Francois Joubert

About Francois Joubert

I am an international indirect tax specialist with 18 years\' experience in VAT/GST/consumption tax, and 8 years in South African corporate tax. With the rise of e-commerce blurring international borders, staying on top of VAT requirements is a challenge for any US company – whether it’s an established multinational, or a growing startup. Especially when they have no or limited physical presence abroad. And with inconsistent rules not just between countries but within them, too – as is the case in Canada – being compliant can be a confusing process.My diverse client base spans industries including technology, media, telecom (“TMT”), education, online professional development, consumer markets, manufacturing, life sciences, finance, and fintech. These companies have a global footprint extending to LATAM, EMEA, APAC, and Canada.By staying on top of current and future developments around the world, I’m able to advise and educate US clients on all aspects of VAT in e-commerce, including cryptocurrency and digital wallets.

Experience

1. Managing Director - International Indirect Taxes Group

   KPMG US

   Oct 2021 — Present · New York, NY, US

   I help US clients cut through the complexity of changing and inconsistent VAT rules around the world – often in situations where an M&A, spin-off or expansion makes matters even more complicated. Clients come from a range of industries including technology, media and telecom (TMT); education; online training and professional development; consumer markets; manufacturing; life sciences; and finance, including fintech. Typically, they’re headquartered in the US, with little to no physical presence abroad.Whether the goal is to prepare for incoming regulation, perform due diligence, minimize penalties or maximize refunds, I work with clients to analyze and assess their unique situation before developing practical, often automated tools to simplify their processes in the future.

Education

• Rand Afrikaans University

  Certificate in Taxation

  1999 — 1999

• Stellenbosch University

  Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Industrial and Organizational Psychology

  1991 — 1993

• Rand Afrikaans University

  Capital Gains Tax (NQF 7)

  2004 — 2004

• Stellenbosch University

  Higher Diploma in Tax Law

  2001 — 2002

• Stellenbosch University

  Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Business/Managerial Economics/Accounting

  1995 — 1997

• University of Cape Town

  Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.), Tax Law

  2004 — 2005

Skills

• Tax
• Income Tax
• Financial Reporting