#Japan #Tokyo #Audit Firms #REX Advisors #busy season

Audit Firms' Busy Season: Insights from REX Advisors

In the fast-paced world of auditing, busy seasons often lead to extreme working conditions. REX Advisors, a company specializing in career support for tax accountants and certified public accountants, conducted an in-depth survey exploring the nuances of busy seasons in audit firms across Japan. The study gathered insights from 269 employees, including 189 in managerial positions and 80 staff members, shedding light on their experiences during this demanding time.

Key Findings from the Survey

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Overtime Statistics

During the busy period, it's common for employees to work over 40 hours of overtime, with one-third reporting 60 hours or more. Alarmingly, about 10% of participants indicated they frequently exceed 80 hours in overtime. Moreover, nearly 70% of respondents claimed to work more than 40 hours overtime compared to their usual schedule, with around 30% experiencing an increase of over 60 hours.

Late-Night Working Hours

Late-night shifts are a frequent occurrence, with over 70% of employees having worked past 10 PM. Some even reported working past midnight, drastically affecting their work-life balance and overall health.

Sleep Deprivation Concerns

The strain of the busy season impacts sleep significantly; approximately 60% of respondents average less than five hours of sleep, with 17% getting four hours or less.

Discontent with Working Conditions

Notably, dissatisfaction stems beyond excessive working hours. Many employees voiced frustration over inflexible work arrangements, lack of remote options, and unmanageable customer demands, highlighting the need for improved management practices within their firms. While only 10% of employees actively sought to change jobs due to busy season stress, over 80% considered seeking new opportunities at various times.

Differences Between Audit Firms and Accounting Firms

Interestingly, findings suggest similar overtime patterns between audit and accounting firms, with around one-third of respondents in both sectors working over 60 hours of overtime. However, audit firms exhibited a more pronounced difference between regular and busy season overtime, indicating a more structured approach to workload distribution.

End-of-Shift and Sleep Time Insights

When examining late-night work experiences, 69% of audit employees reported working past 10 PM, close to the 72% reporting from accounting firms, pointing to an industry-wide challenge. In terms of sleep duration, it was noted that audit firm employees generally had shorter average sleep hours compared to their counterparts in accounting firms, though variations in individual circumstances may account for this difference.

Survey Methodology

This thorough survey was carried out through PRISMA’s research panel from May 20 to May 24, 2026, targeting individuals currently employed at audit firms nationwide. The effective sample size was 269, with 189 in managerial roles and 80 in staff positions.

For Media Inquiries

We invite media representatives to reference this research with the acknowledgment "According to REX Advisors". For further inquiries, please contact the marketing department at REX Advisors via email at [email protected].

About REX Advisors

Founded in 2004, REX Advisors focuses on providing comprehensive career support and recruitment services specifically for tax accountants, certified public accountants, and finance professionals. Operating nationwide, they have offices in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Okayama, ensuring a one-stop solution for both job seekers and employers in the finance sector.