Wherever one looks, it seems that uncertainty is constantly on the rise. Terrifying climate forecasts, labour unrest, the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, geopolitical and economic instability. For the average person, burdened by uncertainty, making even the most trivial day-to-day decisions is becoming increasingly difficult. The business reality is no different, especially as many everyday issues have a bearing on the running of enterprises.

Quality learning and development (L&D) equips our professional accountants to better serve their purpose, to be sustainable business and finance professionals that business and society demand them to be.

The finance industry is one of the most prestigious and lucrative industries today. However, the ability to work in an industry as broad and all-encompassing as this one is heavily dependent upon four vital requirements: a sound understanding of mathematical principles and theories, outstanding time-management skills, strict attention to detail, and fluency across multiple languages.

The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have had a significant impact on the global economy, demonstrating that the geopolitical situation significantly affects all asset classes, including currencies. Faced with falling exchange rates, many have begun to look for alternative security for their assets with some deciding to place their savings in cryptocurrencies. One example of this is given by the Ukrainian government, which, at the beginning of the armed conflict, placed the equivalent of $100 million in cryptocurrencies, which was used to initially support the armed forces. In crisis situations, it turns out that cryptocurrencies can be much more stable than ‘traditional’ currencies, and shows how relevant cryptocurrencies can be on a global scale.

The demand for financial department specialists remains high in virtually every area of the market – in particular in SSC/BPO, e-commerce, and real estate. Currently, the recruitment efforts of companies are largely the result of the progressive digitalisation of various sectors of the economy. This digital transformation has also changed the profile of the most sought-after job candidates in the banking sector. Those who are most widely in demand are employees who can combine specialist knowledge of both finance and IT, including business intelligence analysts. How are the employment prospects and wages of finance specialists likely to develop in the coming months?

One of the key factors influencing the immediate career decisions of finance experts – whether to change jobs or pursue further development with their current employer – is the strength of the relationship with their immediate supervisor. Managers who actively develop talent and visibly support career progression are an invaluable resource in the attraction and retention strategy.

The much-hailed amendment to the Labour Code, which will introduce rules on remote working, is fast approaching. New regulations will replace the current outdated teleworking provisions and are intended to overcome a slew of problems and doubts concerning remote working that have built up over the last two and a half years. One such issue in question is the employer’s duty to cover the costs of remote working.

All the economic indicators suggest that the world is headed toward another economic slowdown. Certain countries and industries are struggling with particular challenges. The pandemic uncertainty still prevails, and on top of that we are staring down the spectre of an energy and commodities crisis.

Does your business have the technology and processes in place to comply with e-invoicing requirements? This is not an abstract question, but an urgent compliance issue. If your business does not currently have e-invoicing compliance obligations, chances are you will in the near future. As more countries implement electronic requirements for invoicing and filing VAT submissions, businesses need to ensure they can meet their obligations, or risk fines and penalties.

Polish exports to the UK are growing, despite Brexit – according to Britain’s Office of National Statistics, the value of Polish goods exported there has hit record levels in the second quarter (£3.1 billion) and first half (£5.8 billion) of 2022. Yet despite this good news, Polish businesses selling goods to the UK face numerous challenges. Below, I list a few ways that can help them stabilise financial flows, manage risk in a dynamically changing environment, and increase the profitability of doing business. I also recommend looking at the possibilities of developing foreign sales in the e-commerce channel – today it is much simpler than it used to be, and the UK market remains attractive in this respect.

This article looks at how firms can lower their financing costs, avoiding high interest rates – in other words – what are the optimal financing methods during a time of crisis?

In the spring of 1990, I read an article in the member’s magazine of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) while working in my training firm’s offices in the Channel Islands. Entitled ‘Poland needs auditors’, it was written by my fellow compatriot and ICAEW member Andrzej Kinast. Little did I realise this article was sowing the seeds of my future career!

Polish businesses are to be helped in their struggle against the negative effects of Brexit with more than 500 million złotys from the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve.