While the accounting profession can offer exciting opportunities for growth and development for working moms, it also presents unique challenges. In today’s episode, I want to discuss the everyday hurdles faced by accountant moms and explore practical strategies to overcome these challenges.
The reality for most of us is a dual role that requires a lot of effort. We might make it look like we’ve got it all figured out, but if we’re being honest, we’re often hanging by a thread trying to balance our work and our family commitments.
The journey of most accountant moms involves reconciling professional ambitions with the demands of motherhood. And although the accounting profession has come a long way since I started over 30 years ago, working moms still face workplace challenges.
Whether the profession wants to admit it or not, there are still inherent gender biases and stereotypes prevalent in the accounting profession. Addressing these biases and creating a more inclusive environment is not just about fairness; it’s about unlocking the full potential of talented individuals who happen to be accountant moms.
The call for change extends beyond addressing biases and stereotypes; it involves the need for workplace policies that understand and support the unique challenges faced by accountant moms.
For example, things like flexibility become an important ally, providing the freedom to manage both career and family without compromising on either front. While flexible work arrangements aren’t accepted by everyone in the profession, we need to understand that it’s not just about accommodating needs; it’s about creating an environment where accountant moms can thrive both professionally and personally.
If the profession is going to attract the best and the brightest, we need to empower accountant moms. We need to equip both individuals and organizations with the tools needed to create a workplace that values and supports the valuable contribution of accountant moms.
This week I’m going to discuss juggling a career and motherhood, overcoming gender bias and stereotypes, embracing flexibility, and the path to career advancement for accountant moms.
Juggling a career and motherhood
As I’ve said on this podcast before, as accountant moms, our daily routine often resembles a skilled tightrope walk. On one side, there are the demands of a challenging career in accounting, and on the other side, there’s the chaos of family life, filled with school runs, soccer practices, and bedtime stories.
I believe the first challenge to conquer when juggling a career and motherhood is time. There are only 24 hours in a day, and we have to make every minute count.
Effective time management is our secret weapon, helping to strike a balance between work and family commitments. I’ve done many podcast episodes on time management that you can listen to, but strategies like creating daily schedules, setting priorities, and learning to delegate tasks can make the tightrope walk a bit more manageable.
The next challenge to conquer is learning how to effectively prioritize. In a world full of tasks and responsibilities, we need a North Star to guide us, and learning effective prioritization skills is that North Star.
By identifying the most important tasks and focusing on what truly matters, we can navigate through our daily challenges more effectively. Here’s the key: It’s not about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most.
The third challenge is the role of supportive workplace policies. The truth is that in the pursuit of balance, the role of supportive workplace policies cannot be overstated.
Flexible work hours, remote work options, and an understanding of leadership can make a significant difference. When workplaces recognize and accommodate the unique challenges faced by accountant moms, it becomes easier to maintain a sense of control between professional and personal responsibilities.
For me, the secret to my ability to have a sustainable accounting career all these years is having a well-structured daily schedule that allocates specific time blocks for work, my coaching business, family, and self-care. By setting boundaries and sticking to my priorities, I have managed to have a successful career while being actively present in my children’s lives.
In the balancing act of career and motherhood, it’s not about finding a perfect allocation of time; it’s about adapting to the constant ebb and flow of responsibilities. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Juggling a career and motherhood is absolutely doable. The goal is to find an approach that works for you and your family, allowing you to navigate the tightrope walk with confidence.
Overcoming gender bias and stereotypes
There’s no denying that as accountant moms, we often find ourselves facing unspoken challenges rooted in gender bias and stereotypes. Breaking free from these antiquated barriers is important for us to thrive both professionally and personally.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room – gender biases. Unfortunately, some people still hold outdated beliefs about what men and women can achieve in the workplace.
For us accountant moms, this may mean dealing with assumptions about our commitment to our careers or our ability to handle challenging tasks. Recognizing these biases is the first step towards overcoming them.
I’ve shared this story many times, but for those of you who are new to the podcast, here’s my story – when I was working at Deloitte, one of the Tax Partners was treating me horribly. When I sat down and asked him why, he said, “Because you’re taking a job away from a man.”
This was in the late 90’s, but unfortunately, gender biases are still alive and kicking in the minds of many people.
So what can we do about it? As accountant moms, like any professional, we want to be recognized for our skills and dedication rather than preconceived notions based on gender.
That’s why strategies like showcasing your accomplishments, actively seeking challenging assignments, and having open communication can help debunk stereotypes. By consistently proving your capabilities, you not only break down barriers for yourself but also contribute to changing the narrative for future generations of accountant moms.
About a year or so ago, I heard one of the partners in my firm tell a new hire, “Dawn is the most productive and effective employee we have, and she works the least amount of hours. I don’t know how she does it, but it works.”
I can tell you this – besides learning how to effectively manage my mind and my time, I learned how to speak up and make sure that leadership knew what a great job I was doing. In other words, I taught them in my actions and my words what to think about me.
I wasn’t shy about tooting my own horn, letting them know how it benefitted them to have me work on various projects, and how beneficial it was that I was able to get more done in less time. By owning, showing, and reminding them how valuable I am, they couldn’t help but recognize it as well.
Another thing to consider is advocating for a more inclusive workplace culture. It’s not just about individual efforts; creating lasting change requires a collective approach.
Advocating for an inclusive workplace culture involves promoting fairness, equal opportunities, and a supportive environment for everyone. Encouraging open conversations about gender biases and stereotypes can pave the way for positive change within the accounting profession.
Whenever I have the chance, I am teaching the male leadership how to treat the female employees. I do not leave it up to chance that they’ll always do the right thing; I make it a point to be open and honest about what the right thing is.
In the journey to overcome gender biases and stereotypes, remember that you are not alone. Many of us have faced and conquered similar challenges, reshaping perceptions along the way.
By understanding these dynamics and actively working to change them, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender.
Embracing flexibility
For accountant moms, the concept of flexible work arrangements can offer helpful solutions to navigating workplace challenges. Flexibility isn’t just about working from home; it’s about creating an environment where both career and family life can happily coexist.
If you want to and are able to, I highly suggest working out a flexible work arrangement. It allows for a more personalized approach to work, accommodating different lifestyles and family needs.
Whether it’s adjusting work hours, working remotely, or adopting part-time schedules, flexibility can help you design a work routine that suits your unique circumstances.
I have had a flexible work arrangement for decades and wouldn’t have it any other way.
As far as remote work goes, if there’s anything good that came out of the Pandemic, it’s that the accounting profession had to adjust to the fact that remote work is a viable option. With the rise of technology, we are all in a new era where work does not have to be confined to office walls.
Thankfully, remote work offers us the freedom to manage our professional responsibilities from the comfort of home. This flexibility not only reduces commuting stress but also provides a conducive environment for balancing work and family demands.
Part-time work is another valuable option for those of us seeking balance. It allows for a reduced workload without compromising professional growth.
By negotiating part-time arrangements with employers, we can tailor our work commitments to align with our family priorities, creating a win-win situation for both career and personal life.
As soon as I had my daughter, Kelly, over 30 years ago, I transitioned to a part-time schedule. This adjustment allowed me to actively participate in my children’s school activities while maintaining my accounting career.
The bottom line is that flexibility is not just a buzzword; it’s a practical solution that recognizes the diverse needs of accountant moms. As workplaces evolve, there’s a growing understanding that traditional 9-to-5 structures may not be the most effective for everyone.
By embracing and advocating for flexible work arrangements, we can redefine the norm, supporting a work culture that accommodates the realities of modern family life.
The path to career advancement for accountant moms
For accountant moms, the pursuit of professional growth can be both exciting and challenging. Navigating this path requires resilience, strategic planning, and a supportive environment that acknowledges and nurtures our unique journey.
One of the biggest challenges is in career advancement. As some of you might relate, we can often encounter hurdles when it comes to climbing the career ladder.
The perception of reduced availability due to family responsibilities and potential biases can impact our opportunities for growth. Overcoming these challenges involves proactive steps to showcase skills, maintain visibility, and seek out opportunities for advancement.
In order to advance in your career, you have to realize that stagnation is the enemy of growth. Continuous professional development is the key to staying relevant and competitive in the accounting profession.
Whether that’s exploring training programs, attending workshops, or staying informed about industry trends, there are many ways to enhance your skills and contribute meaningfully to your roles.
Another important aspect of career advancement is the role of mentorship, coaching, and networking. Building a strong support system is crucial for career success.
You are not meant to do this alone, which is why mentorship and coaching provide valuable guidance and insights, helping you navigate challenges and make informed career decisions. Networking opens doors to new opportunities, allowing you to connect with peers, share experiences, and foster relationships that can contribute to your professional growth.
In the pursuit of professional growth, you need to redefine success on your terms. It’s about acknowledging the unique strengths you bring to the table, overcoming challenges, and seizing opportunities for advancement.
What looks like career success for one person doesn’t mean it’s your definition of career success. So make sure you’re clear about the direction you want to go.
And don’t think it’s all on your shoulders, either. By creating a culture that recognizes and values the contributions of working moms, organizations can build an environment where accountant moms can thrive, realizing their full potential in both their careers and personal lives.
While it might not be easy, with determination, continuous learning, and a supportive community like we have at CPA MOMS, we can flourish. Remember, navigating workplace challenges is not something you need to do alone.
Summary
Whether the profession wants to admit it or not, there are still inherent gender biases and stereotypes prevalent in the accounting profession.
If the profession is going to attract the best and the brightest, we need to empower accountant moms.