The Effect of COVID-19 on Professional Accountants

Abstract

Covid-19 has affected the business methods and procedures of almost all professions as well as the economies of the countries. Many professions in Turkey have felt the adverse effects of the pandemic. One of these professions is Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The pandemic has significantly affected accounting practices and the roles of professionals. Therefore, the need to learn in detail from the experts has emerged. So, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the pandemic on the professional activities of CPAs. In this direction, using the interview technique, eight questions were asked to eight professionals, mainly problems, expectations, income status, workload, and work stress. The results of the research revealed that the members of the profession had problems with both government institutions and taxpayers. As a result of the research, the CPAs stated that they had difficulty finding an interlocutor during the pandemic and had severe communication problems. Emphasizing their income has decreased significantly, the CPAs also said that their workload has increased.