Whether it's worries over AI’s impact on your job, the incessant demands of clients or evolving regulation – the life of an accountant can be stressful, and that’s before you’ve factored in the additional stresses that life throws at you. In fact, almost nine out of 10 accountants have faced significant struggles with their mental health, according to a recent survey conducted by TaxCalc.

Robin Lee, a Partner at accountancy firm Streets, says: “One of the biggest sources of stress for accountants is that deadlines are fixed, but the information needed to meet them often is not. Whether it is year-end accounts, audits or tax work, pressure builds quickly when clients submit information late or make urgent last-minute requests.”

But while stress may be common in accountancy, especially during high-pressure periods, that doesn’t mean it should become the norm. With the right habits, conversations, and culture, people can do great work and protect their wellbeing.

“Resilience to stress is composed of behaviours, thoughts and actions that we can all learn and develop,” says Dr Cristian Holmes, Chief Executive of caba, the wellbeing charity for ICAEW members and their families. Research has shown people who practice resilience well tend to act early and address challenges before they escalate, helping them to manage their energy proactively.

They also focus on control and recognise what they can influence, and what they can’t.

1. Not everything is urgent

When everything feels important, stress levels rise quickly. Dr Ravi Gill, a psychologist and workplace wellbeing consultant, says one of the most helpful things we can do is pause and ask: what actually needs me right now? She says: “Some tasks are urgent. Some can wait. Some can be delegated. Creating that distinction can instantly reduce the sense of overwhelm.”

Strong teams work best when leaders know who is most suited to different tasks and who can step in when workloads become heavy, according to Lee. He adds: “It is just as important to keep an eye on the stress levels of colleagues, because pressure spreads quickly in busy periods if it is not managed well.”

2. Boundaries are a strength, not a weakness

Busy seasons can ramp up the pressure to say yes to everything and everyone. Over time, that becomes exhausting. Gill says: “Healthy boundaries might look like protecting focus time, being realistic about capacity, or communicating clearer timelines. Boundaries don’t mean you care less, they mean you’re working sustainably.”

3. Take time out

Social media likes to glorify the hustle culture, and as a result many people move from email to meeting to deadline without taking a breath. But the nervous system needs moments of pause, Gill says. “Even a few minutes to step away from the screen, stretch, breathe, or reset between tasks can make a real difference to focus and energy,” she says.

Taking a short walk, grabbing some fresh air, or switching off notifications for a while can make a real difference when pressure starts to build, Lee agrees. It also helps to create space for clear thinking.

4. Get it out of your head

Stress often grows when we’re trying to hold too much mentally. Deadlines, client needs, unfinished tasks, things not to forget. Gill suggests using systems that support your brain: lists, trackers, calendars, prioritising one step at a time. A clear to-do list is equally important, according to Lee. He says: “Often, getting a few straightforward tasks completed early creates momentum and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed, while more complex work is best tackled at the time of day when your concentration is strongest.”

5. Make it safe to say “I’m struggling”

One of the biggest protectors against workplace stress is feeling able to speak up early - not when you’re already burnt out, but sooner. Research has shown people who practice resilience well don’t go it alone, but ask for help from colleagues, friends and family, and speak up when they feel overwhelmed.

Caba’s Holmes says if you’re leading a team, it’s important to support others to manage stress by creating a psychologically safe environment that allow colleagues to thrive. He says: “This includes being proactive in supporting colleagues, recognise when they are struggling.”

“Be authentic and open,” Holmes says: “We have all had challenges and being honest about our own experiences gives permission for others to be open.”

6. Wellbeing doesn’t start at 9am

Acknowledge that self-care is not a luxury but something that should be prioritised. Holmes says: “Proactive positive mental health practices like maintaining boundaries, taking regular breaks and taking care of yourself outside of work are essential.”

How we recover outside of work matters too, according to Gill. She says: “Sleep, movement, switching off, laughter, connection, rest; these are not luxuries. They are part of staying well. Resilience is not about pushing through endlessly. It’s about knowing how to restore yourself too.”

7. Consider professional support

Talking to a professional can be a very effective way of building your capacity to manage stress, Holmes says, whether it’s via your Employee Assistance Programme, a counsellor from caba, or a counsellor you’ve found privately. 

He says: “A counsellor creates a safe and confidential space to help you explore and understand the causes of stress, and you’ll work together to find specific strategies to overcome the challenges.”

• Visit the caba website to learn about how you can get access to professional support.

8. Look after your clients – and they’ll look after you

Understanding your clients and their habits will come into its own because you will know which ones are likely to need earlier prompting and which are more responsive. Lee says: “Build your schedule around that reality where possible and be prepared to adjust plans quickly when priorities change.”

Look after your clients and they will look after you, Lee adds. “When you build strong, personal relationships over time, clients tend to respond more quickly, communicate better and work with you more effectively. That kind of longevity and trust reduces friction, cuts down on last-minute surprises and ultimately makes the job less stressful.”