COMMERCE PROGRAM SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

121d • $52,137 - $77,163

About The Position

The Commerce Program Specialist is responsible for reviewing and classifying employer records to ensure accurate reporting of employment and wage data in compliance with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) standards. This position assigns industry and geographic codes, documents business changes, and supports quarterly deliverables through detailed analysis and collaboration. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential. This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct data inconsistencies.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills with demonstrated ability to interpret complex or incomplete information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate interactions with internal teams and external personnel.
• Basic analytical and critical-thinking skills to assist with identifying process improvements within the program operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using office software tools such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace.

Nice To Haves

• Able to work independently while contributing effectively within a small-team environment.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and ownership of assigned work.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, workloads, and deadlines.
• Skilled in conducting online research using web search engines, social media, and news outlets to verify or supplement business information.
• Experience reviewing, comparing, and interpreting numerical or statistical data.
• Proven ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion.
• Comfortable learning and using new technologies, shared drives, and State/Federal proprietary software systems.
• Some experience with SQL or higher education coursework in mathematics, statistics, or a related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Review and edit employer accounts to ensure accuracy in reported employment and wage data.
• Verify and assign NAICS and area codes using UI tax, wage, and business documentation.
• Research and document economic and noneconomic changes, including openings, closures, and reorganizations.
• Resolve predecessor–successor relationships to maintain accurate longitudinal employer data.
• Document rationale for data and classification changes using proper comment codes and narratives.
• Participate in peer reviews, training sessions, and BLS data quality initiatives.
• Ensure all assigned QCEW accounts meet federal timeliness and accuracy requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of employer and wage data in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Utilize Microsoft Office, BLS systems, and state UI applications to complete assignments efficiently.

Benefits

• Salary Range: $52,137 – $77,163

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree