For many global tax teams, transformation feels like a luxury. Pressed for time, under-resourced, and faced with ever-expanding compliance burdens, most are too busy reacting to the now to plan for what’s next. But Stevi Frooninckx, CEO of Loctax, believes that change is not only possible, it’s essential.
As the founder of a VC-backed tax technology company focused on automation and efficiency, Stevi has seen firsthand how teams can evolve from compliance-heavy cost centres into strategic drivers of value. In conversation with Bethany Kopiski, he shared insights from Loctax’s journey, the changing expectations of modern tax departments, and the mindset shift required to build a future-fit function.
Stevi is clear-eyed about the challenges tax leaders face. Transformation isn’t just about buying the right software. It’s about understanding where you are today, identifying friction points, and working methodically towards improvement. At Loctax, that journey often starts with helping clients move away from manual, Excel-based processes and towards streamlined, automated workflows.
“Before you think about tools you have to look at your current data and processes. You can’t automate chaos. But once you’ve got clarity on how things work, you can build a roadmap to improve.”
Loctax’s platform is designed with scalability in mind, offering clients the flexibility to start small and grow over time. For organisations with limited headcount or budget, that modular approach can make all the difference. It creates momentum without overwhelming the team or draining resources.
One of the biggest barriers to progress in tax, according to Stevi, is the constant pull of the urgent. Tax professionals are often stuck in a cycle of fire drills, chasing last-minute data, fixing errors, and reacting to deadlines. That leaves little time for strategic thinking or stakeholder engagement.
To shift that dynamic, Stevi recommends adopting the Eisenhower Matrix: a simple framework that distinguishes between tasks that are urgent and those that are important.
“We spend so much time in the urgent side of the matrix,” he explains. “But the only way to get out of firefighting mode is to consciously invest in the important, non-urgent work. That’s where transformation happens, through process redesign, relationship building, and technology adoption.”
It’s a mindset shift that Loctax actively supports. By automating repetitive tasks and surfacing data in real time, their platform enables tax teams to move upstream and free up time to focus on strategic priorities.
While technology is a key enabler, Stevi is quick to point out that transformation isn’t just about systems. It’s about people and the relationships that tax teams build across the business.
“Good stakeholder management can prevent half your firefighting. If your internal clients understand what you need from them and why, they’re more likely to collaborate. If they don’t, you’ll constantly be chasing your tail.”
Loctax encourages clients to view stakeholder engagement not as an occasional exercise, but as a core part of tax operations. That means regular check-ins, clear expectations, and a shared understanding of timelines and deliverables. In Stevi’s view, strong relationships don’t just make life easier. They’re the foundation of a high-functioning tax team.
As automation continues to reshape tax departments, technical expertise alone won’t be enough. Stevi believes the most successful professionals will be those who bring a broader set of capabilities to the table, especially in the soft skills department.
“You need flexibility. Things change fast. If you can’t adapt, you’ll burn out. You also need curiosity, someone who asks why, not just how. And creativity, because the resources you need won’t always be there. You have to get scrappy. But above all, you need to build relationships. That’s a no-brainer.”
These attributes aren’t always prioritised in traditional tax training, but Stevi sees them as increasingly vital. As tax teams become more embedded in the business, their ability to influence, communicate, and collaborate will define their value.
Five years from now, Stevi hopes to see a different kind of tax function. One that spends less time gathering data and more time using it to shape business decisions. With the right tools, processes, and mindset, he believes tax teams can become true partners to finance and the business, not just compliance gatekeepers.
“Tax is part of a much bigger ecosystem. It helps fund the systems we all rely on – education, healthcare, infrastructure. In a world facing climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic uncertainty, tax has a crucial role to play. That’s something to be proud of.”
Stevi’s vision is ultimately an optimistic one. He sees a profession that’s ready to evolve, one step at a time, and a generation of tax leaders with the courage to drive that change.
