🔹 Highlights
- Cut VAT query volume by over 60% through intelligent process redesign
- Accelerated VAT filing timelines with seamless data access and fewer follow-ups
- Elevated client satisfaction with proactive communication and reliable compliance
- Strengthened cash flow visibility for clients via timely and accurate submissions
Introduction
In today’s financial management and regulatory compliance world, efficient VAT (Value Added Tax) processing is crucial for businesses to operate smoothly. This case study follows the journey of a financial services company that faced significant hurdles in managing VAT filings. With the support of Corient, they overcame these challenges and enhanced operational efficiency and client relationships.
The Initial Problem: What Went Wrong?
The company struggled with a high volume of VAT-related queries. Clients were either unresponsive or delayed in providing necessary documentation, creating bottlenecks in the VAT input claim process. These delays risked late VAT filings and higher tax liabilities, straining the firm’s workflow and client satisfaction.
Corient’s First Solution: The Fix
The firm decided to collaborate with Corient’s bookkeeping outsourcing services to tackle the situation. Corient implemented the following improvements:
- Minimised client queries by extracting data directly from Amazon and online sales channels.
- Verified clients’ VAT statuses to ensure accurate processing tailored to business types.
- Streamlined invoice management, especially for clients without VAT obligations.
This first step reduced delays but introduced a new challenge.
The New Problem: A Surprise Roadblock
Despite streamlining operations, submission delays persisted. The issue? Many clients still failed to provide complete or consistent documents, particularly for cases where VAT registration was not applicable. It became evident that more profound operational changes were needed to resolve the bottlenecks fully.
Corient’s Second Solution: Fixing the New Problem
Step 1 – Pre-Onboarding Documentation Checklist
Corient developed a checklist to gather all essential client credentials at the start—VAT certificates, invoices, portal access, and business status—minimising back-and-forth communication later.
Step 2 -Revised Decision-Making Matrix
Internal VAT decision frameworks were revised to reflect standard client profiles, allowing quicker internal resolutions and fewer raised queries.
Step 3 -Client Education Campaigns
Email templates and follow-ups were updated to explain why documentation was required, encouraging faster and more accurate client responses.
Step 4 -Direct Platform Access
By obtaining direct access to client sales platforms and invoice portals, the team bypassed the need to request client data, improving efficiency and accuracy.
Step 5 -Ongoing Policy Review
VAT processing policies were dynamic, with scheduled reviews incorporating new business scenarios or client requirements.
These steps and support from Corient’s VAT outsourcing services dramatically transformed the workflow.
The Final Outcome: Success Story
The changes delivered exceptional results:
- Query volumes decreased by over 60%
- Turnaround time for VAT filings improved by 40%
- Clients expressed increased trust and satisfaction, reporting improved cash flow predictability and regulatory confidence.
“With Corient’s systems in place, we no longer worry about chasing clients for information. Their support has elevated our service standards across the board.”
Key Takeaways: Why This Matters for Businesses
- Structured onboarding reduces downstream issues
- Client training improves document quality and response time
- Policy updates ensure adaptability in a changing tax landscape
When operations are simplified, trust grows—and so does your business.