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Ascension is seeking an experienced Senior Data Analyst to support the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Taxpayer Correspondence Services (TCS) and Research, Applied Analytics & Statistics (RAAS) organizations in evaluating, redesigning, and improving taxpayer math error notices. The successful candidate will apply advanced analytics, statistical methods, data modeling, and performance measurement techniques to help IRS understand taxpayer behavior, identify opportunities for notice improvements, and develop data-driven recommendations that improve taxpayer communication and compliance outcomes.

This role is ideal for an analytical professional who enjoys solving complex business challenges through data, transforming large and diverse datasets into actionable insights, and supporting mission-critical government programs. The Senior Data Analyst will work at the intersection of data analytics, taxpayer experience research, business process improvement, and program modernization.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and solutions-focused professional who can independently analyze complex datasets, communicate findings to executive stakeholders, and translate analytical results into practical recommendations.

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Summary of Contractor Role

The Senior Data Analyst will provide advanced analytical support for the IRS Math Error Notices Pilot Program established under the Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help Act. The position will evaluate current taxpayer correspondence processes, analyze historical notice data, identify factors influencing taxpayer responses, and develop recommendations to improve notice clarity, effectiveness, and compliance outcomes.

The Senior Data Analyst will support:

• Performance analytics of math error notices.
• Statistical analysis supporting certified mail pilot program evaluation.
• Data-driven evaluation of taxpayer behavior and compliance outcomes.
• Business process optimization initiatives.
• User research analytics and taxpayer experience evaluations.
• Development of executive briefings, analytical reports, dashboards, and decision-support materials.

The analyst will leverage tools and processes such as:

• Advanced statistical analysis methods.
• Data modeling and data visualization.
• Business intelligence reporting.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) and text analytics.
• Data quality assessment and validation.
• Performance metrics and KPI development.
• Microsoft Excel, Power BI, SQL, Python/R, Tableau, or similar analytical platforms.
• Knowledge management repositories such as SharePoint.

Ascension brings relevant experience supporting federal clients with data analytics, dashboard development, KPI development, process improvement, and business intelligence solutions. Ascension has supported FEMA workforce analytics, DHS Federal Protective Service data analytics and visualization, and enterprise reporting initiatives involving data analysis and decision support.

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Expected Responsibilities / Activities

The Senior Data Analyst will:

Analyze Taxpayer Notice Performance Data

• Analyze historical math error notice issuance data, notice composition, taxpayer responses, abatement requests, and compliance outcomes.
• Identify relationships between notice characteristics and taxpayer behaviors.
• Evaluate trends, anomalies, and performance indicators affecting taxpayer experience.
• Analyze Taxpayer Notice Codes (TPNCs) and identify opportunities for process improvements.

Develop Advanced Analytics and Data Models

• Develop analytical models to evaluate notice effectiveness and taxpayer response patterns.
• Perform statistical analysis to measure pilot program outcomes.
• Develop datasets, analytical methodologies, and reproducible analytical processes.
• Apply quantitative techniques to support decision-making.

Support Certified Mail Pilot Program Analytics

• Analyze experimental pilot results related to certified mail delivery approaches.
• Support research methodology validation and statistical evaluation.
• Evaluate response rates, abatement rates, dollar impacts, and taxpayer behavior changes.
• Prepare analytical findings supporting IRS reporting requirements.

Perform Business Process Optimization Analysis

• Assess current-state processes and identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze workflow challenges impacting taxpayer communication.
• Develop recommendations to streamline processes and improve outcomes.
• Support implementation planning through data-driven recommendations.

Support User Experience Research

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative taxpayer research results.
• Evaluate survey results, interviews, and focus group findings.
• Identify usability barriers affecting taxpayer understanding.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations.

Develop Reports and Executive Briefings

• Create analytical reports, dashboards, charts, and presentations.
• Communicate complex analytical findings to technical and executive audiences.
• Prepare briefing materials supporting IRS leadership decisions.
• Document analytical approaches, findings, and recommendations.

Support Knowledge Management and Documentation

• Maintain analytical documentation, datasets, and models.
• Support storage and organization of analytical artifacts within SharePoint.
• Develop reusable analytical methods and documentation.