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About the IVA

The IVA is the World’s Leading Non-Profit Association of VAT/GST Professionals

The International VAT Association, or the IVA, is an international non-profit association with its head office located in Brugge, Belgium. Its goals are centered around bringing a better understanding of VAT and other indirect tax laws and practice in an international perspective. The association is comprised of VAT experts and professionals, in business, in tax and law firms, government administrators, experts, academics and students.

Amongst VAT compliance specialists and notably VAT reclaim agents or intermediaries, as it applies to VAT reclaims, to provide a forum for the above categories of members to discuss aspects of VAT law and practice and to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information on VAT matters between members on a confidential basis.

The IVA is not political and shall not actively represent the interests of any one member or sector of members. Membership representation, education, networking and operational support, benefits.

200
Active Members
40
Countries Represented

Board Members

Fernando Matesanz
Chairman

Fernando Matesanz

I am the Director of Spanish VAT Services. I am also President of the Madrid VAT Forum Foundation. I have served on the EU Commission´s VAT Forum for the period 2018-2022 and I am currently a member of its VAT Expert Group.

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Resume

I am the Director of Spanish VAT Services. I am also President of the Madrid VAT Forum Foundation. I have served on the EU Commission´s VAT Forum for the period 2018-2022 and I am currently a member of its VAT Expert Group.

In recent years, through my work in the above-mentioned VAT expert groups I have been involved in the process of some of the latest VAT legislative developments (e-commerce, new VAT scheme for small enterprises or ViDA). I have had the privilege of leading some of the working groups on these matters.

I usually lecture on VAT in different institutions in Spain and in many different countries.

Reasons for my candidacy

I would like to have the support of the IVA members to continue the work that I started a few years ago.

What I believe should be the pillars on which the IVA should be built in the coming years and on which I am committed to working with enthusiasm, are:

Contributing to making IVA the most relevant institution in the world of VAT internationally. I am committed to ensuring that the voice of the IVA is present in all forums and expert working groups of which I take part, ensuring that the interests of IVA members are represented.

Continue with the project of making the IVA a true VAT knowledge platform. To this end, I am committed to continue developing the IVA University and to continue organizing and delivering VAT training sessions and webinars. Our members must be updated at all times on what is happening in the world of VAT and the best way to do this is through this project.

For all of the above, I put my background, knowledge, skills and experience at the disposal of the IVA and its members.

CV – Fernando Matesanz

Emmanuel Cotessat
Deputy Chairman

Emmanuel Cotessat

This Association is unique in the world of taxes. It has grown a lot organically, technically and in representativity. Its members have changed dramatically in their nature and scope, and we are attracting more and more people with big expectations.

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This Association is unique in the world of taxes. It has grown a lot organically, technically and in representativity. Its members have changed dramatically in their nature and scope, and we are attracting more and more people with big expectations. As it happens, we are again at a crossroad and must invest in the future. 

I would like to keep contributing to it as a Board Member and would like to propose the following agenda for the next 3 years: 

  • Keep a high technical level and a high representativity to the Authorities.
  • Develop the international reach of the Association.  For trade and flow taxes, Europe is getting smaller relative to the rest of a world that is getting bigger (especially as far as India and China are concerned). I would propose that we enlarge the international involvement of the Association by opening regional chapters with a relative autonomy under the umbrella of the IVA setting the rules (not-for profit, independence, ethics, sustainability…). It could for instance cover North America, South America, GCC/MEA, India, Asia/South-East Asia.
  • Truly embrace tax technology as a core competence of the Association, help members promote their solutions and bring the best of worldwide IT knowledge to the members (easy to say, harder to do, as my no-nonsense grandmother would have said).
  • Limit however the financial investment through use of technology and expense control ie spend the IVA money in a smart manner (everybody has a grandmother say on that I guess).
  • Adapt the functioning of the Board of the Association to the above goals:
    • Divide roles of Chairman/President and “Chief Technical Officer” to increase the power of action of the Association.
    • Have dedicated Vice-Presidents for different actions/functions, like VAT, Tax Technology, Customs, Litigation, VAT refunds, International expansion. 
    • Increase the involvement of the willing members as a complement to the Board activity.
  • Continue to have good fun and easy-going events.

CV – Emmanuel Cotessat 

Cyrille Konter
Treasurer

Cyrille Konter

Cyrille KONTER is Managing Partner of TEVEA, a Paris-based VAT-compliance company and has been working in VAT for over twenty years. Cyrille has a master’s degree in tax law and to better assist his clients, he is currently specializing in tax and customs litigation.

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SHORT RESUME

Cyrille KONTER is Managing Partner of TEVEA, a Paris-based VAT-compliance company and has been working in VAT for over twenty years. Cyrille has a master’s degree in tax law and to better assist his clients, he is currently specializing in tax and customs litigation. Cyrille has been a member of the Board since 2011 and Treasurer since 2017. Cyrille is also President of the Association of French Tax Representatives in France.

MAIN REASONS FOR MY CANDIDATURE

Since the implementation of the VAT Package in 2010, IVA has evolved significantly to adapt to the new regulatory environment and to the needs of its members. I am delighted to have been part of this evolution. But I am convinced that the IVA is once again at a crossroads. The prospect of the adoption of VIDA, the implementation of new obligations (e-invoicing for instance) and the acceleration of the digitization of VAT compliance are major challenges for all IVA members. I want to continue to actively contribute to the IVA’s
adaptation to these challenges. Finally, I want to continue the work carried out as Treasurer of the Association to ensure that the IVA has the means to achieve its ambitions and that the services provided to the Members remain at the highest quality standards.

CV – Cyrille Konter

Raymond Feen
Secretary

Raymond Feen

I am active in the VAT world since 1996 after graduating from Leiden University with a major in indirect taxes. Since then I have worked in VAT for a Big4 firm, several multinationals as inhouse VAT manager and in 2010 I started ALLVAT.

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Short CV

I am active in the VAT world since 1996 after graduating from Leiden University with a major in indirect taxes. Since then I have worked in VAT for a Big4 firm, several multinationals as inhouse VAT manager and in 2010 I started ALLVAT. I have built and international network of VAT consultants, provide trainings in VAT both within the Netherlands and abroad.

Motivation

In my second term as board member of the IVA, Fernando Matesanz and I launched the idea to create a VAT school for the IVA members. At the autumn conference 2022 in Barcelona we launched the IVA University and in October 2023 we were able to give the first graduates of the University their diplomas. I want to continue this work for the IVA University as your board member. Now that the IVA University has been established I want to spent more time again on the regions outside the EU. This will increase not only visibility of the IVA outside Europe, but will increase interest in the IVA and will give our members more possibilities to reach out to local experts outside Europe. I believe IVA can and should play an important role in the global VAT developments and for this we need more members outside Europe who can play an important role on a local level. Our network can grow. IVA has made huge steps in recent years to increase the number of members and as your board member I want to play a role in planning and executing this further expansion of the IVA to other regions.

CV – Raymond Feen

Anna Szafraniec

Anna Szafraniec

I am honored to submit my candidacy for the position of Board Member of the International VAT Association.

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I am honored to submit my candidacy for the position of Board Member of the International VAT Association.

Throughout my career, I have navigated the complexities of VAT regulations and worked with international businesses to advise on VAT compliance implementation and risk assessment. My experience includes years of tax advisory practice, leadership roles in tax-related organizations, and building international partnerships, which all has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the VAT landscape not only for entrepreneurs, but also governments.

If I were elected, I would like to focus on the following qualities and contributions to the Board and IVA Members:

  1. Establishing an e-Invoicing Committee within the IVA which I believe can be a highly beneficial initiative, given the increasing importance of electronic invoicing in modern tax administration. The committee can facilitate knowledge and experience sharing among members, address challenges, cooperate with members from various countries and industries as well as with the European Union Commission.
  2. Strengthening the IVA’s LinkedIn presence by regular content creation. (Regular updates, articles, insights, and news related to VAT regulations, trends and International VAT Association activity itself).
  3. Knowledge Sharing and Professional Development. I am committed to promoting knowledge-sharing and professional development opportunities within the Association. I would like to support initiatives such as educational resources, training programs and networking events, as well as support any initiatives undertaken by the Board through personal involvement.

I am confident that my collaborative approach, combined with a proven track record of effecting positive change, will enable me to make meaningful contributions to the association’s endeavors. I’ll be honored to contribute my skills, experience and can-do attitude to serve the needs of the Association’s members. I believe that together we can build more and drive positive change and awareness in the field of taxation.

CV – Anna Szafraniec

Fatima Gouveia

Fatima Gouveia

Fátima Gouveia is a Portuguese Economist and tax consultant, who has been working in cross border VAT for 23 years. Until 31.12.2023, she was a member of the Board of the IVA in her capacity of General Manager of Comark, Lda. (member since 1998).

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Fatima Gouveia

Fátima Gouveia is a Portuguese Economist and tax consultant, who has been working in cross border VAT for 23 years. Until 31.12.2023, she was a member of the Board of the IVA in her capacity of General Manager of Comark, Lda. (member since 1998). In January of 2024, Comark sold its business to its daughter company Ecovis Comark, Lda., where Fátima Gouveia is a Managing Partner. She has been a key player in the association’s activities in the last 11 years as a member of the Board.

Motivation letter

The IVA has gone through significant transformation in the last years. The association has grown in the number of its members, in the contributions made to major VAT forums within the EU and in its awareness within the VAT world. Having been part of that transformation motivates me to continue contributing to this project.

I’m mindful of the challenges that the IVA members face in the coming years: new VAT reforms and an ever-growing digitalization of the VAT. Thus, it is of vital importance that the IVA and its members continue be able to influence lawmakers and VAT Authorities with their knowledge and on-the-grown experience and further ensure that their views are dully considered in their decision-making process. The IVA should also promote the technology issues, as they will shape the future of VAT. Moreover, it should further improve the recognition of VAT agents/experts. Finally, I also believe that the IVA should enhance and deepen the exchange of experiences between its members, as that as always been one of the major assets of the association.

For this to happen, it is important that the Board reflects the IVA’s diversity of origins, professional experiences, and company’s sizes, to ensure that all views are dully represented.

CV – Fatima Gouveia

Fabian Völkel IVA

Fabian Völkel

Fabian Völkel is the Founder and Managing Director of VAT4U. After completing his legal studies in Münster, Düsseldorf, New York, and London, earning a Ph.D. and an LL.M. (Tax), Fabian accumulated 25 years of consultancy experience at Clifford Chance, KPMG, and Ayming (Ex-Lowendalmasai). Fabian’s expertise lies in cross-border VAT, integrating VAT compliance and recovery with IT technology. He is also a German tax lawyer.

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Fabian Völkel is the Founder and Managing Director of VAT4U. After completing his legal studies in Münster, Düsseldorf, New York, and London, earning a Ph.D. and an LL.M. (Tax), Fabian accumulated 25 years of consultancy experience at Clifford Chance, KPMG, and Ayming (Ex-Lowendalmasai). Fabian’s expertise lies in cross-border VAT, integrating VAT compliance and recovery with IT technology. He is also a German tax lawyer.

Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, VAT4U aims to revolutionize VAT management by offering innovative, AI-driven solutions that automate processes, enhance compliance, and maximize VAT recovery for businesses and experts globally. VAT4U’s SmartAI technology is the culmination of a decade of continuous development and close collaboration with VAT experts and customers.

The core objectives of his candidature focus on pragmatic enhancements that will ensure IVA continues to lead, innovate and influence in the field of VAT globally:

1. Improved Tax Authority Relations: He aims to build stronger connections with tax officials, especially in Germany, through regular meetings and ongoing discussions.

2. Tech Enhancement in IVA: He is committed to boosting the presence of technology in IVA, notably by introducing a Technology panel at the bi-annual IVA conferences to ensure members stay updated on the latest in tax technology.

3. Simpler Solutions for Businesses: Fabian insists on making sure that new initiatives like e-invoicing are easy to adopt for businesses, making good use of his position as a Deputy Member of the eInvoicing Technical Advisory Group of the European Commission.

In seeking re-election, Fabian Völkel is not only offering his expertise and experience but also his vision for a more collaborative, technologically advanced, and business-oriented IVA that will continue to thrive and set the standards in VAT practices globally.

CV – Fabian Völkel

Jane Holmberg
Co-opted Board member

Jane Holmberg

My career in VAT began in 1994, when I also became a founding member of the newly formed International VAT Association. I currently serve on the Board of the Association and have been a dedicated, active supporter all its 30 years.

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My career in VAT began in 1994, when I also became a founding member of the newly formed International VAT Association. I currently serve on the Board of the Association and have been a dedicated, active supporter all its 30 years. 

I successfully created the United Cash Back network of companies, specializing in foreign VAT and related services, culminating with its acquisition by the VAT IT Group.  As an effective entrepreneur and economist, I complement the phenomenal tax expertise on the IVA board by representing the needs and concerns of business. For 30 years, I have been a spokesperson for the Association and business – questioning regulations and requirements which hamper business practices or hinder the intention of legislation. I remain a committed advocator that businesses, VAT agents and VAT authorities should understand each other’s needs to build trust and align practices for efficient and fair VAT handling.

We have seen major changes in the treatment of VAT, including the 2010 VAT package.  I represented the Association at the EU Commission, at VAT authorities, and liaised with business to ensure the final package was workable for all stakeholders.  We have now entered an era of huge change as technology and e-commerce starts to fundamentally shape business.  It is creating opportunities, challenges and uncertainties for businesses, VAT practitioners and the authorities – hence the pivotal role of the Association during this turbulent decade is even greater. 

I believe the IVA is key to delivering assistance and benefits to its members. I can dedicate the time and commitment required to support the Board and am keen to continue to provide my experience, knowledge, and well-established and trusted network to the Association.

CV – Jane Holmberg

Mojca-Grobovsek-IVA-board

Mojca Grobovsek

Mojca has been immersed in the realm of VAT since 2006. Presently, she holds the position of VAT and International Taxes Director at Ayming, overseeing both consulting and sales teams and activity.

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SHORT RESUME:

Mojca has been immersed in the realm of VAT since 2006. Presently, she holds the position of VAT and International Taxes Director at Ayming, overseeing both consulting and sales teams and activity. Her expertise lies in guiding companies to discern tax risks and devise enduring VAT strategies for their global transactions. Mojca is not only a sought-after conference speaker but also a proficient trainer in indirect taxation. Since 2017, she has actively contributed to the IVA board and, as of 2020, she’s also a proud member of the French Tax Representatives Association.

BRIEF:

Having served on the board for six years, I’ve actively contributed to our association’s digital transformation, notably by championing the launch of an IVA application. Today, I advocate for continuing this trajectory while also aiding IVA in broadening its reach beyond the EU. I stand ready to bolster more efficient communication with tax authorities in the Balkans, facilitating smoother project progress, especially regarding reciprocity and refund procedures. I strongly believe that the insights and digitalization experiences of non-EU countries like Mexico and India could greatly benefit IVA members and their clients. Therefore, I propose to actively engage these countries in our conferences and integrate them more deeply into IVA’s initiatives.

CV – Mojca Grobovsek

Ruth Corkin IVA

Ruth Corkin

Ruth heads up the Indirect Tax Team at Hillier Hopkins LLP and has worked in indirect tax for many years. She specializes in helping businesses navigate the post Brexit world, including VAT and customs duties, and importer related environmental reporting.

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Resume

Ruth heads up the Indirect Tax Team at Hillier Hopkins LLP and has worked in indirect tax for many years. She specializes in helping businesses navigate the post Brexit world, including VAT and customs duties, and importer related environmental reporting. She represents the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales on various committees with the UK Tax Authority, HMRC and is passionate about standing up for SME businesses. Ruth has been a Board member since 2021.

Reasons for candidature

The post-Brexit landscape has added to the complexity of VAT for all businesses. The ever-changing rules in the EU do affect non-EU businesses and the IVA is in a great position to feed the views of third country advisors and businesses back to the powers that be.

The rise of technology and digital reporting means that the IVA will need to be agile and adapt to these challenges and, having experienced the UK’s digitalizing of VAT, I believe I have some useful insight into the barriers to digitalisation that the IVA can utilise.

During my time on the Board, I have acted as an interface with HMRC, particularly for VAT registrations where HMRC has not been in contact. I would like to continue to champion the issues of members with HMRC if I am re-elected.

CV – Ruth Corkin

Stephen Dale

Stephen Dale

I have the privilege to have been part of our Association since the very beginning in 1994 and, if elected, look forward to personally contributing to the further growth and development of our Association by expanding it globally, extending the range of subject matters of interest to our members and working with stakeholders on policy developments to build, develop and define the VAT/GST, Customs and Indirect Taxes systems of the future.

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Resume:

Stephen has worked in VAT for over forty years.

Stephen is a member of:

  • Accountancy Europe’s Tax Policy Group,
  • Chair of the ICAEW’s VAT Committee,
  • VAT Expert Group,
  • the Board of the Association de la Pratique de la TVA européenne,
  • Association des Représentants Fiscaux Français,
  • OECD’s TAG on consumption taxes.

He is also a local councillor.

Reasons for my candidature:

I have the privilege to have been part of our Association since the very beginning in 1994 and, if elected, look forward to personally contributing to the further growth and development of our Association by expanding it globally, extending the range of subject matters of interest to our members and working with stakeholders on policy developments to build, develop and define the VAT/GST, Customs and Indirect Taxes systems of the future.

Our members and our Association face an increasing number of challenges, from regulation, AI, e-invoicing, continuous real-time reporting and legislative change. Your Association through our conferences, webinars, regular contacts with administrations and regulators attempts to ensure that we are all understand and adapt to face these challenges.

Your Association has, since the global pandemic, continued to grow and expand – we need to accelerate this momentum – this requires Board members who have time, energy and enthusiasm – I believe that as a Board member I can help us all achieve our objectives.

CV – Stephen Dale

IVA-Board-2024

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