Q&A With Avalara Employees

Fairly well challenged

Depends on manager.

Challenges define the work: Always interesting, always uphill, always addressable!

Standard tech industry interview

Not too difficult compared to other tech companies.

Typical for a tech company: Fairly intense.

We have our roller coasters, but generally very positive and can-do.

It varies by team, location, department, manager, etc. Sales team morale seems very high right now.

Middle management not held accountable by upper management to work together effectively; fiefdoms abound, too many managers present rosy myths upward

How great it is? I dunno. Seriously, I had no idea what I was in for when I got the offer. I decided to take a chance and am very happy I did. I will add that your experience varies widely depending upon your department and manager. But that's the same case in any company. In the sales department, there have been ups and downs and I've averaged about one new manager per year. But things seem to be on the right track and it's exciting to be here.

I suspect that I am not, but I don't know.

No

Depends on your manager! Flexibility is possible. Vacation time is fairly generous.

Great! Plenty of time and I've never had an issue taking mine. I've worked in a couple different groups and had 4 different managers in my time here, and they have all encouraged their employees to take it.

Work/Life balance is good if you contribute meaningfully.

I'm sure it depends upon the team you're on, but the culture is great and few folks are in the office past 5pm. Plenty of social activities with co-workers, too, if you're into that sort of thing.

Confusing and exhausting as well as no direction.

Mediocre

None

Work from home

Great and inexpensive.

Good. I don’t need glasses so it more about checkups for me.

Paid paternity leave. When I started this did not exist. Also, employee stock purchase plan.

Time management, organization, clear communication Patience

If you hear back it could be more than 1 month

If you hear back it could be 2 weeks or more

Casual

Depends on the year, but if you are in sales the “raise” is split between base salary and commission component. So.... $1000 annual increase on a 50/50 plan would mean $500 raise to base, and $500 potential on commission side.

There is no difference. 1 month paid leave. For sales this also includes payment of the commission component of your compensation.

1) look into the intern program 2) start at very low level or contract position and work your way up 3) Get a referral from current employee 4) Get relevant experience outside and then apply in

About 15 days per year, plus 2 floating holidays, and standard US holidays. PTO is earned on accruing basis, capped at 180 hours. Sick time is not separate. Depending on the state laws PTO may not be paid out for those leaving the company unless required by the state.

Self starters, those that can deal with constant change. Aldo tend to seek out those with experience over individuals that need to be developed or molded.