ELEVATE brings you direct access to the insights shaping global indirect tax. Hear from industry leaders and experts as they break down the trends, technologies and legislative changes redefining compliance.
With reporting becoming real-time and mandates multiplying, automation is no longer optional. This session examines how organisations are designing sustainable VAT operating models built on automation and smart co-sourcing.
Discussion points:
- Balancing automation with human oversight
- Co-sourcing models – finding the right blend of internal control and external expertise
- Real-world VAT automation journeys
Hear from industry experts
Speakers
Michael Welner
Michael Welner, CPA, serves as Senior Manager of Indirect Tax at SAS. With more than 20 years in both industry and public accounting, his expertise spans Federal, State and Local, and International tax. As SAS’s tax global process owner for financial systems, Michael oversees global invoicing and tax reporting, ensuring robust controls, high‑quality data, and audit‑ready compliance across complex landscapes. A trusted advisor to business and finance leaders, he has guided cross‑functional teams through VAT, sales and use tax, and income tax initiatives in diverse jurisdictions—translating evolving regulatory requirements into scalable, repeatable processes.
Michael is passionate about harnessing technology to streamline intricate tax operations. He is dedicated to modernising workflows, automating tax determinations, simplifying filings, and leveraging data to achieve reliable compliance results. A champion of practical, risk-aware automation, Michael balances strong governance with operational efficiency and is deeply committed to advancing innovation in global tax compliance.
Tobias Rausch
Tobias Rausch is a Director for VAT Digital Solutions at WTS and a certified German Tax Advisor (Steuerberater) with over 14 years of experience in the tax and audit sectors. He is focused on the end-to-end digitalisation and implementation of robust VAT processes.
Tobias specialises in bridging the gap between tax legislation and technological implementation. Having recently implemented digital workflows that reduced VAT processing time and eliminated manual interaction, he leverages the WTS Global Partner Network to manage complex mandates across Europe and beyond. His expertise includes the conceptual design of Analytics and the deployment of global VAT compliance solutions.
Máté Szimilkó
With a decade of experience in VAT compliance across both Big 4 firms and technology-driven service providers, Máté has progressed from preparer to manager, gaining deep insights into the sector’s challenges and opportunities. He consistently views complexity as a chance to improve quality and efficiency, leading projects and driving continuous advancement at Fintua in all aspects of VAT compliance, from sales discussions to return preparation and notifications.
Joe Healy
Joe Healy has over 20 years experience supporting clients ranging from start-ups to multinationals. Joe has driven strategy, solution development, business development and partner integration at Fintua for over 14 years and during his tenure Fintua has become the dominant global VAT technology and services provider in the market.
