Cross-border Tax Talks

Careers in tax: Two international tax titans

Doug McHoney (PwC’s International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Mike Urse and Calum Dewar, both retiring PwC International Tax partners with decades-long careers in cross-border tax. Mike served as PwC’s US ITS Leader, while Calum built his career across PwC UK and PwC US, specializing in European and global tax systems. Doug, Calum and Mike discuss the dynamic nature of international tax and the intellectual curiosity that drew them to the profession. They also reflect on the evolution of PwC’s international tax practice, consensus-driven leadership, and building high-performing teams. The trio shares stories on mentorship, the impact of technology - from dictaphones to AI - and how global tax reform has shaped the practice. With humor and candor, they offer career advice to current and future tax professionals and celebrate the relationships, challenges, and learning that have defined their time at PwC. 

• 00:00 - Doug introduces the episode and shares developments around PwC’s Pillar Two compliance technology. 
• 00:45 - Doug welcomes retiring PwC ITS legends, Mike Urse and Calum Dewar  
• 02:35 - Calum: Why pursue international tax? 
• 04:15 - Mike highlights why cross-border tax is exciting—from high-value deals to global teaming. 
• 06:30 - Mike’s career origin: From The Ohio State University to PwC 
• 07:55 - Calum’s career path: From political science at university to PwC Tax 
• 10:50 - As US ITS Leader, how did Mike lead, inspire and build consensus? 
• 15:00 - How did Calum pivot from UK Taxation to US Taxation?  
• 18:10 - Who were Calum’s mentors?  
• 19:35 - Who were Mike’s mentors? 
• 22:25 - How has technology changed from your early career to current times? 
• 25:20 - What does the future of technology hold for the Tax profession? 
• 29:25 - Technology’s impact on training and teaming 
• 30:45 - Favorite part of the job?  
• 31:40 - Calum and Mike reflect on working with each other 
• 34:15 - Final thoughts and farewell 

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