Laura Ștefan, Managing Director, Accace Romania: There’s a greater emphasis on technology-driven leadership, with a need for leaders to be more tech-savvy and innovative in their approach

The sentiment at the start of 2024 in the business services industry is prudently optimistic. Given the dynamic nature of global markets and the increasing complexity of regulatory environments, companies should prioritize agility and digital transformation. Leveraging technology to streamline processes and improve efficiency will be crucial. Companies must also focus on compliance and adapt to changing tax and legal frameworks, particularly in areas like VAT, GDPR, ESG, labor law, and international taxation.

The fundamentals of leadership in 2024 revolve around adaptability, strategic foresight, and a strong focus on sustainability and ethical practices.

Compared to past years, there’s a greater emphasis on technology-driven leadership, with a need for leaders to be more tech-savvy and innovative in their approach. The integration of technology, including AI, in every aspect of business requires leaders who can deal with these changes effectively.

Leadership should also be focused on creating a supportive and engaging work environment. At Accace Romania, we understand the importance of employee experience in driving business success. Compared to previous years, there is now a greater emphasis on leaders being approachable and fostering open communication. Regular 1:1 meetings and company-wide sessions for feedback at Accace exemplify this shift towards a more inclusive and employee-centric leadership style.

Over the past years, customers have increasingly expected more personalized, efficient, and technologically advanced services.

The challenge in 2024 will be balancing these expectations with the complexities of a global business environment, including diverse and ever-changing regulatory requirements and the need to provide secure and trustworthy services.

In 2024, areas such as digital accounting services, tax advisory, and compliance are in focus for growth. The trend towards digital transformation, including cloud-based solutions for accounting and HR, presents significant opportunities. Additionally, the demand for expert guidance in complex tax landscapes and the need for compliance services in a rapidly changing legal environment are areas likely to drive growth.

Key skills that need to be consolidated include technological proficiency, adaptability, and a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and how these impact the activity of their clients. As services become more complex, teams must be adept at using advanced technologies, understanding international tax laws, and being agile enough to adapt to new challenges and client needs. Due to our “one step ahead of your needs” approach, our colleagues have started mastering their skills to become proactive consultants who know their clients’ needs well and can find personalized solutions to all their requests.

In 2023, Accace Romania notably succeeded in adapting the systems and processes to accommodate the complex changes in the tax compliance environment while maintaining a high client satisfaction rate. Personally, I am proudest of our team’s resilience and adaptability in facing the year’s challenges and our commitment to providing top-quality services. Our continued dedication to excellence and innovation is what motivates me in a challenging environment.

As we step into a new year, I am inspired by the adaptability and innovation I see in our industry. My message to my peers is to embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Let’s continue to drive our businesses forward with a focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and ethical leadership. By doing so, we can not only delve into the complexities of our industry but also contribute positively to the global business landscape.

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Accace Romania was founded in Bucharest in 2007, being one of the first international branches of Accace. Understanding the needs of our clients to have all internal processes managed under one umbrella, we have developed into a proactive consultancy and outsourcing partner who bridges the gap between needs and solutions, by combining smart and streamlined technology with a holistic approach.  Today, we offer accounting, reporting, payroll, HR administration services, tax and corporate advisory and legal consultancy through an affiliated law firm.  At international level, we are engaging over 800 specialists who have vast experience in handling small to large scale multi-country BPO projects for over 2,000 clients from various industries.