TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Accountants in Taiwan are grappling with excessive working hours and inadequate compensation, according to a 2024 report from Salary.tw (比薪水). The study found that accounting professionals average 10.14 daily working hours while auditors earn less than NT$41,000 monthly. This troubling combination has sparked industry-wide concerns about professional well-being and sustainability.
Ms. Chang (張小姐), a practicing accountant, described May as particularly demanding due to business tax filing deadlines. During this period, accountants must meticulously reconcile accounts and calculate corporate income based on complex financial statements and tax regulations. Beyond these core duties, professionals must continuously monitor changing regulations, develop tax-saving strategies, and help clients secure government subsidies.
Accountant Li Wei-jen (李維仁) reports that firms have begun implementing artificial intelligence tools to reduce overtime and optimize staff allocation. He notes significant variations in overtime requirements across different organizations, with traditional Big Four accounting firms typically demanding more overtime hours. Tseng Chung-wei (曾仲葳), representing a job bank, recommends that companies institute strict time-tracking systems and increase staffing to address overwork concerns.
Maintaining reasonable workloads and ensuring adequate rest periods remains essential for sustainable operations throughout the accounting sector. As the industry confronts these challenges, stakeholders must prioritize initiatives supporting healthier work-life balance for accounting professionals.