Background and challenges

Diversey Inc. is a global leader in cleaning and hygiene solutions, providing essential services and products to thousands of customers worldwide. Operating across multiple countries, the company faced a disjointed and inconsistent VAT reclaim process—relying on manual inputs and spreadsheets that varied from country to country.

Poul Lishmann Nielsen, Finance Director at Diversey, recognised the inefficiencies of this legacy system, where some countries reclaimed less than 2% of eligible VAT due to poor processes or lack of visibility.

Before partnering with Fintua, Diversey’s VAT recovery process suffered from:

  • Decentralised methods, often using outdated Excel sheets
  • Low reclaim rates, especially in under-optimised regions
  • Lack of visibility and consistency in compliance procedures

Diversey needed a partner who could modernise their VAT processes across all markets, while also reducing the internal burden on finance teams.

Diversey cleaning and sanitation services

Why us?

Fintua provided a seamless and automated VAT reclaim solution, enabling Diversey to centralise and standardise its global VAT processes. This partnership brought clarity, simplicity, and measurable results to the organisation.

“It saves us money, but I think it’s more than that. Simplicity is the main driver.”

Poul Lishmann Nielsen, Finance Director, Diversey Inc.

Solution

With Fintua, Diversey was able to consolidate its VAT reclaim operations into a consistent and efficient system.

Key improvements included:

  • A unified global process for VAT recovery
  • Automation of VAT workflows, reducing manual involvement
  • Clear guidelines on what to do—and what not to do—across all markets
  • Smooth implementation with minimal disruption to business operations

“It has driven a lot of simplicity into our organisation because we know exactly what we should do—and what not to do.”

Poul Lishmann Nielsen, Finance Director, Diversey Inc.

Results

Since implementing our solution, Diversey has:

  • Saved significant costs through improved reclaim rates
  • Streamlined internal processes, freeing up time for finance teams
  • Ensured consistent compliance across countries
  • Gained peace of mind, thanks to a low-touch, background solution

“It’s all done in the background… very smooth from the outside.”

Poul Lishmann Nielsen, Finance Director, Diversey Inc.

Fintua also played a consultative role—highlighting areas for improvement and guiding Diversey to continuously enhance its approach.

“Taxback International [now Fintua] is very good at showing you where you’re not doing the best thing.”

Poul Lishmann Nielsen, Finance Director, Diversey Inc.

Conclusion

Diversey’s collaboration with Fintua has delivered more than just financial savings – it has brought strategic value through process improvement, operational simplicity and global consistency. With a partner that operates efficiently in the background, Diversey is well-positioned to focus on growth while remaining compliant and cost-effective.

For a more in-depth understanding, watch the full case study video below:

Please note, Taxback International has now rebranded to Fintua.