Economic Analyst

Economic AnalystThe Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office (RFA) is seeking candidates for an economic analyst in the Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) section. This position is onsite in Columbia, SC.As an economic analyst working for RFA, you will have the opportunity to hone your critical thinking and analytical skills working in a professional, team-based environment. This position plays a key role in the development of revenue forecasts for the state budget process and analyzing the fiscal impacts of legislative proposals. The BEA section is responsible for:Forecasting and monitoring the state's revenues;Reviewing and evaluating economic data to determine trends that may impact the state;Compiling and maintaining information relating to total state revenue and expenditures;Analyzing the impact of legislative changes on revenues; andResponding to economic research inquiries from the Executive and Legislative branches.We are seeking candidates with strong quantitative skills who excel under pressure and have a desire to learn. The ideal candidate is able to convey analysis in a clear and concise manner and without bias both verbally and in writing. Candidates must also have experience in forecasting and econometrics and be excited about economic and tax law research issues that are complex, diverse, and cross multiple subject areas. Economic analysts may also participate in research projects and/or perform calculations required by statute.The successful candidate will work under general supervision of the Fiscal Analysis Division director and is expected to make decisions and work effectively while carrying out the agency's mission to provide independent research, analysis, and resources to facilitate informed policy decisions. The candidate must have the ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and customers and plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments at any given time. Supervisory assistance is readily available, and RFA encourages employee's professional development and training.Benefits offered for eligible employees include flexible work schedules and hybrid remote work options during non-peak times. Job responsibilities include:Develops and maintains economic models regarding state revenues for assigned areas.Prepares analyses of economic conditions affecting assigned areas and presents that information at board meetings.Conducts fiscal impact analysis for assigned tax policy, economic, or budget areas and writes fiscal impact statements based on that analysis.Prepares impact statements, advisory letters, and presentations to convey analysis and conclusions in a clear and concise manner without bias.Provides support and guidance to agency leadership and key stakeholders in assigned subject area(s).Effectively prioritizes assignments and coordinates with other staff to complete research projects overlapping multiple subject areas.Conducts specialized research on economic and fiscal issues from development to completion as outlined by statute or as requested.Minimum and additional requirements:A bachelor's degree in economics or related field and minimum of 2 years relevant economic research and analytical experience, including internships. Advanced degree in economics or related field may be substituted for work experience.Ability to conduct independent research on complex topics and manage projects, using reliable data sources, to analyze and quantify the fiscal impact of proposed or implemented state and federal legislation.Excellent written and oral communication skills.Employee is expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of economic principles, excellent research skills, and be adept at quantitative analysis.Employee must be able to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and customers and plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments effectively.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.Preferred qualifications:Advanced degree in economics or related field and relevant economic research and analytical experience is strongly preferred.Experience in data analysis using SAS or STATA.Familiarity with interpreting state and federal tax provisions.Previous involvement in designing research plans, developing logical analysis methodologies, determining relevant and reliable data sources, and providing organized, thorough, and unbiased analysis of fiscal issues.Additional comments:Candidates must specifically meet the Agency Minimum Requirements or an equivalent combination of education and experience in accordance with State Human Resources Regulations to be considered for this position. If you certify on your application that you have an associate's degree or higher, you will be required to provide a certified official college transcript upon job offer. Failure to produce an official college transcript may result in termination.RFA is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency. We are committed to a diverse workforce. SC RFA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.The interview process may require a skills and knowledge test applicable to the position's job duties.