FBR Restructures Management to Accelerate Digital Transformation

In a significant move aimed at enhancing efficiency and accelerating the digital transformation of tax administration, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has undertaken a major restructuring of its senior management. This initiative, announced through a notification on Wednesday, is designed to simplify the functions of senior tax officers and improve the monitoring of tax compliance.

The FBR has re-designated several key positions within its hierarchy. Notably, the role of member (Public Relations) has been changed to member (Taxpayers Services), reflecting a renewed focus on improving services for taxpayers. Additionally, the position of member (accounting) has been re-designated as member (Organisational Audit), which is expected to enhance the oversight of financial operations.

One of the critical changes involves the reporting structure of the director general (Revenue Analysis) and the director general, Internal Audit (IR). Previously, both directors reported directly to the chairman of the FBR, which created a disconnect between their performance and the line members. Under the new structure, the director general (Revenue Analysis) will now report to the member (IR-Policy), while the director general, Internal Audit (IR) will report to the member (Organisational Audit). This adjustment is anticipated to foster better communication and accountability within the organization.

Furthermore, the FBR has merged the roles of member (information technology) and member (digital initiatives) into a single position titled director general (information technology and digital transformation). This new director general will report to the member (IR-Operations). This change comes in response to complaints regarding the lack of data sharing between the IT member and the operations member, which is crucial for effective revenue collection.

By consolidating these roles and redefining reporting lines, the FBR aims to streamline its operations and enhance the overall efficiency of tax collection processes. The restructuring is a clear indication of the FBR's commitment to modernizing its operations and embracing digital solutions to better serve the needs of taxpayers.

The FBR's restructuring efforts represent a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced in tax administration. By empowering senior members and improving communication channels, the FBR is not only aiming to enhance its operational efficiency but also to foster a more transparent and responsive tax system. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, such initiatives will be crucial in ensuring that the FBR remains equipped to meet the demands of modern taxation.