When IT and taxes come together: Why Business Informatics is the perfect next step for Peter Schwab

Peter Schwab works in Corporate Tax at Doppelmayr Service GmbH, a service company within the Doppelmayr Group. A field that is changing rapidly. His decision to study for a Master's in Business Informatics - Digital Transformation at the FHV was based on this development. "I realized how strongly tax processes in the corporate tax area are digitizing and how central technological solutions have become for efficient and secure tax functions," says the 39-year-old, describing his motivation. The combination of an understanding of Business Administration and technological know-how is particularly important to the Pinzgau native. IT systems, data quality and automation play an increasingly important role in his daily work - from tax compliance and reporting to international projects such as the global minimum taxation Pillar II. "Business Informatics gives me an understanding of data structures, system architectures, automation and interfaces," he emphasizes. "It is precisely this knowledge that is needed to set up and optimize modern tax processes or to use digital tools such as ERP-based tax modules, tax engines or RPA solutions in a meaningful way." 

Practical and relevant 

What Peter particularly appreciates about the course is the direct link to practice. "In general, I find it remarkable how practical and easily transferable the content from the courses is to everyday business life," he emphasizes. For the Salzburg native, this shows how much knowledge and experience has gone into the design of this master's degree program. "The direct link to my work is primarily in the area of tax technology. Thanks to my knowledge, I can better translate tax requirements into technical specifications and at the same time recognize potential for process improvements." The content of the course can be applied directly in his job. "A key added value for part-time students," he emphasizes. Peter also receives great support from his employer Doppelmayr, particularly with regard to the necessary flexibility in terms of time. Thanks to freely divisible working hours, he can optimally combine courses on Thursdays and Fridays with his professional activities. Peter is particularly enthusiastic about courses that are not only convincing in terms of subject matter, but also methodologically. "One highlight was the Leadership and Change Management course with Professor Willy Kriz." He particularly remembers the didactics of the course: "I was always able to take a lot away from it, both in terms of content and the design of the course." Especially in an environment characterized by change and digitalization, he sees this as an important building block for his personal and professional development. 

Studies, job and private life

The biggest challenge for Peter during his studies is time management. "The demands of studying are manageable, but the trick is to juggle everything." Realistic planning and a supportive environment are crucial for him. "My wife is very supportive. She has my back during intensive phases and motivates me." At the same time, he is aware: "These two years of the part-time Master's degree are simply an intensive time." 

Master's thesis with illwerke vkw 

Peter also remains true to the practical approach for his master's thesis. Together with illwerke vkw, he has already found a specific topic. This cooperation resulted from the Statistics and Data Analysis course. The provisional title sounds ambitious: Model-based anomaly detection using storage data from a pumped storage power plant - comparison of methods under transient load changes to design a practical monitoring model. "The topic is very exciting and equally practical," he summarizes. 

Arrived in Vorarlberg 

Originally from Pinzgau, Peter now lives with his wife in Bezau. Vorarlberg has not only impressed him personally, but also professionally. The region is home to many of Austria's hidden champions. "With highly innovative companies in certain niches with a global presence," he says, impressed. The Bregenzerwald reminds him strongly of his home. "That's why I feel very much at home there," says the passionate winter sports enthusiast. Peter can look back with satisfaction on the decisions he has made in recent years. 

Are you interested in studying Business Informatics - Digital Transformation? You can find all the information here.