Economist

Role Responsibilities

Do you like the challenge of working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with multiple daily deliverables? Are you a details- and results-oriented professional? Do you have a self-starter attitude, possess strong self-organizational and time management skills? Come join us and work in the heart of Alberta’s income tax revenue forecasting!

Under the direction of Manager, Revenue Forecasting, the Economist is responsible for providing forecast advice and analysis in respect of provincial income tax revenue. The work performed by the unit is mainly concerned with preparing the Government of Alberta’s income tax revenue forecasts (including, Personal Income Tax, Corporate Income Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax,) for use in the development of the annual budget, quarterly reports and annual report. Responsibilities include monitoring and reporting on key developments in the province’s tax revenue bases, updating and improving the revenue forecast models, and conducting research and analysis related to revenue forecasting, macroeconomic accounts, and tax legislation.

Under the direction of the Manager, the Economist will:

• Maintain the core and subsidiary revenue forecasting models. 
     o Develop expertise in the methodologies and processes of various forecasting models.
     o Record and examine tax and transfer data, reconcile historical amounts, and update forecast expectations.

• Improve government revenue forecasting models.
     o Develop and adapt tools to explain forecast variances.
     o Estimate revenue impacts of economic and policy shocks.

• Communicate internal and external-facing analyses.
     o Contribute to briefings and slide decks on the revenue outlook for senior department officials.
     o Provide monthly and quarterly revenue memos with detailed analyses to internal stakeholders.

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the income tax system.
     o Monitor macroeconomic and other developments that may impact tax revenue.
     o Stay current with tax forms and legislation relating to various revenue forecasts.

To be successful in this position, the candidate must have: 
•    Advanced knowledge of economic theory and quantitative and statistical methods and their application, while demonstrating familiarity with the major sources of economic data/information (e.g., CANSIM). 
•    Strong analytical/critical thinking skills and an ability to work with complex tax and economic models using a variety of tools/packages, including econometrics software.
•    Strong written and oral communication skills.

It is preferred that the incumbent has an in-depth knowledge of the principles of taxation and the system of national macroeconomic accounts.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

In these roles, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies: 

Systems thinking: The successful candidate displays the ability to consider and assess policy linkages, and the inter-relationships among different aspects of an approach. You will consider emerging trends when contributing ideas to the development of priorities, strategies and approaches.

Agility: The ideal candidate will possess the ability to balance a number of complex, concurrent projects while producing a high quality of work within tight time constraints.  You will possess the skills to identify options and implement realistic contingency plans. 

Drive for results: You will identify ways to exceed performance expectations by identifying potential efficiencies, different ways of working, or opportunities to contribute to the work of others.

Build collaborative environments: The ideal candidate will engage others to think broadly about impacts of projects, and bring different perspectives together. You will ensure communication is ongoing by setting up processes or structures that facilitate communication and collaboration

Qualifications

University graduation in Economics, Statistics or a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience. A Master’s degree in Economics is strongly preferred. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of public finance, statistical analysis, and forecasting techniques.

Equivalency: 
Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 
•    1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
•    1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

A cover letter highlighting the above preferences and assets is required, and will be reviewed to determine your qualifications.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Notes

This position is a permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 

Location:
Federal Building located at 9820  - 107 Avenue, Edmonton.

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary. This competition may be used to fill future roles at the same or lower classifications.

Candidates may be asked to participate in a written assessment. Final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo a security screening. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.
• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.