5 Time Management Strategies for Accountants

Nearly all of us feel that there are not enough hours in the day, but are you making the most of your time? Here are a few time management tips you can use in the workplace to increase your productivity.

1) Do difficult jobs first

Whether it is finishing an important call with a client, or chasing clientele for payments – pick up difficult tasks first as you will be less stressed the rest of the day and won’t find yourself procrastinating.

2) Delegate

Not a lot of people enjoy delegating tasks. But if you want to get more done, this is an ideal option. List out those tasks you and only you can do and then delegate other activities to an assistant or an intern. They are likely to be able to put more time to finish the task in hand.

3) Shorten call times

Is your time spent on a call really worth it? Many a time you will find yourself on a call which lasts much longer than it needs to. Make sure the time you are spending is worth investing in the call. Track your call time with a timer or stopwatch to help reduce wasted phone time.

4) Change of scenery

Take a break from work; it will help clear your mind. Change of scenery is really important especially if you are always on the go. Learn to take it easy every now and then.

5) Plan the day in advance

I already know you are organized and are likely to start your day creating a schedule to stay on track to be productive. But how many things do you forget you needed to do that came up the day before? Try planning at the end of the business day for the next day and instead of having to brainstorm every morning before you have woken up fully. You will have a far better chance of pulling together all those outstanding tasks.

As accountants your day can never be planned perfectly. You are always going to have clients calling and obstacles hampering completion of activities. Implementing a few of these techniques will hopefully give you that little extra time you want each day without having to stay in the office all night.