Research Financial Analyst

Description

Join a growing leader in community oncology where cutting-edge research meets compassionate patient care. As a Financial Analyst in the Research department, you will play a critical role in financial management, driving program growth, and supporting groundbreaking clinical trials that provide patients access to tomorrow's treatments today.

Highlands Oncology began in 1996 with three physicians and a desire to change the face of oncology care in our community. Dr. Malcolm Hayward, Dr. Dan Bradford, and Dr. Thad Beck knew that patients do better at home, in the community where they live and work, and where their support system is already in place. In furthering that goal, Highlands has grown with the region from a single location 26 years ago, to 6 locations in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas today employing more than 800 diverse team members.

As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, so must the services and providers available in the region. Highlands Oncology is committed to remaining on the cutting edge to ensure our community has access to the very best cancer care. What we have is something quite unique right here in our own backyard with a caring multidisciplinary team focused on treating patients like family.

Job Summary:

The Research Financial Analyst manages end to end invoicing and patient reimbursements, The role conducts ongoing reconciliation of sponsor payments, study expenses, and CTMS financial data, resolving discrepancies, and maintaining audit ready documentation. The analyst oversees expense management and coordinates with Accounts Payable. They provide advanced CTMS management. The position collaborates with all Research and Highlands teams, as well as external partners such as pharmaceutical sponsors and healthcare entities, while adhering to FDA regulations, Good Clinical Practice, Highlands Oncology policies, and sponsor requirements.

Job Duties / Responsibilities:

Invoice & Reimbursement Management

Process, review, and issue accurate patient and sponsor invoices in alignment with study budgets and contract terms; coordinate patient reimbursement workflows, maintain required documentation, and manage inventory of Highlands payment cards and sponsor provided reimbursement cards.

Billing Accuracy & Financial Coordination - Validate study related activities to ensure all billable items are captured and correct; work with the Highlands Oncology Business Office to ensure patient reimbursements are paid.

Communication & Audit Readiness - Collaborate with clinical and data teams and Sponsors to resolve invoice discrepancies and maintain transparent financial tracking; maintain complete, audit ready financial documentation for internal reviews and sponsor audits.

Reconciliation

Account Reconciliation - Perform reconciliation of sponsor payments, patient reimbursements, and study-related expenses against Study Contract and Budget and CTMS data.

Variance Analysis - Identified, investigated, and resolved financial variances, ensuring alignment between site records, sponsor remittances, and contractual budgets.

Payment Tracking - Monitored incoming sponsor payments, applied funds to correct studies/visits in CTMS, and escalated overdue or missing payments.

Expenses

Expense Oversight & Budget Management - Track, categorize, and monitor department and grant/clinical trial expenditures; develop and maintain the annual department budget; prepare short and long term financial forecasts and revenue/expense analyses to support strategic planning and decision making.

Compliance Review & AP Coordination - Verify invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy and compliance with institutional and sponsor contracts; ensure all approved invoices are submitted to Accounts Payable and processed for timely payment.

Reporting & Budget Monitoring - Prepare detailed monthly and quarterly expense reports; monitor budgets to flag overspend risks and expense anomalies to Supervisor.

CTMS Management

CTMS Configuration & Study Setup - Oversee CTMS setup by building study calendars, creating milestones, and configuring invoiceable items. Ensure that configurations are aligned with study budgets, visit schedules, and contract terms.

Data Integrity & System Reporting - Maintain accurate, up to date CTMS data by validating visit completions, milestones, budgets, and payment schedules; generate financial reports, dashboards, and study performance metrics for internal and sponsor use.

Workflow Management & Cross Functional Support - Manage CTMS workflows, update statuses, troubleshoot system issues, and collaborate with clinical and data teams to ensure CTMS data reflects real world study progress.

Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and responsiveness when interacting with internal and external customers and patients.

Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.

Attends required research department meetings/activities.

Maintain patient/sponsor confidentiality.

Promptly report to work at designated times and maintain good attendance with no unexcused absences.

Support and adhere to organizational decisions, policies, and procedures.

Willingly accept assignments and complete them in a timely manner and cross train and provide back-up as needed.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

Ability to gather reasonable retrievable information to organize and perform financial analysis assignments.

Advanced skills in using spreadsheets and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.

Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.

Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting.

Proficient in computer skills including Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel.

Maintain continuing education hours as required.

Maintain all licenses, certifications, and qualifications as required.

Certifications/Licenses/Education/or Experience in a related field:

Bachelor's degree in business (Auditing, Finance, Accounting), or Healthcare Administration, or high school diploma or GED plus 3 years of related experience in lieu of bachelor's degree.

1+ years of experience in medical billing, research, or oncology preferred.

Experience in preparing, managing, and projecting budgets.

Knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.

Experience with all types of reward mechanisms, including grants, contracts, clinical trials, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements preferred.

Must complete registration with ID.me upon hire.

Clinical Research Professional (CCRP, CCRC, CCRA, or equivalent) certification preferred (within three years of hire)

Physical Requirements:

May be asked to lift up to 25 pounds. Lifting could include binders, reams of paper, and office supplies.

Will require extensive desk and computer use.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Due to the nature of our business and the use of radiation and hazardous chemicals, it is imperative that all employees foster a culture and environment of safety.

Safety Sensitive: In accordance with Arkansas code this position is designated as a safety sensitive position wherein the employee performing the job duties under the influence may constitute a threat to health or safety.