As part of this year’s Top 100 Most Influential People survey, Accounting Today asked, “Do you feel you have work-life balance? If so, how have you achieved it?”

The full responses of all the candidates are below. The full T100 list is available here. And to see who the Top 100 voted the most influential, see here.)

This is something I practice regularly and have learned what works best for me throughout my career. One key piece of advice I like to share is to make your “yes’s” and “no’s” count. Between work and life, our time is valuable, and it’s important we make it count. Whether it’s a business meeting, personal time, or family time, I treat commitments on my calendar with the same importance and focus on being fully present throughout. For me, it’s also vital to prioritize activities that give me energy. To this day, I dedicate just 32 hours—16 games—of my year to play in a softball league, but the energy I get in return is invaluable. Being thoughtful about when I say “yes” or “no” and prioritizing the things that give me energy has made a big difference in my work-life balance.

— Lara Abrash, chair, Deloitte US

I don’t believe in work-life balance, I believe in work life harmony. I think there are seasons where you have to work incredibly hard and there are seasons where you can rejuvenate. For me, integrating family activities into the day is also important. 

— Justin Adams, co-founder and CEO, Aiwyn  

Work-life balance is a personal definition for each person. It’s a state of mind.  What work-life balance is for one person may not be considered work-life balance  for another. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own shoes.  

For this last year, I have been working long and hard, but I love what I do. It might  not look like balance to someone else, but for me, it is. I enjoy helping these firms.  Working with them and seeing the lightbulbs illuminate as I speak to them gives  me more energy to keep doing what I do.  

— Alan Anderson, founder and president, Accountability Plus

Yes.  Most of the time.  Work-life balance is personal.  Being a business owner creates opportunities for me to be present at most soccer games my children play, go for long walks with our dog, write a book, and flex my time to accommodate other things that I love to do.  Being able to achieve work-life balance means that you’ve honored your passions by finding a way to fund them and experience them.  Are there times I work more than I should, of course, but it’s a choice.  There are also plenty of times I put off work to do something enjoyable.  It’s a constant juggle, especially if you want to continue progressing. 

— Rachel Anevski, president and CEO, Matters of Management, LLC 

Yes, I feel I have achieved a work-life balance, though it’s an ongoing process of adjustment and prioritization, especially with a growing family. 

I recently celebrated my child’s first birthday, and we have another baby on the way. This exciting phase of life has prompted me to be more intentional about balancing my professional commitments with my family responsibilities.

To achieve this balance, I’ve implemented a specific strategy: I carve out a dedicated schedule each week to spend quality time with my wife and kids, both daily and on weekends. This structured approach to family time has been a new and incredibly rewarding change in the last year. 

This deliberate scheduling ensures that I’m fully present for important family moments while also maintaining my focus and productivity during work hours. It’s taught me the value of being more efficient with my time and has actually enhanced my effectiveness as a leader. 

Balancing the demands of a fast-growing company with the joys and responsibilities of a young family is challenging, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. It’s reinforced my belief in the importance of building a company culture that respects and supports work-life balance for all team members. 

— Andrew Argue, CEO and co-founder, Corvee

Yes. I focus on making each a priority. 

— Erik Asgeirsson, CEO & president, CPA.com

Absolutely not. “Balance” is for tires and ballerinas. The idea that work and life are in some kind of constant tug-of-war is a ridiculous, infantilizing false binary. It’s as if “work” is the villain and “life” is some angelic reprieve. If an employee were underperforming at work, no manager in their right mind would say to them, “You are just being too good a parent.”** Another problem is the word “balance.” David Whyte, a self-described “corporate poet,” has this to say about “balance”:

“Poets have never used the word balance, for good reason. First of all, it is too obvious and therefore untrustworthy; it is also a deadly boring concept and seems to speak as much to being stuck and immovable, as much as to harmony. There is also the sense of unbalancing that must take place in order to push a person into a new and larger set of circumstances.”

My mentor, George Gilder, is even more blunt:

“One of things that really makes me laugh is when I hear about the “workaholic.” Workaholics are what make the world go. Show me a success in any field, and I’ll show you an obsessive. If your life is “balanced” by languid afternoons at the museum, you cannot develop a new business, break an important story, or make a contribution to the world…Our task on earth—laboring in the service to others—can only be satisfied thru hard and unbalanced work.”

I much prefer Charles Handy’s idea of a “portfolio life,” where you piece together different jobs, customers, and types of work—constantly moving, never perfectly balanced, but always growing and learning. That, to me, is real “work-life” fulfillment.

(** From David L. Bahnsen’s excellent book, Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life, 2024).

— Ron Baker, founder, VeraSage Institute

It’s a team sport. I have a great team and we tackle everyday challenges together. This allows for a very efficient work process that enables work-life balance.

— Matan Bar, co-founder and CEO, Melio

I believe that work-life balance is a dynamic concept that evolves with age and experience. I’ve come to understand that there isn’t a perfect, static mix for achieving this balance. Instead, I like to think of it as a “see-saw” that naturally shifts between periods of greater work focus and times when personal life takes precedence.

As both a mother and a daughter of aging parents, I’ve learned to be unapologetic about prioritizing my family. Fortunately, I work for a company that supports this approach to balanced work-life and places importance on mental well-being. This alignment between my personal values and my employer’s culture has been crucial in helping me maintain a sense of balance.

That said, I recognize that the balance can change depending on various factors and life stages. There are times when work demands more attention, and other times when personal matters require more focus. The key is to be flexible and adjust as needed, while always keeping in mind the importance of both professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

Overall, while perfect balance may be elusive, I feel that I’ve found a sustainable approach that allows me to meet both my work obligations and personal needs effectively.

— Elizabeth Beastrom, president, tax & accounting professionals, Thomson Reuters

I prefer to think of it as work-life integration. Achieving work-life integration is a continuous effort, especially in a demanding leadership role. I do feel that I generally have good integration, but it requires intentionality and flexibility. For me, it’s about setting clear priorities, being present in the moment – whether at work or with family – and finding time for activities that help me recharge. At RSM, we recognize that work-life integration looks different for everyone, and we are committed to providing the flexibility and resources our people need. Whether through remote work options, time off or health and wellness initiatives, we strive to create an environment that supports our people’s professional success while allowing them to thrive personally. 

— Brian Becker, managing partner and CEO, RSM US

Yes, I definitely feel that I have a good work-life balance. Over the years, the roles and experiences I’ve had have helped me develop the ability to work efficiently and make informed decisions quickly. This efficiency allows me to manage my professional responsibilities while still having time to enjoy life outside of work. 

— Michael Bernard, VP, chief tax officer, Vertex

In my role, it’s not easy to maintain a balance, but I certainly strive to uphold the values and priorities of our firm. One of those priorities is to give people the flexibility – and the trust – to make work and life fit together. That’s why we give our professionals the opportunity to reimagine how day-to-day work is accomplished, prioritizing the outcomes of their work versus where, when or how the work is done. Through programs like BDO Flex, we have a well-earned reputation for flexibility.  

— Wayne Berson, CEO, BDO USA

In the service profession accountants are in, having work-life balance can be tough to achieve.  It is imperative for leaders in accounting organizations to create a culture that allows for their employees to find the right work-life balance.  This would include ensuring an appropriate amount of resources available for the work required and establishing programs to ensure that employees are provided, and utilize, time for themselves and their families.

— Joel Black, chair, Governmental Accounting Standards Board

My path to work-life balance has been long. I started my career in public accounting in the tax and accounting service lines. I am part of the work generation that believed long hours especially during the time crunch of busy season, was what measured success. Today I do a better job of maintaining my work-life balance. I’m still not great at it, but I have come a long way from the days of consistent 70-hour weeks!

— Kimberly Blascoem senior director, CAS professional services, CPA.com

My career has given me the opportunity to live in many places all over the world; now that I am back in my hometown of Cleveland, I’m able to make plans with family more regularly.  However, my husband, John, who also works full-time, is my greatest source of support.  Family is my priority.  

As a parent of four children, I’ve experienced first-hand the challenges of balancing a family and a career. My experiences have led me to become a strong ally for parents and caretakers and an advocate for policies that positively impact workplace culture, advancement potential and career mobility. 

— Julie Boland, U.S. managing partner & Americas managing partner, Ernst & Young

Yes, by building the amazing team at Boomer Consulting, Inc. and developing, empowering and trusting them. 

— Jim Boomer, CEO, Boomer Consulting Inc.

Yes, by focusing on my unique abilities and building a team based on their unique abilities.

— L. Gary Boomer, founder, visionary & strategist, Boomer Consulting Inc.

Yes. I have ALWAYS placed family first. From being there with all of my children in coaching their sporting events, bringing my family on State Society annual conventions and other profession-related speaking events and never missing ANY family-related events. 

I even recall the year when my firm scheduled a partner retreat in Florida, over Halloween. I flew down to the first day of the retreat, flew home that evening, attended an elementary school Halloween parade, went trick-or-treating with my children and took the last flight out of NJ to Florida so that I would be in a position to attend the last day of the retreat.

I will admit this work life balance in our profession was not always a priority for me. It took getting older and my wife reminding me, that if you don’t experience family memories they will be lost forever.

— Jim Bourke, managing director, advisory services, WithumSmith+Brown

Yes, I do.  A significant part of my success has been implementing technology to automate processes within my firm, thereby reducing administrative tasks.  In 2023, I adopted subscription pricing, which allowed me to work with fewer clients while increasing my revenue.  Additionally, I began requiring tax preparation clients to pay in advance in 2024, stabilizing my cash flow and affording me a lifestyle I never imagined was possible.  Now, I work a 4 to 5-hour day year-round, freeing up time for activities I love, such as golfing, boating, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

A key factor in maintaining this balance is my strategic approach to setting boundaries.  I employ techniques like calendar-blocking, avoiding appointments before 10:00 AM, and focusing on my work rather than my email inbox.  These intentional strategies have eliminated chaos from my daily routine.  Furthermore, we’ve parted ways with clients who don’t align with our values, particularly those lacking empathy or kindness toward me and my team.  This has significantly reduced negative influences in our firm.

— Dawn Brolin, CEO, Powerful Accounting

Yes.  The AICPA has a culture of allowing flexibility in the work-day and is very supportive of all its employees.  I’m not sure I’ve “achieved it” – but I’m working on it.

— Jennifer Burns, chief auditor, AICPA

Work-life balance has always been a priority for me. For us to deliver the best quality work, grow in our careers and perform to the best of our abilities, we must take care of ourselves and be happy in our lives at home. This is why we prioritize our people and flexibility at PwC. One of my main focal points in my leadership role is to build a supportive culture and continuously update policies based on employee feedback to meet evolving needs.

I’ve been in the profession for more than 35 years, and through that, I’ve been able to advance my career, while also making sure to prioritize my family and passions outside of work. I’ve been able to balance family, setting boundaries both at work and home that allowed me to be the best I possibly could in both roles. As a proud mom of four, it was always incredibly important for me to show up for my family, tapping into our flexible work environment to be present with my family and have the opportunity to support my kids, often on the field or ice rink. I also turn to reading and photography to ground myself outside of work. Having your own passions and hobbies can help with balance. My love for travel has also helped me make life-long memories and provided a world view that’s been invaluable at work too. I believe that self-awareness is key, so checking in with yourself about where you are, and then communicating with your teammates, is crucial to achieving work-life balance. I don’t want to make this sound like it is easy; it is not. And my execution has been far from perfect. But as Theodore Roosevelt said, “I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life.”

— Deanna Byrne, U.S. assurance leader, PwC

Yes, overall I have a good work-life balance. There are times when the workload is heavier, but by prioritizing my time, I can achieve the balance I need. 

For me, it’s about protecting my schedule for important family and personal events.  I also work with a business coach that holds me accountable, and my wife gives me a monthly ‘grade’ on how well I’m maintaining my work-life balance.

— Jeff Call, managing Partner, Bennett Thrasher

I feel I have made good progress at achieving work-life balance, but I see it more as integration or harmony. With three kids (twin 14-year-old daughters and a 10-year-old son) and my professional responsibilities, it’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing communication. My husband, business partners and I stay aligned through regular check-ins and shared calendars, which help manage personal and work commitments. 

I approach work-life balance as a dynamic integration. I make time for strategic thinking, client work, and vacations, adjusting as necessary depending on the demands of the moment. Sometimes work takes priority, and sometimes family does, but clear communication and flexibility help maintain a healthy flow.

— Arianna Campbell, shareholder and COO, Boomer Consulting Inc.

I believe in work-life harmony. We spend too much time at work to hate what you’re doing and I think it’s truly a pleasure to be able to focus efforts on an impassioned area of work. For me, it’s helping CPA practitioners thrive and be happy. Outside of work, my goal is to live a fulfilling personal life with my wife and future family. 

— Jin Chang, CEO, Fieldguide 

Most definitely!  Since the very beginning of my career, I’ve made it a priority to integrate work and leisure in every day. For example, I start each day with exercise, which helps clear my mind, energizes me, and sets my focus for the day ahead. This daily routine has been essential in maintaining my physical and mental well-being.  

I’ve also been deliberate about blending business and pleasure, especially when I travel. Whenever I’m on business trips, I make it a point to extend my stay, to explore and enjoy local culture and sights. This approach not only rejuvenates me but also gives me a broader perspective that inevitably feeds back into my work and personal life in positive ways.

By consciously committing to equilibrium, I’ve been blessed to enjoy a life that has been profoundly satisfying.  

— David Cieslak, EVP, chief cloud officer, RKL eSolutions LLC

I am continuously working towards achieving a better work-life balance. Some weeks, I manage it well; other times, I struggle. One practice that helps is No-Meeting Fridays, which I adhere to about 90% of the time. However, I still find it challenging to say no and often take on additional projects due to my enthusiasm for initiatives that elevate AAM or add value to our membership. 

— Rhonda Clark, executive director, Association for Accounting Marketing

My scheduler might disagree, but when it comes to the important things, I believe I have (and had) balance.  A good gauge is what my 2 mid-20s sons would say when asked if their mom was always there.  They say “yes,” and while I wasn’t there for everything, I was there for the things that mattered.  How?  I scheduled meetings and travel around important events.  I said “no” sometimes. I started my days early and scheduled around sporting events.  I always booked family vacations 18 months in advance.  Importantly, I worked for people who were supportive of and encouraged work-life balance and have/had an amazing team of professionals I work with.  Team is the operative word.  In so many ways, our profession affords the flexibility to manage a career, family, friends and hobbies.  As leaders, we need to lead by example, and show (not tell) our talent that it can be done.  

— Susan Coffey, CEO, public accounting, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

I honestly don’t think work and life can be “balanced” all the time. Successful leaders will tell you that. I once heard someone describe it as work-life integration over balance. We each have to choose how we want to integrate work into our lives. Sometimes you have to commit more to your family and sometimes you have to commit more to your job. What’s important is that you integrate things in a way that you are satisfied with and that you have an employer that supports your flexibility to get things done in a way that supports your health and well-being. 

— Crystal Cooke, director, diversity and inclusion, AICPA & CIMA

I definitely have a great work-life balance. I do not feel I work at all because I am  doing what I love. I live at the intersection of my skills and my passions. I have  accomplished this by delegating anything that I am either not good at or not  passionate about. This transformation began in 2017 when I gave up the role of  managing partner of Tri-Merit. I looked at what I was doing and realized I love  starting businesses and getting them growing but do not like managing the growth.  Once I gave up the MP role, I determined that education and the accounting  profession were my passions. Out of those passions, the Unique CPA podcast and  the Bridging the Gap conference were born. Everything I do now revolves around  those passions.  

— Randy Crabtree, partner, co-founder, Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals

Yes. I willingly live on airplanes, which is thrilling, diverse and an opportunity to share my talents to help others improve their firms and their lives. It’s my purpose for being here, so my work and life are one and the same! 

— Gale Crosley, CEO and founder, Crosley+Co.

 I don’t strive for balance between work and life but instead for integration.  In my experience, it’s not an achievable goal to try and balance the two.  I find that I have more success when I look at how to prioritize work on some days, family and friends on other days, and then grab a little time for myself in all of that.  I set clear boundaries, and most importantly I stay present.  When I have set a boundary around time with family or friends, I make sure I’m not taking work calls or checking email messages.  Instead, I focus on being present in that moment.  I find that when I constantly try to switch back and forth between “work” and “life” that neither feels fulfilling.

— Jen Cryder, CEO, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs

Work-life balance looks different for everyone, and it’s important for each of us to define what works best for our lifestyle and be able to articulate that in a way that resonates with both our personal and professional worlds. For me, I’ve found a balance that integrates both my passion for my work and the love I have for my family. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m fortunate to have opportunities where I can include my family in work-related events when possible. My success has blessed us with the ability to experience incredible trips together and create lasting memories.

At the same time, my professional family is equally important to me. I look forward to spending time with my colleagues, as they are a key part of my journey. For me, this balance allows me to thrive in both my personal and professional life, and I’m grateful to have the best of both worlds

I’ve achieved this balance by being intentional about managing my time and priorities, especially when it comes to participating in conferences, accounting events, and other professional engagements. These events are vital to my growth and contribution to the profession, but I’ve also found ways to ensure that they don’t take away from the time I spend with my family. Whether it’s planning trips around these events or incorporating family-friendly activities, when possible, I make it a point to stay connected to both my professional community and my family. This approach has allowed me to contribute fully to my work while also creating space for the moments that matter most in my personal life

— Deborah Defer, director of CAS Consulting, Woodard

Throughout my career, I have always tried to put my family first and prioritize that over work.  It hasn’t always been easy, and certainly there are times when work had to take the short-term

priority. I coached my son’s sports teams for years and hardly ever missed any of my daughter’s volleyball games. We treasure our family time and vacations.    

Several years ago, EY introduced “EY summer break” and “EY winter break,” two weeks a year when the US firm is closed, and we all take time off together. I’ve used these breaks to enjoy family vacations on the Maryland shore or to travel outside the US to experience different countries and cultures.  Now that my kids are in college, we take the fun to them and visit as much as we can.  

At the same time, I have been fortunate to make strong, lasting connections with colleagues across the firm. These relationships not only create a foundation of trust – they make work more fulfilling, which is an important part of work-life balance.

— Dante D’Egidio, vice chair, Americas assurance, Ernst & Young

I believe we set ourselves up for failure when we use the term “work-life balance.” It implies that work is something separate from life. I see it as symbiotic. Work is a part of your life – an important part – and it requires balance with everything else that is important to a person – family, hobbies, community involvement, faith, etc. Balancing all of this is a constant work in progress for me. I know I can’t be effective at my job if I’m not making the space and time for the people and things that are most important to me. I like to work, and I also like to boat, fish, exercise, spend time with my family, and travel. I try to make the time for it all. 

— Mike DePrisco, president & CEO, IMA

Yes. I think work life balance is all about being able to make choices. I am not sure it’s a pinnacle but a journey we balance. I achieve it through flexibility. The ability to leave work early when I have something with my kids or to step away when I mentally need a break rather than be handcuffed by my work. We extend that same flexibility to our employees.

— Sarah Dobek, president and founder, Inovautus Consulting

I feel I have work-life balance. I achieve it by carving out a specific amount of time each day to put down my phone or walk away from the computer to focus on personal time, whether it’s exercise, going out to dinner, or socializing with family, friends or co-workers.  

— Daniel Dustin, president & CEO, NASBA

I am very intentional about work-life balance. My husband and I were college sweethearts, and he embraced my increasingly leadership roles, dedication to volunteerism, and commitment to lifelong learning. His support has been amazing, so he is a part of the work-life balance plan which means he joins me on trips, supports my volunteerism and has sat with me while we both study or check emails.  More recently, he has fallen in love with golf, and I am learning how to play so that I can join him and also all of my colleagues who live for golf.  Our two sons are in college, and I have mastered remote Mothering with what’s app, zoom calls, the family text messages, and frequently calls. As a family we have focused on the moments that matter so that I can have “presence” but also “be present” at the events/activities that are important to them. They also travel with me as much as possible and I must admit great locations, hotels, and food are tremendous incentives for them to join me. 

Finally, Dad, D1, and D2 (Darius Sr, Darius II, and Dominic)  all know that I am a night owl, so if we miss our morning catch up, they know that they can catch me at night. There are unavoidable schedule conflicts but because they are in on the decision making, I have very little angst.  On vacation, we plan strategically around any calls, and no one complains when I am up late working—although I really try to not have any calls or emails to check.

In short, I do not have work-life balance because it fluctuates from day to day.  It is more fluid work-life integration with plenty of Grace. 

— Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, founder and CEO, KET Solutions LLC 

Yes, I feel I have a good work-life balance. I’ve achieved this by being intentional about when I work and taking advantage of opportunities to connect with colleagues and peers, especially through travel. During times when my work-life balance has dipped, I’ve made a conscious effort to focus on activities that bring me joy, like golf and skiing, which help me recharge and shift my focus away from stressors. Additionally, I very rarely work on weekends, which allows me to dedicate quality time to family and friends. This approach has been key to maintaining my balance and overall well-being.      

— David Emmerman, head of enterprise, US, Xero

My attitude has always been that when I leave the office, I leave the office.  When I go on vacation, I am on vacation.  Unfortunately, something comes up that may need an immediate response, regardless of when I am, but that is rare.  As a small business owner dealing with small business owners, my clients understand that I need my personal time as well.

— Neil Fishman, president, National Conference of CPA Practitioners 

I see my work as sprints — there are seasons where our organization demands more of me than other times. At times I am able to have work-life balance and at times I am not. I know right now I am building something, and it is going to demand more of me. I’m willing to sacrifice in the short-term to ensure that we build an anti-fragile organization that is rooted in intention and strategy, and built correctly from the ground up. But when there’s time for balance, I definitely take it. I encourage team members of our firm to do the same. I believe our people have intrinsic desire to serve their clients and their team members, and if that exists we know they will push work hard when they need to, so the best I can do is equip them through culture and policy to make sure they are also taking time for themselves and those close to them. 

— Reyes Florez, CEO and founder, Platform Accounting Group 

I am grateful to say that I have a better work-life balance today than I did 10 or 20 years ago. It’s an ongoing journey of growth and self-awareness, continually striving to show up fully, both professionally and personally. I owe a lot of my progress to those around me, especially the younger generation, and my son in particular, who has been mentoring me in ways I didn’t expect. He’s helped me understand where to set boundaries and how being mindful can actually enhance my impact.

I’ve also learned to be more intentional about how I spend my time, focusing on what brings the greatest return in both my work and personal life—and the most joy. It’s a process of continual improvement, and I’m grateful for the lessons that come from listening, learning, and growing alongside others.

— Denise LeDuc Froemming, president and CEO, California Society of CPAs

I learned early in my career overall health and wellness are essential to  thriving in all aspects of our lives. I achieve this by setting clear priorities  and boundaries where possible. 

— Jason Girzadas, CEO, Deloitte US 

I believe that to bring your best at work, you need to be able to fill your cup with the things that matter most to you outside of work. To me, these are the “non-negotiables”—things you can never sacrifice, as they enable your best. They can be dinner with your family, spiritual practices, working out each morning or getting enough sleep—whatever matters the most to you, motivates you and enables you to be your best, for yourself and those around you. For me, time with my family will always be at the top of my list. My family energizes me, they often put me in my place, and they help me to be better each and every day.

— Paul Griggs, US senior partner, PwC

I am very thankful to be working in a profession that I am highly passionate about and love, so the balance feels fine. Sometimes it is more balanced than others, but, yes, I am happy with the balance. I work to be as efficient as possible with my time and have hired and delegated in the past year more than ever. This has allowed me to focus on content and program development, expansion of Rainmaker, recruiting top talent and all these things I find fulfilling. Setting boundaries on hours worked sometimes and making plans outside of work for important family and friend activities and trips helps a lot. It is a constant balancing act, but I continue working on it! Scheduling buffer time to work on projects so I am not in reaction mode has been a big strategy and game-changer this year. Sometimes this is not the case, and work can feel overwhelming, but I am up for the challenge because I love the work, and it gives me energy. 

— Angie Grissom, owner, chief relationship officer, The Rainmaker Companies

Yes, technology has greatly assisted in providing virtual experiences that, in many cases, closely mimic in-person experiences.  As a result, travel and commuting are far less necessary than in the past allowing for greater balance and increased focus on value added activities during working hours.  

— Thomas Groskopf, technical director, AICPA’s Center for Plain English Accounting 

I call it work-life integration because it is always more of a blending than a perfect balance. It requires taking the time to reflect and be introspective about what you need and then having the courage to ask for it. At a time when I had just made partner and pregnant with my first child, I asked for a flexible work arrangement which was not common at the time. I worked with a senior partner to come up with a reduced workload which I continued for 5 years, and 2 more children, and then returned to full-time. What I’ve learned along the way is that creating boundaries does not mean it will stunt your professional aspirations. And that creating work-life integration is an ongoing exercise and will look different and evolve with life’s stages. My experiences have informed my leadership approach of being transparent, and collaborative so all professionals can feel empowered to be their best professionally and personally. 

— Dipti Gulati, chair and CEO, Deloitte & Touche LLP 

I don’t believe work-life balance exists, but I do believe in work-life  integration (where the “work” and the “personal” exist in harmony). Because  my “work” as CEO truly resonates with me, that integration is much easier. To me, the personal connection with the “work” you do is the key to  integration. (And, by the way, I do find that long-distance running, exercise,  and mindfulness also help a ton.) 

— Calvin Harris Jr., CEO, New York State Society of CPAs

Yes, I do, but it didn’t happen by accident—I made it a priority from the start. I set firm boundaries and communicated them clearly with both my colleagues and clients. Everyone knew where I stood on certain non-negotiables, like family commitments.

From day one, before work-life balance was a buzzword, I decided that I wouldn’t miss my kids’ baseball games. My father was always actively involved in my life, and I felt it was my responsibility to give the same to my own children. By prioritizing what matters most and staying true to those principles, I’ve been able to create a balance that works for me—one that allows me to be fully present both at work and at home.

— Roger Harris, president, Padgett Business Services

That seems to be a lifelong challenge, finding that perfect balance. The biggest helper is my Outlook calendar. I put everything into my calendar, and I do mean everything. I include work stuff and personal stuff. I lock all the personal stuff so my colleagues can’t get too noisy, but the best way to attempt balance is to see everything you are working with in one place. I also color-code appointments. If I open my calendar on Monday and don’t see enough personal time color-coded in there, I stop and make a plan to work more in. It’s a nice visual of where I spend my time every week so I can self-correct.

— Jennifer Harrity, ESG & sustainability director, Sensiba 

I don’t strive for work-life balance. Life is chaotic, and I find it best to accept that reality, and focus on embracing and adapting to constant change.

— Isaac Heller, CEO, Trullion

I have worked very hard over the last few years to achieve work life synergy. I feel that to balance something means to try to make it even, and work and life will never be even.  To harmonize it means each component is infused in the other and neither exists on its own. I feel like synergy means work and life promote each other and life one another to a higher expression, while having an individual component as well as a combined component.   The biggest thing that has helped me achieve w/l synergy is realizing that the most valuable thing I have to give is my attention.  Everything is out there vying for my attention and it’s so easy to get pulled away from the things I have prioritized.  In any given moment, I ask myself, “Am I paying attention to something that gets me closer to where I say I want to go?”  This practice helps me focus on one thing at a time, prioritize what is truly important and complete my tasks with a higher quality.  If life needs me to break away from work for a few minutes, then I give it my full attention for those few minutes. Secondly, I am “Ruthlessly Eliminating Hurry” from my life. Since I have slowed down, and paid attention, my productivity has exponentialized and the peace & joy I feel in my life is constant.  

— Patricia Hendrix, executive vice president of communities, Woodard

I don’t believe our work is every in ‘balance’. I think it is more like juggling and knowing which balls not to drop which would be your family & relationships, and your work and other interests after that. Based on this I have juggled and maintained balance on my terms.

— Tom Hood, EVP business engagement & growth, AICPA-CIMA

I believe that finding joy in your work can positively impact ones mindset and outlook,  both professionally and personally, which leads to work/life balance.  In other words, if you love your job the way I do, it doesn’t feel like working.  And if your work sparks joy, it only enhances the time you spend with the people you love, doing the things you love to do.  I’m blessed to lead and collaborate with a team of 30 amazing professionals on the BDO Alliance Team.  For me, committing to a healthy/active lifestyle has definitely helped me find a balance. That includes hot yoga, weight training, tennis, Peloton, hiking, watching cooking shows and a cappella singing.  I also have an amazing wife of 35 years, Kasey; taking long walks with her is blissful.

— Michael Horwitz, executive director, BDO Alliance USA

Yes.  It has been achieved by having my three children grown up, out of the house and financially independent.

— Joel Hughes, CEO, Rightworks

Yes, some days I am running non-stop but other days, I make sure to restore my energy through yoga, exercise and walking in nature. This helps me to reenergize and appreciate the little things that nature has to offer or a quiet moment of intent reflection. 

— Aiysha Johnson, CEO and executive director, New Jersey Society of CPAs

Work-life balance is something I continually work on and strive to improve. Over time, I’ve gotten better at being present in family time and honoring self care. It’s still a work in progress, but by being intentional about prioritizing downtime and focusing on what truly matters, I’ve started to build that balance. It’s definitely a muscle I’ve had to train, and while I’m not perfect at it, I’ve made meaningful strides.

— Kacee Johnson, VP, strategy & innovation, CPA.com

Yes. I have managed the seven critical elements of life proactively, choosing what I deemed essential in every category. Work-life balance means notably different things to different people, but focusing on family when I am not working and pursuing non-work-related interests is rewarding. I may be spending more time reading a range of content than before the pandemic.

— Randy Johnston, CEO and founder, EVP, NMGI and K2 Enterprises

Yes. I achieve work-life balance by making time for my priorities.

— Richard Jones, chair, Financial Accounting Standards Board 

There was a point in my career when I had to make a decision that would impact not only my life at PwC,  but my personal life as well. My family was living in New York, and I was on track to meet many career  goals. At the same time, my husband was offered his dream job, which happened to be in California. It  was clear to me that the location I worked in would make a difference to getting my dream client, a major  bank. It took a lot of soul searching and deep conversations with my husband and mentors. We  considered the needs of our children, my husband’s professional career and my aspiration to continue  pursuing my career, and ultimately, we made the decision to move to California, which meant I would  commute every week between California and New York. It was a commitment I made for over seven  years—flying across the country every week wasn’t easy, it was messy and complicated at times, but it let  me achieve my professional goals while also doing what was best for my entire family.  

For me, it’s about achieving work-life flexibility. It’s about making deliberate work-life choices that align  with my values and long-term goals. It’s easy to think of work and life as separate, but the reality is much  more intertwined. Rather than viewing work and life as opposing forces, I see them as complementary  parts of a whole, where the skills and support from one can enhance and uplift the other. Whether it has  been mentors at work or family and friends at home, my community has played an important role in  helping me through busy seasons of life. By being present for the moments that matter, both at home and  at work, we can better navigate work and life. 

— Kathryn Kaminsky, chief commercial officer, PwC

Most of the time, yes.  My wife and I plan our family time and vacation, usually a year or longer in advance and stick to those commitments. We also prioritize exercise and a healthier diet during my slow periods, which I’ll admit does not happen during core consulting periods (outside of firm busy seasons) where I eat more chicken wings than Caesar salads.

— Roman Kepczyk, director of firm technology strategy, Rightworks

Yes.  Once I had my daughter many years ago, my organizational skills went to a different level.  I’m fortunate to have “capacity” to juggle many things.  And sometimes I would just say no, or “not now – would this timing work?”  So finding a solution that would work for me as well as the organization.

— Lexy Kessler, mid-Atlantic leader, Aprio, and vice-chair and board member, AICPA

I’ve thrown out the idea of “work-life balance”. I’ve heard people call it, “work-life integration” because it’s fluid, and it rarely ever actually feels balanced — I resonate much more with that notion. There are some days that I feel like I’ve given 150% to my job and feel incredible about it, but I’m usually not feeling so great about how I showed up for my son that day. Other days, I’m being a phenomenal mom, wife, daughter, or a friend, and therefore, work got less attention. What’s given me peace is accepting what Oprah said so well: “you can have it all; you just can’t have it all at once.”

— Courtney Kiss, president, Association for Accounting Marketing 

Yes, because I don’t view it as a need to balance. I prefer the term work-life integration. 

— Ed Kless, meta consultant, Sage

Yes, setting boundaries and clearly communicating them.

— Jeannette Koger, VP, experience, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

I feel that I do, although members of my family would tell me that I’m crazy for believing that. I’ve often felt that it’s less about the quantity of hours and more about the quality of hours. If there has been one thing that has suffered it would undoubtedly be the amount of time I make for working out. Fortunately, I’m the new proud owner of a Stairmaster and my one-year goal is to be on it at least 3 times per week going forward.

— Allan Koltin, CEO, Koltin Consulting Group

No one does. It’s a myth. Is my work-life appropriately integrated? It is, though my wife, Maryann will say I’m too focused on work and can’t turn it off. But I do my best to separate the two. I feel like the work from home environment has made it harder for folks to turn off when needed. 

— Mark Koziel, incoming president/CEO, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, AICPA & CIMA

Yes to a certain degree.  I think that my practice, like the business of public accounting has peaks and valleys.  You rise to the occasion when needed and can ease off from time to time.  This is not to say that sometimes I think the tail is wagging the dog!  In fact, my busy-season is often simply opposite my clients.  In fact, I have guaranteed time off four weeks a year.  Those weeks are the weeks of 3/15, 4/15, 9/15 and 10/15.

— Art Kuesel, president and founder, Kuesel Consulting

The answer is a resounding yes.  I have co-founded and created a leadership development company, but it’s also lifestyle company that fits around the life I want. (and the lives those who work with us at Intend2Lead want.)  

We are intentional about running our company in a way that serves our vision for work-life balance, and are always asking questions that help us prioritize our fuller lives when strategizing on our work, such as:

Will this work, if we do more of it, be an energy provider or energy drainer, and how will it impact the fuller lives we want?

Is the work we are planning to do within our sweet-spot, where we can provide immense value at lower costs to us? 

Who do we want to work with as clients, and are they aligned with our mission, values, and vision for the future of the profession?  Do they highly prioritize investing in the fuller lives of their people? 

As a coach, I work with my clients in our profession to set intentional work-life balance boundaries and goals, so that they can live mor fulfilling lives and model that it’s possible for others who follow.  

— Brian Kush, principal and co-founder, Intend2Lead

At CLA, we have a phrase, “We can get you there.” We care for our CLA family. Our promise is to know and help our clients and that means, being connected to our communities, to the industries we serve and to the clients that need our help. We encourage our people to take care of themselves in numerous ways, from taking their time off to refresh and recharge, and to a focus on wellness. Overall, as a society, we spend the majority of our time at work, with our clients and colleagues, so balance may not be the right word. But I do believe we have to make time for ourselves, for our families so we can always bring our authentic selves to work. 

 — Jennifer Leary, CEO, CLA 

As a full-time CEO and Managing Principal of my Cherry Hill Advisory, work-life balance takes on a different meaning. The line between work and personal life often blurs when you’re running your own business. However, I’ve found ways to achieve a sense of balance that works for me. I’ve learned to be intentional about structuring my time, setting clear boundaries between work and personal hours. I leverage technology to stay connected efficiently, but also to automate and delegate tasks, freeing up time for family and personal pursuits. Being my own boss allows for flexibility, which I use to attend important family events or pursue personal interests, even if it means working non-traditional hours. I’ve also found that involving my family in my professional journey, sharing both the challenges and successes, creates a sense of shared purpose. Ultimately, for me, balance isn’t about strict separation, but about creating a lifestyle where my work and personal life complement each other, allowing me to feel fulfilled in both areas.

— Mike Levy, CEO, Cherry Hill Advisory

I do but my perception of balance for me is different. I do work a lot because I continue to look for ways to innovate. I enjoy that and do not view that as work. I have also adapted my schedule to use my lake house for 4-5 day stretches with minimal work during that time and have carved out time to spend with my 6-month-old grandson. I do put in some long days, and travel a bit, but to me that is life. I get to see friends and meet new people. 

— Bob Lewis, president, The Visionary Group

Yes, to an extent. Although I am on the younger side, I tend to lean towards an “old school” mentality when it comes to my career. Family comes first no matter what, but I still take calls, return emails, and work on projects when I need to during some nights or weekends. Sometimes I cannot control when an idea hits me, and I have to jump into it before it slips away.

— Doug Lewis, managing director, The Visionary Group

I do, but it wasn’t always this way.  I used to live to work, versus the other way around.  I think as you get older you have life experiences that – excuse the cliché – teach you what is truly important and that your life can change in an instant.  I have also learned through experience that a fresh perspective is always beneficial, and that includes taking time off from your day-to-day to experience different things and clear your head.

— Julie Bell Lindsay, CEO, The Center for Audit Quality

Maintaining work-life balance is a continuous effort and not one at which I am entirely successful.  I work hard to ensure that the individuals that work within my organization always feel empowered to take the time they need for personal and family obligations as well as for relaxation. While remote work has its advantages and disadvantages, greater flexibility in balancing personal and professional life is a definite advantage. As for myself, well, it’s good that I enjoy my work.  

I’m an avid traveler and craft beer enthusiast, and I try to take advantage of my work travels as a means of exploring parts of the country/world that I would not otherwise get the opportunity to see. This is sometimes as simple as adding an extra day to a business trip to visit some local breweries. 

— Charles Maniace, VP, regulatory analysis and design, Sovos

While as a CPA who specialized in tax preparation and a business owner it is extremely difficult to fully achieve a work-life balance, I do feel that I have achieved what many would deem acceptable.  Even though I am a sole proprietor and have no staff, I generate a large number of tax returns throughout the season.  I recently started Trap Shooting.  I block off the schedule, Sunday afternoon, and use that as “me” time.  It allows me to relax, and shooting at the fast-moving clay targets can be quite cathartic.  Once I am outside of the major rush, I take time for myself to play golf, ride a bike, workout or just spend time with my dogs.  One thing that I always keep in mind is that most clients do not care when you are working if their returns are prepared.

— Stephen Mankowski, co-chair, National Tax Policy Committee, NCCPAP

100%.  I know when to say no and I know how to delegate. Business owners only achieve balance when they have the right team behind them.

— Gene Marks, president & CEO, The Marks Group PC

The idea of work-life balance assumes that there is an optimal equilibrium between the time spent working and the time spent with family, friends and other interests.  That view is predicated on an assumption that both our work and personal lives exist in distinct zones that are always fighting for our attention.  I would instead suggest that my objective has always been to gain a measure of work-life integration. More of a sliding scale, rather than a zero-sum exercise, and a scale that has adapted to the changing needs of both professional responsibilities and my family commitments. At this point in my career, the blending of the professional and personal feels very normal.

— Jason Marx, CEO, Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting

Yes, but I prefer to call it “work-life integration” because achieving perfect balance is a myth. It’s all about making daily decisions based on priorities, which can shift as you go through different stages of life. What matters in your 20s may be very different as you get older and face new life events.

The key skills I’ve developed to manage this integration include clear communication with my family, effective time management, the ability to say no when needed, being realistic about how long tasks take, prioritizing, and having open, candid conversations.

— Carla McCall, chair, AICPA

Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing journey for me, but I have found tools and practices that help me stay grounded while balancing my professional and personal life. I actively practice Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a method I learned through coursework at the Atlanta Mindfulness Center. This practice helps me remain present, reduce stress, and approach challenges with a calm, focused mind, even in high-stakes business environments.

In addition, I prioritize wellness in all areas of my life by maintaining a vegan diet and living a clean, healthy lifestyle. I believe that nourishing both the body and mind is critical to achieving sustainable balance, especially in a demanding profession like accounting. I’m also deeply committed to personal growth, as demonstrated by my studies with the School of Humanitarianism and Awareness, which has helped me cultivate self-awareness and maintain a positive, holistic approach to life and work.

Work-life balance is less about strict separation for me and more about integrating practices that support my physical, mental, and emotional well-being while I continue to grow as a professional. These practices allow me to show up fully for my team, clients, and personal life, ensuring I can handle challenges effectively and enjoy my successes.

— Dixie McCurley, partner, outsourcing & resource solutions, Cherry Bekaert

I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old, so no. My life is a joyful kind of chaos and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  At the same time, I have a job I love, and while it is intense, it is also impactful and I derive great satisfaction from my work. 

I do think I have balance, but the image that should conjure is less of a practiced yogi holding a beautiful pose in perfect stillness and more of a Jenga tower. Today there is balance, but I am keenly aware that without a lot of intentionality and concentration, it could all come tumbling down. The keys for me – the helping hands that catch me if I waver – are my husband, Simon, who is leaning in at home so I can lean in at work, the BILL culture, which allows me to flex as needed, and the team around me at BILL who has my back without me even asking.

— Ariege Misherghi, SVP & GM of accounts payable, accounts receivable and accountant channel, Bill

No.  Between paid and volunteer work, I work at least 70 hours per week.  One aspect of my work is that I control the timing of a good amount of it so this usually enables me to spend time with family and friends.

— Annette Nellen, professor and director of MS taxation program, San Jose State University

Yes, by focusing on what matters rather than working long hours and eliminating my daily commute, I’ve achieved what I feel is the perfect work-life balance. I exercise an average of 90 minutes per day. The mental acuity and focus I get from this much exercise enable me to work no more than 40 hours per week while achieving above-average results.

— Blake Oliver, founder & CEO, Earmark

Yes, I do have a good work-life balance. I make sure to spend quality time, particularly on weekends, with my partner, Amy, and our daughters. I absolutely prioritize them and consider them my support system. I use my time wisely, and, while I greatly enjoy playing golf a few times a year, it’s really about working together as a team with my family to keep everything in balance. 

— Dave Osborne, CEO, Caseware 

Yes, after selling my firm, I moved to Door County, Wisconsin in 2021 when the world was remote. Even though I work at startups, which can be a little crazy at times, the pace of life here is much slower. I have the Bay of Lake Michigan (Green Bay) in my backyard, and I am completely surrounded by farms. I work all the time but on my time.  It helps that my kids are now grown.  Travel sometimes gets a bit tricky, but it’s worth it!

— Jody Padar, advisor, Trillion, Bluej and April

There’s always a feeling that it could be better! The key drivers for a better work-life balance for me are: 

• technological automation, 
• a conscious effort to delegate and more often say no to things that can/should be done by others – by transferring as much knowledge I can to make others more competent (so that I can delegate more), and
• having more human-to-human interactions than emails and online messages. 

— Hitendra Patil, president, global F&A outsourcing, Datamatics Business Solutions

Yes, AICPA provides a flexible/hybrid work environment allowing me to balance personal activities and responsibilities while performing my work responsibilities throughout the year. Working within a global organization, my interactions with team members and our global members are often outside of typical 9-5 hours. Managing work expectations, member/organization relationships, while feeling positive about my personal life clearly supports my belief that I have truly achieved work-life balance.

— Carl Peterson, vice president, small firm interests, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants 

I do feel that I have a balance between my work and my life, but it isn’t without effort. I am of an age where I can see the end of my career and, unfortunately, the possibility of the actual end. My wife and I pack a lot into our lives because we can, and because we feel a responsibility to each other to accomplish as much as we can while we can.

— Scott Peterson, VP of U.S. tax policy and government relations, Avalara

I strive to achieve a harmonious balance between work and personal life each day. While juggling these aspects can be challenging, I am grateful for my incredible wife and two children who support me in fostering a fulfilling personal life while dedicating the necessary time to advance in my career.

— Kane Polakoff, principal, client advisory services practice leader, CohnReznick 

As I work toward achieving work-life balance, I feel that I have reached a comfortable place where I can effectively balance my responsibilities as a leader while still prioritizing my family. 

One thing that I do that has helped bridge the work-life balance, is I include my family in as much work-related travel as is possible. I love when they join me for work trips, and I always make sure to carve out time to spend with them exploring the city we are in together. When I’m not abroad, I maximize my time with my family at home.

Additionally, I take time to care for myself through exercise and reading. These are things that I thoroughly enjoy doing and that help me to unwind and recharge.

— Anthony Pugliese, president & CEO, Institute of Internal Auditors

I do. It is by permanently setting aside time in my calendar for personal pursuits and allowing that time to be available for professional responsibilities only rarely

— Terry Putney, managing director, Whitman Transition Advisors LLC

I believe I balance work and life well enough. I end my work days when my kids get out of school, and attend many of their sports, music and other school events. We enjoy travel as a family, even during our busy season. I generally don’t work on the weekends. My achievements in work-life balance stem from prioritizing family and personal interests over work demands in a way that works for me. There’s enough to do that I could work 80 hours a week, but I’d be miserable and miss out on a lot of non-work moments that make me a well-rounded person and provide enjoyment in my life. Instead, I work 35-40 hours and get enough done to meet my economic needs while being able check those other boxes that are important to me. 

— Kristen Rampe, managing partner, Rosenberg Associates

I do not believe in work-life balance.  I believe in work-life integration. I do not believe there has been a time where my work and my personal life were in complete balance.  I believe it’s important to integrate aspects of your work and life to be where you need to be, when you need to be there for your family and your job.

— Okorie Ramsey, immediate past chair, AICPA & Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

While much improved, I’m still not there.  But, I truly love my work, so it’s been difficult to personally shift away from something that has provided me and my family with so much reward and enjoyment.  If you love what you do, do you really ever work?  Seriously, yes, much improvement has been made toward a healthy work-life balance by me and by the profession.  All of us are acknowledging, for the future of the profession, we must reflect a healthier lifestyle to attract the best and brightest into the profession.  Firms, mine included, are being more proactive in making sure salaries are competitive, work is more professionally stimulating, overtime is minimized, and time off is scheduled and taken by staff, without delay and exception.  That’s a great thing!

— Rick Reisig, principal/partner, Pinion

As balance implies equilibrium, I prefer to say that I have achieved a level of work-life integration that enables a fulfilling personal and professional life. I am proud to be a part of a profession that is recognized globally as a trusted and credible advisor to the business community. I am proud to be a generation that is successor to the benefits of what those before me have done for the profession, yet excited by the next frontier of accounting and auditing, which has opportunities ahead that do not have a clear roadmap. The core values of us as a profession – integrity, competence, lifelong learning, objectivity, commitment to excellence, relevance in a global marketplace – reflect my own personal value system. When there is alignment between what you do for a living and what fuels your passion, work becomes a privilege.

— Emily Remington, director, audit product management, CPA.com

Yes. I am fortunate to work with a talented, hardworking, and dedicated team of accountants, attorneys, and other professionals, and they make my job easier. 

— Robert Rice, director, division of enforcement and investigations, PCAOB

For the most part, yes. The pandemic provided opportunities to slow down enough to evaluate, prioritize, and redirect energy. A few specifics for me were: 1) reducing travel by proactively blocking out all non-travel weeks through the year & nearly eliminating weekend travel by charging a premium if clients want to schedule things that require weekend travel—it’s an wonderfully effective deterrent; 2) using the Calendly app to manage my schedule. I can completely control what is visible as open, and to whom; and 3) managing scope creep and customer expectations with solid pricing strategies that include clarity on the front end around what is and is not included.

— Michelle Golden River, owner/president, Fore LLC

I believe I have work-life integration which provides me the freedom to work the way I want to work. It means that rather than separating work and home, I complete what I need to do in a way that fits my needs the best. I’ve achieved this by being intentional about all the things to which I say “yes” or “no” to while following my passions.

— Darren Root, growth strategist, Rightworks

YES. How have I achieved it?  By owning my own business and thus having control over how much I work and when I do the work.  I have made decisions in scheduling client projects that caused me upon occasion to lose a project and reduce my overnight travel.

— Marc Rosenberg, managing partner and founder, Rosenberg Associates

Yes, I feel I have achieved a work-life balance, and much of it stems from my commitment to doing what I love as part of my life. Being intentional with how I spend my time and with whom I choose to share it is central to maintaining this balance. For instance, my husband and I have a near-daily yoga practice that keeps us centered and connected. Planning vacations with my family is also key; once they’re on the calendar, I prioritize making them a reality. Being active in my children’s lives, whether by volunteering in their organizations or creating shared experiences as they grow into adulthood, is essential. Additionally, I dedicate time each day to enjoy some non-fiction reading, which allows me to unwind and enrich my perspective.

— Cathy Rowe, senior vice president and segment leader, US professional market, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting

No, but I’d like to give it a try one day. 

— Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk, president, BBR Cos. and Accounting MOVE Project

I don’t just aim for work-life balance—I’m driven by work-life integration. By aligning my  career and personal life around a clear purpose, I’ve woven my passion for empowering  my community into every aspect of what I do. For me, it’s not about compartmentalizing,  but about creating a seamless blend where my professional goals and personal values  are always in harmony. This integration fuels my energy, purpose, and commitment to  making an impact every day. 

— Guylaine Saint Juste, president & CEO, NABA Inc.

I believe that family first is a goal that should not be sacrificed. The workday at our firm is eight hours. During tax season we do not work more than ten hours per day and no more than five hours on Saturday. Time to meet ongoing family needs is a priority. 

— Frank Sands, president, National Association of CPA Practitioners

Yep. I definitely have work-life balance. I love my work. I love my life. As my good friend, Liz Scott, shared at Appy Hour Camp this year, I try to eat dessert first. I focus on the non-professional things (and people and animals) I love each day and make sure I am contributing to my job, my peers, and my community in the unique way that I can. I don’t try to do everything I can, I try to do the things that will create the most meaning and gratification in my life, personally and professionally. 

— Heather Satterley, director of education and media, Woodard Events

Running an international standard-setter means that you need to be flexible about time zones and long periods of travel. However, I set aside times for family, friends, and my love of sports (all things Philadelphia) and music. In each new city that I visit, I try to do at least one “fun” thing in addition to fulfilling my work obligations.

— Tom Seidenstein, chair, IAASB

I do, although I am trying to slow down my work and increase my life.

— Gary Shamis, CEO, Winding River Consulting

I don’t have work-life balance, but I do have work-life integration. I’m very passionate about my work and probably work more than I should, but I also am able to maintain good in-person relationships with my family and friends because of the travel enabled by my work.

— Donny Shimamoto, founder and managing director, IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC

I do. Some tricks that I use to help myself in my pursuit of work-life balance include prioritizing tasks, taking regular breaks, communicating and seeking support from my valuable team members, peers and from my supervisor, Sue Coffey (woot!) who, in my opinion, prioritizes the wellbeing of her team members – making it easy to take the time we need when we need it.  

— Eva Simpson, VP, member value, tax & advisory services, Association of International Certified Professional 

The last few years have been an incredible adventure for me and I have been so fortunate to have a supportive spouse and adult children who understand how much I care about the work I’m doing.

— Lisa Simpson, vice president – firm services, AICPA & CIMA

Work-life balance is all about perspective, and it can mean very different things for different people, but I feel that I have achieved it. I genuinely enjoy my professional activities and have had the good fortune to meet great people along the way, many of whom I am honored to call friends.

— Sean Stein Smith, accounting working group chair, Wall Street Blockchain Alliance

No, but I feel they are well integrated as I focus on flexibility to bring me harmony.

— Scott Spiegel, COO, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

Create non-negotiable boundaries, and resist the urge to put on the cape at work at the expense of your family.

— Jason Staats, founder, Realize LLC

Tough question. My honest answer is “almost”. Over the years I have been finding ways to be more creative with work and accomplish the same while spending more time with family.  Most of this was achieved by becoming a better communicator and using technology tools to help me work from anywhere to convert down time into work time. Right now, I would say that work-life balance still leans a bit too much to work. 

— Val Steed, director accountants, Zoho Corporation

Find the work you love.

— Rick Telberg, CEO, CPA Trendlines Research

I cannot genuinely answer “yes”.  I believe this to be a work in progress for me.  For my 34 years as a practitioner, I found different ways of achieving balance, but it was difficult.  In my five-plus years of being a consultant, I’ve gotten much better.  My clients are mainly CPA firm leaders who often have time to think “after hours”, so I need to be available to them when they need me.  I, however, find balance in other ways than my looking at hours/calendar.  It’s a discipline that I continue to improve.

— Gary Thomson, managing partner, Thomson Consulting

Achieving work-life balance has been an evolving journey, especially after the pandemic redefined how we integrate family into our daily routines. As a millennial consultant working with managing partners and growth leaders at top firms, I’ve had to navigate the same challenges my clients face. Transitioning back into the fast-paced world of consulting wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of how I’ve applied my own experiences to create balance. By taking control of my time and setting clear boundaries (usually not so clear), I’ve been able to thrive professionally while staying connected to what matters most—no matter where I am.

— David Toth, chief growth officer and principal, Winding River Consulting

Yes. To me, hybrid work arrangements with flexible work hours really help achieve work life balance and also minimize employee stress levels.  People can and should feel comfortable picking up their children or taking a break for a walk.  Sometimes in our profession we need to work more hours but at least being able to step away and take care of something or start earlier or later really helps people feel like you can balance everything on your plate.

— Barbara Vanich, chief auditor and director of professional standards, PCAOB

Absolutely! I consider myself a poster child for what’s possible when you dare  to envision a new type of CPA firm. At CPAClub, we’ve successfully  implemented a true 4-day workweek, which has not only boosted our  productivity but also allowed our team to thrive both professionally and  personally. In various CPE sessions, I’ve shared our success story with CalCPA  members and other professionals, advocating for a reimagined approach to  work-life balance. The key lies in prioritizing strategic, valuable solutions over  clocked hours. By focusing on well-being, leveraging cutting-edge technologies,  and fostering a results-driven culture, we’ve demonstrated that a fulfilling  balance is not only possible but sustainable.

— Chris Vanover, founder & president, CPA Club Inc. 

Yes. I set boundaries for how much I work and hold myself accountable to walk away when the time comes. 

— Jess Vento, senior director of solution engineering, education & support, LeaseCrunch

Yes, I have worked hard to incorporate it into my life and have shared how through my B³ Method® and the books, programs, articles and podcast episodes. For myself I have been doing yoga for 20 years and have been teaching it for 15 years. I have been able to share it with professionals through my talks and at conferences where I have spearheaded having it added to conference agendas throughout the profession. I also play bass guitar, electric violin and sing in a newly created band this year with some local musicians. Having these things in my life has helped me to create the space I need away from work so that I can be more present and energized for my workday and be able to show up as I need to for others.

— Amy Vetter, CEO, The B3 Method Institute

I do feel that I have good work life balance – because I’ve realized that things will never be in perfect balance. There are certain times that I will be busier at work than not, and there will be others where I can focus more on personal time. I’ve been very deliberate about scheduling time when I can be away. But even during my most busy times I make the time for the items I really want to do. It was important to accept that I cannot do everything, because there’s only so much time in the day. So, I have prioritized what I want to accomplish in my personal time and make specific time for that, accepting that some of the things I watch others do I might not have time for, because I have different priorities.

— Tom Watson, CEO, Forvis

I don’t have it, but I strive for it! Boundaries are the key to success, as is learning the art of saying “no.” Of course, both are difficult when you are leading a service-driven organization.  

— Shelly Weir, president & CEO, Florida Institute of CPAs

I would not say I have achieved work-life balance (nor do I aspire for balance in this area).  I do not believe the two are ever balanced or equal.  Rather, I think I achieved a working style that allows me to prioritize work and life differently at various times as needed.  

What do I mean by this?  What is an example?  Well, the past few weeks have been personally very challenging for me and my family.  In fact, I am working on this submission to you from a small conference room at the Veterans Administration hospice center where my Dad currently resides.  My Dad was diagnosed with terminal bile duct cancer a few years back, underwent a grueling Whipple procedure, took immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and now, just this year, admitted to hospice mid-August. I am most blessed to be by his side during these most trying times, hold his hand, kiss his forehead, give him hugs, and still, as he would say, deliver my value-add at work for and with my clients and teams.

Now, some may read this and say it is so good that you can do this.  But how, in fact, is such flexibility achieved?  Years ago, I would see teams very shy to share anything outside of work within the office for fear of being judged about not putting work first.  But here is where we lose the realism of what it means to work.  We all have life needs and we should be transparent about them, talk about them with our teams, and communicate boldly when flex is needed to address them.

— Tifphani White-King, managing partner, U.S. tax board member, global tax board member, Forvis Mazars

 I am 100% remote and I have more flexibility with my hours these days, I work with mostly East Coast folks and live on the West Coast so I need to start early to cover that work, and then stay later to cover the West Coast work.  I consider it balanced because everything I do is fun, exciting, and fits together to move the members of our profession forward.  I feel truly lucky everyday to get to work with so many exceptional people in different walks of life. 

— Geni Whitehouse, countess of communication, Even a Nerd Can be Heard, The Impactful Advisor, Solve Services, www.bdcocpa.com

Yes!  I have achieved WLB because I love what I do, I am surrounded by and work with great team members and clients, I love the CPA firm profession so much that I never feel like I am working, despite spending a significant amount of time with my team and clients. On the personal side, I have a wonderful family and a group of friends that I play hard with.  I am truly blessed!

— Philip Whitman, CEO, Whitman Transition Advisors 

Absolutely! My life is well-balanced, but I prefer to refer to it as LIFE-work balance. By prioritizing my overall life first, work naturally falls into place in the right order. I’m highly effective at managing my time through tools like my calendar, a full-focus planner, Asana for project management, and, of course, my incredible team. Together, these resources make my life feel fulfilled and truly amazing!  

— Sandra Wiley, president, Boomer Consulting Inc.

I came to the PCAOB as a new mom during the pandemic, so I, like many others, experienced a lot of work-life transition all at once. Now that I’m a few years into both parenthood and the PCAOB, I have a better grasp on the balancing act, but it’s still a balancing act. Some days are better than others. I think you have to have non-negotiables, especially in your personal life, and for me, it’s putting my son to bed most nights. That’s our sacred time together as he winds down his day. It also helps that I love my job. It might sound cheesy, but I am excited to come to work every day. And my experience becoming a parent has given me an even greater appreciation for all the many responsibilities our dedicated staff is juggling every day. 

— Erica Williams, chair, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

If so, how have you achieved it?* Yes and no. On the “yes” side, our business is 100% hybrid, flexible, supportive of exercise and health-related activities, we close the business for two weeks every year-end which is bliss, and I can truly work whenever and wherever I choose to, so I am able to fit a lot of life into work (and vice versa). On the “no” side, there’s a virtual unlimited need for our services and I am my own worst enemy, so when I lack balance, it’s because I have said too many “yeses.”

— Jennifer Lee Wilson, co-founder and partner, ConvergenceCoaching LLC

Absolutely. I must work very hard as a professor, but I also have flexibility. I believe flexibility, more than hours worked, is what contributes to finding balance. So, I work very hard and then I relax “very hard.” 

— David Wood, Glenn D. Ardis professor, Brigham Young University

Ok…being “that guy” again but I don’t believe work-life balance is achievable/attainable and if it were, I don’t believe it is the actual goal we should strive to reach. I believe in work/life synergy, which is more than just semantics. Work-life synergy is about surfing the moments of work and life in a way that maximizes the value of each while, as often as possible, combining personal and professional passions into a single set of outcomes, relationships and goals.

I believe I have achieved this type of synergy. However I must constantly manage the tension between work and life. Work, more than life, is the strongest pull away from synergy. I’m far from perfect at managing this tension (i.e., maintaining synergy).

— Joe Woodard, CEO, Woodard

If I’m being honest, this is an area that I have always struggled with.  I am passionate about what I do, including being active in professional activities, I love the people that I work with and have the opportunity to work with great clients.  I have always believed that hard work can make a difference in not only my life but also in the life of someone else.  Both of my parents were hardworking people, and they instilled the belief in me, that you get back way more than you give if you do it right and with the right intent.  I don’t regret the investment I have made in my career, and I look forward to a little more balance in the future😊!

— Candace Wright, immediate past chair of the Private Company Council of the Financial Accounting Foundation

Yes. Work-life balance does not have to be a zero-sum game where one side wins while the other side loses. You can achieve an enormous amount in both realms if they are well-integrated and you remove distractions from your life. For me, achieving work-life balance has required thoughtful prioritization and habit formation over a long period of time. I started with a vision for the well-rounded person I want to be in the future (I am still a work in progress!) and I design each day around the habits that will compound over time to create that person. I track my habits every day and sit down monthly to review the data and give myself feedback. A lot of people think that work-life balance is achieved by working less and living more; sometimes that is the remedy, but I believe that work is a fundamental part of life. We were designed to use our individual giftings to create, to serve and to contribute to our fellow man through work. Therefore, it is important that we design systems in our life that allow us to give our best to everyone in our lives, whether it’s at work, home or in our communities. 

— David Wurtzbacher, founder & CEO, Ascend 

I established my firm, CPA By Choice, on the premises of work-life balance, something I didn’t have during my time working with a National Public Accounting Firm. If you ask any of my staff members, they’ll tell you I’ve always emphasized putting Family First. We offer remote work options, enforce a no-email-after-hours policy, and hold regular team building activities.

— Peter Yu, CEO, CPA by Choice

2024 brought a variety of ups and downs to the U.S. stock market, job market, and individuals’ pocketbooks and financial plans. 

The year started with volatility driven by inflation, interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical issues. Yet the second half of 2024 has seen some stabilization as inflation receded and the Federal Reserve started to signal a pause in interest rate increases. 

However, what does not change is that we need to help our clients navigate their taxes and provide guidance for their financial future amidst the backdrop of uncertainty. 

As we approach 2025, now is an important time to sit down with clients to review their goals and do specific year-end planning to help them keep more of what they earn. We have put together a helpful guide to have productive conversations with clients about maximizing retirement contributions, considering tax-smart investment strategies to reduce their tax burden and more. 

Maximizing retirement contributions

Whether it is a 401(k) or a SIMPLE IRA, workplace retirement plans are a great option for clients to reduce their taxable income and save more of what they earn for their retirement. You should highly encourage your clients to participate in the employer-offered retirement plan. 

If the employer offers a retirement contribution match, clients should try to at least contribute enough to receive the full match. To harness the most tax-efficient elements of the plan, clients should max out the retirement plan, which reduces their overall taxable income. The 401(k)-employee contribution limit in 2024 is $23,000, but those 50 and older can contribute up to $30,500. The employee contribution limit for a SIMPLE IRA in 2024 is $16,000.   

Tax-smart investment strategies

End-of-year financial reviews should provide an outline of the gains and losses in your clients’ portfolios. This may identify opportunities for tax-loss harvesting. Tax-loss harvesting is when capital losses from one investment are used to offset taxes owed on capital gains from another investment or personal income. 

There are restrictions on the amount you can deduct from personal income taxes due to tax-loss harvesting; however, this could be something to consider if a client navigated several capital losses this year. 

Understanding their tax bracket

Work with your clients so they understand where they fall in their tax bracket to determine the most ideal strategies for them. For example, if your client is on the cusp of a higher tax bracket, are there tax-smart strategies that they should consider to stay below that higher tax bracket?

Questions to ask your clients:

• Are they planning to sell an asset that would be subject to a capital gains tax? These are taxes that a client could pay on profits made from the sales of an asset like real estate or stock. If your client owned an asset for less than a year, they may owe a short-term capital gains tax depending on their tax rate. If this is the case, you can recommend that they hold onto the asset for longer to reduce their tax burden. On the other hand, if they owned something for more than a year, they may owe a long-term capital gains tax. You might consider investigating tax-loss harvesting opportunities. 
• Are they invested in their employer’s health savings account or flexible spending account? These accounts set aside money from a client’s paycheck prior to taxes, which will lower their taxable income. 
• Are there opportunities to defer a payment or a payout from a sale of an asset, collection of severance or other incoming money? If your client was laid off and is collecting a severance or sold a large asset of value (real estate, stocks, etc.), that income amount might push them into a higher tax bracket. It would be beneficial to decide now if they should split those payments between two years if it would lower the overall tax burden.
• Do they expect to have income from investments? If so, they might be liable for a 3.8% net investment income tax on the lesser of their net investment income. Net investment income includes, but is not limited to interest, dividends, capital gains, rental and royalty income, and non-qualified annuities.

Consider opportunities to give back

This is a great time of year to discuss with clients causes that are important to them and if they want to provide a monetary contribution — whether financial, stocks, or a high-value item for donation. Open conversations about donations can uncover opportunities that may be eligible for a federal tax deduction. If your client is interested in donating directly to a charity of their choice in a donor-advised fund, it will only be deductible if they itemize and exceed the standard deduction. 

If your client is interested in donating directly to a charity, they may consider a qualified charitable distribution. This is a tax-free transfer of money from an IRA to a charity. Normally, a traditional IRA distribution is taxable; however, a QCD is tax-free as long as it is transferred directly to a charity. This option is available for individuals over 70½ years of age or older. The maximum amount that can be transferred through a QCD is $100,000. A QCD can provide several tax benefits. QCD can count toward required minimum distributions of a client’s IRA, therefore, reducing their taxable income. 

A donor-advised fund is a charitable investment account focused on supporting charitable organizations your clients care about. If your client contributes either cash or other assets to a DAF, they could take an immediate tax deduction. Keep in mind that some clients may want to start their own charitable fund, or support a 501(c)(3) organization’s DAF. In addition, as they decide on what organizations to support, those funds can grow tax-free and benefit the charitable organizations in the future. 

Start conversations about the TCJA sunset

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act instituted significant Tax Code changes that reduced taxes for many individual investors; however, these tax cuts are only temporary. The TCJA is set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress decides to take action. 

Your clients may have seen tax cuts due to the TCJA and if they have, it will behoove you to have transparent conversations with them about how to navigate the TCJA expiring in 2025 and the potential tax increases they could see. 

The most significant tax cuts in the TCJA included: 

• Federal individual income tax rates generally decreased;
• Many itemized deductions were capped or disallowed;
• The standard deduction doubled;
• Changes to the Alternative Minimum Tax rules decreased the number of individual taxpayers subject to the AMT;
• The gift and estate tax exemption doubled; and,
• The qualified business income deduction was introduced.

Although how Congress will address the TCJA sunsetting in 2025 is unknown, it is critical for you to understand how the TCJA impacted your clients to help them determine how they will or will not be affected. As you have conversations with clients during year-end planning, here are areas to consider: 

• Income tax planning: Take a look at your clients’ federal income tax rates now compared to 2017 and see if they were higher. Then review the AMT and check to see if your clients may qualify for that under pre-TCJA rules. Understanding if your clients will have a higher income tax or be subject to the AMT under pre-TCJA rules is important for them to know ahead of time and discuss potential income deferral strategies — especially for retirees who are navigating distributions or Roth conversions. 
• Standard deduction: If your clients currently claim the standard deduction under TCJA, but they used to itemize, you may start flagging for them that they should consider itemizing for 2026 and the best ways to do that. 
• Gift and estate planning: Currently, the enhanced gift and estate tax exemption is $13.61 million, but this will be cut in half after 2025 if the TCJA expires. You should have open discussions with your high-net-worth clients if they are considering making large gifts and if they want to use this exemption. Keep in mind, many wealth transfer strategies like the creation of trusts or real estate transfers require time to fully implement. If you have these conversations with clients now, they’ll be able to stay in front of potential changes and hopefully avoid any delays.

Help your clients keep more of what they earn

Having transparent and open year-end financial planning conversations now with your clients will help them get a head start on the coming year, identify goals, and determine the right strategies for their unique situation. It will also give you more opportunities to collaborate with financial advisors, estate attorneys, and other professionals to navigate the more complicated issues.

Is it possible to strike a harmony between the professional and personal? The Top 100 Most Influential People have various views on the subject, based on their experiences ascending in their careers. 

We asked this year’s Top 100 People: “Do you feel you have work-life balance? If so, how have you achieved it?” and they shared their thoughts, as well as some advice for how to better walk that tightrope between home and office obligations. 

(To see the full responses of all the candidates for the Top 100, click here. And to see who the Top 100 voted the most influential, see here.)