[Sween1012]

Hi!

I would like to get some feedback on how many hours staff accountants/CPAs are working during tax season. Does your firm set a minimum that you need to meet each week? I have my review coming up, and hopefully will pass the CPA by then, or shortly after. From what I understand, many of the CPAs at my firm are required to work 65 hrs a week. I work at a medium sized firm. We do taxes and financial planning.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[Anonymous]

I work at a small firm with 10 professionals and work between 50-55 hours a week during busy season. I work around 10 hours a day M-F and 5 or so on Saturday’s. The partners work more, probably 65-70 hours a week.

[Troys22]

I work at a very small firm with 4 partners, myself and three other staff. I am the only one that helps partners with audits and tax preparation. The others do mostly payroll and monthly work. During our busy season I typically work 60-70 hours a week. It all depends on the firm you work at and the partners you work for.

[Anonymous]

Hope you guys are exempt.

[jenpen]

I also work for a small firm, with 2 partners and about 10 employees. Our offices are divided into an us/them thing, but for our office, that houses me and a partner as the sole preparers, I work around 50-60 hours a week, just depending on the work flow. Right now I have a review that needs done ASAP, so I work on taxes in the evenings. My firm allows me to work from home whenever so that helps me not go crazy. No set amount of hours I'm required to work, but I do have 80 extra hours built into my salary.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Bourne]

40

[alloverit]

I would advise making an assessment of what others are doing and how those individuals are valued. If the people who put in the most hours are respected, then you should adopt a similar schedule.

Also look at your workload. If it is constantly getting larger, that's an indication you need to put in more time (and that it's expected). But after about 55 hours (for a staff accountant) it's usually okay to consider some personal time.

Remember, partners are making A LOT more money than you…so they should work more.

[Troys22]

I think you mean nonexempt?? I am paid my set salary but during busy season they pay me 1.5 times my hourly rate.

[Author]

Replies