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

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.