Denitza Vassileva, Partner at Vassilev & Partners and Co-Head of the ETL GLOBAL Payroll Group
Denitza Vassileva holds a Master’s degree in European and International Law, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Jules Verne University in Amiens, France and a Master’s degree in International Law from Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain. Her career began as a legal counsel within multinational companies, where she developed expertise in international contract law, corporate restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions, before moving into management positions. In 2020, she founded a company providing accounting, administrative, and engineering services, mainly to foreign clients seeking support in Bulgaria. Today, she combines her legal and business expertise as Partner for Business Coordination, Tax and Transfer Pricing at Vassilev and Partners law firm and, since July 2026, as Head of Payroll Group at ETL GLOBAL. Her firm combines strong legal and business expertise, international experience, and a highly motivated team serving both local and international clients.
What made you choose your profession?
I have always been interested in international affairs, law, political science, and organisation, so studying international law was a natural choice for me. From there, my professional path naturally opened up and led me to where I am today.
What events in your professional life would you describe as milestones or turning points?
The clearest milestones in my career have been moving to new countries for professional challenges. Living and working in France, Spain, Germany, and Bulgaria pushed me to learn languages and adapt to cultures and professional environments, often from scratch. Each move helped me develop new expertise and become more adaptable. This is also why I value ETL GLOBAL so much today: it allows me to save time searching for the right professional in other countries and to collaborate with highly experienced professionals who share the same values across different countries.
Which character trait has been most important in your professional life?
The trait that has been most important in my professional life is perseverance. I don’t give up when things become difficult or don’t go according to plan. I stay focused, adapt my approach, and keep working until I find a proper solution. This has helped me overcome complex challenges and deliver results.
What is a defining strength of your firm today?
A defining strength of our firm today is the combination of deep expertise, extensive international experience, and a strong, well-coordinated team. We have highly motivated professionals who bring different perspectives and skills, allowing us to provide effective solutions to complex business challenges.
What does good client service mean in practice in your firm and when working with colleagues from ETL GLOBAL?
Good client service means being responsive, understanding the client’s needs, and providing practical, reliable, and timely solutions. It also means building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and professionalism. When working with colleagues from ETL GLOBAL, good service also means strong communication and collaboration across countries and areas of expertise, so that we can offer clients an international and reliable service.
In your experience, what is the most valuable aspect of being part of the ETL GLOBAL network?
For me, the most valuable aspect of being part of the ETL GLOBAL network is being able to count on professional expertise across different countries that I can offer directly to my clients. When a client has a need in another country, I know I can rely on colleagues there who share the same values, the same level of expertise, and the same professional standards that I do. That consistency means clients get the same quality of service no matter which country they’re working in, and it lets me offer them solutions beyond my own local market with full confidence.
What role do you play within ETL GLOBAL, and how does your involvement in the network influence your work?
I’m actively involved in ETL GLOBAL beyond my work at the firm. I’m a member of the ETL GLOBAL Tax working group and the ETL GLOBAL Transfer Pricing working group, and I recently became co-lead of the ETL GLOBAL Payroll Group. This collaboration with highly specialised experts in each field is very valuable: it allows us to see best practices from other countries, stay well-prepared, and advise our clients more effectively. It has also allowed me to build direct, personal relationships with colleagues from different countries, which makes cross-border collaboration much smoother and more natural when a client need arises.
Looking ahead, what matters most to you in the coming years, whether for your own work, your firm, or ETL GLOBAL where relevant?
What matters most to me is continuing to build strong human relationships, both with colleagues and with clients. I believe professionalism and quality of work are essential, but what really gives meaning to my work is client satisfaction. For my own career, for the firm, and for ETL GLOBAL, I hope we continue moving in this direction, combining professional rigour with strong human relationships to offer clients a trustworthy, long-term service.
What helps you to manage stress in your professional life?
Staying organised, prioritising tasks, good communication, and teamwork help me manage stress. Maintaining a balance between professional challenges and personal time helps me to stay focused, calm, and motivated.
What advice would you give to someone entering your profession?
To be adaptable, stay curious, keep learning, and not be afraid to take on new responsibilities outside their area of expertise.
