The Global Tax Survey 2021

17 May 2021

Forest seen from above next to the sea

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Our survey of tax leaders is now in its second year. Given the backdrop of the global pandemic, this paper explores expectations for their functions both alongside and after COVID-19.

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VALUE & UPGRADING: From an executive hiring perspective, we have seen an increased focus on the importance of the tax function over the last two years. This correlates with the increase in the percentage of tax leaders feeling their function is valued. Many mandates have focused on elevating the “brand” of tax internally and ensuring tax leaders have strong stakeholder management skills to drive engagement both internally and externally where needed.

CHALLENGES: Regulatory scrutiny is at the top of the agenda for the year ahead, closely followed by cost. Interestingly cost was also a top-three challenge expected by respondents from our CFO leadership survey, highlighting the need to do more with less.

COMPENSATION: On a personal level, most tax leaders’ compensation either remained flat or had a moderate increase for 2020. 58% feel fairly compensated relative to market peers however, compared to peers internally, many feel under-compensated.

As a global financial centre and a hub for businesses across Asia, Singapore was an obvious next step for us. It’s an exciting opportunity to broaden our support for clients in the local market and across the wider Southeast Asia region. It’s also an opportunity for us to further invest in our functional practices as we support our clients with their corporate officer leadership needs.

COMMENTING ON THE LAUNCH, JAMES LAWRENCE-BROWN, PARTNER AND HEAD OF ASIA