Ministry of Finance Looking for Senior Policy Advisor and Lead at Toronto, ON Full Time

Would you thrive as a leader in a fast-paced, solutions-oriented environment that tackles complex public policy issues? Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to provide high-profile policy advice to senior decision-makers on complicated tax and tax-related issues that impact provincial priorities and Ontario’s fiscal plan.

The Ministry of Finance is looking for an individual with the demonstrated leadership, taxation, policy development, economic, communication and analytical skills to join the Personal Tax Policy and Design Branch. The Branch provides advice and assistance to the Minister of Finance and to the Government of Ontario in formulating tax and benefits policy and undertakes robust quantitative analysis using advanced modelling tools. It also ensures that tax legislation and regulations effectively express the Province’s tax and benefit policies.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Refer to the “How to apply” section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As the senior ministry resource and provincial expert, you will:

• Oversee a range of complex and evolving personal income and payroll tax issues, and provide expert policy advice, options and recommendations to the Minister of Finance
• Provide technical leadership to supervise, coach and train team members
• Guide research and evaluation of impacts of new and existing government policies, programs, business cases/plans and program expenditure management reviews
• Lead the preparation of, and present, a range of briefing materials and analysis
• Lead and coordinate policy analysis activities for major research projects
• Oversee the impact/risk analysis and the development of options/recommendations
• Develop and foster networks with partners across ministries, and with delivery agents and other governments
• Participate in high-profile negotiations of bi- and multi-lateral taxation agreements with other governments on behalf of the Province

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge and Expertise:

• You demonstrate extensive knowledge of tax policies, theory, and principles, particularly with respect to Ontario and Canadian tax laws, regulations and administrative practices
• You have expertise in theories, principles and methodologies of economic and statistical research and analysis
• You have knowledge of government financial and accounting principles, policies and processes
• You have knowledge of policy and program development principles and techniques, and government decision-making processes
• You are familiar with government strategic direction related to tax policy and issues, governing legislation and regulatory structures

Analytical Skills:

• You are able to generate, evaluate, interpret, and analyze relevant data to guide the tax policy development process
• You can plan/design complex research projects, conduct analysis and lead the design and development of complex quantitative models
• You are able to identify, and determine the impact of, tax policy changes on the provincial tax base and recommend options
• You are proficient in a range of quantitative modelling software and tools, such as spreadsheets, databases, and programming languages
• You demonstrate knowledge of risk assessment and risk management principles

Leadership and Project Management Skills:

• You can lead, and provide direction and guidance to, project teams to address tax policy issues and initiatives
• You are a strong leader with experience managing junior staff and can serve as a resource to others
• You can plan/design complex research projects, conduct analysis and lead the design and development of complex quantitative models

Communication and Relationship Management Skills:

• You can effectively explain complex policy issues in a simple and objective manner to senior decision-makers and in public documents
• You can effectively convey results of complex analysis and propose strategies, options and recommendations based on those results and sound tax policy principles
• You have experience drafting succinct documents such as briefing notes, policy papers or budget papers
• You can establish and foster strong working relationships to work cooperatively on projects
• You can communicate, and provide advice on, policy/position of the Province on sensitive and political issues to working committees, other governments and stakeholders
• You demonstrate political acuity skills to liaise with senior staff

Additional Information:

Note:

• Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis.
• The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions.
• T-FN-194456/23