Description

Department:

85000 Wake Forest University Health Sciences - Academic Deans Office

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

M-F 8-5PM

Pay Range
$32.45 - $48.70

Major Responsibilities:
Manages and tracks research accounts receivable (A/R)
7)Support resolution of billing and payment issues with appropriate parties

8)Draft correspondence related to financial management of research activities

9)Other responsibilities as identified by Director of Research Operations

1)Ensure timely collection of research A/R by developing and leading collection processes and related SOPs

2)Oversee processing of accounts payable and identify opportunities for cost-savings

3)Enter event schedules, budgets, billing plans, and other financial information into the clinical trial management system

4)Support invoicing of sponsors for necessary visits, procedures, invoiceables and additional payments

5)Work collaboratively with research administration, finance and billing to ensure patient accounts are accurately billed (i.e., research, standard of care, Medicare)

6)Assist with aged receivables and final reconciliation of payments

Supports research billing processes and compliance
1)Develop and/or assure quality of Medicare coverage analyses including billing grid to determine research related versus routine care costs within the study protocol in coordination with the investigator and study team by reviewing study protocol, contract, budget and informed consent

2)Monitor compliance with clinical research billing, including participating in billing process committees (as assigned), assisting with internal audits of billing processes and study finances, resolving discrepancies and critically analyzing errors in order to develop solutions and improvement plans

3)Update clinical trial management system with relevant billing information

4)Support the tracking of research subjects in clinical trial management system or database to ensure patient accounts are accurately billed (i.e., research, standard of care, Medicare)

5)Work closely with research coordinators to track research subjects and ensure study visits are captured to facilitate sponsor invoicing

6)Follow operational procedures and policies to facilitate accurate and timely clinical research billing

7)Review patient research bills against contracted terms with each sponsor

8)Back-up Research Operations Analyst in registration process for patients as research subjects at time of enrollment and the removal of research designation when subjects complete the study

9)Work collaboratively with finance and billing departments to ensure accurate billing for research subjects

10)Prepare necessary documents for Medicare Administrative Contractor submissions

Oversees financial and administrative matters related to research. i. Work with Director of Research Operations to develop central research office budget ii. Review monthly budget variance for each research site/facility iii. Review monthly expenses for each site/facility iv. Negotiate research services pricing contracts with all affiliated entities v. Oversee execution of appropriate financial transfers with supporting documentation vi. Provide requested information to accounting to support timely month-end financial close vii. Develop and utilize financial monitoring tools performing quantitative analysis against datasets/historical data and provide decision support in interpretation of trends and variance analysis
1)Complete and/or process initial billing grid and coverage analysis to determine research related versus routine care costs within the study protocol in coordination with the investigator and study team

2)Review study protocol, contract, budget and informed consent in development of Medicare coverage analysis and billing plan

3)Monitor compliance with the clinical research study budgets, regulations, and internal policies, including assisting with internal audits of processes and study finances, resolving discrepancies and critically analyzing errors in order to develop solutions and improvement plans

4)Prepare necessary documents for MAC submissions

5)Support the tracking of research patients in clinical trial management systemor database to ensure patient accounts are accurately billed (i.e., research, standard of care, Medicare)

6)Works closely with research coordinators to track research patients and ensure study visits are captured to facilitate sponsor invoicing

7)Support registration process for patients as research participants at time of enrollment and the removal of research designation when participants complete the study

8)Work collaboratively with finance and billing to ensure patient accounts are accurately billed

Supports development, negotiation, and finalization of research budgets i. Manage clinical trials through the budget negotiation process working closely with the Director of Research Operations, research center leaders, investigators & research staff, Research Central Office and vendors to prioritize caseload, provide timely follow-up on status of budgets and collaborate with key stakeholders in developing and executing study budgets. ii. Assist in the development and negotiation of clinical research budgets with the support of the investigator and research team iii. Coordinates the budget process in collaboration with staff at the research centers to ensure timely execution of compliant and effective budgets as a part of the clinical trial agreements with sponsors iv. Support preparation of research study budgets - obtaining outside costs, performing cost-analyses, and preparing the study budget in the appropriate and/or required budget format v. Develop and monitor budget metrics as identified by the Director of Research Operations vi. Provide analyses needed for the protocol review committee feasibility assessment vii. Update and maintain standard pricing with sites, as well as internal and external vendors (e.g., AMG, ACL)
1)Provides support with internal and external website maintenance

2)Provides support with developing and maintaining external marketing materials

3)Provides support with developing internal communication plans

Provides education and support to maintain research financial compliance i. Develop understanding of federal research regulations, FDA Good Clinical Practices, ICH Guidelines and AHC policies and SOPs ii. Support education of investigators and research staff regarding research budgeting, coverage analysis, billing plans and clinical research financial operations iii. Serve as a resource to provide guidance in the development of clinical research budgets iv. Assist with the development, implementation, and ongoing revisions of standardized operational policies, procedures, and best practices that facilitate compliant research finance administration v. Attend local presentations, training classes, and professional conferences and implement knowledge gained into professional practice vi. Attend and participate in educational programs, meetings, and assigned committees vii. Use current business processes and continually seek opportunities for improvement
1)Develop understanding of federal research regulations, FDA Good Clinical Practices, ICH Guidelines and AHC policies and SOPs

2)Support education of investigators and research staff regarding research budgeting, billing plans and clinical research financial operations

3)Serve as a resource to provide guidance in the development of clinical research budgets

4)Assist with the development, implementation, and ongoing revisions of standardized operational policies, procedures, and best practices that facilitate compliant research finance administration

5)Attend local presentations, training classes, and professional conferences and implement knowledge gained into professional practice

6)Attend and participate in educational programs, meetings, and assigned committees

7)Use current business processes and continually seek opportunities for improvement

Education/Experience Required:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business or related field - plus 3-5 years experience; or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
• Minimum of 3-5 years clinical research budgeting, billing, and financial management or equivalent • Prior experience in clinical research billing compliance • Understanding of coverage analyses • Prior experience working with industry-sponsored clinical research budgets • Prior experience in finance and accounting functions obtained through education and prior work experience • Able to organize work efficiently as an individual and in a team • Able to facilitate interdepartmental communication • Demonstrated self-directed, results-oriented approach to projects • Ability to succeed in changing environment and handle multiple responsibilities • Demonstrated ability to problem solve and analyze procedure/process changes • Expertise with Excel and Microsoft Office • Experience with EMRs and/or related billing systems • Working knowledge of clinical trial management system(s) or other financial tracking system(s) • Effective oral and written communication skills
N/A

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:
This position requires travel between the Advocate sites.

Addendum: The Research Operations Analyst supports the development of research study budgets and billing compliance through financial analysis and entering information into clinical trial management system and assists the department with communication efforts.
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

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

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

The Research OperationsAnalyst supports the development of research study budgets and billing compliance through financial analysis and entering information into clinical trial management system and assists with departmental communication. Responsibility, Authority, Reporting Relationship This position reports to the Director of Research Operations and indirectly reports to the Research Billing Compliance Manager and is responsible for providing financial analysis to support the protocol review committee, development of research study budgets and billing compliance. The Financial Analyst assists with negotiation of clinical research budgets with industry sponsors, federal agencies, and private foundations. This position provides support in the management of clinical research accounts and reconciliation of patient charges and works with the Director of Reesarch Operations to track patients, patient visits, and revenue associated with each. This position interprets the financial requirements and billable nature of items and services on clinical research protocols by supporting the conduct of Coverage Analyses. This position supports financial management of research activities in a manner that maximizes financial return, timeliness, and effectiveness while minimizing risk and exposure. This includes gathering of data and information necessary to assess successful implementation and routine monitoring of departmental activities and reporting needs.