Reimagining the tax function: insights from the TEI Conference brainstorm panel

Author Rebecca Sheehan
June 2, 2025

What does the future of tax look like in a technology driven world?  

Our own Rebecca Sheehan recently took part in a dynamic and thought-provoking panel session hosted by TEI. Tax leaders and professionals gathered to explore the evolving landscape of the tax function.  

The session was structured around three core themes: 

  • The value proposition of the future tax department
  • The ideal tax team of the future  
  • The role of technology in shaping tomorrow’s tax function 

Excellent input from several in-house tax leaders was complemented by a people consulting (change management) expert – combined with Becca and Matthew Gravelle’s recruitment perspectives.  

Through interactive polls, expert insights and open discussions, the panel offered a roadmap for transforming tax departments into strategic powerhouses. 

Here are Rebecca’s main takeaways from the panel. 

The value proposition of the future tax department 

The session opened with a poll assessing the maturity level of participants’ tax functions. Responses ranged from “reactive” to “transformative,” setting the stage for a rich discussion on the future role of tax. 

Key takeaways: 

  • Strategic evolution: panellists including Karine, Dick, and Tom emphasised the shift from compliance-focused roles to strategic business partners. The future tax function must proactively define options and solutions, rather than offering retrospective advice 
  • Challenges and setbacks: common hurdles include limited resources, resistance to change and the complexity of aligning tax with broader business strategy. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and leadership 
  • Tools and strategies: success stories highlighted the use of data analytics, cross-functional collaboration and early involvement in strategic planning as key enablers of transformation 

The ideal tax team of the future 

The second segment focused on people – the heart of any transformation. A poll revealed that the most significant barriers to delivering on the tax function’s value proposition are talent and skills gaps, followed by technology integration and budget constraints. 

Key takeaways: 

  • Core skills: Rebecca and Mathew discussed the growing demand for professionals with analytical thinking, communication skills and a strong grasp of digital tools 
  • Talent advantage: Dirk shared how embracing new ways of working and fostering a culture of innovation can create a competitive edge 
  • Diversity and inclusion: The panel underscored the importance of building diverse teams to drive creativity and resilience 
  • Leadership development: future tax leaders must be equipped not only with technical expertise but also with strategic vision and people management capabilities 

The future of the tax function – technology as a catalyst 

The final segment explored how technology is reshaping the tax landscape. A poll identified key challenges such as integrating technology, managing data and navigating regulatory complexity. 

Key takeaways: 

  • Tech integration: Panellists discussed the importance of adopting technologies like AI, automation and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency and insight. After some healthy debate – we concluded AI will be a great tool as a “co-pilot” to a tax professional however it cannot compete yet with the interpretation of tax and the creativity of a well rounded (human) in-house tax professional 
  • Leadership development: future tax leaders must be equipped not only with technical expertise but also with strategic vision and people management capabilities 
  • Future-proofing: preparing for future challenges requires a proactive approach – investing in scalable systems, continuous learning and scenario planning 
  • Strategic alignment: technology should not be an end in itself but a means to align tax with business goals and stakeholder expectations 

Building the tax function of tomorrow 

The session concluded with a reflection on the foundational elements needed to build the tax function of the future: capital, people and technology. By identifying anticipated challenges, organisations can tailor their strategies to develop the right capabilities and leadership. 

The overarching message was clear: the tax function is no longer a back-office operation. It is a strategic asset that, when empowered with the right tools and talent, can drive significant business value. 

A big thank you to Becca and her co-panellists; Karine Halimi-Guez (Booking Holdings), Dick Mans (ASML), Tom Borec (Dermavant Sciences), Dirk Stroes (EY), Matthew Gravelle (Brewer Morris).  

A very special thank you to Sandra Esteves for her excellent moderation and for bringing the event together as well as EY particularly Annebel Ross for hosting us all so wonderfully. 

Author

Rebecca Sheehan

Associate Director | Tax

Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands
+353 1 963 8281
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