Francine
Smith

WHO I HELP

Small businesses. SMEs. Large corporations. Assignees.

HOW I HELP

Global Mobility Consulting and Compliance. End-to-end Global Mobility Operations. Global Compensation. Assignment Costing. Expatriate Taxes. Social Security. Business Travellers. Posted Workers. Assignment Benefits. Assignee and Management briefings. Global Mobility Policy Design and Critique. Policy Benchmarking.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Business services. Energy. Food and Drink. Industrial. Leisure, Retail and Hospitality. Not-for-profit. Public Sector. Technology.

“AAB IS A GLOBAL POWERHOUSE OF SKILLS & SERVICES EMBODIED WITHIN ITS AMAZING PEOPLE – IT’S EXCITING TO BE PART OF THAT.”

Francine Smith is a manager in our dedicated Global Employment Tax team. Francine leads and manages end-to-end global mobility operations delivery to ensure consistent, high-quality, and value-added services for AAB clients.

She cultivates and manages client relationships to deliver high-touch services both operationally and strategically, providing  her clients with expert technical advice and guidance on global compensation, tax, immigration, and global mobility policies.

Leveraging strong, long-standing partnerships with key industry providers, Francine and our Global Employment Tax team offer clients a comprehensive suite of end-to-end global mobility services, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience every step of the way. This includes assignment documentation, the preparation of letters and contracts, initiation of services in terms of tax support and assignment related benefits. Clients can also receive detailed global compensation calculations and assignment cost estimates as part of our global compensation services. Most importantly the team is able to tailor services to clients’ needs, supporting as much or as little as required – from overseeing and managing the global mobility operation, to preparing a  net to net calculation, or refreshing and updating a client’s existing global assignment policy

In terms of strategic advice, Francine can also provide policy benchmarking, policy design, together with consultancy services.

FIRST PORT OF CALL

“In my experience, the client relationships that are the strongest happen when clients see you as an extension of their own team and engage in open, transparent communication.

We are typically a client’s first port of call for any questions or support concerning global mobility, whether that is someone sending a person abroad for the first time, or a long-standing client looking for a paper on international remote working.”

GAINING INSIGHT INTO UNIQUE BUSINESSES

“I really enjoy getting to know our clients and their assignees, and get real satisfaction from gaining insight into their unique businesses and cultures. I’m also privileged to work with a fantastic team of colleagues from diverse backgrounds, which brings tremendous strength to our work and service delivery.”

MANAGING THE COMPLEXITIES OF COMPLIANCE

“The greatest challenges in global mobility revolve around managing the complexities of compliance, all the while ensuring a seamless and positive experience for clients, their assignees and accompanying family members.

With global mobility comes the need to comply with various tax, immigration, and employment laws across different countries. Each jurisdiction has its own set of regulations, which can change frequently. To respond to this, we stay ahead by continuously monitoring regulatory updates, leveraging expert knowledge, and maintaining strong relationships with our advisors. This proactive approach helps us mitigate risks and ensure our clients remain compliant, no matter where their operations take them.

In terms of service delivery to assignees, we recognise that global assignees and their accompanying dependents often face significant personal and professional challenges when relocating from one country to another. From cultural adaptation to logistical concerns, ensuring their well-being is key to the success of their assignments. We address this by offering comprehensive support, from pre-departure briefings to ongoing assistance throughout their assignment. By being responsive and showing understanding, we ensure that assignees feel supported every step of the way.”

SUPPORTING CLIENTS THROUGH THE ENTIRE LIFECYCLE

“I am delighted to be joining AAB. AAB is a global powerhouse of skills and services embodied within its amazing people and it’s exciting to be part of that. Together across our teams we can support clients throughout the entire global assignment lifecycle which is a key differentiator in the market right now.”

WORKING TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL

“The value “Collaboration is our superpower” at AAB highlights the importance of teamwork and the synergy that arises when individuals come together to achieve a common goal. In the firm, this value is deeply embedded in our culture, guiding how we operate internally and interact with clients. By leveraging the diverse strengths and perspectives of our team members, we can deliver more innovative, effective, and comprehensive solutions.

In practice, this means that no task is approached in isolation. We actively seek input from colleagues across departments, recognising that the best outcomes often come from combining different areas of expertise. This collaborative approach ensures that every project benefits from a wide range of insights, leading to higher quality work and more satisfied clients.

For me personally, this value shapes how I approach my work by encouraging open communication and a willingness to engage with others. Whether I’m working on a complex client project or developing a new internal process, I make it a point to involve the right people at the right stages. I believe that by collaborating, we not only improve our outcomes but also foster a supportive and dynamic work environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.”

AN EXTENSION OF OUR CLIENTS’ TEAMS

“I would say the greatest strengths I bring to AAB are my consultancy skills and ability to listen. I enjoy getting to know our clients and working out how to best support them in terms of their own global mobility operations as well as offering guidance on industry best practise.

It says a lot when a client describes our team as an extension to their own department. It’s an honour to be thought of in that way and to have that kind of relationship and level of trust from a client.”

NOT JUST NUMBER-CRUNCHING

“One of my pet hates about the tax profession is the persistent stereotype that it’s purely about crunching numbers and completing forms. Many people outside the profession view tax work as tedious or dull, failing to recognise the strategic thinking and problem-solving involved.

In reality, tax professionals are often at the forefront of guiding businesses through complex financial landscapes, helping them navigate regulations and make informed decisions that have a real impact on their success. This is never more important than within the field of global mobility.”