Fiscal Analyst - Fiscal Review Committee

Job Description

Job Description

The Fiscal Review Committee, a nonpartisan office serving the Tennessee General Assembly, is seeking a full-time Fiscal Analyst. The Fiscal Review Committee staff assists the joint Fiscal Review Committee in its oversight of the fiscal operations of state government.

Fiscal Analysts prepare detailed fiscal analyses of proposed legislation, review state contracts, grants, and audits, prepare revenue-related estimates, and conduct research on state finances, budgets, tax policy, and program operations. Analysts are assigned to specific state departments and subject areas and report directly to the Executive Director.

Candidates with an academic or professional background in economics, public finance, tax policy, revenue estimating, economic modeling, fiscal impact analysis, or quantitative research are strongly encouraged to apply.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

The Fiscal Analyst may be responsible for the following duties:

• Preparing the potential fiscal impacts of legislation on state and local government revenues, expenditures, programs, and operations;
• Preparing and assisting with state tax revenue estimates, lottery revenue estimates, and other revenue-related analyses;
• Reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing financial, performance, demographic, budgetary, and economic data;
• Conducting independent research to support fiscal analysis and committee oversight;
• Reviewing state contracts, grants, procurement documents, and audits;
• Building and maintaining professional relationships with legislators, legislative staff, state agency personnel, and other stakeholders;
• Handling confidential, sensitive, and non-routine information with discretion and professionalism;
• Planning, organizing, documenting, and participating in public meetings;
• Responding to inquiries and research requests related to state finances, budgets, contracts, programs, or fiscal policy made by legislators or legislative staff; and
• Communicating complex fiscal, economic, and policy information clearly and objectively to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants should possess the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Finance, Business, Accounting, or another related field;
• Knowledge of and capability with typical office software products, especially Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel;
• Ability to conduct independent research and analyze fiscal, financial, budgetary, or policy information;
• Strong written and oral communication skills; and
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, professional, and nonpartisan legislative environment.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

Ideal candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Use logic, data, and sound judgment to identify underlying principles, reasons, facts, and develop fiscal assumptions associated with such information and data;
• Think critically, analyze complex issues, identify alternative courses of action, and follow through with appropriate recommendations or work products;
• Exercise initiative, discretion, and judgment in making decisions;
• Understand laws, legal codes, precedents, government relations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history;
• Analyze proposed legislation, agency information, fiscal data, contracts, grants, audits, and other source materials objectively and accurately;
• Work effectively under deadlines and in stressful and fast-paced situations;
• Manage multiple assignments, subject areas, and deadlines simultaneously;
• Follow written and oral instructions;
• Develop subject-matter knowledge and expertise through independent learning and professional experience;
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally in writing, public meetings, and direct communication with legislators, staff, agencies, and other stakeholders; and
• Maintain confidentiality, objectivity, and professionalism in a legislative environment.

ADDITIONAL PREFERENCE

Additional preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following qualifications:

• Academic or professional experience in economics, public finance, tax policy, economic modeling, revenue estimating, fiscal impact analysis, or quantitative research;
• Experience analyzing economic, financial, budgetary, demographic, or program data to support written findings and recommendations;
• Experience preparing revenue estimates, economic forecasts, fiscal notes, budget analyses, policy analyses, or similar analytical work products;
• Master's degree in Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent academic or practical experience;
• Understanding of Tennessee state government, including the functions of individual agencies, departments, and institutions, and the relationship between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.