Stefan Sunde

Tax Principal

Stefan Sunde is a Tax Principal in RSM New Zealand's Auckland office and leads the firm's International Tax and Transfer Pricing practice.

Stefan advises New Zealand and offshore multinational organisations on complex cross-border tax matters, helping businesses navigate international tax obligations while maintaining commercially effective and tax-efficient operating structures. He is known for his technical expertise, relationship-driven approach and ability to deliver practical, principled outcomes in an increasingly complex global tax environment.

With over 10 years’ experience in international tax and transfer pricing, Stefan works closely with multinational businesses across a range of industries, helping them proactively manage tax risk and support long-term growth. 

Experience

Stefan began his career with a specialist transfer pricing advisory firm, where he gained exposure to many of New Zealand's largest multinational organisations and developed strong expertise in transfer pricing and international tax matters.

He later joined a Big Four firm, where he quickly assumed leadership responsibilities across significant multinational client accounts and further expanded his experience in international tax strategy, transfer pricing and cross-border structuring.

Throughout his career, Stefan has developed extensive experience designing, implementing and monitoring international tax models, particularly in relation to intangible assets, manufacturing operations and financing structures. His work focuses on helping businesses maintain efficient, sustainable and defensible tax positions across multiple jurisdictions. 

Key Capabilities

• International Tax Advisory – Advising multinational organisations on cross-border tax matters and global tax strategy.
• Transfer Pricing – Designing, implementing and monitoring transfer pricing frameworks and policies.
• Cross-Border Structuring – Developing tax-efficient structures aligned with commercial objectives.
• Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) – Assisting clients with the negotiation and implementation of APAs.
• Tax Risk Management – Supporting organisations with proactive management of international tax risks.
• Tax Audit and Dispute Support – Defending cross-border tax positions and assisting with tax authority reviews and audits.
• BEPS Pillar 2 – Advising on New Zealand compliance obligations and global Pillar 2 tax analysis. 

Significant  Projects

• Designed and implemented complex cross-border tax and transfer pricing models for multinational organisations.
• Negotiated Advance Pricing Agreements with tax authorities.
• Successfully defended international tax positions during tax authority audits and reviews.
• Advised multinational businesses operating across the United States, China, Japan, South East Asia, Australia and Europe.
• Supported multinational organisations with international tax planning across intangible asset, manufacturing and financing structures. 

Leadership and Community

Stefan believes that strong relationships are fundamental to delivering successful outcomes. He works collaboratively with clients, colleagues and tax authorities to develop practical solutions that balance commercial objectives with regulatory expectations.

Clients value Stefan's ability to simplify complex international tax matters and provide clear, actionable advice in a rapidly evolving global environment. His approach combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic understanding of business operations and risk management.

Stefan has particular experience working with organisations operating within the agriculture, software, technology, medical device and financial services sectors.

Beyond his work in tax, Stefan brings strong relationships and experience working alongside public sector agencies and officials throughout New Zealand.

Outside of work, Stefan enjoys spending time outdoors, whether at the beach or hiking in New Zealand's national parks.

Credentials

• Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Taxation), University of Auckland
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Auckland