CPA Shueb Suleiman Issak
Mental health awareness has gained significant attention across various professions in recent years, both in Kenya and globally, yet discussions on mental health have largely overlooked the accounting field. It is a universally acknowledged fact that accountants are the backbone of financial decision-making and compliance in every organisation, big or small. In executing these critical roles, accountants face immense workplace pressures that can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout. It is time for the accounting profession – and society as a whole – to acknowledge these challenges and take meaningful action to support accountants’ mental well-being, especially in today’s fast-paced and rapidly evolving economy.
The Silent Struggles of Accountants
The nature of accounting work creates unique mental health risks that often go unnoticed. These include:
- Extreme Workload and Tight Deadlines
Accounting is a deadline-driven profession. Whether it is month-end closings, tax season, or financial audits, accountants regularly deal with high-pressure deadlines that demand long hours. Many work late into the night, sacrificing sleep, family time, and personal well-being to meet strict reporting requirements. This chronic overload contributes to exhaustion and burnout.
- High Expectations and Risk of Errors
The expectation of precision in financial management and reporting means accountants work under immense scrutiny on daily basis. A small error in financial statements can have far-reaching consequences, leading to regulatory fines, legal repercussions, or reputational damage. This pressure can create persistent anxiety, fear of failure, and perfectionism, which negatively impact mental health.
- Regulatory and Compliance Stress
The financial sector is heavily regulated. Accountants are required to stay updated on constantly evolving laws, standards, and policies. Navigating these complexities while ensuring compliance adds to the cognitive load, increasing stress levels and mental fatigue.
- Ethical Dilemmas and Professional Integrity
Accountants often find themselves in difficult ethical situations, whether it be pressure from management to manipulate financial data or conflicts of interest in financial reporting. Making the right choice under such circumstances can lead to moral distress and workplace tension. The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has highlighted the psychological impact of ethical dilemmas on finance professionals, emphasising the need for ethical support structures.
- Workplace Isolation and Lack of Social Interaction
Many accounting roles involve solitary work – analysing data, preparing reports, and reviewing financial records – leading to limited social interaction. For those working remotely or in highly structured office environments, this isolation can contribute to loneliness, depression, and disengagement. The situation is worse in Africa where they are unfairly targeted due to the sensitive nature of their jobs.
- Stigma Around Mental Health in the Accounting Profession
The accounting profession often values resilience, precision, and efficiency, leaving little room for vulnerability. Many accountants fear that speaking up about stress or mental health struggles could be seen as a weakness or a sign of incompetence. This stigma prevents them from seeking the support they need.
The Cost of Ignoring Accountants’ Mental Health
Neglecting mental health in the accounting profession has far-reaching consequences. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Increased Burnout and Turnover: A high-stress environment without adequate mental health support leads to increased job dissatisfaction, burnout, and high employee turnover rates. Many accountants consider leaving their jobs due to stress but remain in their roles due to high unemployment rates in their respective countries.
- Reduced Productivity and Performance: Chronic stress and anxiety impair cognitive function, decision-making, and efficiency. These ultimately affects their financial reporting accuracy and business performance.
- Greater Risk of Financial Errors and Fraud: Overworked and mentally exhausted accountants are more prone to making costly mistakes or even being pushed into unethical practices.
- Legal and Compliance Risks: Stress-related errors in financial statements or tax filings can result in regulatory penalties and legal repercussions for both individuals and organisations.
A Call to Action: Prioritising Accountants’ Mental Health
To ensure the long-term well-being of accountants and maintain the integrity of the profession, it is crucial to implement systemic changes that address mental health challenges.
- Employers Must Foster a Supportive Work Environment
Employers should implement reasonable workloads and realistic deadlines to prevent excessive stress, promote flexible work arrangements, including remote work and reduced overtime during off-peak periods. They should also provide mental health support services, such as counselling, stress management workshops, and wellness programmes. Further, they should create an open and stigma-free culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of judgment.
Firms that implement mental health initiatives, such as flexible work arrangements, mindfulness training, and an employee assistance programme like free counselling services, have significantly reduced burnout rates among employees.
- The Accounting Profession Must Change Its Culture
Professional accounting bodies, such as ICPAK, ACCA, and IFAC, should integrate mental health awareness into training, certification, and CPD programmes. I am cognizant of the fact that ICPAK has recognised the need for mental health support and has started offering wellness workshops for accountants, incorporating psychological resilience training into CPD programmes. Going forward, ICPAK should also develop a comprehensive mental health guide for accountants, providing practical strategies for stress management, workplace well-being, and mental resilience.
In addition, Firms should be encouraged to offer regular mental health check-ins and encourage employees to take leave when needed. Senior accountants and industry leaders should advocate for mental well-being to set a positive example for the profession.
- Individual Accountants Must Prioritise Self-Care
Accountants should be aware of their human limitations and ensure they don’t reach the point of no return. Their health is really important. They need to manage workloads effectively by setting boundaries and using time management tools, take regular breaks during work to reduce mental fatigue, engage in physical activity, meditation, or hobbies to reduce stress levels from time to time, and seek professional mental health support when necessary and build a strong support network.
The mental health of accountants has been neglected for too long, despite the immense pressures they face daily. As the demand for financial transparency, compliance, and strategic decision-making grows, it is imperative to prioritise accountants’ well-being. Employers, industry leaders, and accountants themselves must take action to foster a healthier, more sustainable work environment. The time to act is now – because a mentally healthy accountant is not just good for the profession but essential for the economy as a whole.
CPA Shueb Suleiman is the Director Budget for the County Government of Mandera.
