Mid-level managers report lowest job satisfaction

Middle managers report the lowest rate of satisfaction, according to a new survey.

Data from the latest edition of the annual CPA Career Satisfaction Survey shows that mid-career middle managers — particularly directors, senior managers and managers — were the least satisfied group overall by job title. Twenty-one percent of managers and 42% of directors/senior managers were highly satisfied, versus 71% of partners and 54% of CEOs, presidents and managing partners. 

"Verbatim feedback from respondents indicates that mid-level managers feel squeezed from both ends," the report reads. "They don't seem to have enough junior staff to handle basic-level work and too many partners above them — eyeing early retirement — are making unreasonable demands on middle managers' time while not providing enough mentoring or career support. More than one respondent lamented the feeling that positive change is tough to come by when a culture at the top keeps 'kicking the can' down the road."

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The top-ranked drivers of CPA career satisfaction are ample career opportunities for those not on the partner track, coworkers being aware of the respondent's interests outside of work, the firm takes their side over the client even if it means loss of revenue, colleagues are respectful of their time, a variety of work responsibilities and client mix, and their firm speaking to or warning clients about inappropriate language or behavior.

Following the top attributes for career satisfaction and ranking slightly lower were working for a firm that promotes work-life balance, providing work-from-home flexibility, having a culture that freely shares knowledge across the organization, having a diverse and inclusive culture, freedom from tracking time and having a mentor-mentoring program. 

The top reasons for employee dissatisfaction were a lack of support from firms, mental and physical issues that are work-related, lack of positive work culture, and a limited variety of work responsibilities and client mix.

While the profession wrestles with an ongoing retention problem, the survey found that many accountants are satisfied with their careers. Fifty-three percent of CPAs working 50 hours or more per week during busy season reported being "highly satisfied," and 41% working 60 hours or more per week during busy season were "highly satisfied." Meanwhile, 16% of CPAs working less than 40 hours per week during busy season said they were "dissatisfied." 

With regard to salary, which is considered a major contributor to the declining number of CPAs entering the profession, 54% of respondents who felt their pay was "no better" than their professional peers' pay were still "highly satisfied," and 43% who felt their pay was not competitive were still "highly satisfied."

The survey was conducted by Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Services, in association with Accountants Forward and HB Publishing & Marketing Company, and collected responses from 238 accounting professionals nationwide.