The future of business is a topic of constant discussion, and insights from industry leaders are invaluable. We had the opportunity to discuss the evolving business landscape with Laura Ștefan, Managing Partner at Accace Romania. She shared her perspectives on emerging trends, strategic business adjustments, leadership priorities, and the growing role of sustainability and innovation in 2025.
What key industry trends do you foresee shaping 2025?
The economic climate in Romania is experiencing significant strain due to continuous fiscal and legislative shifts, compounded by political uncertainty. This necessitates businesses to be adaptable, prioritizing compliance and operational efficiency to remain competitive.
Three key trends will define the industry in 2025. First, cost-conscious outsourcing is gaining traction as companies recognize the value of outsourcing payroll, accounting, and legal services. This shift reduces operational risks and ensures regulatory compliance. Second, strategic financial and tax advisory services are becoming indispensable for businesses to navigate evolving tax frameworks effectively. Lastly, business agility will be crucial for long-term success, with organizations focusing on optimizing processes and leveraging expert support to stay ahead in a fluctuating market.
What strategic adjustments should businesses make this year in response to market competition and global challenges?
Efficiency and resilience should be the primary focus for businesses in 2025. Companies must optimize cost structures, mitigate risks, and enhance financial stability to thrive in an unpredictable environment.
One essential change involves reassessing internal operations to determine which functions should remain in-house and which can be outsourced for greater efficiency. Strengthening financial strategy is also vital – beyond cost-cutting, businesses need smarter financial planning in areas like tax strategy and cash flow management. Additionally, compliance must be proactive rather than reactive, ensuring companies stay ahead of regulatory developments to avoid financial penalties and operational disruptions.
Laura Ștefan
Managing Partner at Accace Romania
What leadership qualities are essential for 2025?
Leadership in 2025 will revolve around stability, clear direction, and proactive problem-solving. With economic uncertainties affecting businesses, strong leadership means offering guidance and reassurance to both clients and teams.
For me, being an effective leader means staying closely engaged with our clients, helping them uncover opportunities amid challenges, and equipping them with the right tools to navigate fiscal and legal complexities. Internally, keeping our team motivated and reinforcing our role as trusted advisors will be critical in maintaining resilience and success in a competitive market.
How is your company aligning with sustainability goals in 2025?
Sustainability is about both environmental responsibility and long-term business resilience. At Accace, our commitment to digital transformation reduces paper usage and optimizes office resources, minimizing our carbon footprint. Beyond environmental impact, we prioritize sustainable business practices by guiding clients through regulatory changes, improving compliance, and helping them build resilient operations.
How do you engage employees to ensure operational sustainability?
Our engagement strategy is built on three pillars: growth, purpose, and recognition. We invest in continuous learning and skill development to future-proof our teams. By ensuring employees understand their role’s broader impact, we foster a sense of purpose. Additionally, recognizing and rewarding contributions strengthens motivation. Sustainable workforce engagement is not about perks alone but about meaningful work and career development.
What should businesses prioritize in 2025 concerning DEI and ESG?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives are now fundamental business priorities. Companies must emphasize fair representation in leadership, transparent governance, and sustainable business operations. ESG reporting will become more stringent, with businesses being held accountable by investors and clients. Those that proactively integrate these principles into their strategy rather than responding reactively to regulations will be better positioned for success.
What are the key priorities for talent development and workforce resilience?
Adaptability and continuous skills development are crucial. The evolving business landscape demands teams that are tech-savvy, flexible, and innovative. At Accace, we focus on upskilling, leadership development, and creating clear career progression paths. Equally important is fostering a supportive workplace culture – flexibility and well-being initiatives will be central to talent retention in 2025.
How does innovation fit into your company’s strategy, and where should it be integrated more deeply?
Innovation is central to our business strategy, as our clients rely on us for efficient, forward-thinking solutions. We integrate innovation across financial management, accounting automation, and legal advisory, leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making. However, innovation isn’t solely about technology – it also involves rethinking service delivery to create a more agile, personalized experience for clients.
What emerging technologies are you leveraging for business growth in 2025? How do you see AI impacting your industry?
We are investing in AI-powered tools that enhance efficiency while preserving the value of human expertise. AI will not replace our professionals but will amplify their capabilities by automating routine tasks. This enables our experts to focus on strategic advisory and client-centric initiatives. In areas like tax planning, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, AI-driven automation will enhance precision and productivity, helping businesses navigate complex regulations more effectively.
