The Effect of the Change in the Balance Sheet Law in 2014-2018 on Management of Companies in Poland

Polish business entities operate based on accounting principles in accordance with the Accounting Act and the accounting policy established by the directors of the entities. Changes in the balance sheet law have a significant effect on the internal accounting principles applied in companies. In the last three years, Polish accounting regulations have been adapted to the solutions used in the European Union. The aim of the paper is to analyse information aspects of accounting, including financial reporting in Poland in the decision-making processes of internal recipients, taking into account the changes in legal regulations. The research method was the analysis of the literature and legal acts, and a practical example. Changes in legislation influence the accounting policies defined by the managers of business entities. Companies can simplify their accounting principles including those concerning reporting. However, the simplifications should not adversely affect the economic decisions of the entity's manager and the recipients of the financial statements. The lack of accurate financial data from the accounting system may adversely affect the decision-making of the unit's manager in management processes. As it results from the analysis of the literature of the subject and the accounting systems of small enterprises, financial information from accounting is necessary for effective business management. Therefore, managers apply simplifications in accounting quite carefully.