Continuous learning and professional development is at the core of what we do at Fintua and is key to delivering exceptional service for clients. That’s why we developed the Fintua VAT Academy. The world of VAT is constantly evolving and our Academy ensures our team stays ahead.
We sat down with Péter Árpás, Senior VAT Manager – Knowledge & Training at Fintua, to learn more about the Fintua VAT Academy and where it’s headed next.
Q: What is the purpose of the Fintua VAT Academy?
The VAT Academy deepens VAT knowledge across the company and help colleagues gain a stronger understanding of the principles and logic behind the VAT system, beyond just day-to-day practical application.
Q: Why was the VAT Academy created?
We wanted to create an in-house training programme tailored to our needs. The VAT Academy gives colleagues space to ask questions openly, learn from one another, and connect with team members across the business. It also provides an opportunity to gain insight into the VAT challenges and perspectives encountered by different teams.
Q. What was this year’s focus?
While certain core VAT topics remain relevant year after year, this year’s programme placed a particular emphasis on connecting theory with everyday practice and helping participants apply VAT principles more confidently in their daily work.
Q: What were the key highlights from this year’s training?
One of the most encouraging developments has been the growing number of participants compared to the first year, which reflects a strong commitment to continuous learning across the company. We have also seen much greater interaction among attendees. The VAT Academy has evolved beyond a traditional training programme into a platform where tax professionals can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from each other’s experiences.
Q: What first inspired the VAT Academy?
The main inspiration was to create a flexible, in-house programme that could be fully tailored to Fintua’s needs. This flexibility allows us to focus on the topics most relevant to our teams. Based on feedback from last year’s Academy, we retained some of the most valuable sessions while introducing new topics to address emerging needs and interests.
Q: Why was it important to bring the Academy back for a second year?
From the outset, our intention was to establish the VAT Academy as a recurring programme. While the format and content may evolve over time, our goal remains the same: to provide colleagues with strong VAT fundamentals while creating an opportunity to meet, collaborate, and discuss practical questions in an engaging learning environment.
Q: What were the main goals of this year’s programme?
The programme was designed to strengthen both technical VAT knowledge and practical expertise. It aims to help colleagues better understand VAT risks in their daily work, improve problem-solving skills and encourage collaboration through knowledge sharing and discussion.
Q: Why is VAT education important across teams, even outside tax specific roles?
Although the depth of VAT knowledge required may vary between teams, understanding the work and challenges of colleagues across the business helps foster greater collaboration and inclusion. We all contribute to the same company goals and a broader awareness of VAT-related issues enables teams to work together more effectively and provide better outcomes for our clients.
Q: How does the Academy support Fintua’s culture?
The VAT Academy reflects our commitment to continuous learning and professional development. It brings colleagues together from different teams, encourages knowledge sharing and creates valuable opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. In this way, it supports both personal growth and a stronger sense of connection across the organisation.
Q: What topics were covered during training?
This year, our VAT-focused sessions concentrated on place of supply rules and VAT issues arising from the digital economy. In addition, we explored the background and functionality of our Comply tool and dedicated time to discussing effective client communication, which is an essential part of delivering high-quality services.
We were pleased to welcome participants from across all Fintua teams, creating a diverse and collaborative learning environment with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
Q: How does stronger VAT knowledge benefit our clients?
Stronger VAT expertise has a direct impact on service quality. It enables us to provide faster, more accurate and more confident advice, particularly when dealing with complex VAT matters. Enhanced technical knowledge also helps us identify risks, uncover potential issues and proactively highlight opportunities for our clients, further strengthening the value of our services.
Q: What’s next for the VAT Academy?
We have three more sessions planned for this year, delivered online and on-site. Future sessions will also feature speakers from different Fintua teams, providing participants with a deeper understanding of areas such as Foreign VAT Recovery, Domestic VAT Recovery and Registration services, as well as how these functions connect to the broader VAT framework.
Q: Are there any plans to expand or further develop the programme?
Yes, we continuously gather participant feedback and use it to improve future sessions, ensuring the Academy remains relevant and valuable for our teams. Looking ahead, we would also be excited to explore opportunities to share selected training modules with partners or clients who may benefit from specialised VAT education. This could represent a natural next step in the programme’s development.
Final thoughts
“The VAT Academy was created to help colleagues deepen their understanding of VAT while strengthening collaboration across teams. It’s great to see such strong engagement again this year and a shared commitment to continuous learning across the business.”
Péter Árpás, Senior VAT Manager – Knowledge & Training at Fintua
Authors
Péter Árpás
Péter is a Tax Lawyer and a Certified International Tax Expert with over 15 years of experience in VAT advisory and compliance. Combining a solid Big4 background with valuable experience working with tax authorities, he has been with Fintua for the past 6 years, advising high-profile international clients. His practice focuses on managing tax inspections and solving complex global VAT problems for multinational businesses.
