Research Accounting Specialist

Accounting Specialist

The focus of the Accounting Specialist is to guide and support compliant clinical research billing and accounting. A primary function is to perform prospective reimbursement analysis to ensure that clinical research studies are billed in compliance with the CMS National Coverage Determination Decision, all applicable billing regulations, third party requirements, and Trinity Health policy. This position has responsibility for all billing and research accounting for the Research Department, serving as subject matter expert for all research financial standards and practices, and ensuring all billing and accounting research functions are compliant.

Essential Functions :

• In collaboration with all components of the Research Department, oversee and conduct daily accounting of all research related revenue and expenses.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all sponsored research project budgets. Setup project accounts in accordance with award budgets. Enter detailed budgets into clinical trial management / accounting system.
• Coordinate and negotiate clinical fees between ancillary departments and the clinical department conducting the study.
• Collaborate with the Research Director in the development, and maintenance, of an institution-wide research billing process
• Serve as a resource on research billing coding and reimbursement issues, acting as a liaison between the clinical research coordinators and patient billing.
• Collaborate with PIs and research coordinators to understand the clinical study protocol, and the specific procedures and services associated with it. Using the information gained from this collaboration, subsequently review clinical study protocol, budget and consent form to prepare a Medicare coverage analysis.
• Prepare submissions to the Medicare fiscal intermediaries for local coverage determinations as needed and required by regulations.
• Provides training and consultation to investigators and research coordinators on regulations and policies related to Medicare coverage in research.
• Perform routine audits to ensure that patient care costs were appropriately accounted for.
• Review award notices and sponsor policies to understand financial terms and conditions. Advise principal investigators, research coordinators, and Research Institute staff on award financial regulations.
• Receive all funds from sponsors and allocate them to the study accounts according to the budgets, award terms and institutional policy. In collaboration with research coordinators and patient billing, ensure that clinical departments are appropriately reimbursed for expenses. Review and audit expenses to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and prepare journal entries and cost transfers as needed to correct errors.
• In collaboration with Research Director, develop policies and procedures to ensure compliant practices as needed.
• Collaborate with research coordinators to ensure that all research study funds are managed according to standard accounting and research regulatory requirements.
• Create invoices, including regulatory invoices, for assigned awards for submission to external sponsors.
• In collaboration with research coordinators, manage account receivables and follow-up with delinquent sponsors.
• Develop an internal audit process to regularly audit all sponsored research accounts. Communicate results to PI, research coordinators, department directors, and the Research Institute.
• Create ad hoc reports upon request.
• Reconcile project accounts and perform final closeout at end of project life.

Education and Experience :

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration or equivalent combination of education and experience.

3-5 years of experience in clinical research conduct, administration, or coordination. Knowledge of regulatory, financial, and administrative requirements of third party billing for clinical trials and accounting principles for research.

Experience or training in clinical research budgeting, financial management, and / or coding preferred.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.