Alumna Saara Virrankari-Kulju: In the future, taxation is going to be more and more digital and real-time

How’s your career path been?

During my studies, I worked at various positions at Taaleri Group, such as in wealth management and in value calculation of funds.  After graduation I worked as a consultant at Deloitte’s Business Tax Team for two years. In autumn 2017, I started working at Cargotec as a Senior Tax Adviser.

How did you end up in your current position?

While working at Deloitte, I was on a secondment at Cargotec’s Tax Department. In that team I got to work within diverse assignments related to various tax matters. The internationality and the diversity of business operations make Cargotec a very interesting company. That’s why I decided to apply to Cargotec after finding out about an open position in their Tax Department, and I got the job.

What has been important or useful during your studies with regard to employment?

In my opinion, Business Law studies combined with Accounting and Finance studies provided me excellent capabilities to work as a Tax Manager, because my work requires understanding of both business, accounting and tax legislation.

What would you do differently in your studies?

Afterwards, I have regretted the fact that I did not use the possibility to go on student exchange, because of my work. Aalto University offers great possibilities for exchange studies, which are certainly worthwhile to exploit.  

In the future, taxation is going to be more and more digital and real-time, which further emphasizes the importance of various technological solutions, data analytics and functional systems and processes. If I started my studies now, I would probably use the possibility for multi-disciplinary studies and would also include a few Data Analytics and Information Systems Science courses in my studies.

You work as a Tax Manager at Cargotec. Could you describe your typical workday in your job? What kind of work assignments do you have?

My work assignments consist of managing the tax risks of Cargotec Group entities, advising Cargotec Business Areas in tax matters, developing tax related processes, and optimizing and authenticating the Group’s tax payments. My typical workday includes for example coordinating tax audits, planning and coordinating various tax related development projects, answering to ad hoc questions, holding tax related trainings, and participating in the planning and execution of acquisitions and corporate restructurings. My specific expertise lies in indirect taxation, and during a typical workday I often work, for example, with Value Added Tax (VAT) questions relating to international trade.

Find out more about Saara’s career path in LinkedIn!