In this video, we address an important issue regarding the work of accounting firms in Poland. In practice, many clients are dissatisfied with the quality of the services provided, which causes serious problems for both clients and accountants. In our view, the problem lies in two main areas: client expectations and accounting practices themselves.
Client Expectations of Accounting Services
Many clients who move to Poland from Ukraine or Belarus have incorrect expectations when it comes to working with accountants. They are used to systems where an accountant is a sort of multi-functional specialist who handles a wide range of tasks. In Poland, however, accounting operates differently. Clients often expect their accountant to be an active participant in the business, not just someone who files tax declarations at the end of the month.
This often leads to disappointment and frustration. Clients must understand that in Poland, accounting requires all financial documents to be submitted within specific deadlines. For example, we have clients who diligently send in their documents on the 1st of every month — this greatly facilitates the workflow. However, despite the emphasis on financial reporting, many clients don’t realize that the quality of service largely depends on their own actions.
Lack of Professionalism in the Accounting Sector
The quality issues in Poland’s accounting services are also closely related to a lack of professionalism. In our experience, we’ve come across cases where accountants simply entered random numbers into reports. This isn’t just a misunderstanding — it’s a systemic problem that can lead to serious consequences, including legal proceedings.
It’s also worth noting that outsourced accounting firms often provide subpar services. For example, we once worked with an accounting company in Poland, and it ended in court. We relied on their calculations and paid taxes based on incorrect data. As a result, not only did we suffer financial losses, but it also cost us significant time and effort.
Setting the Right Client Expectations and Their Responsibility
To avoid misunderstandings and improve the quality of service, accounting firms must set the right expectations with clients before starting work. This is especially important for new clients who may not be familiar with how accounting works in Poland.
It’s essential that clients understand which tasks they can delegate to their accountant and which responsibilities remain on their shoulders. They need to know that they are responsible for providing timely information to their accountant and shouldn’t stress about formalities. As business owners, their focus should be on running their company while delegating routine tasks to professionals to avoid stress and anxiety.
Partnership and Trust in Accounting
Quality accounting relies heavily on creating a sense of partnership, where clients feel comfortable asking questions and receiving clear, comprehensive answers. We aim to work with our clients in a way that helps them feel confident and provides them with a reliable platform for accessing necessary services.
We always take the time to explain key points and deliver complete answers in a timely manner. For us, this is vital — service quality goes hand-in-hand with trust between accountant and client. A large portion of our clients understand the key aspects of their business and are committed to submitting required documents on time. This significantly simplifies our work and makes the collaboration productive.
Conclusion: The Importance of Accounting Partnerships
One should not underestimate the importance of accounting when managing a business in Poland. Clients need to realize that their relationship with their accountant is not just about signing a contract — it’s a full-fledged partnership that requires effort from both sides. With the right expectations, clients can achieve much greater success in their business operations in Poland.
Understanding local practices and being open to collaboration can significantly improve service quality and reduce business-related risks in the country.
