Tax Analyst Skills Needed for the Future of Indirect Tax

Alex Forbes
November 15, 2017

This blog was last updated on March 11, 2019

What are the skills today’s tax analyst needs to prepare for the future of indirect tax? You may have gone into the profession thinking, “I’m better at math than language, and being a tax analyst sounds like a good career choice. It could get boring, but I’ll manage.” You may have been right on the first thought, but you probably never thought “boring” would be so far from the truth.

Today’s technology-driven, rapidly evolving regulatory environment has changed, and will continue to change how businesses and governments operate to increase revenues. New technologies like cloud computing — and even newer ones such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) — aren’t only opening new revenue streams and altering supply chain models, they’re also opening up opportunities for tax analysts to expand their repertoire of skills to ensure compliance.

Indirect Tax Skills – Global, Business, Data, Technology and Security

Sure, you must be highly proficient in data analysis, statistics and technology. But indirect tax professionals must increasingly have an ability to work across borders, understand business goals and change, be able to dig into data and present it in a meaningful way to senior leadership, and stay up on the latest technologies to automate what is no longer possible or cost-efficient to do manually.

Today’s finance and tax leaders are looking for five critical skills as they scale teams to adapt to the new compliance environment:

  1. Technology-focused
  2. Data-driven mindset
  3. Business acumen and ability to adapt to rapid business change
  4. Soft skills and the ability to communicate the insights and implications of data
  5. Keen understanding of security risks

To learn more about the requirements of these skills and how they relate to the changing regulatory and technological landscape, download the eBook, “Tomorrow’s Tax Leader: How to Cultivate Talent and Technology to Succeed Amidst a Volatile Tax Landscape.”

According to a study commissioned by KPMG, the trend toward increasing centralization of tax departments will continue, and process standardization tops the list of tax leaders’ priorities for process improvements. This, even as more than a quarter of tax leaders lack confidence in the ability of their companies’ systems to provide tax data.

While tax leaders’ top priorities fall under additional personnel, tax technology or process optimization, you’ll find the eBook valuable in learning the right skills to support your manager’s business priorities for the entire team.

Take Action

Get the eBook: Tomorrow’s Tax Leader – How to Cultivate Talent and Technology to Succeed Amidst a Volatile Tax Landscape to learn 5 critical skills today’s indirect tax professional will need to succeed.

Sign up for Email Updates

Stay up to date with the latest tax and compliance updates that may impact your business.

Author

Alex Forbes

Alex Forbes is Senior Manager, Content Marketing, at Sovos. When not helping readers navigate their tax-related digital business transformation journeys, he enjoys day tripping around New England with his wife.
Share this post

alcohol deliveries
North America ShipCompliant
December 20, 2024
What if No One is Home to Sign for an Alcohol Delivery?

This blog was last updated on December 20, 2024 When no one is home to sign for an alcohol delivery, it becomes more than just a minor hiccup for direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shippers. It’s a domino effect that transforms a perfectly curated product into a customer’s disappointment before it’s ever opened. This becomes an even […]

taxation of motor insurance policies france
North America VAT & Fiscal Reporting
December 18, 2024
Taxation of Motor Insurance Policies: France

This blog was last updated on December 18, 2024 France is one of the most challenging countries in Europe when it comes to the premium tax treatment of motor insurance policies. This is mainly due to the variety of taxes and charges that can apply and the differing treatment of different vehicle types. This blog […]

california bottle bill compliance
North America ShipCompliant
December 13, 2024
California Bottle Bill: Compliance Updates for Wine and Spirits

This blog was last updated on December 16, 2024 California’s bottle bill got a major upgrade earlier this year, and it’s changed the rules for wineries, distilleries and beverage distributors in a big way. For the first time, wine and spirits manufacturers will need to register with CalRecycle, report sales and pay California Redemption Value […]

unclaimed property compliance for wineries
North America ShipCompliant
December 12, 2024
Unclaimed Property Compliance: What Wineries and Wine Clubs Need to Know

This blog was last updated on December 12, 2024 Although hard to believe, unclaimed property obligations impact ALL industries, including wineries and other wine clubs. While most companies typically only associate unclaimed property with outstanding checks, including accounts payable and payroll, there are other exposures for wineries and wine clubs to consider. Understanding these risks […]

retail delivery fees for alcohol shipping
North America ShipCompliant
December 5, 2024
Navigating Retail Delivery Fees: A Guide for DtC Alcohol Sellers

This blog was last updated on December 5, 2024 Direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shippers are no strangers to navigating a complex regulatory landscape. However, recently, a new challenge has emerged—the rise of retail delivery fees. From excise taxes to shipping restrictions, the industry has long dealt with a maze of state-specific rules that require careful attention […]