Senior Economist
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46024
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana State Budget Agency (ISBA):
The Indiana State Budget Agency pursues excellence in fiscal decision-making and fiscal results on behalf of the Governor and in support of the General Assembly. We assist with revenue forecasting, budget development, fiscal analysis, budget management, and financial management policies. We evaluate legislative proposals for fiscal and policy impacts and communicate that information to decision makers.
Role Overview:
The Senior Economist leads the complex technical analysis for revenue forecasting, and economic and fiscal analysis. You will provide subject matter expertise that will help the team navigate crucial responsibilities and challenges related to growing revenues and duties in a quickly changing economic and policy landscape.
Experience with tax and revenue legislation is highly desired.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
Responsibilities include:
- Regularly updates internal stakeholders on latest economic, tax and revenue trends and projections.
- Monitors and directs the effective formulation and continuous refinement of analysis, models, presentations, reports, and research.
- Produces economic, financial and policy analysis of tax and revenue legislation.
- Manages and develops tools, dashboards, database, presentations, reports as necessary.
- Serves as go-to source for information and perspectives on various topics such as taxes (sales, income, etc.), income, consumption and more.
- Helps strengthen communication and relationships necessary to successfully complete the Office’s mission.
- Advises the Chief Economist, Office of Management & Budget and State Budget Agency on various areas pertaining to the Office’s scope of work.
- Actively participates and contributes to the Indiana Revenue Forecast Technical Committee (RFTC) per the guidelines of the Chief Economist.
- Successfully administers and delivers on local income tax distributions, reporting requirements, and system and LIT reserve management.
- Leads specific projects with analysts, as determined by the Chief Economist.
- Leads financial and policy analysis of tax and revenue legislation.
- Delivers accurate and timely completion of management reports as required by Chief Economist and state and federal statute.
- Assists in the creation and completion of reports and validation of data in the annual fiscal year-end close out process.
- Helps lead the management and development of database and better internal systems.
- Oversees the completion daily and monthly revenue reports and commentary.
- Provides insight and explanations into economic and tax trends, patterns, or other factors that result in significant deviation from the forecast or monthly estimates.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Credentials:
- Master’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Public Administration, Business Management, or a closely related discipline with 4+ years of demonstrated experience in forecasting, economics, and management reporting/presentations, or
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Public Administration Business Management , or a closely realted discipline with 6+ years of demonstrated experience in forecasting, economics, and management reporting/presentations, or
- at least 10+ years of demonstrated experience in forecasting, economics, and management reporting/presentations and applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.
- Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.
Additional qualifications:
- Extensive knowledge in economics, statistics, and quantitative analysis including econometrics and other quantitative analysis methodologies.
- Thorough knowledge of Indiana Code related to tax and revenue areas and a thorough understanding of tax law proposal implications.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- Strong, efficient computer literacy skills, especially in Excel and statistical software.
- Strong leadership and consensus building skills.
- Highly proficient analytical skills in economics, statistics, and quantitative analysis.
- Ability to present, negotiate, and explain complex ideas to a wide range of individuals and institutions.
- Ability to critically analyze large volumes of complex data and proactively translate relevant information to various leaders and stakeholders.
- Ability to quickly understand and interpret Indiana Code related to tax and revenue areas.
- Ability to remain current on developments in the areas of national, state, and local taxation.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of collaborative, cross functional teams.
- Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
- Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance, or corrective action.
- Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
A degree is not required. However, at least 10+ years of demonstrated experience in forecasting, economics, and management reporting/presentations applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
