5 Questions Accountants Should Ask to Maximise Professional Time Use

Now that the new year has begun, you’ve almost definitely spent a significant amount of time considering your 2023 goals in the hopes of gaining professional growth.

But how can you be sure that this reflection time is being used wisely?

Here are five things questions to ask to guarantee that you are maximising your professional time to focus on your strengths and capabilities. 

1. What are my goals?

Before you can make progress, you must first define your objectives. Clarity = detail, so instead of just saying “I will search for a new job,” define characteristics that describe your ideal position more explicitly, e.g. “get a Senior Accountant job with supervisory authority in a progressive boutique firm.” It is easier to establish how to reach your goals when you have a clear grasp of them!

2. What do I need to achieve them?

Identifying your goals is just the first step; you also need a plan to attain them.

Begin by outlining every component required to attain your goals, such as specific knowledge or training, networking with people who can help you, and acquiring technical support.

If you’re looking for a Manager role, your to-do list may include learning new management skills and knowledge, updating your resumé and LinkedIn profile, and networking with peers in your field.

Create a list of experts who can help you improve your career the most, regardless of your goal.

3. Which tasks do I dislike, take too much time to accomplish, or do not utilise my strengths?

Now that you’ve made your list, review each item and highlight the ones you’re most afraid of or aren’t skilled at. It may be worth enrolling in a course to improve or if it’s something you don’t want to do or that doesn’t make the most use of your skills, think outside of the box: could you hire a professional to do it for you?

For example, a highly sociable business developer, who is the Director of an accounting firm, may choose to forgo the specialised labour of compliance accounting. Similarly, a compliance-focused accountant who enjoys statistics may have difficulty gaining new customers.

Outsourcing, automating, or delegating it is a worthy investment if it is substantial enough to be on your list.

4. Which of these tasks are my favourites, come naturally to me, and best use my strengths?

Consider what is left on your list. Everything there should be things that you like doing, perform well at and match with your natural strengths.

It is important to remember that these activities may still be daunting or need work. You may be a gifted communicator, yet the thought of asking for help makes you cringe. Fear is natural, but it should not hold you back. Remember that growth means stepping out of your comfort zone.

5. Where, how, and on what am I spending my time?

This question is significant since it heightens your awareness of your behaviours and time management. Conduct an audit to determine where, how, and what you are spending your time on.

If you observe that the bulk of the items are on the negative list rather than positive strengths list, now is the time to make changes. Remove any time wasters, enlist the help of others and focus your attention and time on what will help you to progress.

Whether it’s expanding your professional network, being promoted, or changing careers, reaching a career goal is challenging. However, by asking yourself the five questions above, you may ensure that you stay focused on the things that will help you progress.

Career Insights from Lawson Delaney

Lawson Delaney has two distinct teams that specialise in recruiting CEOs and leadership teams for private businesses, and recruiting accountants both commercially and for Accounting firms – from merging Partners to graduate intakes. What ties us together is the unwavering commitment to our vision: to be the most caring, capable, and considerate recruitment company in Melbourne. Contact us on 03 9946 7300 or support@lawsondelaney.com.au to learn more about how we can assist you with a vacancy or new role today.