Vertex, which makes tax automation software, has named Mike Bernard, the former tax counsel for Microsoft, as its new chief tax officer - transaction tax. Peggi Rockefeller, who served in that role for six years, is retiring.
Vertex’s chief tax officers — the company has three — have the responsibility of providing insight into the impact of tax regulations, policy, enforcement and emerging technology trends on global tax department operations.
Bernard will work alongside Rockefeller over the next three months as she transitions into retirement.
Bernard joins Vertex from Microsoft, where he evaluated and managed tax risks and opportunities on behalf of Microsoft business groups, senior executives, attest auditors and the audit committee. He brings 35 years of experience in corporate tax, administration and finance, including a substantive knowledge of U.S. and international tax laws. Bernard is also an expert in the corporate tax industry and has relationships with government policy groups and tax administrations. Bernard earned both a J.D. and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Creighton University.
“I believe that [Vertex] is well-positioned to continue to deliver unparalleled technology solutions and lead customers through the complexities of indirect tax management and the implications of regulatory reform on multinational enterprises,” Bernard said in a statement.
