How to Handle Tight Deadlines as an Accountant

Accountants are constantly under monthly, quarterly and yearly financial deadlines. In addition to the work accountants perform internally for their company, accountants are responsible for the external financial reports made available to investors and stockholders, as well as filing the income taxes for the company at the end of the fiscal year. If you experience tight deadlines, look to the resources of your accounting department to disperse some of your work.

1. • 1
     Turn off any distractions to avoid procrastination at work. If you do not need your personal cell phone for work, turn it off for a few hours to avoid taking calls. Use your computer for business email only, and avoid browsing sites that could distract you from your accounting work.
     
   • 2
     Arrange your accounting deadlines from nearest to farthest. As you work on your projects, spend the majority of your time on the project with the nearest deadline, then focus your remaining time in the day on the project with the second closest deadline. For example, if your company needs its monthly report for March by April 1, and you must file your company's tax return on April 15, focus on the April 1st deadline with most of your energy until that work is complete.
     
   • 3
     Seek additional help, if possible, from other accountants in your department. If simpler accounting tasks require time but can be handled by others, ask your co-workers to complete some of the work. Your co-workers may have a lighter work load, and their help could mean the difference between meeting your deadline or missing it.
     
   • 4
     Negotiate more time, if possible. Some accounting deadlines are non-negotiable, such as filing income taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. However, if you are preparing internal accounting statements for your company, and the deadline you must meet is too demanding, show your manager the problem and ask for additional time.
     
   • 5
     Use overtime to finish your work, if needed. The 40-hour work week may not be enough to finish your accounting work by the required deadlines. Use overtime hours to complete the work if your company offers them, and stay later. Working overtime is usually temporary until you meet your deadline. If you must consistently work overtime to finish your work, ask your manager for additional help in your department.