Director, Tax

AppFolio is a community of dreamers, big thinkers, problem solvers, active listeners, and multipliers. We set the pace for innovation in real estate, delivering effortless and meaningful experiences that empower customers. As one team connected by our values, we create extraordinary outcomes for our customers, communities, and ourselves.

About the role

The 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, scalable tax organization.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Active CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license.
• 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.

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.

Skills

• Experience with R&D tax credit studies and optimization (strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with equity compensation tax (RSUs, ESPPs, stock options) in a public company context (strongly preferred).
• Exposure to M&A tax due diligence and post-acquisition integration (strongly preferred).
• Track record of evaluating and implementing AI-assisted tools for tax research and workflow (strongly preferred).

Pay

The compensation that we reasonably expect to pay for this role is: $184,000 - $230,000 base pay. The actual compensation will be determined by factors including skills, education, experience, and internal equity. This range does not include additional benefits or discretionary bonuses.

Benefits

Regular full-time employees are eligible for benefits. For details, see here.

About AppFolio

AppFolio is the technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry. Our innovative platform and trusted partnership enable customers to connect communities, increase operational efficiency, and grow their business. For more information, visit appfolio.com.

Why AppFolio

• Grow: We enable a culture of high performance, where delivering results is recognized by opportunities for growth and compelling total rewards. Our challenging and meaningful work drives the growth of our business and ourselves.
• Learn: We partner with you to realize your potential by investing in you from the start through coaching, mentorship, and skill development.
• Impact: We are creating a world where living in, investing in, managing, and supporting communities feels effortless, freeing people to thrive through purposeful innovation and collaboration.
• Connect: We excel at hybrid work by fostering flexibility, personal connection, and innovation, while coming together to celebrate and succeed as one team.

Learn more at appfolio.com/company/careers.