DescriptionThe Director of Tax will lead AppFolio's corporate tax function, driving overall tax planning, income tax accounting, compliance, non-income tax strategy, and audit management. As a key strategic partner, you will advise senior leadership on tax opportunities and risks while building and mentoring a high-performing tax organization built for scale.
Your Impact- Drive Strategic Tax Leadership: Act as the primary Subject Matter Expert on tax, proactively identifying risks, flagging concerns to leadership, and advising on the tax implications of business development transactions and corporate growth.
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance & Reporting: Direct all U.S. federal, state, local, GAAP, and SEC tax reporting requirements, managing quarterly and year-end tax provisions, journal entries, and reconciliations.
- Optimize Operational Efficiency: Build out a modern tax roadmap to automate processes, streamline close procedures, and enhance SOX internal controls.
- Manage Audits & External Relations: Oversee notices and inquiries from federal and state tax authorities, leading tax audit defenses and managing third-party advisor relationships.
- Build & Scale a High-Performing Team: Coach, develop, and retain a high-engagement tax team by establishing clear scorecards, individual development plans, and continuous feedback loops.
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with FP&A, Treasury, Legal, and Accounting to deliver accurate quarterly cash forecasts and support corporate initiatives.
Qualifications- Strategic thinker with strong intellectual horsepower who is comfortable navigating complex tax mechanics and business proposals.
- Proven history of elevating the collective output of the department while maintaining exceptional organizational efficiency and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated success thriving in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment across finance, legal, and corporate strategy teams.
- Exceptional executive-level written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate complex tax legislation into clear, actionable guidance.
- Passion for building trust by listening to customer needs and operating with unwavering integrity.
Must Have- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Active CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license required.
- 12+ years of progressive tax experience in public accounting and/or public corporate tax departments (preferably within the SaaS or technology sector).
- Deep technical knowledge of ASC 740 income tax accounting, U.S. federal and state income tax provisions, GAAP/SEC accounting rules, and SOX internal controls.
- Hands-on experience managing the full indirect/non-income tax compliance stack: sales & use tax, property tax, and business licensing.
- Proven track record as a people manager with demonstrated success developing talent and building high-performing teams.
- Proficiency with enterprise financial tools and software, including NetSuite, Avalara, Alteryx, CCH, Bloomberg research tools, Google Suite, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
Strongly Preferred- Experience with R&D tax credit studies and optimization.
- Familiarity with equity compensation tax (RSUs, ESPPs, stock options) in a public company context.
- Exposure to M&A tax due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
- Track record of evaluating and implementing AI-assisted tools for tax research and workflow.
Compensation & BenefitsThe compensation that we reasonably expect to pay for this role is: $184,000 - $230,000 [base pay]. The actual compensation for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's skills, education, experience, and internal equity.
Please note that compensation is just one aspect of a comprehensive Total Rewards package. The compensation range listed here does not include additional benefits or any discretionary bonuses you may be eligible for based on your role and/or employment type.
Regular full-time employees are eligible for benefits - see here.
