Before I get started, I just wanted to mention that I am running a monthly group coaching program for accountants on the 3rd Friday of every month at 12 pm EST.  For April I had to change things a little so we’ll be meeting on the 2nd Friday, April 11th.  The topic for April is “Time Estimation.” 

If things always take longer than expected or you’re constantly running out of time, you’re not alone.  But I’ll be working on helping you spot what’s throwing off your time estimates and how to get back in control.

When you join, every month you’ll get a workbook to dive deeper into the topic of the month, you get the one hour group coaching session, access to a private Linkedin group where you can network and connect between sessions, and a monthly mini on-demand video about the topic.  

If you are interested, email me at dawn@thesmarteraccountant.com with “Group Coaching” in the subject line and I’ll send you the details. 

Okay, let’s get started with this week’s episode.  Have you ever really thought about where you work best? Not just your desk setup or whether you like a coffee shop vibe, but where you actually feel the most focused and balanced?

For years, accountants thought we had to be in an office to do our jobs. Then 2020 happened, and suddenly, we had to figure out how to work from home. And guess what? A lot of us realized we could actually get just as much—if not more—done without being in the office.

That changed everything. It made us ask: Do we really need to be in the office every day?

Now, thanks to technology, we have choices—office, remote, or hybrid. But it’s not just about where you work. It’s about how each option affects your productivity, your focus, and even your energy levels.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Maybe you thrive on the structure of the office. Maybe working from home gives you the freedom you never knew you needed. Or maybe, like a lot of accountants, you’re finding that a mix of both is the sweet spot.

It’s great to have options, but let’s be real—it can also feel a little overwhelming.

What works for you might not work for someone else, and that’s okay. But understanding the pros and cons of each setup? That’s the key. Because this isn’t just about comfort—it’s about your well-being and productivity.

And here’s something interesting—how we work isn’t just about personal preference. It’s tied to how our brains function. And that’s definitely worth thinking about.

So, let’s dive in. Whether you’ve already found your perfect setup or you’re still figuring it out, this is something we all need to think about. The way we work has changed—and the way we think about work and life has too.

The Traditional Office Model: A Tried-and-True Setup

Let’s be real—there’s something familiar about the traditional office. For years, accountants like us were expected to show up, settle in, and get to work. It’s how we were trained, and for many, it still feels like the best setup for staying focused and productive.

There’s structure, routine, and easy access to coworkers. Need help with a tricky return or a client question? Just walk over to someone’s desk. Have a complicated audit issue? A five-minute hallway chat can clear things up fast. That kind of quick problem-solving is hard to replicate when you’re working remotely.

Some big firms, like PwC and KPMG, still rely on in-office work for team-based projects like audits or client consultations. And honestly, there’s something to be said for face-to-face collaboration when you’re working through complex issues.

For some accountants, the office also makes it easier to separate work from home. When you’re in the office, you’re in work mode. When you leave, you can (hopefully) switch off. That physical boundary helps create a clearer line between work life and personal life—something that’s not always easy when you’re working from home.

But let’s talk about the downsides. The commute alone can be exhausting—spending an hour (or more) in traffic or crammed onto a train just to get to work? That’s time you could be using to knock out emails, prep for the day, or just enjoy a slow morning.

Then there are the office distractions—coworkers stopping by to chat, meetings that pop up out of nowhere, and the general office buzz that makes it tough to focus when you really need quiet time for deep work.

For some, the office still works. But for others, it feels a little rigid—especially now that we know work can be done differently. The predictability and in-person collaboration are great, but they come with trade-offs: long commutes, constant interruptions, and feeling “on” from the moment you step in until the second you leave.

And that’s the real question—does the office actually help you work better, or is it just what you’re used to?

The traditional office model may have been the gold standard for decades, but it’s no longer the only way to work. That’s why remote work has changed the game for so many accountants. It’s a completely different setup, but for some of us, it offers freedom and flexibility the office never could.

Let’s take a look at how working from home has reshaped the way we work.

The Rise of Remote Work: Flexibility Meets Freedom

For some of us accountants, it’s a game-changer. For others, it still feels a little unfamiliar. But whether you love it or not, there’s no denying that it’s completely reshaped how we think about getting work done.

I remember when working from home was something you did only on snow days or when a kid was sick. Now, it’s a real option for a lot of us—and for good reason.

There’s something freeing about skipping the morning rush, avoiding traffic, and ditching the long commute. Instead, you can roll out of bed, grab your coffee, and get straight to work—often in your favorite sweatpants. 

And the best part is that you control your environment. Want music in the background? Go for it. Prefer total silence? No problem. Your space, your rules.

The thing is, a lot of smaller accounting firms and solo practitioners have gone fully remote, which means they can work with clients anywhere—sometimes even internationally—without needing a physical office. And the hiring pool is way bigger when you’re not limited to local talent.

In fact, I was just working with one of my accountant entrepreneur coaching clients and encouraged her to use the fact that her firm is 100% remote as a selling point to potential clients.  The fact that she is able to hire the best employees in the country and not be limited to the best in her geographic area can be a big plus.

But let’s be honest—it’s not just about convenience. Many of us have found we actually get more done at home. No surprise interruptions, fewer meetings, and the flexibility to work when we’re at our best. If you’re an early bird like me, you can knock out deep-focus work first thing in the morning. Night owls? You can tackle projects when you’re naturally more productive.

Of course, remote work isn’t perfect. It can get lonely, especially if you’re used to the buzz of an office. Without those quick chats with coworkers, it’s easy to feel disconnected.

And let’s talk about boundaries—because they can be tricky. When your home is your office, it’s way too easy to keep working. One minute you’re shutting down for the day, the next you’re answering emails at 9 p.m. just because your laptop is right there.

Then there’s the mental switch. The same space where you relax and watch Netflix at night is also where you’re prepping tax returns during the day. Without that clear separation, stepping away from work can feel almost impossible.

So, while remote work gives us incredible freedom, it also comes with responsibility. The flexibility is amazing, but it requires discipline to manage time and set boundaries.

For many accountants, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. But if neither full-time office work nor remote work feels quite right, there’s another option—the hybrid model. Let’s take a look at that next.

The Hybrid Model: The Best of Both Worlds?

Now, let’s talk about the hybrid model—a little office time, a little remote work. For a lot of accountants, myself included, this setup just works. It gives us the structure of the office and the flexibility of home. Kind of like having the best of both worlds, right?

With a hybrid setup, you get to choose when to go into the office and when to stay home. Maybe you head in a couple of days a week to meet with clients, catch up with coworkers, or work on team projects. Then, the rest of the time, you’re at home, tackling deep-focus work without the usual office distractions.

It’s no surprise why so many accountants love this option. You still get face-to-face time for things like brainstorming, mentoring, or just feeling connected to your team. But you’re not stuck in the office every day, which means you also get the perks of remote work—like fewer interruptions and no commute.

I was just telling my husband that I get along so well with the coworkers I share my home office with.  They sleep most of the day, they don’t complain or gossip, and they only need my attention when I need to let them out in the backyard (of course I’m talking about my two dogs.)

Some firms, like Grant Thornton, have embraced hybrid work, letting employees split their time between home and the office to boost both productivity and collaboration. Small to mid-sized firms—like the one I work for—offer flexibility based on workload, which makes a huge difference during busy seasons.

But let’s be real—hybrid work isn’t perfect. Scheduling can be tricky, especially when everyone has different in-office days. Sometimes you need an in-person meeting, but half the team is working remotely. And then there’s hybrid guilt—you know, that little voice in your head wondering if your coworkers think you’re slacking off just because they can’t see you working.

On top of that, constantly switching between workspaces can take a toll on focus and productivity. One day, you’re in the office, surrounded by people, bouncing between meetings and quick chats. The next day, you’re at home, trying to shift into deep focus mode—but your brain is still in “collaboration mode.”

Or maybe it’s the other way around: you’ve had a quiet, productive work-from-home day, and then suddenly, you’re back in the office, struggling to concentrate with all the background noise and interruptions.

It takes time to mentally adjust every time you switch locations, and that adjustment isn’t always seamless. Some accountants thrive on the variety, while others find it exhausting to constantly shift between two different work setups.

On the flip side, when you are in the office, you might feel like you’re missing out on the freedom of working from home. It can feel like a constant balancing act—trying to stay productive no matter where you are. And while some people love switching between locations, others find it exhausting to adjust to different workspaces throughout the week.

Still, when hybrid work does work, it’s a game-changer. You get the flexibility to work where you’re most productive while keeping that in-person connection when you need it. It’s a great middle ground—no rigid “all-or-nothing” approach.

So, whether you’re someone who leans more toward office life or home life, hybrid work lets you have a foot in both worlds. And for many of us, that’s the perfect balance. But no matter where we work, there’s something deeper going on—our brains are playing a huge role in how we function in each setup.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes.

The Brain Science Behind Your Work Environment

Alright, let’s talk about something we don’t always think about but should—how our brains react to where we work. It’s wild, but our brains are wired to respond differently depending on the environment we’re in. And that plays a huge role in how focused, productive, and even happy we feel during the workday.

Let’s start with the office. Ever notice how some accountants feel more productive there? That’s because our brains love routine and structure. Walking into an office sends a clear signal: It’s time to work. 

You’ve got a dedicated workspace, a clear division between “work mode” and “home mode,” and all those little office cues—your desk, coworkers, the smell of coffee brewing. These things help your brain switch into focus mode.

Plus, we’re wired for social interaction. Being around colleagues can actually boost creativity and problem-solving, which is why brainstorming sessions often work better in person.

Now, what about remote work? Well, it’s a little trickier for the brain. Without that physical separation between work and home, your brain has to create that boundary on its own—and that’s not always easy.

Sure, working from home lets you design your ideal workspace (hello, noise-free deep focus!), but it also makes it harder to switch off. That’s why so many accountants struggle with “remote burnout.” When your laptop is right there, it’s tempting to answer one more email or tweak one more report. Before you know it, your brain never fully relaxes.

Then there’s the hybrid model, which sounds like the best of both worlds—and for some, it is. But switching between home and office constantly forces your brain to adjust. This is called context switching, and our brains aren’t great at it. Every time you move between workspaces, your brain has to recalibrate, which can leave you feeling drained even after a productive day.

Think about it—when you’re in the office, your day is often filled with meetings, quick questions from coworkers, and shifting between multiple client tasks. Then, when you work from home the next day, you’re suddenly expected to sit down and focus deeply on a complex tax return or audit analysis. 

Your brain has to shift gears from “collaboration mode” to “deep focus mode,” and that transition isn’t always smooth. By the time you fully adjust, it’s time to switch environments again. No wonder hybrid work can feel mentally exhausting at times.

So, which setup is best? Honestly, it depends on your brain. If you thrive on structure, the office might be your sweet spot. If you need flexibility and quiet, remote work could be your thing. And if you like a little of both, hybrid can work—as long as you’re mindful of how the back-and-forth affects your focus and energy.

At the end of the day, understanding how your brain reacts to different work setups helps you make smarter choices about where and how you work. And once you figure that out? You can set yourself up for success, no matter what model you choose.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Making My Office Choice Work Best

Let me tell you a little about my own journey to finding the right work environment. When I started at Deloitte in 1988, there was only one way to work—you went into the office, every day, no questions asked. It was just how things were done, and it worked because it was the only option we had. 

Fast forward about 13 years later, and I moved to a smaller firm. That’s when I started to experiment with something new. I gradually transitioned into a hybrid setup, working three days a week in the office and two days from home. It gave me the structure I was used to while offering me a bit more flexibility.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs. Recently, I’ve been going through surgery and chemotherapy treatments, which meant I had to adjust again. For the past nine months, I’ve been working entirely from home. It wasn’t what I had planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. 

Here’s the wild part: even with everything going on, I finished my work for the extended tax deadline two weeks early. That’s right—despite taking days off for chemo treatments and recovery, I was done ahead of time.

When I told my husband, he looked at me and said, “How is that even possible?” And my answer was simple: “Think about what’s different this year. I’ve been working 100% from home.”

The truth is, I’ve been able to make this work because I know how to manage my focus and my time. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t sitting in an office or that I had to take time off for treatments—I had the tools and the mindset to get it done. 

Once my health is back on track, I’m planning to go back to a hybrid model—working two days in the office and three days from home. It’s the balance that works for me, and it’s one I’ve crafted based on what I’ve learned about myself over the years.

That’s the key here: it’s not about where you work, but how you make your work environment work best for you. Whether you’re in an office, at home, or doing a little of both, becoming a smarter accountant means knowing how to manage your time, your focus, and your energy. 

Once you figure that out, you can thrive no matter where your desk happens to be.

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway from this episode is that choosing the best work model—whether office, remote, or hybrid—comes down to understanding how each option impacts your productivity, focus, and overall well-being. It’s not just about where you physically work, but how that environment supports or hinders your ability to manage your time, energy, and mental health. 

By being intentional about where and how you work, you can set yourself up for success, whether you’re collaborating in the office, enjoying the flexibility of remote work, or finding a balance with a hybrid approach. The goal is to create a work environment that helps you thrive both professionally and personally.

This week, ask yourself, “What work environment allows me to stay most focused and productive without sacrificing my mental well-being?”  This question highlights the importance of balancing productivity with mental health.

You should be considering how each environment (office, remote, or hybrid) impacts your focus, energy levels, and ability to disconnect from work when needed. It reinforces that the choice isn’t just about where you work but how you feel and perform in that setting.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared a comparison of work environments and the brain science behind each.  I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of what might be best for you.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to make your work environment work best for you, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

The truth is that you’re already smart, but this podcast will show you how to be smarter.