Intelligent Fin.tech Issue 16 | Page 43

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

Gaps can be filled where needed , but whatever is built needs to be deployed and maintained to the satisfaction of the wider business . Relying on IT or any other team can cause bottlenecks in the future , so the tax function needs to be , as far as possible , able to manage its own processes , controls and systems . At the same time , tax needs to provide IT with the confidence it can properly manage its data and systems .
5 . Find an expert transformation partner
The right partner with the experience , technological expertise , and know-how can help design and implement the solutions tax functions require , creating the optimal operating model and risk control framework , working closely alongside the rest of the business , and leveraging the technology already in place as much as possible . Beyond the initial changes , they can also help with maintenance and management once systems are live . Doing so may involve building and upskilling new teams to help ensure future flexibility and scalability , together with the development of a robust operating model .
The partner should feel part of the existing team , working hands-on alongside you rather than acting as a separate consultancy firm . They engage key stakeholders , translating the languages of tax , IT and other crucial functions to help proactively problem-solve in real-time with the rest of the business . A tax function that feels it lacks the expertise or the bandwidth to be more transformative would benefit from keeping these five principles in mind . Today ’ s exacting tax environment demands tax departments keep up to future-proof their business . Often , it ’ s the introduction of an experienced transformation partner that can finally make the difference and help turn good intentions to action and results . � www . intelligentfin . tech
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