Identifying the Propensity for Burnout in a Professional Setting: A Field Study of Accountants

The issue of burnout among accountants has been a significant concern in recent years, with both micro and macro-level implications. Accounting roles are characterized by demanding schedules, complex tasks, stringent time constraints, and a fundamental requirement for precision and detail-oriented work. These inherent characteristics increase the likelihood of feelings of burnout and turnover intentions. The situation has been even more pronounced after COVID-19. Yet, discussions on the subject matter are largely missing in accounting literature. This study is significant because it is one of the few studies in accounting literature to address this literature gap by seeking to empirically test how proactive coping strategies and personality traits can effectively mitigate burnout in accountants. Accountants who proactively utilize coping strategies are expected to be better equipped to navigate job demands and reduce burnout. This research discusses strategies for improving employee well-being and retention within the accounting field. The Job Demands-Resource (JDR) model, transactional stress model, and proactive coping strategy are the theoretical foundations of the study. Based on its findings, the study also recommends coping strategies to address the issue of turnover intentions in the accounting industry.