Case study #4 – a transformative approach to compliance sourcing
After grouping its financial accounting activities into three shared service centers globally, a Fortune 500 company faced challenges in meeting its local tax compliance needs with fewer in-country finance professionals.
Instead of continuing its country-by-country approach to sourcing, the company switched to a regional strategy and sourced all of its compliance support, including corporate income tax, indirect tax, and local and US GAAP tax accounting, from one tax service provider.
Doing so freed up time for the company’s in-house tax teams to provide business-critical support. Through their provider, the teams now had access not only to leading compliance and risk management practices but also to the provider’s own investment in compliance technologies. The teams also gained informed tax advice on developing tax legislation, business issues, and acquisition and divestment transactions on a consistent basis across all territories.
A key motivation for outsourcing was tax savings, and the provider pursued opportunities in all markets. Within 6 months, local and regional brainstorming sessions identified opportunities in three countries, and a review of prior-year returns accelerated over USD5 million in cash tax refunds.