Whistleblower Calls for Transparency and Reform in CECCAR: A Public Interpellation

A recent public interpellation raises serious concerns about the integrity, leadership, and management practices within CECCAR (The Body of Expert and Licensed Accountants of Romania). The whistleblower’s letter, in response to a communication sent by CECCAR on June 2, 2025, challenges the transparency and ethical standards of the organization’s internal workings. The questions raised point to a lack of accountability, outdated practices, and disparities in leadership compensation.

An overview of the key issues brought to light in the whistleblower’s public appeal

1. Questioning Leadership Credibility and Election Integrity

CECCAR’s Leadership Seemingly Dominated by a Few

One of the central concerns raised by the whistleblower is the lack of diversity in leadership positions within CECCAR. They claim that only a small group of individuals are periodically validated for key leadership roles, raising questions about the credibility of the election process. The whistleblower specifically questions whether such elections, often involving a single candidate, can truly be considered fair, transparent, and ethical.

Allegations of Manipulated Elections

In particular, the whistleblower highlights the actions of the current and former leaders of CECCAR, suggesting that the election process was manipulated. They allege that a „simulacrum” (sham) election was held ahead of the legal term to allow the former president, now spokesperson, to return to power, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the elections.

2. Disqualifications and Member Rights

Candidate Disqualification by Anonymous Committee

Another point of contention is the alleged disqualification of candidates who had applied for leadership positions at the local level within CECCAR. The whistleblower claims that these disqualifications were made by an anonymous committee, further questioning the fairness of the process. This raises concerns about whether the members have the right to freely choose their leadership.

Lack of Member Participation in the Decision-Making Process

The whistleblower also questions whether members of CECCAR are truly allowed to make choices in how the organization is governed, pointing out that elections should be accessible and fair for all candidates who express interest.

3. Disparities in Leadership and Staff Compensation

Income Inequality Between Leadership and Staff

An issue that stands out in the whistleblower’s appeal is the disparity between the high salaries of CECCAR’s leadership and the modest earnings of its staff. The whistleblower alleges that many CECCAR employees, particularly those working in local branches, are paid below the national average net salary. In contrast, some leaders within the organization enjoy significantly higher compensation.

Questions Regarding the President’s Compensation

Furthermore, the whistleblower requests clarity regarding the salaries of local branch presidents. This demand for transparency underscores a wider concern about the equitable distribution of resources and the financial sustainability of CECCAR’s operations.

4. Lack of Digitalization and Outdated Accounting Practices

Outdated Financial Management Tools in Use

Despite ongoing discussions about restructuring and modernization, CECCAR appears to be lagging in terms of digitalization. The whistleblower points out that many local branches are still using basic tools such as Word and Excel for accounting, rather than utilizing specialized financial software. This raises concerns about the effectiveness and accuracy of CECCAR’s financial management practices.

Request for Transparency on Financial Software

In addition, the whistleblower calls for public disclosure regarding the software currently used by CECCAR to manage its finances, emphasizing the need for a more modern and reliable system to ensure proper financial oversight.

5. Transparency and Member Satisfaction

Lack of Member Consultation on CECCAR’s Management

The whistleblower stresses the absence of regular consultations with CECCAR members regarding the organization’s management and services. They inquire about the last time members were asked for feedback on their level of satisfaction with CECCAR’s benefits. This omission reflects a broader concern about the organization’s responsiveness to the needs and concerns of its members.

Call for Open Dialogue with the Membership

The appeal calls for more transparency and better engagement with the membership. The whistleblower urges the leadership to seek members’ opinions and to sanction a more participatory approach to decision-making.

6. Political Influence and Legal Issues

Transparency on Legal Representation and Political Interventions

A particularly significant concern raised is CECCAR’s involvement in the political sphere, specifically regarding its intervention to delay legislative changes concerning the accounting profession. The whistleblower requests that CECCAR publicly disclose its contractual arrangements with the law firm that helped facilitate this delay, shedding light on the organization’s political influence.

Calls for Transparency on Legislation and Regulation

Further, the whistleblower demands that CECCAR make public the opinions of ministries concerning new regulations for accounting internships and publish the final regulations in the Monitorul Oficial (Romania’s Official Gazette). This call for greater transparency reflects the need for clearer communication and adherence to legal processes.

A Call for Accountability and Reform

The whistleblower’s public interpellation paints a troubling picture of the current state of CECCAR, raising critical questions about the organization’s governance, financial management, and treatment of its members. The demand for reform is clear: CECCAR must become more transparent, democratic, and accountable to its members. If these concerns are not addressed, CECCAR risks further eroding its credibility and the trust of its members and the wider public.

This interpellation serves as a call for urgent reform within CECCAR, urging the organization to review its internal practices, ensure fair elections, improve financial management, and be more responsive to the needs of its members. As the debate unfolds, it will be crucial to see whether CECCAR’s leadership will respond to these calls for change.