Battle Against Tax Fraud and Financial Misuse, Safeguarding Taxpayer Funds - National Revenue Agency

Solution - Selection and Implementation of Arbutus at the NRA

 The NRA deployed Arbutus Analytics, including Analyzer Desktop and Windows Server (HUB), nationwide.

After a thorough public procurement tender process in 2016, the National Revenue Agency (NRA) selected Arbutus as the technology best able to meet its needs. The decision was based on several key considerations:

• Technical Software Capabilities: Arbutus offered robust and advanced features that met the specific requirements of the NRA.
  
  
• Licensing & Deployment: Arbutus provided flexible licensing options and a deployment model that aligned with the NRA’s operational structure.
  
  
• Cost: Arbutus was found to be cost-effective, offering good value for money.
  
  
• Implementation: The implementation process of Arbutus was evaluated to be efficient and manageable.
  
  
• Training and Support: Arbutus offered comprehensive training for end users and system administrators, along with ongoing support.

The implementation of the project included the delivery and installation of the Arbutus Server and desktop versions of the Arbutus Analyzer for 300 users. This large-scale deployment ensured that the benefits of Arbutus were accessible to a wide range of personnel within the NRA.

In addition to the software installation, the project also included training for end users and system administrators. This training was crucial in ensuring that all users could effectively utilize the capabilities of Arbutus, thereby maximizing the return on investment. The training also empowered system administrators to manage and troubleshoot the system, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation. 

In conclusion, the selection and implementation of Arbutus at the NRA was a strategic decision that has yielded significant benefits in terms of improved efficiency and effectiveness in detecting tax fraud and financial abuses. The successful implementation serves as a testament to the importance of careful selection and thorough planning in technology adoption.

Result : Improving the NRA’s Capabilities with Arbutus Analytics

• Improved Analytical Efficiency: The implementation of Arbutus Analyzer Desktop and Windows Server (HUB) technology in all offices across the country resulted in improved analytical efficiency, seamless exchange of information between their regional structures, and more effective internal control.
  
  
• Increased Audit Effectiveness: With Arbutus, the NRA team of professional auditors significantly increased the number and effectiveness of conducted audits, which helped to increase the detection of tax fraud and financial abuses. In the year alone (2017), Arbutus was used in 624 control proceedings.
  
  
• Enhanced Information Exchange: The use of Arbutus improved the exchange of information between auditors, regardless of the territorial structure in which they are located, helping to build robust organizational practices.
  
  
• Flexible Data Handling: Arbutus allows NRA auditors to import information in different file formats, perform detailed analysis, export the results, and prepare reports to be applied to the issued audit reports and fines acts.
  
  
• Automated Data Analysis: By automating standard data analysis carried out during the course of control proceedings, all Arbutus users, not just the advanced ones, can benefit from the power of automated data analysis in their day-to-day work.
  
  
• Rapid Processing and Analysis: Arbutus allows for rapid processing and analysis of significant volumes of information, from different ERP and accounting systems, thus giving NRA auditors the time and the tools they need to deepen the searches for inconsistencies and irregularities in the accounting data of the controlled entities and individuals.