Exposed Podcast

CFO Expectations: The Tax Leadership Playbook


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Guest: Heath Mitts

 Title: Chief Financial Officer, TE Connectivity

 Duration: 31 minutes

 Release Date: May 28th 


Episode Description

In this insightful episode of the Exposed Podcast, Tony Santiago sits down with Heath Mitts, CFO of TE Connectivity, to explore the evolving relationship between the CFO and the tax function. Heath shares his perspective on how CFOs are navigating today’s complex global tax environment, the expectations they have of tax leaders, and the key traits he values in a Chief Tax Officer.

The conversation also touches on strategies for balancing aggressive tax planning with risk mitigation, the challenges of maintaining compliance in a shifting regulatory landscape, and what CFOs should consider when hiring or promoting their first tax leader.

Key Discussion Highlights

🔹 The CFO-Tax Leader Dynamic: Heath discusses the critical role tax leaders play in shaping business decisions and the need for consistent communication.
🔹 Anticipating Global Change: Insights on how TE Connectivity’s tax function plans ahead for regulatory shifts and manages risk in over 100 countries.
🔹 Telescope Thinking: The importance of a tax leader who can switch between granular technical detail and big-picture strategy.
🔹 Talent Development: Why building and retaining a strong, adaptable tax team is essential for long-term success.
🔹 Balancing Compliance and Planning: How CFOs can work with tax leaders to integrate risk management and proactive planning.

Top Quotes

📌 “Our tax leader is not buried in layers—they have a seat at the table.” — Heath Mitts
📌 “Scenario planning wasn’t even a thing years ago in tax, but today it’s essential.” — Heath Mitts
📌 “Telescope thinking is critical—the ability to zoom in on the technical and then quickly zoom out to communicate with the business.” — Heath Mitts

Key Takeaways

✅ The CFO and tax leader must maintain open, proactive communication to navigate today’s evolving global landscape.
 ✅ Tax functions need to integrate risk management, scenario planning, and adaptability into daily operations.
 ✅ Building a culture of development within the tax team fosters loyalty and long-term business success.
 ✅ Hiring or promoting a tax leader requires prioritizing skills and fit over chasing the elusive “unicorn” candidate.

About the Guest Speaker: Heath Mitts

Heath Mitts is the Chief Financial Officer of TE Connectivity. With over two decades of financial leadership experience across manufacturing and technology sectors, Heath brings a unique perspective on how tax functions can create value, manage complexity, and align with broader business objectives.

Next Steps for Listeners

 🔹 Evaluate your tax team’s readiness for rapid regulatory changes.
 🔹 Foster a culture of development and adaptability within your tax function.
 🔹 Stay tuned for more Exposed episodes exploring leadership, compliance, and corporate strategy.

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Exposed PodcastBy Jake