Imposter Syndrome in Accountants: Understanding, Overcoming, and Thriving

Do you ever feel like you don't belong, like you're not good enough, or like you're a fraud, despite evidence to the contrary? If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome as an accountant.

On this page:

What is imposter syndrome?

Who does it affect?

What is the imposter syndrome cycle?

How can you overcome imposter syndrome as an accountant?

What is imposter syndrome?

Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their skills, accomplishments, and abilities and have an internalised fear of being exposed as fraud or imposter despite evidence of their competence.

People with impostor syndrome often attribute their success to luck or external factors rather than their own hard work or ability. It can manifest in various areas of life, including work, relationship, and personal endeavours, and can be experienced by people of any gender, age, or background.

The symptoms of imposter syndrome can vary from person to person. But some common signs include self-doubt, overachievement, fear of failure, perfectionism, difficulty accepting praise, procrastination, comparison with others, stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Who does it affect?

Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of their background, gender, age, or profession. It is commonly observed in high achievers, such as students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, who may feel like they do not deserve their success and fear being exposed as frauds.

However, imposter syndrome can also affect people who are just starting out in their careers, people who have been in their professions for a long time, and people in any other area of life where they feel like they are expected to perform at a high level.

While there are many ways to categorise imposter syndrome, some experts have identified five main types:

The Perfectionist: This involves setting extremely high expectations for oneself and feeling like anything less than perfect is a failure.

The Superwoman/man: People with this type of imposter syndrome feel like they have to work harder and achieve more than others in order to prove themselves.

The Expert: This type of imposter syndrome involves feeling like you have to know everything and be an expert in your field in order to be successful.

The Soloist: This involves feeling as though you must do everything on your own and that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

The Natural Genius: This type of imposter syndrome involves feeling like you must be naturally gifted or talented in order to succeed.

It's important to note that these types of imposter syndrome are not mutually exclusive, and many people may experience a combination of different types. Recognising which type(s) of imposter syndrome you may be experiencing can be a helpful first step in overcoming it.

Remember that overcoming imposter syndrome is a process, and it may take time and effort to change your thinking patterns. Be patient with yourself and keep working towards your goals.

What is the imposter syndrome cycle?

The cycle of imposter syndrome typically involves four stages.

The first stage is experiencing a trigger, such as receiving praise or being faced with a new challenge. This trigger leads to feelings of self-doubt and insecurity.

In the second stage, individuals start to experience imposter thoughts, such as “I don't deserve this “or “I'm not good enough”. These thoughts can be very persistent and can lead to anxiety and stress.

The third stage involves coping behaviours, where individuals may overwork, procrastinate, or avoid situations that trigger their imposter feelings. These behaviours may provide temporary relief but can ultimately reinforce feelings of self-doubt.

The final stage is the feeling of temporary success or relief, which can lead to a repeat of the cycle. When individuals experience success, they may attribute it to external factors rather than their own abilities, which can perpetuate imposter thoughts and feelings in the long term.

Breaking the cycle of imposter syndrome requires recognising and addressing each of these stages.

It involves developing self-awareness, challenging negative thoughts, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. With time and practice, individuals can learn to overcome imposter syndrome and build more positive self-beliefs.

How can you overcome imposter syndrome as an accountant?

Overcoming imposter syndrome can be a challenging journey, but it is possible. Here are some effective strategies to help you overcome imposter syndrome:

• Start by recognising and acknowledging your feelings. It's important to understand that these feelings are common and don't necessarily reflect reality.
• Work on reframing negative thoughts by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments instead of perceived weaknesses.
• Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself. Avoid self-criticism and treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.
• Seek support from trusted friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about your experiences can help you overcome imposter syndrome.
• Celebrate your successes, even if they feel small. Recognise that you've worked hard and deserve to feel proud.
• Take risks and embrace challenges, even if they feel uncomfortable at first. Over time, this can help build confidence and self-belief.
• Record positive feedback or compliments you receive from others and refer to them when you feel self-doubt.

Remember that overcoming imposter syndrome is a process, and it may take time and effort to change your thinking patterns.

Be patient with yourself and keep working towards your goals in your profession. With time and practice, you can learn to overcome this and build more positive self-beliefs, ultimately thriving in all areas of your life.