Developing a values-driven workplace in Romania

Oana Nicorescu, partner of APEX Team, tells about creating an accounting firm in Romania that stands out for its progressive approach to developing young professionals and giving back to community.

From international to local

I spent four years working at an international accounting firm in the early 2000s. This was an eye-opening experience for me. I saw employees being nurtured and supported in their career goals; this was rare in my country back then. I saw the level of service an international firm could offer to its clients.

I could have had a very comfortable career staying there, but I felt that it was not enough. I wanted to start a Romanian company that could also offer working conditions and a service level similar to an international one.

At that time, international accounting firms were limiting some accounting and audit services. We saw a window of opportunity. So, with my friends and colleagues, we founded a new accounting firm in 2004.

The beginning was challenging as well as full of enthusiasm, and we had the freedom to build our own identity. We intended to keep everything that was positive from our previous experiences and improve certain other aspects.

APEX Team

First, be a great employer

Our priorities were growing our workforce’s talent and listening to the needs of staff. When recruiting young professionals, we aim to stay in close contact with them, helping them along in their career and supporting them in their future goals.

We make sure that no one works alone, employees are always organised in teams. They share projects and no one is overloaded. Flex time allows our team members to find the right balance of their professional and personal life because everyone has different styles and different needs.

Next, give back to the community

We give back to the community by offering NGOs a discount rate in their accounting or consulting activities. This way, they can keep doing their good work, while we take care of making sure their books are in order.

The right idea at the right time

For 15 years, our start-up has aimed to redefine what it means to be a Romanian company. We are have grown to over 50 employees, many of whom have been with us for more than 10 years. We have expanded our services and new partners joined from other international firms.

We don’t know what the future will be, but we plan to stay true to our values. Our ethics will not change as we grow, and we aim to be a leader in Romania for developing young professionals, employee satisfaction and excellence in services.

I can’t point to one specific success of our company because the very existence of our company is the success.

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