Research Officer

at  Government of Saskatchewan

Research Officer - FIN006130
Employment Type: SGEU Term 9 months or more
Location(s): SK-Rgna-Regina
Ministry: 018 Finance
Salary Range: $41.375-$50.341 Hourly
Salary Supplement: included in hourly salary range (in-scope)
Grade: SGEU.10.
The Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance administers and enforces consumption and other taxes that generate over $5 billion annually in revenue to the Government of Saskatchewan. Taxes include Provincial Sales Tax (PST), Tobacco Tax, Vapour Products Tax, Fuel Tax, Liquor Consumption Tax, Corporation Capital Tax, and others.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Revenue Division has an exciting and challenging opportunity to work with our policy team in the role of Research Officer. The unit is seeking an individual who is a proven leader and an analytical, innovative thinker who is passionate about ensuring the consistent interpretation and application of tax legislation and developing and implementing policies that align with the Saskatchewan Public Service Commitment to Excellence.
You will work with a team of professionals who specialize in the administration of Saskatchewan consumption and other taxes (Provincial Sales Tax, Liquor Consumption Tax, Vapour Products Tax, Tobacco Tax, Fuel Tax, and others), conducting research and reviews, providing analysis and developing tax publications and administrative and procedural guidelines as they relate to Saskatchewan consumption tax Acts and Regulations.

As a Research Officer, you will:

• Conduct independent research and analysis on provincial tax policy issues and emerging trends, considering financial, administrative, and legislative consequences, including identifying options and providing recommendations to senior management and other stakeholders;
• Provide verbal and written interpretations and guidance of provincial tax legislation and policies to taxpayers and internal stakeholders;
• Draft and update information bulletins, website content, and other communications to ensure stakeholders are informed of policy changes and interpretations;
• Collaborate with audit, compliance, processing, collections, enforcement, refunds, and client services teams to address and resolve complex tax policy issues and ensure that all operations are performed in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements;
• Co-ordinate the tracking and cataloguing of tax policy decisions, interpretations, opinions, and legislative changes;
• Co-ordinate and participate in consultations with internal and external stakeholders on policy development and emerging issues;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing information and identify where policies, rulings and publications require revision to ensure accurate and timely information is provided to taxpayers;
• Ensure that all tax policy decisions, reviews, evaluations interpretations, and opinions are thoroughly documented, stored and catalogued;
• Conduct detailed reviews of internal processes and outputs for consistency and accuracy, identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations for corrective actions; and
• Develop and maintain quality control checklists and documentation.

An ideal candidate will be an organized, detail-oriented, collaborative self-starter, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner. This candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization, working well both collaboratively and independently, and will be someone who can manage a large volume of tasks, continuously planning and prioritizing in order to meet deadlines. Knowledge of Saskatchewan tax legislation and regulations will be an asset.

You will have knowledge of:

• Acts, Regulations, policies and procedures relating to provincial taxes, including Provincial Sales Tax, Liquor Consumption Tax, Tobacco Tax, and Fuel Tax, and also the Beverage Container Program;
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, financial and cost accounting methods, auditing principles, techniques and procedures; and
• Research and policy development methodologies.

You will have the ability to:

• Analyze, understand, and appropriately reference, interpret and apply tax legislation;
• Clearly and concisely explain complex tax issues, policies, procedures, and legislation in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing;
• Provide clients with rulings and interpretations in a timely and accurate manner by reviewing, interpreting, evaluating, and employing technical knowledge about a wide variety of industries;
• Work independently and cooperatively as part of a team to ensure quality client service;
• Research tax issues and formulate policies and recommendations, prepare reports and communicate to taxpayers, Revenue Division staff and senior management of Finance;
• Review internal outputs, processes and procedures for alignment to tax legislation and provide recommendations for improvement;
• Accurately compile and analyze data from various sources to evaluate their impact and relevance in relation to existing administrative policy and practices;
• Continuously plan, prioritize, and organize a large volume of tasks for self and/or others, taking into consideration conflicting and changing priorities in order to meet deadlines;
• Encourage the exchange of information in order to establish and maintain a harmonious and cooperative work environment; and
• Use tact and diplomacy when facilitating discussions with internal and external stakeholders.

Typically, the knowledge and skills required for this position would be attained through the completion of post-secondary education resulting in a degree or diploma focused on accounting, though candidates demonstrating related education and/or experience may be considered.

Please refer the Job description for details