The concept behind Transfer Pricing is the “Arm’s Length Principle”, basically making sure that a company’s transactions with its subsidiaries are similar to other companies’ transactions with their own subsidiaries. To make sure that companies don’t run into problems with different national governments, they have to document these transactions, which is where PwC comes into play.

My day to day job consists of writing documentation reports to ensure that companies are in-line with relevant tax laws, and OECD requirements. To write these reports, I run analyses to find comparable transactions, research my clients and their industry, find the right method to compare transactions, and then document all this in a report that the client can present to the IRS or any other country’s taxing authority, should the client be asked for an explanation of its transaction accounting.

The diversity of clients is interesting. My current clients are in banking, electronics manufacturing, and entertainment. I’m learning about their industries, the companies themselves, Transfer Pricing tax laws (ask me about §482 of the Internal Revenue Code!), and more about Transfer Pricing itself. At UT, we learn a little about Transfer Pricing in our international business classes, but it is much more in depth in the professional world.

The courses in international business at McCombs provided a strong foundation that spring boarded me to where I am now. I have been able to customize my courses to fit what I want to do with my career. International Trade and International Finance have been two of the most useful classes I’ve taken. The IB program opened the door that helped me gain the internship with PwC transfer pricing!

PwC is a fantastic place to work and I know that the skills I’m learning in my internship will help me as I finish out my senior year in Austin. I’m looking forward to completing my internship, and I hope to continue at the firm full-time when I graduate!

My name is Graham Smith and I’m an incoming Junior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Company in Costa Rica. I’m also a proud International Business, Business Honors, and Spanish student at The University of Texas at Austin. My drive to explore new cultures and to broaden my view of the world has led me to pursue work, study, and travel opportunities across four continents throughout the last few years. Most notably, I have studied abroad in Argentina and Costa Rica, and interned in China. 

I wholeheartedly believe that I would not be as successful or happy in my career path as I am today if I had not changed my major from finance to international business. By professionally pursuing what fascinates and excites me, I aligned my professional goals with my personal interests, and this has led me to incredible places. The Center for Global Business has supported my goals through individual counseling and relevant coursework. In taking IB 350 (International Trade) and MAN 337 (Intercultural Management)— in addition to personally speaking with Dr. Mendez— I learned a useful structure for performing cultural analysis. The IB program has helped immensely in my understanding and communication with my foreign counterparts during the recruiting processes and throughout my internships.

Working in China for three months was a transformative experience that radically expanded my view of the world and helped me understand the enigma of modern China. I worked for a marketing consulting firm based in Shanghai that specializes in consulting, advertising, marketing, and research services to agricultural importers to China. During my internship, I compiled market research, advertising reports and presentations for clients, which gave me great experience in research and business writing. 

Currently with McKinsey & Company, I am conducting research for clients in the public and social sectors, such as governments and social organizations, which will allow me to further understand world affairs and promote positive social change in my work.

The concept behind Transfer Pricing is the “Arm’s Length Principle”, basically making sure that a company’s transactions with its subsidiaries are similar to other companies’ transactions with their own subsidiaries. To make sure that companies don’t run into problems with different national governments, they have to document these transactions, which is where PwC comes into play.

My day to day job consists of writing documentation reports to ensure that companies are in-line with relevant tax laws, and OECD requirements. To write these reports, I run analyses to find comparable transactions, research my clients and their industry, find the right method to compare transactions, and then document all this in a report that the client can present to the IRS or any other country’s taxing authority, should the client be asked for an explanation of its transaction accounting.

The diversity of clients is interesting. My current clients are in banking, electronics manufacturing, and entertainment. I’m learning about their industries, the companies themselves, Transfer Pricing tax laws (ask me about §482 of the Internal Revenue Code!), and more about Transfer Pricing itself. At UT, we learn a little about Transfer Pricing in our international business classes, but it is much more in depth in the professional world.

The courses in international business at McCombs provided a strong foundation that spring boarded me to where I am now. I have been able to customize my courses to fit what I want to do with my career. International Trade and International Finance have been two of the most useful classes I’ve taken. The IB program opened the door that helped me gain the internship with PwC transfer pricing!

PwC is a fantastic place to work and I know that the skills I’m learning in my internship will help me as I finish out my senior year in Austin. I’m looking forward to completing my internship, and I hope to continue at the firm full-time when I graduate!

My name is Graham Smith and I’m an incoming Junior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Company in Costa Rica. I’m also a proud International Business, Business Honors, and Spanish student at The University of Texas at Austin. My drive to explore new cultures and to broaden my view of the world has led me to pursue work, study, and travel opportunities across four continents throughout the last few years. Most notably, I have studied abroad in Argentina and Costa Rica, and interned in China. 

I wholeheartedly believe that I would not be as successful or happy in my career path as I am today if I had not changed my major from finance to international business. By professionally pursuing what fascinates and excites me, I aligned my professional goals with my personal interests, and this has led me to incredible places. The Center for Global Business has supported my goals through individual counseling and relevant coursework. In taking IB 350 (International Trade) and MAN 337 (Intercultural Management)— in addition to personally speaking with Dr. Mendez— I learned a useful structure for performing cultural analysis. The IB program has helped immensely in my understanding and communication with my foreign counterparts during the recruiting processes and throughout my internships.

Working in China for three months was a transformative experience that radically expanded my view of the world and helped me understand the enigma of modern China. I worked for a marketing consulting firm based in Shanghai that specializes in consulting, advertising, marketing, and research services to agricultural importers to China. During my internship, I compiled market research, advertising reports and presentations for clients, which gave me great experience in research and business writing. 

Currently with McKinsey & Company, I am conducting research for clients in the public and social sectors, such as governments and social organizations, which will allow me to further understand world affairs and promote positive social change in my work.

Ray Brimble
Ray Brimble, CEO of Lynxs Group, is Chair of our Board of Advisors. He has shepherded the CGB through the strategic assessment and design process, while building an outstanding support team of global experts. Ray is working to attract talent to the board and ensure the Center’s sustainability.

Linda Gerber
Linda Gerber is a longstanding McCombs faculty member, academic coordinator for International Business, and former Center Director. Linda is contributing her experience in international business education to develop our global communication strategy.

Matt Hansen
Matt Hansen, CEO of Financial Services Capital LLP, is President of the UK Texas Exes alumni group. Matt has leveraged his extensive connections throughout Europe to create global internship and funding support for UT students.

Paul Kinscherff
Paul Kinscherff, retired Vice President of Boeing, is Executive in Residence at McCombs and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Paul’s extensive knowledge of international business has greatly facilitated the development and implementation of the Center’s strategic plan.

Raj Mahale
Raj Mahale, a partner at KPPB Law, is a graduate of McCombs’ International Business program. Raj is working to develop international internship opportunities for UT students through his extensive network of international alumni in the US and abroad.

Deirdre Mendez
Deirdre Mendez teaches IB at McCombs and oversees the Certificate in Global Management. As Director of the Center for Global Business, Deirdre has worked to create global linkages for our key constituencies while designing and implementing the strategic plan.

Michael Soileau
Michael Soileau, Vice President of Syndication and Competitive Strategy at Comcast, is leveraging his expertise in communication to connect our constituencies throughout the world and enhance McCombs’ global reach and impact.

Rene Van De Zande
Rene Van De Zande, former CEO of Emergo Group, has contributed his extensive international experience and network of global contacts to help the Center share our message and achievements with the international community and reach financial sustainability.