Director, Tax

AppFolio is more than a company. We’re a community of dreamers, big thinkers, problem solvers, active listeners, and multipliers. At every opportunity, we set the pace while delivering innovation built to carry real estate into the future. One in which every experience feels effortless, yet meaningful. Where customers are empowered to take on any opportunity. We show up as one team, connected by our values to be a force for good. Because together, we have the power to create extraordinary outcomes for our customers, our communities, and ourselves.

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 tax organization built for scale.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

The 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.