all—a well-run back office, accurate financials, and strategic insights—it’s time to rethink how you allocate your accounting resources. The right people, the right roles, and the right technology can make all the difference.
