Background and challenges

NBC Universal is a global powerhouse in the development, production and distribution of news and entertainment content. With complex international operations, managing VAT compliance and reclaim processes across multiple jurisdictions was both time-consuming and inconsistent.

Giorgio Viltro, the Indirect Tax Compliance Manager at NBC Universal, oversaw a fragmented VAT reclaim process. UK entities required manual data entry into internal systems, while US employees had to retain and physically submit receipts—resulting in inefficiencies, errors, and lost reclaim opportunities.

NBC Universal needed to modernise and simplify their VAT reclaim processes to:

  • Reduce manual employee input
  • Improve accuracy and compliance
  • Free up internal resources for more strategic tasks

Solution

With minimal disruption, Fintua was granted access to NBC Universal’s systems and immediately began streamlining VAT reclaim processes across both UK and US entities. Key improvements included:

  • Automated data extraction from expense platforms
  • Minimal employee intervention in VAT processes
  • Higher reclaim accuracy with fewer errors
  • Compliance assurance through consistent application of tax rules

“Now, thanks to Taxback International [now Fintua], we don’t have a lot of intervention from our employees… they work in the background, and we’ve freed up a lot of time for our resources.”

Giorgio Viltro, Indirect Tax Compliance Manager

Results

NBC Universal has achieved a more efficient and accurate VAT reclaim process, significantly improving productivity across teams. Employees are no longer bogged down with manual tasks, and reclaim accuracy has improved—leading to better compliance and greater financial returns.

“They were very deep into the process. They didn’t even disturb us at all… It’s a good thing because it means we can think about other activities.”

Giorgio Viltro, Indirect Tax Compliance Manager

Why Fintua?

Fintua offered a seamless, low-intervention VAT solution that integrated directly with NBC Universal’s systems, enabling automation and significantly reducing the burden on employees.

“Working with Taxback International [now Fintua]is a very good way of managing your VAT recovery… they’re accurate, they’re efficient, and they give you the possibility to focus on other activities.”

Giorgio Viltro, Indirect Tax Compliance Manager, NBC Universal

Conclusion

NBC Universal’s partnership with Fintua illustrates the powerful impact of automation and expertise in indirect tax. By streamlining processes and minimising human input, NBC Universal has reclaimed both time and money – allowing their teams to refocus on high-value strategic work.

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

Please note: Taxback International has now rebranded to Fintua.