Nora Bafrouri, Global VAT and Tax Technology Lead at Trane Technologies, joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to discuss how indirect tax teams can move from compliance to measurable business value.
She explains how she built a highly automated VAT operating model across 44 jurisdictions, why tax authorities are increasingly data-driven, and how a structured KPI dashboard helped her reposition VAT as a business partner. She shares:
• How misalignment between VAT and technology priorities was solved by bringing the lifecycle under one leadership.
• How Italy VAT refunds moved from a six-year cycle to being fully up to date.
• Why tax teams must speak in business metrics if they want budget and influence.
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Where to find Nora Bafrouri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norabafrouri/
Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx
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In this episode, we cover:
[00:00] Introduction – Who is Nora Bafrouri?
Global VAT and Tax Technology Lead at Trane Technologies. Big 4 background. Belgium-based.
[16:20] From VAT Compliance to Tax Technology Leadership
Spotting misalignment between indirect tax and technology. Taking ownership of the full lifecycle.
[19:00] Scaling Across 44 Jurisdictions
Building a highly automated VAT model with a small tax tech team.
[27:40] Tax Authorities Shift to Data-Driven Audits
From legal debates to data mismatches. Real-time reporting changes the game.
[31:20] From Cost Centre to Value Driver
Using technology to improve productivity, working capital and reputation.
[32:12] Italy VAT Case Study
Refund cycle reduced from 6 years to fully up to date, including 2024 approval.
[34:00] Measuring Value With a Dashboard
Tracking risk mitigated, cash flow optimisation and productivity gains.
[40:50] The Future of AI in Tax
Traditional AI vs generative AI. Why tax teams must stay alert.
[44:00] Final Advice
Be engaged. Bring stakeholders into your journey. Build for the organisation, not just tax.
