Jeff Phillips, Co-founder of Accountingfly, recently shared practical, proven strategies to help accounting professionals excel at remote work. His tips go beyond theory—these are real-world habits you can adopt immediately to boost your focus, reduce burnout, and create healthy boundaries while working from home.
Set a Start and Stop Time—And Stick to It
When it comes to remote work for accountants, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of structure. Jeff encourages remote workers to “check into the office” at the start of the day—physically and mentally. Just as important, he emphasizes the need to “unplug” and go offline when the workday ends. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to fall into a constant cycle of answering emails at all hours or working sporadically throughout the day.
Recreating a standard daily schedule helps prevent burnout and improves efficiency. Remote work success starts with respecting your own time and energy.
Build a Routine That Works for You
“The best thing you can do to be effective [working remotely] is to take care of yourself.” – Jeff Phillips
A healthy routine is the foundation of productive remote work for accountants. That means identifying micro-tasks you can accomplish throughout the day, giving you a sense of momentum and control. Whether it’s a morning walk, scheduled breaks, or a midday stretch, these small habits keep you grounded and focused.
Establishing a daily routine also helps combat the anxiety and stress that can arise from an unpredictable day. As Jeff notes, humans are creatures of habit—and structure brings calm.
Avoid the Distractions of “Always On” Culture
Working from home doesn’t mean being available 24/7. Accountants often feel pressure to stay constantly responsive, but that’s a fast path to burnout. Jeff cautions against the temptation to work whenever a task pops up. Instead, plan your day in advance, block time for deep work, and allow yourself to disconnect without guilt.
In a world filled with breaking news alerts and endless notifications, it’s easy to lose your focus. A predictable schedule and well-defined workspace go a long way in protecting your mental clarity and professional productivity.
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This video was brought to you by The Entrepreneurial CPA, supporting forward-thinking accounting professionals and firms.
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