— Reference
SARA Implementation at DZ BANK AG
VAT Declaration: Towards an automated, integrated, audit-proof Process
Initial Situation
Creating transparent and compliant VAT returns
The Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank (DZ BANK) used to prepare its VAT returns in Excel - based on the SAP report for VAT returns. A process involving multiple steps, from manual document checks and adjustments to manually entering declaration data via a third-party tool, led to a higher risk of errors. This approach made it challenging to thoroughly check all relevant criteria. Hence, the need to replace the previous manual, interface-based processes with an SAP-integrated, automated solution.
Major Successes
Transparent and audit-proof handling of the VAT declaration process via an integrated SAP solution
Automated processes
replace manual work steps
Assured data quality through automatic plausibility checks and verification of various samples
Just a few clicks required - from creating to sending the VAT return to the tax office
Challenges
Shiftig towards automated processes and reducing manual work
Tax-relevant transactions are sometimes posted without tax codes or supplied from third-party systems. Prior to the introduction of SARA, this data had to be manually integrated into the VAT return. The project was therefore focused on automating these and numerous other steps.
The colleagues in our specialist department can work simultaneously and reciprocally on the declaration in SARA without having to wait for previously laboriously extracted values from Excel sheets. Regardless of this, the values in SARA remain traceable for all parties involved. This allows VAT returns to be processed efficiently and work processes to be more flexibly aligned with the needs of our tax experts.
Solution
Mapping the declaration process end-to-end in the SAP system
The SAP add-on SARA supports DZ BANK in mapping all steps in the declaration process in an automated and compliant manner: from importing and data preparation to sending the declaration to the tax office.
For postings without a tax code, IKOR has developed a solution that integrates balances from defined G/L accounts into the declaration: The balances are automatically imported into SARA with the appropriate tax codes. This allows various G/L account balances to be reliably assigned to the correct declaration key figures.
SARA maps the newly designed TAX CMS process. Irregularities identified during system-based plausibility checks are reviewed and documented directly in SARA. All adjustments and documentation can be traced easily and seamlessly by stakeholders at any time, even retrospectively.
SARA creates VAT declarations in SAP without media discontinuity. Adjustments, such as period shifts of documents, are automatically and correctly mapped via the SARA workflow. Manual tracking is no longer necessary, and documentation is conducted in compliance with regulations. Additionally, we observe significant benefits for companies and their tax departments, ensuring that VAT declarations are not only effective but also efficient and compliant, saving valuable time for our colleagues.
Outlook
Transitioning from SAP R/3 to S/4 HANA in just a few steps
Right from the start of the SARA implementation at DZ BANK, it was clear that a switch to S/4 HANA would follow. The established, audit-proof processes from the SAP R/3 environment will serve as the foundation for the subsequent steps in SAP S/4 HANA. Additionally, configurations within the SAP FI module are being evaluated to streamline internal processes further.
Contact Person
Miklós Hegybiró
Managing Director
IKOR Products GmbH
info-products@ikor.one
+49 40 8199442-0
Frauke Boelsen
Product Manager SARA
IKOR Products GmbH
info-products@ikor.one
+49 40 8199442-0