outdated technology, unrealistic billable hours, and “unlimited pto” among key issues discussed.
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accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation
the accounting profession is undergoing significant change, and workplace culture is at the forefront of that transformation. in a recent episode of accounting arc, industry leaders donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma; byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma; and liz mason, cpa, explore the red flags professionals should watch for in accounting firms.
more accounting arc: jeremy dubow: private equity as a catalyst for growth | break the burnout cycle in accounting | accounting in transition: 2024 reflections & the road ahead | ron baker: visions for the accounting profession | angie grissom: next gen inspo for accountants | does accounting belong in stem? | rose wang: where numbers meet strategy and creativity | tiktok fraud exposes gaps in financial literacy | how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbers | rachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know |
“a firm that isn’t leveraging modern technology is a huge warning sign,” says mason, ceo of high rock accounting. she and the other panelists agreed that firms clinging to outdated systems often fail to create efficient work environments. “automated hr processes should be a baseline by now,” adds shimamoto, founder and managing director of intraprisetechknowlogies llc and founder and inspiration architect for the center for accounting transformation.
the promise of unlimited pto often rings hollow. shimamoto explains, “you need to ask—what’s the actual process for taking time off? can people really step away?” mason adds that rigid policies around requesting pto are another red flag, particularly when firms enforce blackout dates or require excessive notice.
patrick, ceo of verifyiq and co-founder of tb academy, and mason share personal anecdotes about toxic workplace practices, such as managers taking credit for employees’ work and unrealistic billable hour expectations. “i remember one christmas eve when a manager’s mistake became my problem,” patrick recalls. “that type of culture just isn’t sustainable.”
the episode includes a top 10 list of red flags, including mandatory saturdays, outdated processes, and token gestures disguised as perks. “free dinner every night might sound great,” jokes mason, “until you realize it’s just because they expect you to work late.”
for accounting professionals seeking healthier work environments, the advice is clear: ask questions, trust your instincts, and don’t ignore the red flags.
10 key takeaways
- evaluate technology use—outdated systems are a warning sign.
- clarify the real meaning of “unlimited pto.”
- watch for signs of overwork, like celebrating all-nighters.
- be wary of firms with unsustainable billable hour goals.
- understand the firm’s stance on flexibility without penalties.
- pay attention to how core values are applied, not just stated.
- avoid firms that mandate excessive weekend or holiday work.
- investigate how the firm handles toxic clients.
- look for efficiency in processes rather than over-reliance on hard work.
- perks like free meals might mask deeper issues.