As of 2009, I started as an independent VAT consultant. Apart from interim assignments (see elsewhere in my profile), I have advised various types of clients, amongst which: gambling/real estate companies, charities, online vendors of software and internationally operating telecoms companies.

Managing editor for VATupdate.com, a website that brings you daily VAT news from around the world.

Amongst others I was coordinating the setup of an invoicing system (almost all EU countries and various non EU countries) which required analyzing the new 2013 EU VAT invoicing rules in detail. I was also involved in various ad-hoc projects (stop of Hamburg Freeport as of 1/1/2013, various rebate/discount issues and international transactions via excise/customs warehouses).

My assignment for MSD mainly consisted of improving the VAT automation via their SAP/Sabrix system (intra EU chain transactions, and other topics). I was also helping them to identify, map, and create procedures, checks and balances to ensure a proper framework for the filing of international VAT returns is in place within the group of companies. Further, I looked into various technical questions (local as well as international).

I assisted the Dutch VAT team of Shell with various reviews and day to day VAT support. Amongst others, I reviewed transactions between VAT group members, updated their VAT manual and did a post go-live check of their SAP/Sabrix system for the main downstream entities in the Netherlands.

Assisting VAT Resource with a VAT Quickscan of CHC's European transactions (international flights, search and rescue services, supply of parts, distribution center, etc.).

My main role was to assist Shell with the implementation of the EU VAT package 2010 (a change in all EU countries of the VAT treatment of international services). This was a big project that required managing the project for roughly 20 EU countries and more than 300 Shell companies. Further, besides providing day-to-day VAT input, I have advised on the VAT aspects of their ERP-systems (amongst others SAP and Sabrix) and was involved in various electronic invoicing projects.

I was responsible for the VAT support of various Deloitte offices, mostly in the north of Holland, and was in charge of a small team of VAT-specialists. I regularly wrote newsletters and organized presentations for my colleagues (accountants and tax advisers) to enable them to (timely) identify risks and opportunities in the field of VAT (and Dutch real estate transfer tax). Further, I represented clients in a number of cases before the Dutch courts. Currently, I was involved in various projects, amongst others relating to international VAT issues, real estate development, foundations and due diligence reviews.

Next to my job at Deloitte's, I was a temporary teacher at this school for accountants - taking care of a part of the tax courses (VAT).

During the largest part of this period, I was the only VAT specialist of this company. I was responsible for all VAT matters – and contact person for all VAT questions of our clients (approximately 700 medium/small accountancy/administrative offices throughout the Netherlands). I organized trainings for these clients – and regularly wrote newsflashes. I advised about various matters, such as cross border trade (services/goods).

I advised my clients about various matters, amongst others regarding the implementation of VAT rules in ERP-systems (Dutch energy companies/suppliers of electricity), electronic invoicing/archiving, eCommerce, real estate, holding companies, media/entertainment – and mergers & acquisitions. I was also part of the Cyprus-team, to support/train my colleagues locally in relation to their EU accession.

During this period, I mainly advised corporate clients in respect of cross-border supplies of goods/services and fiscal representation. I also developed computerized decision models in relation to tax and reviewed ERP-systems from a VAT perspective.

This was an internship (general tax), during the final phase of my studies.