The UK’s finance leaders are stressed, overworked and battling severe wellbeing challenges, with four in five (82%) feeling workplace stress and 40% saying they are stressed most of the time, new research suggests.

And almost all, or 93%, of Britain’s financial chiefs work beyond their contracted hours, with nearly a third (32%) working the equivalent of an extra unpaid day every month.

The findings, from a survey of more than 1,000 mid-market finance decision-makers commissioned by accounting software firm iplicit, reveal a sector struggling under talent shortages, budget pressures and outdated technology — all of which are driving excessive workloads.

What’s Driving Stress in Finance?

Finance professionals are under intense pressure, with the top causes of stress including:

  • Staff shortages – 28% say their organisation lacks the resources to meet demand.
  • Budget constraints – 27% feel the weight of financial pressures.
  • Reporting demands – 24% struggle with excessive time spent on audits and month-end accounts.
  • Team management – 24% find leading teams an ongoing challenge.
  • Fraud and security concerns – 19% worry about compliance risks.
  • Board reporting – 17% feel pressured by expectations from senior leadership.

Many finance professionals believe the responsibility lies with employers to improve working conditions and protect staff from burnout, the survey indicates.

Fixing Finance: Strategies for Reducing Stress

While the findings paint a bleak picture, solutions exist. Experts say businesses can take immediate steps to ease pressure and create healthier workplaces.

Rethinking Workloads with Smarter Tech

One of the biggest inefficiencies in finance is the reliance on outdated, manual processes. Many SMEs spend up to four weeks on month-end reporting, the research found — time that could be reclaimed with automation and cloud-based finance systems.

Olivia McMillan, Chief Operations Officer at iplicit, says modernisation is crucial. “While it’s concerning to see high levels of stress impacting UK finance leaders, finance transformation offers hope for the future,” she said. “By adopting more efficient solutions that automate and streamline key processes, finance leaders can win back valuable time lost to manual processes and cumbersome spreadsheets.”

Automating tasks like accounts payable, reporting and reconciliation can dramatically cut workloads and reduce stress, allowing teams to focus on strategic work rather than repetitive admin.

Embedding Wellbeing into Workplace Culture

Many finance professionals feel unable to discuss stress, fearing it may be seen as a weakness. Addressing this stigma is crucial.

Becky Glover, Finance Director at Yutree Insurance, emphasises open communication. “Employers are ultimately responsible for ensuring staff are happy at work and that their wellbeing isn’t suffering because of their workload,” she said. “In my view, this boils down to having open communication and, sadly, there is still a stigma when it comes to talking about stress in the workplace.”

Glover add that this was true “[e]specially for those in senior positions that feel they should be taking on the brunt of the stress for the team. Luckily, the new generation entering the workforce appear to be more comfortable talking about stress and are more aware of its far-reaching negative effect.”

Encouraging honest conversations about workload and mental health, alongside offering Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and stress management resources, can improve workplace wellbeing.

Bridging the Finance Talent Gap

A talent shortage in finance is a major stress driver. Without new, skilled professionals entering the workforce, workloads will continue to mount.

Experts say a tech-forward approach is key to attracting young talent. Glover warns that organisations relying on outdated systems will struggle to recruit and retain finance professionals:

“There is a talent shortage in Accounting and Finance that we need to address urgently, and embracing technology will be key. The younger generation is used to using technology in day-to-day life, and if a workplace isn’t tech-forward, it will fail to attract, retain, and upskill these candidates.”

Investing in upskilling programmes and modern finance technology will make organisations more appealing to the next generation of finance leaders.

Preparing for the ‘Right to Switch Off’ Law

The Labour government’s Right to Switch Off policy, set to become law under the Employment Rights Bill in 2026, aims to give employees better work-life balance. The legislation is expected to restrict employers from contacting staff outside contracted hours except in emergencies.

But finance leaders warn that this alone won’t fix burnout.

“Stress doesn’t always stem exclusively from working long hours,” says Glover. “It is often the result of the day-to-day pressures of a finance role.”

Companies shouldn’t wait for legislation to make changes. Instead, they should proactively introduce clear boundaries around working hours, ensuring employees can disconnect from work without guilt.

A More Sustainable Future for Finance

Stress and overwork in the UK’s finance sector won’t be solved overnight, but businesses that embrace smarter working practices, invest in technology and prioritise wellbeing will see the biggest improvements.

By reducing inefficiencies, fostering a culture of openness, and preparing for future workforce changes, organisations can protect their finance teams from burnout and build a healthier, more resilient sector.