The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Government and Finance Division seeks an Analyst in Public Finance to join its Government Finance and Taxation Section. The analyst will serve the United States Congress by providing in-depth research and analysis on public policy issues related to public economics with an emphasis on federal tax administration and enforcement, individual income taxation, tax expenditures, and may support research throughout CRS.
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Knowledge of public economics with an emphasis on federal tax administration and enforcement, individual income taxation, or tax expenditures.** Ability to analyze public policy issues.** Ability to write in a public policy context.** Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations. Ability to work collaboratively with others. Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of analysis and consultation. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of public economics with an emphasis on federal tax administration and enforcement, individual income taxation, or tax expenditures; and an intellectual curiosity about the broader range of U.S. tax policy issues. The successful candidate will demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge of public policy and economics to current federal tax policy debates. Strong writing, research, and presentation skills are essential, as is the ability to work on a collaborative multi-disciplinary team. Candidates with experience explaining complex economic issues to professionals with varying levels of expertise, are encouraged to apply. The analyst is expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide policy and legislative analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels. The section’s portfolio intersects with many related areas including economic development, housing, energy, education, health, the non-profit and charitable sector, and benefits to families and children. The section regularly collaborates with colleagues across CRS. The analyst provides objective public policy analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members of Congress, and their staff, including preparing objective, non-partisan, analytical studies and descriptive and background reports on public policy issues of national significance; providing personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members of Congress, and their staff on public policy issues throughout the legislative process; and participating in multi-disciplinary team research projects and seminars. CRS works exclusively for the U.S. Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century. CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees. Analyst duties include: Preparing a variety of objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive background reports, memoranda, and other written materials on public policy issues of national significance that are within the analyst’s area of professional knowledge. Providing personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on public policy issues throughout the stages of the legislative process by providing information and analysis and applying professional subject-area knowledge. Participating in CRS seminars, workshops, and/or outreach programs for congressional committees, Members, and staff. Participating in team research projects and seminars. Locating and providing information requested by Members and committees of Congress and their staff. Developing over time the skills necessary to provide public policy and legislative analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels.