auditomat® at ASSA ABLOY Mercor Doors
ASSA ABLOY Mercor Doors is a leading manufacturer of steel technical doors, fire doors, and…
The relevance of compliance in the Polish economy is not new. The concept refers to ensuring that a company’s operations comply with applicable laws and regulations. This aspect is increasingly important in Poland. Failing to comply carries not only legal risks but also potential reputational damage and financial losses. Despite the growing popularity of compliance systems and the role of the compliance officer, Poland still lags behind Germany, where compliance is well-established in large companies and widely represented in literature and case law. In Germany, the compliance system and the officer’s role have much stronger structures.
A compliance officer, also called an Inspector for Compliance, plays a key role in managing corporate compliance, responsible for preventing and detecting irregularities. However, their position within the organizational hierarchy is flexible, and the extent of their authority depends on internal agreements. It is emphasized, though, that a compliance officer must have autonomy and independence, which is crucial for effectively performing duties and preventing irregularities, even at the highest levels.
This article aims to introduce Polish readers to the role of a compliance officer and analyze it in the context of Poland’s growing compliance ecosystem and the increasing number of international companies employing compliance officers. Differences in responsibilities can arise depending on the organization.
A compliance officer is responsible for ensuring that company practices comply with laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. They advise key stakeholders on compliance, audits, health and safety, financial risk, and legislation. Compliance officers usually possess advanced administrative skills and strong attention to detail. They often work in regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services, mining, and logistics.
Data from a Wolters Kluwer study shows that 86% of compliance officers are aged 30–50. This indicates that the profession is relatively young. Individuals with longer careers are less likely to switch profiles, which is understandable given the need for specialized training.
Comparing these results to a 2018 study shows clear developmental trends in the profession. Three years ago, lawyers were a minority (40%), whereas today their share has risen to 60%. Simultaneously, the proportion of those with economics degrees dropped from nearly 40% to 20%. These changes reflect the evolving role of the compliance officer and the growing importance of legal knowledge in this field.
The primary task is to ensure the organization complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. Responsibilities include conducting audits and assessments to identify potential compliance issues, developing and implementing compliance policies and procedures, and providing training and guidance to employees on compliance.
What is compliance in an organization? Is it just monitoring adherence to regulations, or is it more? Does it reconcile ethics with economics, create rules, or verify that rules are followed? The answer: all of the above and more. The scope of compliance responsibilities depends on the organization’s specific needs.
Although the compliance officer role is well-known in Western subsidiaries, it is increasingly appearing in Polish companies. Despite the lack of direct Polish equivalents, their role is becoming crucial, particularly in the financial sector regulated by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF). More companies are implementing compliance tools tailored to their unique needs. Compliance is like a tailored suit—it must fit the organization, its culture, stakeholders, and legal environment.
There are often concerns that a compliance officer is just another auditor or lawyer burdening the company with procedures. This is not the case. A compliance officer is primarily a business advisor who understands the organization and supports its development. Compliance ensures adherence to laws while connecting ethics with economics.
A compliance officer protects the organization from the consequences of violations, assesses risk, and acts preventively. Their role is evolving from control to a business partnership, supporting company efficiency and credibility. In today’s environment, where reputation is key, simply following the law is not enough. Compliance builds trust, which is hard to gain and easy to lose.
The overarching task of internal audit is to improve business functioning. It maps risks, anticipates trends, and supports ethical and legal operations. Effective compliance requires independence and support, as well as experience, character, and a long-term perspective. A strong compliance system ensures stakeholder safety and is increasingly valued by companies.
In a rapidly changing regulatory environment, where violations can have serious consequences, the role of the compliance officer is increasingly complex. Effective compliance management requires tools that streamline audit processes and provide comprehensive insight into organizational activities. Systems like auditomat® are essential, offering automation, standardization, and data centralization—key to effective compliance management and minimizing risk.
The role of a compliance specialist in Polish companies is rapidly evolving, reflecting growing regulatory complexity and the increasing importance of ethical business practices. While still developing compared to more mature markets like Germany, this role is becoming central. This article highlights the multifaceted responsibilities of a compliance officer, from ensuring legal and policy compliance to promoting a culture of ethical conduct.
Shifting from pure auditing to a strategic advisory role emphasizes integrating compliance into core business operations. Tools like auditomat® are essential for managing the growing complexity of compliance tasks. Contact us to learn more.
