Considering a career in public accounting? You may have a lot of questions about what the work actually involves—especially during “Busy Season.” How do accountants manage the pressure and varied tasks? What does a typical day look like, and how do different departments like Tax and Audit & Assurance (A&A) function? In this article, we’ll take you through a day in the life of an accountant at ARB. We’ll look at hybrid work schedules, the key responsibilities of associates, and our collaborative team environment. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the fast-paced yet rewarding nature of public accounting, and what you can expect if you pursue a career in this field.
Busy Season: Like March Madness, the World Cup, and the Olympics Rolled into One
Busy Season begins in January and the energy at ARB is palpable. The fast-paced nature of the season is in full swing, with every team member tackling unique challenges and tasks at different times. Whether you’re diving into the Hybrid model, focusing on Tax, or immersing yourself in A&A, there’s no shortage of excitement and opportunity. Every day brings something new and the momentum never slows. Which path will you choose?
The Hybrid Path
Before assuming that the world of public accounting means doing the same thing all the time with no variety, let’s talk about hybrid schedules. At ARB, we offer a unique path for new associates that provides exposure to a wide range of public accounting areas, ensuring no two days are the same.
The hybrid schedule keeps you on your toes, giving you the flexibility to switch between both Tax and A&A teams. One day, you might begin your morning preparing a 1040 tax return, followed by assisting with the preparation of a 1065 partnership return in the afternoon. The next day, you could be diving into an Employee Benefit Plan Audit, collaborating with clients to select the right sample of documents for testing. As the week progresses, you might find yourself working on tax planning, helping with estimates or K-1 inputs, then switching gears to assist in performing an internal control review for an A&A engagement. No two assignments are the same, and each one offers an opportunity to expand your skill set.
The hybrid model also fosters close collaboration, allowing you to engage directly with teams across both departments, learning from experienced professionals while contributing to a variety of projects. The dynamic nature of the work ensures constant growth and keeps you engaged throughout Busy Season and beyond.
The Tax Path
If tax sparks your interest, choosing this path can provide a rewarding and focused experience during Busy Season, where much of the work is done independently, allowing you to hone your skills and take ownership of your tasks. While there are still collaboration aspects and lots of teamwork, the Tax team mainly works through returns on their own, unless questions arise or strategic discussions are needed. Some common forms to prepare are 1040s for individual clients, 1065s for partnerships, 1120S for S-Corporations, and possibly even 990s for nonprofit organizations. Each form presents its own unique challenges, from ensuring all deductions are properly accounted for in a 1040, to understanding the tax implications of ownership structures in 1065s and 1120S forms. Associates may also help with tax planning, such as preparing estimates or inputting K-1 estimates.
The beauty of focusing on tax preparation is the opportunity to dive deep into the numbers and strategize around the best tax positions for clients. This work requires precision and attention to detail, but the satisfaction of completing returns accurately and efficiently, especially under the pressure of Busy Season deadlines, is immensely rewarding. Despite the challenges and unexpected hurdles, it’s all worth it once April 15 rolls around.
The A&A Path
A focus in A&A means being both versatile and flexible. You might find yourself reviewing financial statements, assessing internal controls, or performing risk assessments for different types of clients—everything from small businesses to larger, more complex organizations.
A&A work can vary in size, complexity, industry, but also the working environment! During the traditional Busy Season, you can find the A&A teams collaborating in conference rooms that are often stocked with snacks, working on-site at one of our many clients throughout New England, or working independently at their own workspaces. The nature of A&A includes discussions and inquiries with our clients and their employees, which can come in the form of in-person conversations, email exchanges, phone calls, and videoconferencing platforms. Regardless of where the team is, they are working together and building on their skills.
A Team Effort
Busy Season can be intense, but it is not without opportunities to alleviate the tension. The ARB Buddies program is a fun-filled way to add some non-work excitement to your day. It starts in January and ends on April 15. Those who participate are randomly assigned a “buddy,” which will remain a secret during Busy Season. The mission of the program is to make your buddy’s day/week/month brighter! This can come in several different ways—writing a motivational quote, decorating their workspace with sticky notes, giving them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, bringing them in a cup of coffee one morning, or leaving their favorite candy bar on their desk. The opportunities for the buddy program are limited only by your imagination. In the midst of the Busy Season demands, ARB Buddies provides a much-needed break and fosters a great sense of camaraderie, making it a popular and appreciated part of the ARB culture.
April 15 and Beyond
April 15 arrives, and while some approach the end at full speed, others coast into the deadline. No matter the pace, every member of the ARB team starts and finishes in the same place. After the deadline comes and goes, there is time to take a breath, dust yourself off, and get ready for the next challenge. Busy Season may be the most intense period, but it’s only part of the year for a public accountant. Throughout the year, new opportunities, interesting projects, and important deadlines keep the work dynamic and engaging. Whether it’s tackling mid-year audits, tax planning, or consulting projects, the variety ensures there’s always a chance to grow and make an impact.
By Danielle Berard, Mallory Charette, and Josie McGaw
Interested in a career in accounting? Think ARB might be the place for you? Check out our Careers page for more information and opportunities.
