JOB PROFILE
Position #008569
TITLE: TAX POLICY ANALYST
CLASSIFICATION: BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
MINISTRY: FINANCE
WORK UNIT: TAX POLICY BRANCH
SUPERVISOR TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUPERVISOR POSITION #: 008576
JOB OVERVIEW
The Ministry of Finance plays a key role in establishing, implementing and reviewing government’s economic, fiscal and
taxation policies. The Policy & Legislation Division provides policy analysis and advice to the Minister of Finance,
Cabinet, the Deputy Minister of Finance, and other senior government officials. The Division is responsible for tax
policy, financial and corporate sector policy, and intergovernmental fiscal relations, and directs the implementation of
related government decisions through development and preparation of legislation.
Tax Policy Branch provides tax policy analysis, advice and recommendations to the Minister of Finance. The branch is
responsible for provincial tax policy issues in BC, including taxes on income, consumption, and wealth. Responsible for
maintaining the provincial tax base, which accounts for almost half of all government revenues, the branch plays a key
role in the budget process. The branch reviews issues, provides advice and recommendations to the Minister, assists
with preparing budget documents, and implements budget decisions through legislation and regulation. The branch
also supports the coordination of tax policy with other levels of government and other ministries and negotiates the tax
aspects of treaties and taxation related agreements with First Nations.
Purpose of Position:
Tax Policy Analysts identify and analyze tax policy issues, develop policy options, evaluate implications and provide
objective advice to the Minister of Finance and senior management. Analysts ensure advice is based on sound research
and analysis and that government policy decisions are accurately implemented through legislation, regulations, and
negotiated agreements. Analysts consult with stakeholders, including other provincial ministries, outside interest
groups, and other levels of government, as required. Analysts provide written and verbal briefings for the Minister and
senior management and assume responsibility for specific projects.
Nature of Work:
Tax Policy Analysts require knowledge of various provincial taxes and have the ability to evaluate potential changes to
the tax system using tax policy principles. Analysts require an understanding of the legislative process and how relevant
legislation is applied. Analysts must be able to identify the implications of policy decisions for a diverse range of
stakeholders, including provincial or local government agencies, business or investment community, First Nations, and
other interest groups.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Required:

Develops tax policy by monitoring and analyzing government tax, revenue and other strategic
priorities. Considers various options and strategies and researches implications. Consults with
Date: July 28, 2017
stakeholders to identify tax policy interests and issues related to proposed tax policy changes.
Develops briefing materials including recommendations.

Provides advice and in-depth analysis on proposed and existing provincial tax measures and the
implications of proposed changes to ensure consistency with government policy objectives (e.g., tax
competitiveness, economic development, research and development, social policy), and tax policy
principles such as fairness, efficiency and simplicity.

Analyzes proposed tax measures to promote government objectives in areas such as competitiveness,
economic development, research and development, and social policy. Evaluates existing tax measures
to ensure they continue to be relevant, fair, efficient and effective.

Evaluates the impact of policy decisions on a diverse range of stakeholders, including local
governments, the business or investment community, consumers and other interest groups.

Participates in the drafting of legislation, regulations and taxation-related agreements to ensure tax
changes reflect government policy. Develops committee notes and may support the Minister in the
House during the committee stage of legislation.

Prepares budget documents, presentations and reports. Develops ministerial correspondence and
assists in the preparation of tax policy-related communications material. Contributes to the
development of Cabinet and Treasury Board submissions.

Assists in branch projects, conducts research and analysis, and provides other support.

Represents the branch and ministry in meetings with other ministries, outside interest groups, and
other levels of government.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Skills / Abilities:

Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to explain complex issues clearly
and simply.

Strong problem solving, analytical and research skills.

Ability to conduct in-depth analysis, identify options and evaluate implications of potential tax policy
changes.

Strong interpersonal, tact and diplomacy skills and sound judgement.

Ability to gather, understand, synthesize and analyse complex information quickly and succinctly and
meet tight deadlines with high-quality work.

Ability to manage multiple high priority tasks under pressure and meet critical deadlines, including the
willingness and ability to work additional hours during critical periods as required.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and direction and respond quickly and
effectively to changing priorities.

Ability to work well as part of a team, and willingly contribute to branch projects.
Knowledge:

Knowledge of tax policy principles and issues.
Date: July 28, 2017

Some knowledge of federal and provincial taxes.

Knowledge of provincial government structure, government policy-making, legislative and budget
processes an asset.
Education / Experience:

Post-secondary degree in relevant discipline (e.g., economics, law, finance, commerce, public
administration), graduate degree preferred.

Demonstrated work experience in public policy analysis and/or development.

Experience with tax policy analysis preferred.

Experience providing advice and recommendations to management or senior executives in both
written and verbal form.

Experience conducting quantitative research and analysis an asset.

Experience with and/or familiarity with drafting legislation or legal agreements an asset.

Experience with word processing and presentation software.

Experience using Microsoft Excel to organize, analyze and report numerical data.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components
and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and
compare the various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships
("if...then…") to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or
accuracy of all information.

Problem Solving/Judgement: Problem Solving/Judgement is the ability to analyze problems
systematically, organize information, identify key factors, identify underlying causes and generate
solutions.

Teamwork and Cooperation: Teamwork and Cooperation is the ability to work cooperatively within
diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It
includes the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse
backgrounds with diverse views.

Strategic Orientation: Strategic Orientation is the ability to link long-range visions and concepts to
daily work, ranging from a simple understanding to a sophisticated awareness of the impact of the
world at large on strategies and on choices.
Date: July 28, 2017