It’s no secret that the public accounting busy season requires accounting professionals to spend around 60+ hours a week at work each year starting in January and going into April. But this is the norm for public accountants who learn to adjust their work-life balance and embrace the hectic pace of life during their firm’s peak time.
The good news is that most accounting firms work diligently to ensure their staff are taken care of during the long hours and late nights at work. With the 2018 busy season ending, we sat down with Julia Thompson-Calio, PHR, Senior HR Generalist at Baker Tilly to find out what Baker Tilly did for their staff during the 2018 busy season to help provide some relief for their staff.
Fun Activities During Busy Season
Roger CPA Review: What are some of the fun activities Baker Tilly did for their staff during the 2018 busy season?
Julia Thompson-Calio: We have 35 offices across the US, and I can speak to the offices that I support in New Jersey and Philadelphia. At the beginning of busy season, every business unit at Baker Tilly puts together a champion team of accounting professionals who partner with human resources, leadership, firm partners, and our administrative team to determine which activities and events they want to initiate during busy season.
Busy season intersects with a few national holidays and events that our staff sometimes miss because of the extra hours they are required to work during this time. We try to bring the festivities into the office. A week or two before the Super Bowl... (Eagles win story continues)
It’s also important for our staff to feel supported by receiving opportunities to take breaks throughout the day. Many offices have “office Olympics” with small challenges like golf putting or basketball shots for gift cards. We also emphasize health and wellness with chair massages, yoga, and nutrition talks.
Why Support Staff During Busy Season?
RCPAR: Why is it important to keep staff healthy and happy during busy season?
JT: Our firm acknowledges that our professional accounting staff goes above and beyond during busy season. Health and wellness is a priority. We promote taking breaks and encourage self-care year-round. In summer, we offer “summer Fridays” between Memorial Day and Labor Day, closing the office at 3:00 PM.
Advice to Other Firms
RCPAR: What’s your advice to other firms?
JT: Leadership must prioritize supporting staff during busy season. We collaborate with champion teams to plan feasible events. For auditors out on-site, we hold activities on Saturdays. The process is collaborative and inclusive.
Special thanks to Julia Thompson-Calio for sharing insights about Baker Tilly’s support for their team.
About Julia Thompson-Calio, PHR
Julia is the Sr. HR Generalist who supports the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Baker Tilly offices.
About Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (Baker Tilly)
Baker Tilly is a nationally recognized, full-service accounting and advisory firm... (full description continues)
