Overworked officials. The financial backbone of local governments is breaking

Almost 33% of individuals responsible for the finances of local government institutions—treasurers—receive support from their superiors rarely or never, while 70% experience high levels of stress related to their work. More than 42% admit to hearing comments about their work from local residents—usually negative and sometimes even containing criminal threats. Nearly 90% believe that their salary is inadequate for the level of responsibility they bear. Many of these issues also affect other positions in public administration, leading to an outflow of qualified employees and hindering the modernization of Poland's public sector.

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28 january 2025   |   13:25   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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Over 80% of local government treasurers work more than 40 hours a week. Nearly one in ten works overtime every day, and almost half do so several times a week. These figures come from the latest report on work in Polish local government units, "A Ticking Time Bomb in Administration," prepared by Publink, a company that has been developing software and applications for officials for 15 years.

Treasurers: the financial backbone of local governments

Poland has over 2,800 local governments, and treasurers play a role equivalent to chief accountants or CFOs in private companies. Their decisions can save or cost millions, sometimes even billions of złotys. Unlike private-sector employees, treasurers must comply with strict public finance regulations, ensuring proper financial management. However, this also means constant audits, excessive reporting, and accountability to all local residents. These responsibilities often result in overtime work, contradicting the stereotype that administration jobs are easy and strictly within office hours.

At the same time, while average salaries in Poland have increased by about 66% over the last five years, public administration salaries have risen by only 47.6%.

Stress, negative feedback, and even criminal threats

Nearly 70% of treasurers experience high stress levels, and one-third receive little or no support from their superiors. Only 23% believe their position is well-regarded at their workplace, while 31% feel the opposite. Just 30% have never faced negative comments from colleagues about their work.

In smaller municipalities, treasurers are often recognizable figures, making them targets for criticism and even threats. 42% report receiving negative feedback from local residents, and some even face criminal threats.

One in five respondents has encountered pressure when signing contracts or approving payments, and 35.5% prefer not to answer this question—even in an anonymous survey.

Job stability concerns for over half of treasurers

Treasurers are appointed and dismissed at the discretion of local government leaders, such as mayors, county governors, or regional marshals, without the need for justification. In 2024 alone, at least 10.6% of all treasurers were dismissed, primarily due to changes in local government leadership after elections. Over half of treasurers worry about job stability.

"The treasurer crisis is just one part of a larger problem in public administration," says Mateusz Klupczyński, CEO of Publink. "Outdated regulations, uncompetitive salaries, and lack of change will drive skilled employees away. In the digital era, we need them more than ever." He adds that billions of public funds are at stake, and local government administrators, secretaries, and treasurers must be well-qualified and fairly compensated.

Public vs. private sector: A widening pay gap

Treasurers' salaries in local governments are almost twice as low as those in similar private-sector positions, despite comparable responsibilities, less job security, and a greater workload. One in five treasurers is considering moving to the private sector, while only 40% are committed to staying in their current role.

A staggering 90% believe their salary does not reflect their level of responsibility.

The financial backbone of local governments is under severe strain, and without reforms, the Polish public sector may face an exodus of skilled professionals, hampering modernization and efficiency.

rynek pracy stabilność zatrudnienia administracja samorządowa wynagrodzenie w samorządzie skarbnik

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