Great Idea, horrible implementation! - Information Technology Avalara Employee Review

1.0
Apr 13, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I got to work with a ton of cool technology. I worked with a good team of people before we either quit or got forced out of the company. The only good benefit was a Orca Card (Bus Pass) for cheap.

Cons

The company has way too many politics going on. Putting people in senior level positions that have no relevant experience. Avalara is a marketing company not a technology company. While I was there I was expected to work insane hours. I was already working 60+ weeks including the weekends, and a high level director was given an option of continuing to work on option A, or work on option B and delay option A. His answer was why can't they work through the night. That is ridiculous. They forced out good experience people because the clashed with upper management who didn't know what they were doing. I have never seen entire departments leave because of upper management.

Explore other reviews about Avalara

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Cutting edge technologies Very Smart colleagues Great business model

Cons

High hiring and performance bar

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Avalara Response
5d
Thank you for sharing your experience at Avalara. We’re glad to hear the technology and your teammates have made a positive impact. We appreciate your feedback and your contributions.
4.0
Jul 17, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Is Avalara a great place to work? It depends on the team you are on. Pros: - I love my team. I have great co-workers. I feel like leadership to the VP level understands the value we bring and advocates for our work throughout the company - I like being able to go into the office and see people and bounce ideas around - My manager is always pushing me to learn new things and get out of my comfort zone - We just got a new CEO and I am super excited about him and his vision. Everyone who has actually been in meetings with him is excited too.

Cons

It depends on the team you are on. Cons: - Some teams are not as curious/helpful as others. I often have to check and recheck the work they do, after I have chased them multiple times to even complete the work - The layoff fear is real, the idea that at any point your position could be eliminated because they want to keep that revenue per headcount KPI down is everywhere

1
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Avalara Response
1d
Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful insight. We're glad to hear your team and manager have had a positive impact on your experience, and we're encouraged by your optimism about Avalara's future. We also recognize how important it is for that experience to feel consistent across the company, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective.
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