Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we spoke with Maria Papadopoulou FCCA, who is not only driving positive change in her day job – she’s also helping other women in business to succeed. The internal audit director at Greek communications company Antenna Group is co-leader of the Greek Career Women Go Global Lean in Circle, a networking group that is part of Lean In, a global community of women founded by former Meta Platforms COO Sheryl Sandberg. As Papadopoulou explains: ‘This is a safe place for us to unapologetically expand our network and support each other’s professional roles across borders. Every meeting is very meaningful.’
In other career news, we look at how salaries are faring for finance professionals in Europe and the Americas. In Europe, experts predict that finance skill shortages will create headwinds for European employers, but that companies and candidates will be more selective. Over in the Americas, according to research, businesses will be on the hunt for new talent in 2025. A common theme is the demand for hybrid skillsets blending financial expertise with data analytics and technology. But perhaps above all else, artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a huge need for new skills. Robert Half found that 50% of managers say AI is leading to a shift in high-demand skills, with 37% taking on contract workers or consultants, 25% outsourcing projects and 23% increasing hiring.
Staying in America, what now for the great BEPS project? As the US president abandons international agreements, extraterritorial tax is firmly back on the agenda. As a comment from PwC says: ‘Day one executive orders addressing tax issues are highly unusual and illustrate the significance the Trump administration attaches to controlling the United States’ ability to set the tax policy it deems best, as well as its unwillingness to support what it believes are the imposition of extraterritorial taxes or taxes discriminating against US companies.’ Read more about the road ahead for international tax.
Sticking with the international theme, the International Federation of Accountants’ new president has taken time out to tell AB magazine about the organisation’s member-centric agenda. For new president Jean Bouquot, representing the needs of finance professionals is paramount. Read the full interview to find out more about IFAC’s agenda.
Finally, according to Dr Rob Yeung, proactively engaging in career self-management can help you thrive in the workplace. See if you agree that now is the time to curate your career.
