State of Oklahoma
Chief Tax Economist
The Chief Tax Economist is responsible for forecasting revenue across all major and minor tax types, conducting monthly updates of the forecasts, and reviewing policy revenue impact statements across all tax types. The Chief Tax Economist will maintain and update income tax models and numerous databases and perform other job duties related to tax policy and legislation. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Oversee tax revenue forecasting. o Compile and analyze economic, policy, and other relevant information and data; conduct statistical and time-series analyses to support the state's annual tax revenue forecasts. o Evaluate economic drivers, key assumptions, and actual tax collection data to accurately forecast tax revenues for the state budgeting process. o Prepare all documentation and participate in the annual Oklahoma State Board of Equalization process of forecasting the major tax types, and present findings to Commissioners, agency leaders, and the Board of Equalization as required. o Monitor and analyze monthly tax revenues, update projections, prepare cash-flow analyses, and produce monthly forecast update reports to brief agency leadership. o Work with contract economists on the design and use of statistically reliable economic models to aid in analyzing tax programs and in preparing quarterly economic forecasts. o Maintain familiarity with regional, statewide, and local social economic data as a part of economic forecasting or special studies. o Maintain and update internal databases to be used in economic analysis. Review and evaluate revenue impact reports for proposed legislation. o Review, scrutinize, revise and approve estimated revenue impacts for all versions of measures tracked by Tax Policy & Research relating to the OTC and taxes administered by the Commission. o Collaborate with policy analysts and provide guidance on developing revenue impact methodologies. o Assist and advise the Governor's office, the Legislature, and other agencies regarding revenue related data, projections, or the impact of existing or proposed legislation on revenue. Micro-simulator program and data analysis o Run the income tax micro-simulator (using SAS) to estimate the revenue impact of proposed legislation, such as changes in tax rates. o Produce a revenue impact report from the micro-sim data to present to Legislature. o Review and maintain data sets to ensure "clean" data is available to run the micro-simulator. Annually update the SAS code to reflect growth rates, statute changes, tax form updates, etc. o Design and construct large scale and complex databases for collection, storage, and retrieval of statistical information related to major tax programs, including data for administrative and operational analysis. Preparation of reports o Coordinate, discuss, and assist in the preparation, compilation and review of annual reports, legislative summaries, bi-annual tax expenditure reports, legislative interim study reports/ responses. o Complete other specialized assignments including furnishing state tax collections to the U.S. Census Bureau quarterly and annually along with annual preparation of the Revenue and Apportionment Report for the immediately preceding fiscal year. Experienced in applying economic concepts and theories in research and analysis. o Analyze data using statistical techniques and interpret results for non-technical audiences. o Ability to develop and implement databases and data collection systems. o Ability to identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. o Excellent public speaking skills. o Ability to confidently present revenue forecasts and answer questions in meetings with high-level agency executives and elected officials. o Ability to interpret complex data sets, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate information to various audience levels. Innovation and efficiency o Outstanding organization and time management, capable of balancing multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment. o Ability to work with management to prioritize business and information needs. o Identify and define new process improvement opportunities. o Excellent attention to detail. o Adaptability to adjusting timelines and requirements of the program. Unparalleled customer service and interpersonal skills. o Ability to work both independently and in a team. o Quick response times are required due to tight deadlines. o Strong problem-solving skills. A master's degree in economics, finance, or related field, plus, 10+ years of work experience in the field of economics, forecasting, data analytics, and/or fiscal policy analysis. Advanced proficiency in at least one statistical programming language (SAS preferred). A Ph.D in economics, finance, or related field. Significant work experience in the field of economics, forecasting, data analytics, and/or policy analysis, including providing internal subject matter expertise, managing projects, and advising executive leadership. Advanced proficiency in SAS. Understanding of the Oklahoma Tax Code, Oklahoma Statutes, and the Oklahoma Administrative Code. Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Exhibit manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate a computer, keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment. Ability to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids. Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels, with or without aids. Ability to communicate clearly. Physical ability to lift up to 15 pounds, to bend, stoop, climb stairs, walk and reach. Duties are normally performed in an office environment with a moderate noise level. Core work hours for the Oklahoma Tax Commission are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. This schedule may require minor flexibility based on the needs of the agency. The primary work location will be on-site at the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Occasionally, telework may be requested based on the needs of the agency, division, and section. If applicable, applicant must be willing and able to work on-site with occasional telework at an off-site location, generally in the applicant's home. To work remotely, an applicant must have a secure internet connection and a dedicated telephone (landline) or smart phone device during scheduled working hours. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All offers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint-based background check, reference check and federal and state tax compliance check. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
The Chief Tax Economist is responsible for forecasting revenue across all major and minor tax types, conducting monthly updates of the forecasts, and reviewing policy revenue impact statements across all tax types. The Chief Tax Economist will maintain and update income tax models and numerous databases and perform other job duties related to tax policy and legislation. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Oversee tax revenue forecasting. o Compile and analyze economic, policy, and other relevant information and data; conduct statistical and time-series analyses to support the state's annual tax revenue forecasts. o Evaluate economic drivers, key assumptions, and actual tax collection data to accurately forecast tax revenues for the state budgeting process. o Prepare all documentation and participate in the annual Oklahoma State Board of Equalization process of forecasting the major tax types, and present findings to Commissioners, agency leaders, and the Board of Equalization as required. o Monitor and analyze monthly tax revenues, update projections, prepare cash-flow analyses, and produce monthly forecast update reports to brief agency leadership. o Work with contract economists on the design and use of statistically reliable economic models to aid in analyzing tax programs and in preparing quarterly economic forecasts. o Maintain familiarity with regional, statewide, and local social economic data as a part of economic forecasting or special studies. o Maintain and update internal databases to be used in economic analysis. Review and evaluate revenue impact reports for proposed legislation. o Review, scrutinize, revise and approve estimated revenue impacts for all versions of measures tracked by Tax Policy & Research relating to the OTC and taxes administered by the Commission. o Collaborate with policy analysts and provide guidance on developing revenue impact methodologies. o Assist and advise the Governor's office, the Legislature, and other agencies regarding revenue related data, projections, or the impact of existing or proposed legislation on revenue. Micro-simulator program and data analysis o Run the income tax micro-simulator (using SAS) to estimate the revenue impact of proposed legislation, such as changes in tax rates. o Produce a revenue impact report from the micro-sim data to present to Legislature. o Review and maintain data sets to ensure "clean" data is available to run the micro-simulator. Annually update the SAS code to reflect growth rates, statute changes, tax form updates, etc. o Design and construct large scale and complex databases for collection, storage, and retrieval of statistical information related to major tax programs, including data for administrative and operational analysis. Preparation of reports o Coordinate, discuss, and assist in the preparation, compilation and review of annual reports, legislative summaries, bi-annual tax expenditure reports, legislative interim study reports/ responses. o Complete other specialized assignments including furnishing state tax collections to the U.S. Census Bureau quarterly and annually along with annual preparation of the Revenue and Apportionment Report for the immediately preceding fiscal year. Experienced in applying economic concepts and theories in research and analysis. o Analyze data using statistical techniques and interpret results for non-technical audiences. o Ability to develop and implement databases and data collection systems. o Ability to identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. o Excellent public speaking skills. o Ability to confidently present revenue forecasts and answer questions in meetings with high-level agency executives and elected officials. o Ability to interpret complex data sets, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate information to various audience levels. Innovation and efficiency o Outstanding organization and time management, capable of balancing multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment. o Ability to work with management to prioritize business and information needs. o Identify and define new process improvement opportunities. o Excellent attention to detail. o Adaptability to adjusting timelines and requirements of the program. Unparalleled customer service and interpersonal skills. o Ability to work both independently and in a team. o Quick response times are required due to tight deadlines. o Strong problem-solving skills. A master's degree in economics, finance, or related field, plus, 10+ years of work experience in the field of economics, forecasting, data analytics, and/or fiscal policy analysis. Advanced proficiency in at least one statistical programming language (SAS preferred). A Ph.D in economics, finance, or related field. Significant work experience in the field of economics, forecasting, data analytics, and/or policy analysis, including providing internal subject matter expertise, managing projects, and advising executive leadership. Advanced proficiency in SAS. Understanding of the Oklahoma Tax Code, Oklahoma Statutes, and the Oklahoma Administrative Code. Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Exhibit manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate a computer, keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment. Ability to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids. Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels, with or without aids. Ability to communicate clearly. Physical ability to lift up to 15 pounds, to bend, stoop, climb stairs, walk and reach. Duties are normally performed in an office environment with a moderate noise level. Core work hours for the Oklahoma Tax Commission are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. This schedule may require minor flexibility based on the needs of the agency. The primary work location will be on-site at the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Occasionally, telework may be requested based on the needs of the agency, division, and section. If applicable, applicant must be willing and able to work on-site with occasional telework at an off-site location, generally in the applicant's home. To work remotely, an applicant must have a secure internet connection and a dedicated telephone (landline) or smart phone device during scheduled working hours. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All offers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint-based background check, reference check and federal and state tax compliance check. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.