The Hidden Ledger: Mental Health in the Finance Profession
In finance, we are used to balancing books, forecasting trends, and making sure every figure adds up. But there’s another ledger that rarely makes it into the annual report—the state of our own mental health. And the truth is, it’s looking worryingly out of balance.
Recent surveys have shown just how widespread the problem has become. Nine out of ten accountants say stress at work is damaging their wellbeing, and more than eight in ten finance professionals have considered leaving their job because of mental health concerns. Almost half have actually done so. These aren’t isolated cases or the result of one-off crises—this is becoming part of the profession’s daily reality. The costs aren’t just human, either. For the finance and insurance sector, poor mental health now carries the highest price tag of any UK industry, estimated at £5,379 per employee each year.
We’ve always known this is a high-pressure career. The deadlines are fixed, the work is unforgiving, and mistakes can have serious consequences for clients and organisations. Compliance demands grow every year, client expectations rarely ease, and the pace of business means the working day often stretches well beyond office hours. Technology has made us more efficient in some ways, but it’s also made us more reachable—emails and spreadsheets don’t respect evenings or weekends.
It’s no surprise, then, that more than half of accountants report symptoms of burnout. Over half also say they dread going to work because of anxiety or depression, and almost 44% link their mental health problems directly to the pressures of the job. Sleep disruption is common, affecting more than a third of finance professionals. One in five say they work in a toxic culture. And perhaps most concerning, one in four don’t feel comfortable raising mental health concerns with their manager, often fearing it might damage their career.
Yet there are signs of change. Workplaces where leaders talk openly about mental health see far better outcomes—85% of staff feel supported, compared to just 31% in places where leaders keep quiet. Support services are becoming more visible, with organisations like caba stepping up to meet growing demand. Thousands of accountants have accessed counselling, advice, and wellbeing resources in the past year alone. Professional bodies are also starting to include mental health in CPD and leadership training. The challenge is making sure these resources aren’t just available, but actively encouraged and normalised.
On a personal level, there are small steps that can help shift the balance. Setting boundaries with technology—especially outside working hours—can protect rest time. Talking about mental health with trusted colleagues or managers, and using available support services, makes a difference. Prioritising sleep, exercise, and breaks during the day isn’t self-indulgent; it’s essential for performance. And watching for early warning signs like persistent fatigue, detachment, or irritability can help prevent burnout before it takes hold.
The finance profession prides itself on resilience, precision, and high standards. But those qualities can’t come at the expense of the people behind the numbers. If we truly believe in sustainability, it has to apply to our working lives as much as to our balance sheets. Wellbeing isn’t a side project—it’s as critical to long-term success as any audit, forecast, or compliance report.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Support is available through caba, Mind, or Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7 in the UK).