Let’s face it – accountancy isn’t exactly known for being a fast-paced thrill ride. But as an accountant, you may beg to differ? Especially when you’re juggling client emails, deadlines, regulatory updates, and enough spreadsheets to make your eyes water, office productivity for accountants suddenly becomes a bit of a big deal.
The good news? You don’t need to work longer hours to get more done. You just need a better system – one that combines smart tech, streamlined workflows, and a few simple habits that actually work in real offices (not just productivity blogs).
So, whether you’re an independent accountant, part of a small firm, or managing a growing team, here’s everything you need to work smarter, not just harder.
Stop Drowning in Tasks: What Actually Boosts Productivity?
Accountants are constantly pulled in different directions. Tax returns, payroll runs, late client submissions, calls, and that one file that’s always in the wrong format. The key to surviving (and thriving) is this: ruthless prioritisation and structured working.
Here’s what really helps:
- Time blocking: Carve out solid, uninterrupted time for tasks that need full focus – think year-end accounts or forecasting. Don’t try to do these between emails.
- Batch your work: Handle similar tasks together. Group all calls, tackle email at set times, and avoid jumping between completely different jobs.
- Stop multitasking: It sounds efficient, but it’s a trap. One thing at a time = fewer mistakes and quicker finish.
- Work with your energy levels: Early bird? Tackle complex tasks in the morning. More switched on after lunch? Plan deep work then.
- Take breaks: Seriously. Short, regular breaks help more than you think, especially during deadline season.
These aren’t ground-breaking tips, but most accountants are not doing them. Build them into your day, and you’ll start seeing results almost instantly.
Use Technology Like It’s 2025
Accountants love structure, and that’s exactly what modern tools give you. If you’re still toggling between spreadsheets, Word docs, and emails, you’re burning time you can’t afford.
Here’s the tech you should be using:
🔹 Cloud Accounting Software
Xero, QuickBooks Online, FreeAgent – they save time on everything from bank feeds to invoicing and reporting. Plus, you and your clients can work in real-time.
🔹 Practice Management Tools
Karbon, Senta, TaxDome, Pixie, Xero Practice Manager – track jobs, manage staff workload, set automated client reminders, and ditch your “who’s doing what” spreadsheet forever.
🔹 E-signatures & Portals
No more chasing printed forms. E-signing software and client portals let you collect documents, approvals, and messages all in one place. Faster for you, slicker for your clients.
🔹 Document Management
Ditch the physical filing cabinets. Digital document systems let you find files instantly, stay compliant, and sleep better at night knowing your backups are sorted. Evolve’s very own Agility Software is perfect for this.
🔹 AI and Automation
We’re not talking robots taking your job. We’re talking about tools that can scan receipts, categorise expenses, flag anomalies, and even write basic reports. AI is already here, and it’s making a real difference.
Stop Doing Everything Yourself
There’s this tendency in accounting to think, “I’ll just do it myself, it’s quicker.” Spoiler: it isn’t. Especially not in the long run.
If you want to scale your time and mental energy:
- Delegate admin tasks to junior staff or virtual assistants
- Outsource non-core work, like bookkeeping or payroll for smaller clients
- Use templates for everything you can – emails, engagement letters, checklists
- Standardise processes – one set way to do each recurring job, so nothing falls through the cracks
It’s about working smarter – not being the hero who pulls a late-nighter to chase five missing bank statements.
Cut the Time Wasters
We’ve all been there – half a day gone and you’ve only ticked off two things. Usually, it’s not because you’re lazy. It’s because your day got hijacked by:
- Unplanned calls
- Endless client back-and-forths
- Dodgy file names
- Digging for paperwork
- Outdated software
- Pointless meetings
The fix? Put up some (polite) boundaries:
- Use automated reminders and portals so you’re not always the one chasing
- Keep meetings short and structured
- Schedule “focus blocks” and protect them like your pension
- Educate clients on how you need things sent (no more blurry phone photos of receipts)
Your future self will thank you.
Time Management That Works in the Real World
The secret to good time management as an accountant? Plan your time before others do it for you.
- Start the week with a plan – review upcoming deadlines, meetings, and block out time for high-priority jobs
- Track your time – not just for billing, but to see where your hours are actually going
- Say no (politely) to time-sucking requests that don’t align with your goals or schedule
- Set clear client expectations about timelines, turnaround, and your working hours
Accountants often end up being reactive. Flip the script and take back control.
AI: Not a Buzzword – A Real Productivity Boost
If you think AI is just for tech firms, think again. Accountancy firms across the UK are already using it to:
- Automate data entry and reconciliation
- Spot fraud risks or unusual transactions
- Generate basic reports or client summaries
- Forecast cash flow or highlight late payments
- Streamline onboarding and admin
You don’t need to build your own robot – most modern tools are already baking AI in. You just need to use the software properly and keep an eye on updates.
Final Thought: Build a Firm That Works for You
Too many accountants are stuck in survival mode, especially around tax season. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The firms (and individuals) who succeed are the ones who:
- Embrace modern tools
- Set up smart systems
- Prioritise the right work
- Communicate clearly with clients
- Value their own time
Whether you’re in a solo practice or running a growing team, start with one improvement. Block your mornings. Set up an e-signature tool. Automate one admin job. That’s it. Then build from there.
You’re good at numbers – now’s the time to make your time add up too.
