The busiest time for accountants is March and April, driven by the April 15th U.S. tax deadline. While the "busy season" spans from January through April due to year-end audits and tax filings, the workload intensifies in March as the deadline approaches. A second, smaller busy season occurs from September to October for extended tax filings.
Audit busy season is a high-pressure, demanding period typically spanning from January to April that serves as a critical professional rite of passage, requiring auditors to balance increased workloads and strict deadlines through effective organization, technological integration, and a commitment to mental well-being.
The tax busy season runs from January to April and July to October yearly due to regulatory tax filing deadlines. The busy tax season impacts accountants' work hours and work-life balance, as they often work for longer hours and experience higher stress levels compared to other parts of the year.
Tax season
In the US, there's a second tax season, as Andrea MacDonald points out. “For accountants who offer tax services, there are two busy seasons — January through April, and then again, September through October.” The second busy season covers the October 15 tax-filing extension deadline.
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Senior Staff Accountant
The typical base salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on ...
The accounting 150-Hour Rule traditionally requires aspiring Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to complete 150 college credit hours (a master's degree or extra undergrad courses) for licensure, beyond the standard 120-hour bachelor's degree, plus experience and the CPA exam. Due to talent shortages, states are introducing new pathways, like Ohio's 2025 change, allowing a bachelor's degree, two years' experience, and the exam as alternatives to the extra schooling, making licensure more accessible.
A graying workforce
The American Institute of CPAs reported that 75% of today's public accounting CPAs will retire within the next 15 years. Census data show at least 10,000 people turn 65 each day in the U.S. through 2029. Most employees hope to retire by the age of 59 ½.
The AICPA 2021 “Trends Report” states: “Accounting graduates trended downward in the 2019–2020 academic year, with decreases of 2.8% and 8.4% at the bachelor's and master's levels, respectively.” These are national statistics; anecdotally, it is known that many universities, especially private ones, have experienced ...
Yes, accounting is widely considered a stressful profession, especially during busy seasons (like tax time) due to long hours, tight deadlines, high stakes (accuracy with money), and heavy workloads, leading to significant burnout for many, though the level of stress varies by role and individual coping mechanisms.
Many accountants enjoy a structured 9-5 work schedule; others like more demanding periods where long hours become the norm. They usually put in extra time from tax season to year-end reporting to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
16 Tips to Survive Accountant Busy Season
Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in public accounting and a California CPA License or a Master's in Tax. The position offers a salary up to $150K, performance bonuses, and ...
CPA changes in 2025 focus on enhanced exam flexibility with continuous core section testing and an expanded June window for disciplines, plus new licensure pathways in many states offering alternatives to the 150-hour rule (like a bachelor's + 2 years experience). Key updates also include new exam blueprints emphasizing technology, data analytics, and practical application, moving away from rote memorization, all part of the ongoing CPA Evolution initiative to modernize the profession.
Will AI replace accountants? Not entirely—but it will change accounting. Firms that embrace AI and technology will attract forward-thinking clients and top talent. Accountants who pair their expertise with AI tools will stay ahead of the curve.
Of the Big 4, KPMG is the smallest and also the only one operating outside of London—the firm's headquarters is in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
The hardest accounting certification is often considered to be: