How can corporate tax professionals shift from compliance to strategic work in an AI-driven future?

How can corporate tax professionals shift from compliance tostrategic work in an AI-driven future? In this episode of Clarity, NadyaBritton speaks with Pilar Mata, Executive Director of the Tax ExecutivesInstitute (TEI), about how tax professionals can reposition themselves asstrategic business partners rather than remaining focused primarily oncompliance and reporting obligations. Drawing on insights from the latestcorporate tax department research, the discussion highlights a significant gapbetween how tax professionals currently spend their time and how they wouldprefer to work. While many departments remain consumed by reactive, tacticaltasks, Mata argues that automation, AI, and other technology tools present anopportunity to reduce routine work and free up capacity for higher-valueactivities. The key, she says, is for individuals to take ownership of theirdevelopment, understand the technologies available to them, and identifyrepetitive processes that can be automated or streamlined.

A central theme throughout the conversation is that thefuture of tax will depend as much on mindset as technology. Mata encouragesprofessionals to embrace curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learningrather than viewing AI as something intimidating or reserved for specialists.She notes that many effective automation tools are already embedded withinexisting software platforms and can be adopted without significant investment.The discussion also highlights how smaller organizations are often succeedingbecause of their agility and willingness to test new solutions. Looking ahead,Mata predicts that tax professionals who develop technology literacy, embraceAI-enabled workflows, and focus on strategic advisory work will be bestpositioned to thrive as the profession continues to evolve.

3 reasons to listen

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1. Learn practical ways to move beyond reactivecompliance work, including how automation and AI can help create time for morestrategic and proactive activities.

2. Understand why technology literacy is becoming acore skill for tax professionals, regardless of role or experience level, andhow individuals can begin building those skills today.

3. Gain insight into the future of corporate taxdepartments, including the role of curiosity, experimentation, AI adoption, anddata-driven decision-making in shaping the next generation of tax leadership.

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Learn how AI can help tax professionals focus on higher-value strategic work.