Under the slogan “A network where everyone wins”, a nationwide network formed through research into the accounting profession was unveiled at a special event at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). It brings together collaboration among accountants, artificial intelligence and business growth.
Synergy Accounting Intelligent Network IKE is a new business initiative to create a modern nationwide network of accounting firms. Synergy was established to address real market needs. Its business philosophy was shaped by market research involving more than 4,000 accountants, which provided the basis for designing a digital platform focused on collaboration, expertise, technological support and ongoing professional development.
The start-up is guided by the Athens Startup Business Incubator (THEA) of the ACCI, and draws on the expertise of IT and accounting firms with many years’ experience in the market. The initiative is also under the scientific auspices of the Panhellenic Association of Accountants and Economists (PAELO).
“At the heart of Synergy is a win-win philosophy among accountants. I have seen our profession change several times. In recent years, however, the pace of change has become unprecedented. myDATA, digital dispatch, e-invoicing, constant legislative changes, new demands from businesses. Are we trying to tackle collective problems with individual solutions? Are we all spending time and money on things we could organise better together? That is how Synergy was born,” said Lampros Belesis, head of the start-up.
Theoklis Vasileiadis, an associate of the start-up, gave a detailed presentation of how the Synergy Accounting Intelligent Network platform works. He highlighted the strong demand for the online platform, noting that it was receiving applications and visitors even before it had been publicised to the wider public, and especially to professionals in the sector.
Accountant Olga Mitsoni spoke about the need for this digital tool, particularly in the regions: “Let’s be realistic. Can an accountant know everything? Can a small or medium-sized accounting firm have specialist staff for EU funding programmes, employment matters, financing, IT and business advice? The answer is that most of the time, it cannot. That, I believe, is where Synergy’s great value lies,” Ms Mitsoni said.
Nikos Spyropoulos, head of the news website TAXVoice, also spoke at length about the value of the accounting profession in the new environment, discussing new technologies and the rise of AI.