Clinical Research - Financial Analyst I

About the role

The Financial Analyst I OCR position is within the Office of Clinical Research (OCR) at Wake Forest University Health Sciences - Clinical Trial Methods Center of Excellence. This role supports and mentors entry-level and mid-level colleagues with assigned activities, focusing on pre-award and post-award activities for a portfolio of clinical research studies.

Responsibilities

• Medicare Coverage Analysis (MCA): Reviews complex study protocols, sponsor agreements, informed consent forms and related documents to determine if a study is a qualifying clinical trial. Develops coverage (billing) grids in OnCore.
• Analyzes Medicare benefit policies, coverage determinations, and medical practice guidelines related to study-specific interventions.
• Develops a comprehensive cost analysis for the clinical research study when preparing the initial study budget.
• Provides CRMS/WISER training to study staff and entry-level colleagues.
• Maintains a library of information on standards of care, National Coverage Decisions (NCDs), Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs), etc.
• Stays abreast of Medicare, sponsor, and other federal policy and regulatory issues.
• Budget Development and Negotiation: Works with the Principal Investigator and the clinical research team to develop an internal budget that includes all costs applicable to the study. Develops detailed final budgets by identifying all activities, tests, and procedures to be performed during the conduct of the study based on the protocol, study calendar, and other study documents.
• Creates visit schedule and budget in OnCore. Negotiates with sponsors to reach agreements appropriate to the costs of the trial (as needed).
• Negotiates with sponsors to reach agreements appropriate to the costs of the trial (as needed).
• Works with Special Billing and Department post-award personnel in to ensure that charges for all patient procedures are treated appropriately.
• Supports the study team in the financial management of clinical trials originating from federal, foundation, and industry funds by performing all accounts receivable functions. Generates and sends invoices to study sponsors. Tracks and monitors receivables from sponsors, including pass-through fees and milestone payments. Generates reports to project study financials. Reconciles payments received to OnCore and CORE Connect (Oracle Cloud institutional financial system). Notifies Financial Services of appropriate study account to receive payment. Resolves any financial issues with sponsor as needed.
• Ascertain amount paid and remaining amount due on assigned study sponsor accounts; establish payment plan with Department. Contact guarantors regarding past due accounts; re-evaluate existing payment plans as needed when account is delinquent. Follow up with Departments to ensure proper amounts are collected; independently recommend action to be taken regarding the account. Initiate calls to Departments to ascertain whether the proper amount has been paid on the research account. Mail financial statements to Departments. Review balances on account and communicate with Departments via phone and email to explain professional and hospital billing and collection policy and procedure. At the completion of the study, supports Department post-award personnel and Sponsored Programs in the review of revenue received prior to close out of the study account. Supports the closeout of study activities in OnCore, ClinCard and EPIC.
• Prepares analyses and reports of clinical trial financials for presentation to Clinical Research Administration Managers, Directors, study teams, Financial Services, and others as requested. Assists Principal Investigators with budget monitoring and prepares projections. Produces ad hoc analyses as needed.
• Systems Support: Primary user of OnCore, ClinCard and EPIC. Provides education and assistance as needed to new users and study team members in the use and functionality of OnCore and ClinCard. General Support: Prioritizes job tasks; demonstrates willingness to assist Manager/Director in the completion of special projects and daily tasks to support the Department's productivity and efficiency. Demonstrates responsibility for personal development by participating in continuing education offerings. Performs other related duties incidental to work described herein.

Requirements

Essential requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or a related field with 3 years of relevant experience in clinical research as a financial analyst or similar position. Knowledge of OnCore, ClinCard, and/or EPIC research administration is required. Minimum of 3 years of Business Office experience in a healthcare environment or Research Office experience preferred.

Skills/Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent phone etiquette and internal/external customer service skills, required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with computerized databases (e.g., Microsoft Excel), word processing (e.g., Microsoft Word), and presentation software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint).
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Benefits

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards, including competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development, and much more. This includes:

• Compensation: Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training.
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job.
• Incentive pay for select positions.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
• Benefits and more: Paid Time Off programs, Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses, Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave, Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs, Educational Assistance Program.