If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please consult local resources for assistance. This episode is intended to offer encouragement, but is not intended to provide medical advice. See below for resources to help you in your mental health journey.
This episode is part two of our discussion on mental health and burnout in the accounting industry. Part 1 with Randy Crabtree is available on all podcasts feeds. For this episode, we are joined by Kane Polakoff, CAS practice leader at CohnReznick, and Jennifer Alleva, CEO of Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). Kane was featured on a previous On the Books podcast about growth, change, and the future of client accounting services.
We dive into the shifting culture of the accounting industry, specifically focusing on the transition from busy seasons to a year-round workload. Jennifer and Kane share their personal stories and leadership strategies for prioritizing staff well-being, fostering a supportive firm culture, and navigating the exciting, yet daunting integration of AI into professional workflows.
The group discusses:
- Rethinking busy season: Busy season is now “busy year.” The guests talk through managing workload year-round, offering flexible schedules and other ways to help accountants find balance.
- Managing macroeconomic stress: The impact of macroeconomic forces on clients creates a unique mental load for the advisors who serve them.
- The "Sunday Scaries" test: Kane and Jennifer discuss the importance of being attuned to staff stress levels and fostering an environment where employees aren't dreading the start of their work week.
- The power of vulnerability: Overcoming the industry stigma against asking for help, and the importance of leaders modeling healthy boundaries and self-care.
- Capacity management: Differentiating between capacity of time and capacity of skill to provide the right support for every team member.
For more information:
Diego Rivera, The Flower Carrier
Mental health resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7 in the US and Canada)
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text "LOVEIS" to 22522.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers support groups, education, and a helpline (1-800-950-6264 or text "NAMI" to 62640).
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)—Confidential treatment referral service.
Mental Health America (MHA): Provides screening tools and local resources.
