But accountants cannot survive on work alone. The work life balance is as important to the accountancy professional as in other careers. Two thirds of all age groups now work more than 40 hours a week with those between 46 and 55 years old particularly prone to overworking.
How well prepared for the commercial world do you feel your qualification has made you?
In general, our survey showed the longer a career goes on, the more hours accountants are likely to work. CIMA members are most likely to work a 40-hour week while those public sector accountants from CIPFA are least likely to top 40 hours a week.
Additional time is often taken up with commuting to work. Around half of respondents spend up to nine hours a week travelling and some nine per cent of those who answered said they spent more than 15 hours a week on work-related travel.
Careers focus
Survey:
Benefits – Are you getting enough?
Skills and barriers: Are you equipped for your job?
Articles:
Long hours are the norm
Leader – The case for work life balance
Career focus: The valley of dreams