Econometrician at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• Use quantitative economic modelling and forecasting techniques to inform and advise SARS on emerging opportunities, risks and trends that have an impact on tax revenue.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Relevant bachelor’s degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Economics AND 5-7 years' experience in Macroeconomic Analysis/Economic Modelling and Forecasting/Scenario Planning environment, of which 2-3 years ideally at Functional Specialist level.

Alternative

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 10 years’ experience in Macroeconomic Analysis/Economic Modelling and Forecasting/Scenario Planning environment, of which 2-3 years ideally at Functional Specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Strong technical capabilities, including the ability to gather, coordinate, analyse, and disseminate large quantities of data with precision and care.
• Experience using the suite of Microsoft Office software (specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of statistics and experience using econometric, statistics, and forecasting software packages such as EViews, Stata, etc for analysing data and performing regression analysis.
• Adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Be observant and engage on possible violations of procedures and standards of conduct and escalate where necessary.
• Ensure correct interpretation of information and present in an understandable format, with appropriate commentary.
• Collect, compile, and analyse data from various databases and perform economic analyses.
• Identify and evaluate critical tax revenue forecasting variables.
• Perform statistical programming utilizing a variety of statistical software packages to analyse data, perform regression analysis, and create reports and/or visual presentations.
• Contribute to economic and tax revenue research reports and working papers.
• Identify and resolve queries and problems timeously, apply discretion in line with process guidelines provided.
• Plan and organise own work tasks within area of work.
• Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision making and the identification of improvement opportunities.
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks.
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation.
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures, and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
• Draw on own knowledge and experience to diagnose symptoms, causes and possible effects to solve emerging problems.
• Execute specialist input through investigation & opportunities within the product process including risk concern.
• Initiate process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change.
• Plan for value-added process improvements, initiatives, and services to deliver on operational strategy and objectives.
• Provide specialised input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimisation.

Governance

• Implement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity, and ethics processes within area of specialisation.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.
• Search for, integrate and share new knowledge attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job.

Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs.

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Provide authoritative, specialist services, expertise, and advice to internal and external stakeholders.