Mundys’ Natali: ‘Tax directors are increasingly involved in shaping corporate reputation’

Fair Tax Leaders features senior professionals from across the Fair Tax Mark accredited business community.

Here, Mundys Head of Tax Affairs Giuseppe Natali discusses the importance of data and the increasing interest in responsible tax from investors.

Founded in 1950, Mundys have operative companies across the world in the highways, airport infrastructure and mobility services sectors. They were the first Italian multinational to become Fair Tax Mark accredited, gaining their first Fair Tax Mark in 2022.

Tell us about your professional journey, Giuseppe.

My career path in tax began with a strong interest in finance, law and accounting. Like many other tax professionals, I was attracted to the field because of its combination of analytical problem solving, strategic planning, and the opportunity to directly impact businesses and the business organisation by helping them navigate complex regulations and optimise their financial results.

This exposure to complexity helps you understand tax codes, financial reporting, and how tax strategy can influence business decisions.

The path to my current role was guided by a combination of technical growth, managing complex tax filings, advising on tax-efficient structures, and leading a company’s tax department.

How has the role of the tax or finance team changed in this time, especially in relation to stakeholder expectations around fair tax and corporate transparency?

The main evolution of the tax director role consists of cross-functional collaboration and an increase in data-driven reporting.

As tax is increasingly seen as part of broader governance and sustainability strategies, tax directors work closely with teams in the legal, finance, public relations, and sustainability functions. Their role has expanded from a technical advisory function to a more integrated leadership role in shaping overall corporate governance strategy.

In addition, increased data-driven reporting is forcing tax directors to better leverage advanced data management and analysis tools to ensure compliance and transparency while reducing errors.

What drives your business to pursue responsible tax conduct and gain the Fair Tax Mark?

There are two main objectives that have driven the process of obtaining the Fair Tax Mark: growing public and investor interest in this area, and sustainability reporting.

Stakeholders, including investors, clients, and regulators, are increasingly demanding that companies pay their “fair share” of taxes. Tax directors must now ensure that tax strategies not only maximise compliance and efficiency but are also aligned with the company’s ethical stance on tax contributions to society. Public perception of aggressive tax avoidance schemes can damage a company’s reputation.

Tax practices are becoming an integral part of environmental, social, and governance discussions. Investors expect tax strategies to align with broader corporate responsibility goals. Tax directors are increasingly required to report on tax policies, ensuring that they reflect a commitment to equity and to supporting the economies in which companies operate.

What would your advice be to other professionals who are thinking of applying for the Fair Tax Mark?

Today, investors and other stakeholders expect fiscal risk to be disclosed and managed openly. This includes clear disclosure of fiscal risks in financial statements, annual reports, and sustainability reports. Tax fairness certification is not just an outcome but is a process that supports the disclosure process and brings certainty and give strength to all disclosures that the company makes to its shareholders.

What are your thoughts on the future of fair tax and corporate transparency?

The future revolves around reputation management. On the one hand, there is the balance between profitability and accountability. Fiscal directors must place greater emphasis on balancing the goal of profitability with the broader ethical expectations of stakeholders. Tax directors are increasingly involved in helping to shape the corporate reputation by aligning tax practices with corporate values.

On the other hand, tax directors face increased scrutiny from the media and politics, particularly regarding where multinational corporations pay taxes and the impact of their strategies on developing economies.

What one sentence would your team use to describe you?

Always careful to ensure fiscal transparency and fairness in stakeholder relations.