6 Time Management Tips to Boost Your Productivity

This is highly helpful for everyone aspiring to increase his or her own productivity at work.

By Dr. Estefania T. Lattao, CPA

In our profession—whether you’re a CPA, a bookkeeper, or an aspiring accounting student—managing time wisely is just as important as managing money. With deadlines, reports, CPD seminars, client meetings, and family obligations, it often feels like 24 hours just isn’t enough.

But here’s the good news: with a few simple strategies, you can get more done without burning out. Let me share 6 time management tips that have worked wonders for me and countless professionals I’ve coached.

1. Prioritize What Really Matters

Start your day by identifying your top three most important tasks (MITs). Ask yourself: If I only accomplish these three things today, will I consider it a successful day? This prevents you from getting stuck in busy work and helps you focus on high-impact activities, like finishing a client’s financial report or preparing for a CPD webinar.

2. Use the Pomodoro Technique

Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus only on one task. After the timer rings, take a 5-minute break. After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes). This technique trains your brain to concentrate, and those breaks help prevent burnout, especially useful when doing repetitive bookkeeping tasks.

3. Batch Similar Tasks Together

Group tasks that require the same kind of thinking or tools. For instance, respond to all emails in one go, or schedule all client calls in one afternoon. Switching between different types of tasks kills momentum and eats up more time than you think!

4. Learn to Say “No” Politely but Firmly

Not every meeting, invitation, or task deserves your time. Before saying yes, ask yourself: Is this aligned with my goals today? If not, it’s okay to respectfully decline or delegate. Remember: saying “no” to distractions means saying “yes” to your priorities.

5. Use a Planner—Digital or Manual

Don’t keep everything in your head. Whether it’s Google Calendar, Trello, or a trusty notebook planner, write down your appointments, to-dos, and deadlines. Seeing your tasks on paper (or screen) clears your mind and helps you plan realistically.

6. Reflect and Adjust Weekly

Spend 15–30 minutes at the end of each week to ask:

• What worked well?

• What slowed me down?

• What will I do differently next week? Continuous improvement is key in our line of work, just like adjusting journal entries to reflect the right balances.

  
  

Final Thought

Time is our most precious, non-renewable resource. Whether you’re balancing work, studies, or CPD hours, managing your time well gives you the freedom to work more and live better.

Let’s help each other grow—not just as professionals but as people. Feel free to share this with everyone who might need it!