As students enter the workforce in the upcoming years, developing good habits in terms of work performance, work-life balance, and self-care is important to start as soon as possible. Mental health is relevant in all aspects of our lives, and work/school is certainly one of the leading factors that affect our mental health. This is why events like the Telfer Accounting Club’s annual Mental Health gala are putting this topic in center stage and helping accounting students prepare for success and wellness together.

The Telfer Accounting Club (TAC)’s annual Mental Health Gala was hosted on January 23rd, 2024, at the elegant restaurant e18theen in the Byward Market, Ottawa. Students were able to gather for an evening meant to unwind and start the new school semester on a positive note. They were joined by representatives from other firms, organizations, and universities that created an interactive environment for networking and a chance for students to engage with industry leaders.

Accounting and Mental Health

TAC’s initiative to put on this annual gala is in hopes of recognizing and addressing the issue of mental health in the accounting industry. Due to the field’s demanding nature, long working hours, frequent overtime and it being normalized to work with minimal breaks, mental health struggles are on the rise. The high-pressure environment is often associated with burnout as well affecting not only the productivity of firms but more importantly, the wellbeing of these professionals. According to a survey done by CPA in 2021, over half of the accountants who responded reported having mental health issues, and nearly 48% considered taking a leave of absence due to this. However, research also shows that accountants are significantly less likely to report mental health problems or take a leave of absence in comparison to others in different professions (Jeffrey, 2022).Thus, an event like this one offers students a chance to connect with individuals to share experiences, seek guidance from professionals, and break the stigma. TAC acknowledges the importance of promoting the prioritization of mental health and wishes to encourage discussions on this topic to inspire a healthier work environment.

An Insightful and Elegant Evening

The gala presented a carefully curated itinerary that provided a good mix of networking opportunities, an inspiring speech, and a chance to connect with peers while maintaining a sophisticated yet relaxing atmosphere. Guests arrived in the evening and received a drink and food and were greeted by tables of the gracious sponsors of the events, such as prominent names like BDO, MNP, KPMG, and CPA Canada. The restaurant was beautiful and created a friendly environment for students and professionals alike to interact and promote the headlining topic.

The thought-provoking speech delivered by Emma Thorne, Manager at BDO, was a highlight of the evening. Emma pursued a 2nd degree in accounting and obtained her CPA while working full-time at a firm. Through sharing her personal experience in regards to becoming an accountant, she touched upon many feelings that many in the audience can relate to: the feeling of always being behind, to prove herself to others, and how draining it was to keep up with her expectations. Emma shared she felt a burnout approaching, and took a mental health break to recuperate. She shared how her boss was supportive as she opened up and it was a great decision that kept her going afterwards. Thorne’s points on maintaining a work-life balance resonated with the audience. Her insights were a great reminder of the significance of taking care of one's mental health and listening to our needs to thrive in such a demanding profession.

Furthermore, the key partners and sponsors of the event provided invaluable networking opportunities and insights into the accounting industry. On top of the sponsors mentioned above, other educational institutions, such as the University of Toronto, and Sprott, were present as well. Students were able to ask questions, and build connections, and it was a great opportunity to secure internship opportunities as well.

TAC’s Vision and What’s Next

This event, among other TAC events, is a stepping stone that allows students to integrate into the professional world with the resources and skills they need. While industries like accounting may be intimidating to join, TAC hopes to weaken the barriers of entry by allowing students to have a sense of the work and environment they will be joining. The mental health gala is an opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health during studies as well, and TAC aims to contribute to the paradigm shift in the industry’s culture. Events like these are fundamental to fostering a community where students and professionals feel supported and motivated to pursue their goals. Based on the positive feedback received by all participants, the impact of this gala was undeniable and achieved by uplifting student’s spirits when it comes to networking events and starting the discussion on mental health. These initiatives are wonderful for accounting and non-accounting students alike to gain knowledge, make connections, and join an active community in their industry.

In all, Telfer Accounting Club’s Mental Health Gala was a superb evening that offered chances to address the challenges posed by the accounting industry and emphasized the importance of mental health for all. The club’s dedication to creating a supportive and enriching environment for students is actively shaping the future of aspiring accountants. Events like these will undoubtedly make a difference within the accounting community.

To learn more about the Telfer Accounting Club and their upcoming events, visit their Instagram page: @telfer_ac

References;

Jeffrey, G. (2022, October 19). It’s time for cpas to have a mental health check up. Cpa. https://www.cpacanada.ca/news/pivot-magazine/mental-health-research