TAX PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

The Future of a Tax Department

In another year of significant change and upheaval, including the “great resignation,” managing a tax department effectively entails more than what was required just 5 years ago. Our corporate tax executive panelists will lead a probing discussion of tax technologies current and future, conduct of an in-house department versus outsourcing, and the impact of remote work as an employer.

Shannon Kennedy, Director, Indirect Tax, Albertsons Companies; Phoenix, AZ

Brian Kaufman, Vice President, Tax Audits, Tax Counsel, Capital One Financial Corporation; McLean, VA

Jéanne Rauch-Zender, Editor in
Chief, Tax Analysts; Falls Church, VA (Moderator)

Guenevere
Stundon, Vice President of Tax, Dycom Industries,
Inc.; Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Practical Solutions Using Tax Data Management & Technology

Artificial intelligence and process automation can reduce effort on time consuming tasks and allow your SALT team to focus on more important strategy decisions. This panel will discuss new technologies and automation platforms leveraging enhanced analytics, data management, and data visualization tools and the ways those tools can enable strategic planning and provide value beyond a traditional reporting function.

Sheelagh Beaulieu, Executive Director, State Income Tax, CVS Health Corporation; Cumberland, RI

Michael Corrales, Partner, PwC; Washington, DC

Faranak Naghavi, Retired
Partner/Senior Advisor/Client
Serving Contractor,
EY LLP; McLean, VA

Break

Unexpected Audits: Why is This My Problem?

At most companies, the tax department is not responsible for complying with payroll, withholding, unemployment, workers compensation, and unclaimed property obligations. Yet, when one of these “taxes” results in an audit, the tax department is often tasked with defending the audit.  This session will provide a basic overview of these taxes, explain how best to defend the audits, and suggest best practices for potential appeals if the audit results in an assessment.

Nicki Howard, Asst. General Tax Counsel, CSX Transportation, Inc.; Jacksonville, FL

Mark Sommer, 
Member, Frost
Brown Todd LLC; Louisville, KY

Andrew Wagner, General Counsel, R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC; Nicholasville, KY

Emerging Practices as the World Reopens

As today’s ever-changing and complex SALT landscape evolves, audits and assessments have remained constant. This panel will address emerging practices in audits and in the procedure for challenging assessments in administrative forums and courts, as those practices have developed as we return to a “new normal.” The panel will also address alternatives to the traditional protest and appeal options to be considered by taxpayers.

Craig Fields, Partner, Blank Rome LLP;
New York, NY

John Paek, Principal, Deloitte Tax LLP; Atlanta, GA

Jorge Rodriguez,
Senior Manager,
RSM; New York, NY

Adjourn