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Senior Principal, Tax Controversy

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

The Community You Will Join: 

The Tax Controversy team is responsible for developing and implementing Airbnb’s global audit strategy, including determining a vision for global tax disputes and coordinating and leading responses with tax authorities worldwide. The tax controversy team collaborates across all areas of the tax group, legal, and policy in responding to audit and tax litigation issues involving Airbnb’s direct and indirect taxes. This role allows a candidate to be immersed in a variety of tax issues and high profile tax disputes, and will work with the Director of Tax Controversy, outside advisors, and across departments at Airbnb to respond to global tax authorities and support the company’s return positions. 

The Difference You Will Make:

  • You will be responsible for helping the Tax Controversy team deliver superior tax audit and litigation results. This includes managing tax disputes by preparing responses to tax authority requests, mastering the company’s facts, preparing for and participating in regular meetings with the IRS, US SALT authorities, and global tax authorities.
  • You will also be responsible for working cross functionally to ensure the business is updated and aware of audit risks and business concerns, and working across all groups of the Tax team to help strengthen our tax positions as they are being considered.

A Typical Day: 

  • Support the Tax Controversy team’s management of tax audits and litigation by coordinating across all groups of the Tax team, outside advisors, and other internal stakeholders including Legal and Policy. 
  • Help lead the tax litigation efforts by identifying witnesses and materials, leading teams.
  • Advocate our tax position before tax authorities in meetings and written submissions. 
  • Analyze and make recommendations about the trade offs and implications of various audit strategies, dispute resolution forums, tax administration procedures, litigation postures, tax risks, and business goals.
  • Prepare responses to tax authorities' information requests by compiling data, researching company facts, and understanding technical tax issues. 
  • Update internal databases and company stakeholders on tax audit and litigation status and submissions.

Your Expertise:

  • A J.D. and 10+ years of experience with a focus on tax litigation, including in Tax Court.
  • Experience in leading trial teams.
  • A key leader in managing a large volume of discovery requests, productions, and analyzing materials for privileged information.
  • Excellent tax research, writing, and verbal communication skills. You will need to convey technical tax information and strategy to knowledgeable tax practitioners as well as non-tax stakeholders.
  • Strong foundation in tax with the ability to quickly learn new and complex tax issues, along with a demonstrated commitment to remain current in tax law developments.
  • Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail to prepare accurate and persuasive responses to tax authorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing deadlines for numerous tax controversy matters across multiple jurisdictions in all levels of audit, administrative appeal, and litigation. Proactively keep all stakeholders updated on key issues and developments.
  • Government experience is highly valued.

Your Location:

This position is US - Remote Eligible. The role may include occasional work at an Airbnb office or attendance at offsites, as agreed to with your manager. While the position is Remote Eligible, you must live in a state where Airbnb, Inc. has a registered entity. Click here for the up-to-date list of excluded states. This list is continuously evolving, so please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list  If your position is employed by another Airbnb entity, your recruiter will inform you what states you are eligible to work from.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging:

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We strive to also provide a disability inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in order to submit an application, please contact us at: reasonableaccommodations@airbnb.com. Please include your full name, the role you’re applying for and the accommodation necessary to assist you with the recruiting process. 

We ask that you only reach out to us if you are a candidate whose disability prevents you from being able to complete our online application.

How We'll Take Care of You:

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits.  

Pay Range
$196,000$245,000 USD
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Average salary estimate

$220500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$196000K
$245000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Principal, Tax Controversy, Airbnb

As a Senior Principal, Tax Controversy at Airbnb, you'll dive into the dynamic world of global tax disputes and strategies. Since its inception, Airbnb has transformed how we experience travel, and your role is crucial in ensuring we navigate the complexities of tax laws seamlessly. Joining the Tax Controversy team means you'll be at the forefront of addressing tax audits and litigation challenges. Your expertise will help us prepare responses to requests from tax authorities while collaborating closely with our legal, policy teams, and outside advisors. No day will be typical; you might find yourself advocating for the company's tax position during critical meetings with the IRS or assisting in litigation efforts by identifying key witnesses and relevant materials. Your ability to analyze various audit strategies and their implications will help reinforce our stance across different jurisdictions. With strong tax research and communication skills, you’ll deliver compelling narratives to both tax practitioners and non-tax stakeholders. Plus, your experience will ensure that the Tax Controversy team can respond proactively to audits and rapidly changing business needs. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be immersed in high-stakes tax discussions at a company committed to fostering meaningful connections worldwide. If you're ready to leverage your tax litigation expertise in a role that is both challenging and rewarding, Airbnb could be the perfect fit for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Principal, Tax Controversy Role at Airbnb
What are the main responsibilities of a Senior Principal, Tax Controversy at Airbnb?

The Senior Principal, Tax Controversy at Airbnb is primarily responsible for developing and managing the company’s global audit strategy. This includes preparing responses to tax authority requests and collaborating with various internal teams, including Legal and Policy. They focus on advocating Airbnb's tax positions in meetings and written submissions while managing tax disputes and ensuring all stakeholders are informed about the current status of audits.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Principal, Tax Controversy position at Airbnb?

To qualify for the Senior Principal, Tax Controversy role at Airbnb, candidates should possess a J.D. and have at least 10 years of experience focused on tax litigation, including experience in Tax Court. Strong tax research skills, excellent communication abilities, and the competence to handle large volumes of discovery requests are essential. Additionally, experience in a fast-paced environment dealing with multiple jurisdictions is highly valued.

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How does the Senior Principal, Tax Controversy role contribute to Airbnb's overall mission?

The Senior Principal, Tax Controversy plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Airbnb can sustainably navigate tax regulations across various jurisdictions. By successfully managing audits and litigations, they not only protect the company's interests but also support Airbnb's mission to create meaningful connections and authentic travel experiences worldwide.

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What types of tax issues will a Senior Principal, Tax Controversy encounter at Airbnb?

At Airbnb, the Senior Principal, Tax Controversy will face a variety of tax issues including but not limited to direct and indirect tax disputes. They will interact with global tax authorities and deal with complex audit strategies, dispute resolution forums, and tax administration procedures. Each case presents unique challenges requiring a deep understanding of both tax law and the business.

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What is the team culture like for the Senior Principal, Tax Controversy at Airbnb?

The team culture for the Senior Principal, Tax Controversy at Airbnb is collaborative and dynamic. Team members work closely across departments, sharing insights and strategies to manage tax audits effectively. There is a strong emphasis on inclusivity, innovation, and continuous learning, making it an exciting environment for professionals interested in tax litigation.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Principal, Tax Controversy
Can you describe your experience in managing tax litigation cases?

When answering this question, share specific examples of tax litigation cases you've managed, detailing the strategies you implemented and the outcomes. Highlight your ability to work cross-functionally and your expertise in preparing for meetings with tax authorities.

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How do you stay current on tax law developments?

Discuss the resources you utilize to keep updated, such as tax journals, webinars, and professional organizations. Talk about how you apply new regulations to your work and the importance of ongoing education in your career.

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What strategies do you recommend for responding to tax authorities' requests?

In response, emphasize a systematic approach: gathering accurate data, analyzing the company's facts, and ensuring that your responses are comprehensive and well-documented. Provide examples from your experience of how you've successfully navigated similar situations.

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What role does collaboration play in tax controversy work?

Explain how collaboration with various stakeholders enhances the tax controversy process, allowing for well-rounded strategies. Share personal anecdotes showing how teamwork has led to successful outcomes in past cases.

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How do you prioritize competing deadlines in tax controversy matters?

Illustrate your organizational skills by discussing methods you use to prioritize tasks, such as creating timelines, setting milestones, and using project management tools. Mention how clear communication with your team also aids in managing deadlines efficiently.

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Can you provide an example of a challenging tax dispute you handled?

Share a specific incident, detailing the challenges you faced, the strategies you employed, and the results achieved. Highlight lessons learned and how that experience has shaped your approach to future disputes.

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What do you consider the most critical aspect of advocating a tax position?

Discuss the importance of understanding both the technical tax issues and the broader business implications. Highlight the need to communicate persuasively with various audiences, ensuring that complex tax concepts are conveyed effectively.

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Describe your experience with trial teams in tax court.

Provide insights into your role in trial teams, including tasks such as managing evidence, preparing witnesses, and conducting direct examinations. Emphasize why being an effective team player is essential in such high-stakes situations.

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What steps would you take in preparing a response to a tax authority's information request?

Outline a step-by-step approach like consulting relevant tax laws, gathering necessary data, and researching the company’s history to ensure a thorough understanding. Stress the importance of attention to detail in crafting these responses.

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How do you handle the pressure of tight deadlines in tax litigation?

Describe stress management techniques you employ, such as time management, delegation, and maintaining open lines of communication. Provide examples of how you successfully met tight deadlines in previous roles.

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Airbnb is a leading online marketplace for short- and long-term homestays and experiences founded in 2008. We provide access to 6+ million unique places to stay in more than 81,000 cities and 191 countries worldwide.

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CULTURE VALUES
Mission Driven
Collaboration over Competition
Inclusive & Diverse
Growth & Learning
BENEFITS & PERKS
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
401K Matching
Paid Time-Off
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
April 5, 2025

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