Business Analyst - Sponsored Programs Financial Services - Clinical Research

Company :

Job Description : 

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

The incumbent is responsible for implementation and execution of various post-award and financial management activities for grants, contracts and/or clinical trials within the Sponsored Programs Financial Services (SPFS) supporting Allegheny-Singer Research Institute and Allegheny Health Network. Responsibilities include award set-up, transaction processing, compliance review, cash management, collections, financial reporting and project close-out. Responsible for material accuracy of financial statements /reports. Analyze financial results and outcomes, trends/projections, performance metrics and provides root cause analysis to help facilitate business decisions while adhering to institutional policies and procedures and Sponsor guidelines.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Compliance Management: Read and develop full understanding of business and financial terms and conditions of grant, contract, and/or clinical trial agreement.  Maintain compliance with allowable costs, period of performance, subrecipient monitoring, tracking cost share and program income, effort reporting, reporting, other special test provisions, cash management invoicing, and clinical trial billing compliance.  Keep current on compliance with federal, state, local, private sponsors, and other agency regulation including Uniform Guidance. Evaluates and maintains business processes in support of post-award management.

• Invoicing, Accounting Receivable, and Cash Management: Develop full understanding of payment terms and payment schedule as outline in the grant, contract and/or clinical agreement terms. Promptly invoice and timely follow-up on outstanding payments owed. Ensure proper recording cash against programs. Ability to independently troubleshoot, analyze, and problem solve payment variances and queries with Sponsor ensuring positive cash flow. Ability to setup and work within Sponsor portals to setup payment profiles, submit invoices, and retrieve payment backup as needed.

• Month-end Close: Maintains processes and prepares journal entries to support the monthly close process and the generation of the monthly financial statements/reports. Ensures all financial transactions/entries are properly documented and completed timely.  Ensures all financial transactions/entries agree with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and with institutional policies and procedures.  Possesses expertise with the institution’s financial systems.

• Reporting: Independently prepares simple to complex financial reports, working collaboratively with management, financial and program staff to address discrepancies and correct errors. Monitors and meets all  internal and Sponsor stipulated deadlines and content requirements. Ensures reports are clear, accurate, and submitted on-time. Ability to translate and accurately report financials on Sponsor required forms as required. Address ad hoc reports and analysis as needed. 

• Project Closeout:  Independently complete project closeout documentation that are accurate, properly documented and on time. Ensures cost share requirements have been met, unallowable costs have been removed, subaward/contract expenses are accounted for, and outstanding obligations have been addressed. Communicates clearly with financial and program staff and others as appropriate to gather necessary information and supporting documentation. Ensure all invoices and payments are complete. Close project cost center in all financial systems.

• Audit: Independently applies compliance with regulations and guidelines and implements/documents internal controls, policies, and procedures. Gather documentation and information for auditors from multiple sources as required.

• Other duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field or relevant experience and/or education as determined by the company in lieu of bachelor's degree.   

• Knowledge of accounting principles, budget planning, and financial analysis with the ability to interpret and apply fiscal regulations (preferred with focus on clinical research or healthcare)

• Ability to assess, research, and resolve complex financial and compliance issues while applying sound judgment.

• This position requires a deep understanding of financial management in a clinical trial setting, expertise in research accounting, and a strong background in compliance and auditing

Preferred

• Prior experience in grant, contract and clinical trial financial administration, knowledge of federal agency regulations, policies, and procedures, Uniform Guidance, laws and federal acquisition regulations applicable to research and sponsored programs

• Prior experience with clinical trial financial management and/or clinical research billing compliance and regulations

SKILLS:

• Organizational and mathematical skills with ability to analyze data, formulate conclusions, demonstrate agility and problem-solving techniques. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability lead financial meetings with all levels within the organization and with ability to translate and summarize numbers into an understandable narrative to others.

• Strong attention to detail with high level of accuracy

• Ability to work independently, prioritize and manage large volumes of work to anticipate and meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in financial software and adaptability to new technologies. Understand financial processes and controls including the reconciliations.

• Proficiency with MS Excel skills such as sorting, pivot tables, filtering, lookups, subtotals, basic formulas.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement complex regulations, procedures and/or compliance standards.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.

As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times.  In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy. 

Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Base pay is determined by a variety of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expected contributions, as well as internal peer equity, market, and business considerations.  The displayed salary range does not reflect any geographic differential Highmark may apply for certain locations based upon comparative markets.

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