Back-to-School Tips for Boosting Accountant Productivity

As the sun sets on summer vacations and the carefree days at the beach, the reality of getting back into a productive rhythm looms large. For accountants, this transition is akin to the “back to school” season—it’s a time to sharpen pencils, get organized, and prepare for the hustle of the year-end close. Here are some productivity tips to help you make the most of this transition and set yourself up for success.

1. Revisit Your Goals

The start of a new school year is all about setting intentions and understanding what’s expected. In the accounting world, this means revisiting your goals for the remainder of the year. Take a moment to review your close process—are there areas that consistently cause delays? Are there tasks that could be streamlined? Just as a student reviews their syllabus, now is the perfect time to align your objectives with your team’s capabilities and the demands of your organization. Whether it’s reducing the time spent on reconciliations or improving the accuracy of your financial statements, having a defined objective will keep you and your team focused.

2. Organize Your Workspace and Declutter for Clarity

A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind. The best way to guarantee a focused and productive day is an organized workspace that is free of distractions. This not only includes physical space but also digital clutter—clean out your inbox, organize your files, and ensure that all your tools are easily accessible.

It’s also a good time to declutter your financial records. Ensure all your documents are properly filed and easily retrievable. Consider implementing or optimizing your document management system to reduce the time spent searching for files during month-end close.

3. Refresh Your Skills

Back-to-school season is a reminder that learning never ends. Take advantage of this time to brush up on your accounting skills or learn something new that could improve your productivity. Whether it’s a new software tool, a refresher on accounting principles, or a deeper dive into the latest regulations, continuous learning is key to staying ahead in the fast-paced world of finance.

The more technically skilled you are in your role, the more time you’ll save, allowing you to focus on higher-level analysis and decision-making.

4. Prioritize Your Tasks

Ensure a smooth transition back to “work mode” by getting clear about your priorities. Identify your most critical tasks and tackle them first. This approach, often referred to as “eating the frog,” ensures that you handle the most challenging or important tasks when your energy levels are highest.

In your month-end close process, prioritize tasks that are prone to bottlenecks. Addressing these first can prevent delays later in the process and reduce the overall time to close.

5. Leverage Technology

Remember when a backpack was just a bag with a few textbooks and a lunchbox? Today’s students carry laptops, tablets, and a slew of apps designed to enhance learning and productivity. Similarly, accountants should embrace technology to optimize their workflows. From project management tools to cloud-based accounting software, leveraging technology can dramatically improve your efficiency.

Consider implementing automation tools in your financial close process. Automation can handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, reconciliation, and report generation, freeing up your time for more strategic activities.

6. Take Breaks (Recess Isn’t Just for Kids)

Even during the busiest times, students get recess to recharge. Accountants, especially during the month-end close, often push through without taking breaks. However, studies show that taking short breaks can actually boost productivity and creativity. Make sure to schedule brief pauses throughout your day to rest and recharge.

If you’re pressed for time, consider implementing “mini-breaks” between tasks. A five-minute break after completing a reconciliation or generating a report can help clear your mind and reduce fatigue, leading to better overall performance.

7. Reflect and Adjust

After every school term, students receive report cards that highlight their strengths and areas for improvement. In accounting, reflecting on your month-end close process can offer similar insights. Take time to review what went well and where there’s room for improvement. Use this reflection to make adjustments for the next close cycle. Gather feedback from your team and implement changes that can improve efficiency and accuracy in future close cycles.

Supercharge Productivity with ART by SkyStem

As you gear up for the end-of-summer and prepare for the busy months ahead, remember that productivity doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a little organization, continuous learning, and the right tools, you can streamline your processes and make your month-end close more efficient than ever. Speaking of tools, ART by SkyStem is designed to do just that—automate and streamline your financial close process so you can focus on what truly matters. As you step
back into your “school” routine, let ART handle the heavy lifting, giving you more time to excel in your role. To learn more, schedule a demo today!