3 answers
Ryan
Student
Lake Forest, California
1
Question
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How is accounting as a career in terms of mental health and stress (Including college courses and workload)?
I'm wondering about the field of accounting as a career choice, and am trying to get a better feel for the work and general environment.
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3 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
130
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Accounting is generally a stable career, but how stressful it is can vary depending on where you work and the time of year. In college, accounting classes focus more on structure and details than on creativity. You'll spend a lot of time practicing problems, learning rules, and understanding financial systems. The workload might seem heavy at first because getting things right is important, but many students find it manageable once they get into a routine. It's more about being consistent than cramming at the last minute.
In terms of a career, accounting usually has predictable stress patterns. The most pressure happens during busy times like tax season or the end of fiscal quarters when deadlines are tight and hours can be long, especially in public accounting firms. Outside of these periods, many accountants enjoy regular schedules and a good work-life balance compared to fields like law or healthcare. Jobs in industry, government, or corporate accounting often have less stress than public accounting.
On the mental health side, the benefits are stability, clear career paths, and strong job security, which can ease long-term anxiety. The downsides might include repetitive work and the pressure to avoid mistakes, as even small errors can have financial impacts. If you like organization, solving problems, and structured tasks, accounting might feel more calming than stressful. But if you prefer variety or creative work, it could become tiring over time. It often depends on your personality and choosing the right work environment.
In terms of a career, accounting usually has predictable stress patterns. The most pressure happens during busy times like tax season or the end of fiscal quarters when deadlines are tight and hours can be long, especially in public accounting firms. Outside of these periods, many accountants enjoy regular schedules and a good work-life balance compared to fields like law or healthcare. Jobs in industry, government, or corporate accounting often have less stress than public accounting.
On the mental health side, the benefits are stability, clear career paths, and strong job security, which can ease long-term anxiety. The downsides might include repetitive work and the pressure to avoid mistakes, as even small errors can have financial impacts. If you like organization, solving problems, and structured tasks, accounting might feel more calming than stressful. But if you prefer variety or creative work, it could become tiring over time. It often depends on your personality and choosing the right work environment.
David Markowitz
Audit and Assurance Senior Consultant
2
Answers
Tarrytown, New York
Updated
David’s Answer
I work in Audit myself, I have only been in the workforce a few years but I can speak to my experience so far. First off, accounting is very broad of a field, even if you are just focusing on Audit there are a multitude of different types of reports that are generated, and many teams work together to create them doing various specialized tasks. From my experience, the work can sometimes become redundant, which may make it less interesting but also makes it less difficult as it is easier to become familiarized with the material. That said, people are still always learning new things, there are many nuances. As for the work life balance, it really depends heavily on the time of year, during the height of busy season hours can get up to 60 hours a week, but when busy season ends, they can decrease to 40 hours a week or sometimes less. Firms also make it a point to help employees with their mental health/wellbeing, many firms have wellbeing subsidies that can be used on fitness memberships, equipment, sometimes even gaming systems like xbox's and recently I saw Legos on the list. I would say it is a stable and enjoyable career, but can be dependent on the engagements that you work on in the firm (if you are in Audit at least), as everyone has different approaches.
As for the courses, I was not an accounting major but I took 2 accounting courses, I found them to definitely be more difficult than most of the courses I took but I also learned a lot more from them, I found them quite rewarding.
As for the courses, I was not an accounting major but I took 2 accounting courses, I found them to definitely be more difficult than most of the courses I took but I also learned a lot more from them, I found them quite rewarding.
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi
Medical Assistant
34
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Ryan,
Accounting is a noble and respectable career that requires organization and structured thinking. But I’ll be honest about how demanding it can be, maybe because my sister is an accountant.
In college, accounting can be challenging because it involves a lot of calculations, keeping proper records, preparing financial statements, and learning about budgeting and planning. It requires regular study and good focus. During exams or professional certification periods( ICAN etc) , the workload can feel heavy and stressful.
At work, stress usually comes from deadlines and the need to avoid mistakes but with good time management and more experience, it becomes easier to handle.
Truth be told, no career is completely free from stress. What matters is your mindset and your ability to grow through challenges. As you gain experience, you also develop resilience.
If accounting is what you truly desire, do not let fear of stress discourage you. Instead, prepare yourself mentally and academically, and you will succeed.
Thank you.
Accounting is a noble and respectable career that requires organization and structured thinking. But I’ll be honest about how demanding it can be, maybe because my sister is an accountant.
In college, accounting can be challenging because it involves a lot of calculations, keeping proper records, preparing financial statements, and learning about budgeting and planning. It requires regular study and good focus. During exams or professional certification periods( ICAN etc) , the workload can feel heavy and stressful.
At work, stress usually comes from deadlines and the need to avoid mistakes but with good time management and more experience, it becomes easier to handle.
Truth be told, no career is completely free from stress. What matters is your mindset and your ability to grow through challenges. As you gain experience, you also develop resilience.
If accounting is what you truly desire, do not let fear of stress discourage you. Instead, prepare yourself mentally and academically, and you will succeed.
Thank you.