Working with ADHD: A toolkit for accountants

According to a recent study published in Psychiatry Research, as many as 3.10% adults live with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and can significantly impact various aspects of life, including the workplace.

The accounting profession is no exception. There's a growing number of accountants admitting they have ADHD and their struggles with the neurological condition. This Reddit thread asking if there were ADHD accountants has over 140 comments, with people sharing their experiences of living with ADHD in accounting. 

Furthermore, industry thought leaders like Sabrina Parris and Blake Oliver, host of The Accounting Podcast, have been vocal about their condition, lending credence to the idea that:

1. A good number of accountants have this condition; and,
2. It's not a weakness, and it's possible to thrive with ADHD in a profession like accounting.

In light of all these, we wanted to create a resource to help accounting, bookkeeping and tax professionals with ADHD. In this piece, we'll share practical tips and resources to help manage your ADHD and flourish. 

Challenges faced by accountants with ADHD

While ADHD has strengths, such as creativity, hyperfocus, high energy, and out-of-the-box thinking; it can also present certain challenges for accountants. Let's look at them below:

1. Difficulty with organization and prioritization. A study measured the organizational skills of people with ADHD and those without and found the former displayed lower organizational scores compared to the latter. This makes it difficult for accountants with ADHD to stay on top of deadlines, manage multiple projects simultaneously and maintain a well-organized workspace.
2. Time management struggles. 2021 research revealed that time perception (e.g., feeling like time is moving faster) is a central symptom of ADHD. An excerpt from the report says, "This problem can lead to significant difficulties in assessing the amount of time that has passed or the amount of time that might be required to perform a specific task." Ultimately, this results in missed deadlines, rushed work and increased stress levels. 
3. Issues with focus and concentration. By definition, ADHD implies difficulty with sustained focus and concentration. This can be particularly challenging in accounting, which often requires extended periods of intense focus on detailed financial information and complex calculations. Accountants with ADHD may find it harder to maintain concentration in these cases, leading to errors or missing details that could have significant consequences.
4. Sensory overload. While sensory overload (the experience of being overwhelmed by sensory input from the environment) can happen to anyone, it happens more frequently and to a greater extent in the neurodiverse. In fact, up to 60% of cases of ADHD have at least one symptom of sensory processing disorder. This heightened sensory sensitivity can make the typical accounting environment, with its constant background noise, visual stimuli and high pressure, overwhelming for those with ADHD and contribute to feelings of anxiety. 
5. Getting easily distracted and bored. Many accounting tasks like data entry, reconciliations and reviewing financial statements are repetitive and monotonous. Unfortunately, this is a problem with ADHD accountants as they find such tasks boring and struggle to stay on track.

Anton Lewis, an associate accounting professor with ADHD, shared his experience in a piece titled "The Divergent Accountant," writing, "Having been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type, much later in life explains why my attention to detail often floundered when it came to long, dull, repetitive jobs, typical but necessary of some accounting tasks."

This trait leads to issues with completing routine but essential accounting tasks. 

These challenges can significantly impact the job performance and overall well-being of accountants with ADHD. However, with the right strategies and support, it's possible to overcome these obstacles and succeed in the accounting profession.

Tips for ADHD accountants

Here are some tips to help you navigate your role as an accountant working with ADHD:

1. Planning and organization. Accountants and bookkeepers need to plan and organize to avoid mistakes, finish work on time and keep clients happy. With ADHD, organization becomes difficult but not impossible, if you do the following: 

• Use mind maps and to-do lists with deadlines. Mind maps and to-do lists can help visualize tasks and deadlines. Mind maps allow for a broader overview of projects, while to-do lists with deadlines provide structure and accountability.
• Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable steps. Large projects can often feel overwhelming and daunting, which is why you should break them down. According to Jerimya Fox, a licensed professional counselor and a doctor of behavioral health at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, "Breaking tasks down even further can help you feel more accomplished and the goal more achievable." 
• Utilize project management software or apps. These tools can help organize tasks, set reminders and track progress. Set reminders, create checklists and use features like color-coding to prioritize tasks. 

2. Time management. As aforementioned, people with ADHD experience time distortions, which make them lose track of time and fall behind schedule. You get distracted, and before you know it, the whole day has passed, and you haven't achieved the tasks you set out to do. But there are ways to combat this:

• Set realistic deadlines and time blocks for tasks. Don't overestimate your capabilities. Set realistic goals and allocate specific time blocks for your tasks. This will help you manage your time effectively and improve your productivity.
• The Pomodoro Technique. This technique involves working in focused bursts (usually 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. It can help improve concentration and prevent burnout. If you need a (free) tool to practice the Pomodoro technique, check out Pomofocus.
• Use timers and alarms to stay on track. Don't rely on your intuition to know when to take breaks or transition to another duty. Instead, set timers and alarms to remind you when to start and stop tasks and for upcoming deadlines. Remember, don't ignore the alarm when it rings. Adhere to it to avoid falling behind. 

3. Motivation and engagement. Since accounting tasks can be repetitive, those with ADHD need to find ways to stay engaged and motivated. Here are some strategies for that:

• Gamification techniques. Turning work into a game can make it more enjoyable and motivating. (One paper shows that gamified intervention positively impacts people with ADHD). So, use reward systems like treating yourself — no matter how small the reward — after completing a task, or progress trackers to visualize your accomplishments.
• Identify and leverage your strengths. Instead of bemoaning the weaknesses of being an accountant with ADHD, lean into your strengths and superpower(s). For Andy Muckett, a chartered tax adviser at AKM Accounting Solutions, his ADHD makes him detail-oriented. It also helps him see the things others don't, think methodically and practically, identify issues others would easily overlook and spot opportunities that others wouldn't have considered. In essence, find your strengths and double down on them. This will make you more engaged and productive in your work.

• Take breaks and walk around. Short breaks and physical activity (like a brief walk) can help improve focus and reduce boredom. Fidget toys can also help manage restlessness and help you stay engaged during tasks that require prolonged concentration.

4. Collaboration and communication. You'll often need to work with colleagues, managers, and clients. This means you need great communication and collaboration skills. This might not be your forte, but here are a few things that can help: 

• Communication strategies for expressing needs and requesting accommodations. Be open and honest about your disorder and your challenges. Articulate your needs and explain how certain accommodations, like a quiet workspace and certain productivity tools, can help you succeed. Use written communication to document your request and avoid misunderstandings. 
• Tools for staying on track during meetings. If you tend to zone out, use note-taking apps to capture important information. Also, set reminders for any action items or deadlines discussed to ensure you follow through. 
• Techniques for managing social interactions. When in social settings, actively listen and avoid interrupting who you're conversing with. Manage your impulsivity by pausing before responding. Additionally, you can ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the conversation. 

5. Managing sensory overload. To cope with overstimulation, you should:

• Adjust workspace lighting and temperature for comfort. Excessive noise, bright lights or uncomfortable temperatures can contribute to sensory overload. So, experiment with different lighting levels and temperature settings to find what works best for you.
• Take breaks to get fresh air and sunlight. Spending time outdoors — even a short walk — can help reduce sensory overload, improve mood and increase energy levels. 
• Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. Excessive noise can be overwhelming. However, noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help block out noise and create a calmer work environment. You can also play soothing white noise to improve your focus. 

For more, see this list of more than 55 sensory accommodations to try, from neurodivergent psychologist Dr. Megan Anna Neff.

Yulia Furman - stock.adobe.com

The ADHD Accountant's Toolkit

Here's a recommendation of books, templates and courses to help you thrive as an ADHD accountant.

1. ADHD books (and workbooks)

• "You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!" by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo.
• "The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks, and Talents" by Nancy Ratey.
• "ADHD Toolkit for Women," by Sarah Davis and Linda Hill.

2. Forms, checklists and tools 

• ADHD Accounting Tasks Self-Assessment Form.
• ADHD Accountability Checklist.
• ADHD Conversation Starters.

3. ADHD courses for managing ADHD at work

• ADHD in the Workplace by ADDA
• Harness your ADHD at work by ADHD Works
• Understanding ADHD bespoke workplace training by ADHD direct

4. ADHD profiles and success stories

1. "How Sabrina Parris, CPA, balances ADHD and high-pressure accounting demands"
2. "Shahram Zarshenas: From school struggles to CEO success"

Final thoughts

ADHD is a neurological condition, not a weakness. With the right strategies (like those outlined in this piece) and support from managers and employers, accountants with ADHD can channel their strengths to become invaluable assets to their firms and clients.

However, this toolkit is just the starting point. Each individual's experience with ADHD is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you. 

If you're struggling to manage your ADHD symptoms, seek help from a qualified mental health professional or ADHD coach.