Last updated on Jul 22, 2024

Here's how you can balance work and life as a freelance corporate accountant.

Balancing work and life is a critical challenge for freelance corporate accountants who must juggle client demands with personal commitments. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to set your own schedule, but this autonomy comes with the responsibility of managing your time effectively. Corporate accounting involves maintaining and auditing financial records, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. It requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of financial principles and tax laws. To achieve a healthy work-life balance, you'll need to establish clear boundaries, prioritize tasks, and stay organized.

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1 Prioritize Tasks

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, you need to prioritize your tasks effectively. Determine which accounting projects are urgent and which can wait. This is especially important during busy periods like tax season or end-of-year reporting. Use tools like calendars and task lists to organize your workload, setting aside specific times for work and personal activities. Remember to allocate time for breaks to avoid burnout. Prioritizing also means learning to say no to projects that may overload your schedule or conflict with your personal time.

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Kelly Henthorn , MBA , SHRM-CP

Controller / HR and Safety Manager at Rusken Packaging, Inc.
To be self employed the goal to many and the bane to some. The first step is to prioritize. As a freelance accountant you may have more than one client. All of your customers are priority number one. Investing in a good organization tool , calendar or system to make sure you are accounting for all tasks and to make sure you are tracking and calendaring all events. Prioritizing hard deadline events taxes, financial, customer deadlines are key. Ensure you can meet goals and dont overbook.
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2 Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is crucial for separating your work from your personal life. Decide on specific work hours and stick to them as closely as possible. Inform your clients of your availability and be clear about when you're off the clock. This helps prevent work from spilling into your personal time. Additionally, having a dedicated workspace, whether it's a home office or a co-working space, can help you mentally shift between 'work mode' and 'home mode'. Respect your own boundaries to ensure others will do the same.

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Surekha Paygude

Pursuing US CMA/MBA/MCoM/GDC&A
As freelance corporate accountants, we should manage our tasks with an appropriate schedule. We should decide our working hours based on clients' requirements, particularly when queries are raised. If we are working with different time zones, we should adjust accordingly. If we are also parenting, try to schedule working hours after completing daily to-do tasks. I found that scheduling working hours based on time zones allows us to connect with clients more effectively. This approach ensures a smooth workflow and minimizes disruptions when asking about tasks. By scheduling tasks, we can answer queries efficiently, leading to greater work satisfaction and motivation to complete the work.
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3 Use Technology

Leverage technology to streamline your accounting processes and save time. Accounting software can automate tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of errors. Additionally, using cloud-based tools allows you to access your work from anywhere, giving you flexibility in your work location. Embrace apps and digital tools that can help you manage your client communications and schedule more effectively.

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4 Delegate Wisely

As your freelance business grows, consider delegating tasks that are time-consuming or outside your expertise. Hiring a virtual assistant or collaborating with other freelancers can free up your time for more complex accounting tasks or for your personal life. Delegation requires trust and clear communication about expectations and deadlines. Start small by outsourcing administrative tasks and gradually delegate more as you build reliable partnerships.

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5 Stay Healthy

Your health is paramount to maintaining work-life balance. Ensure that you're taking care of your physical and mental well-being by getting regular exercise, eating healthily, and getting enough sleep. Stress management techniques such as meditation or hobbies can help you unwind after a long day of work. Remember that taking care of yourself improves your productivity and the quality of your work as a corporate accountant.

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6 Plan Ahead

Finally, planning ahead can significantly improve your work-life balance. Anticipate busy periods and plan your schedule accordingly. Set aside time for upcoming projects and deadlines, but also ensure you have time blocked off for vacations or personal events. Being proactive with your planning allows you to manage client expectations and reduces last-minute stress, making it easier to enjoy your personal time without worry.

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