Clinical Research Financial Analyst

About the role

The job provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in projects related to revenue cycle operations, including activities related to charging, billing, and collecting. The Clinical Research Financial Analyst is an integral member of the Office of Clinical Research. Under the direction of the Associate Director Research Billing Compliance, the Clinical Research Financial Analyst will promote and facilitate a culture of financial compliance through the regulatory and financial amendments to clinical research studies to ensure institutional adherence with Federal, State, and Local Regulations and Guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Perform all research billing activities including, but not limited to: daily charge review, billing issue resolution, reconciliation and payment of research accounts.
• Conduct research billing quality assurance activities, such as individual patient billing audits, study audits, device audits and validation of data and information contained within institutional systems (e.g. Epic, IRB system, clinical trial management system, etc.).
• Assist in the development and design of training and resource materials related to research billing and financial management in collaboration with others in the office.
• Follow standard operating procedures and policies to ensure compliant research billing as mandated by regulatory agencies (FDA, OHRP, OIG, CMS).
• Generate Epic and CTMS reports for analysis, monitoring and improving research billing metrics and processes.
• Effectively collaborate with Clinical Trial Financial Group, Hospital Revenue Cycle team, study teams, research subjects, IRB, and other stakeholders to address research billing challenges.
• Maintain an understanding of Medicare's Clinical Trial Policy (NCD 310.1) and related guidance documents.
• Affirmative action plan: Assist in developing and maintaining polices, SOPs & SOWs related to clinical research billing process.
• Stays current on all internal processes related to research billing, Medicare, National and local, regulations and guidelines, policies and procedures governing Research billing.
• Prioritizes chart documentation and maintaining requirements within the department. Ensures all processes involved in accurately posting professional fees.
• Informs department administrators, physicians, and Coder/Abstractors of regulatory changes.
• Participates and may lead in training sessions, performing audits, and promoting an understanding of procedures, policies, and expectations in promotion of compliance efforts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements

Education: Minimum Qualifications Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or health information management.
• Experience: 2-4 years’ experience with healthcare clinical research billing preferably in academic medical setting, clinical research management, health system operations.
• Experience with Epic Research Billing functions.
• Experience with a Clinical Trial Management system (CTMS) preferably OnCore, financial software, ERP systems.
• Accounting and finance experience strongly preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of the Medicare Clinical Trials Policy and other federal, state and institutional clinical research regulations.
• Expertise in CPT, Modifiers, ICD, and HCPCS codes to support billing and compliance efforts.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial contracting, revenue recognition principles, and relevant regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH-GCP).
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills, with a focus on accuracy in financial operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent Written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong investigative and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.