Ep 108: Rethinking Tax with Sophie Sweeney

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I speak to Sophie Sweeney, a chartered tax advisor, chartered accountant, and university lecturer at University of Galway, to discuss how AI is reshaping the world of tax and finance. Sophie shares her unique perspective from both industry and academia, offering a rare look at the ethical, technical, and human sides of AI adoption in tax.Sophie breaks down what AI in tax actually means, challenges the myth that AI is a threat to experienced professionals, and highlights how technology is redefining expertise, not replacing it. With real-world examples from France, the Netherlands, Ireland, and beyond, this episode explores how tax systems are evolving, the importance of digital literacy, and the urgent need for fair, inclusive governance.Topics CoveredWhy tax and accounting professionals aren’t being left behind by AIHow generative AI is already being used in tax functions across big firmsThe surprising lack of regulation in tax advice, and the implications in an AI ageSophie’s personal take on automation vs. augmentation in financeReal-world examples of AI in action: from French rent analysis to Dutch web scrapingThe ethical imperative: governance, bias, and fairness in tax systemsEducating the next generation: how students are preparing for AI-first careersExcel’s staying power — and why it’s still essential in the AI eraThe role of research in shaping future tax policy and legislation🔗 Links & ResourcesConnect with Sophie on LinkedInLearn more about the University of Galway’s free tax clinicKPMG 2024 CTO Outlook: AI adoption in taxEuropean examples of AI use in tax administrationsAustralian and Spanish AI tax chatbotsWant to go deeper on AI? 📖 Buy AI Playbook📩 Get my weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Human in the Loop. 🎓 Level up with the CPD Accredited AI Playbook Diploma 📞 Let's talk about AI training for your team: digitaltraining.ie or publicsectormarketingpros.com if you are in government or publics sector.