Business Analyst - Programs Financial Services - Clinical Trials

General Overview

The incumbent is responsible for implementation and execution of various post‑award and financial management activities for grants, contracts, and/or clinical trials within the Sponsored Programs Financial Services (SPFS) supporting Allegheny‑Singer Research Institute and Allegheny Health Network. Responsibilities include award set‑up, transaction processing, compliance review, cash management, collections, financial reporting and project close‑out. Responsible for material accuracy of financial statements/reports. Analyze financial results and outcomes, trends/projections, performance metrics and provide root cause analysis to help facilitate business decisions while following institutional policies and sponsor guidelines.

• Compliance Management:
  Read and develop a full understanding of business and financial terms and conditions of grants, contracts, and/or clinical trial agreements. Maintain compliance with allowable costs, period of performance, subrecipient monitoring, cost‑share tracking, program income, effort reporting, special test provisions, cash management invoicing, and clinical trial billing compliance. Keep current on federal, state, local, private sponsor, and agency regulations including Uniform Guidance.
  
  Evaluate and maintain business processes supporting post‑award management.
• Invoicing, Accounts Receivable, and Cash Management:
  Understand payment terms and schedule in the agreements. Promptly invoice and follow up on outstanding payments. Ensure proper recording of cash against programs. Troubleshoot, analyze, and solve payment variances and queries with sponsors, ensuring positive cash flow. Set up and work within sponsor portals to submit invoices and retrieve payment backup.
• Month‑end Close:
  Maintain processes and prepare journal entries for the monthly close and generation of financial statements/reports. Ensure all transactions are documented, completed timely, and comply with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and institutional policies. Use institutional financial systems.
• Reporting:
  Prepare financial reports, collaborate with management, finance, and program staff to address discrepancies and correct errors. Meet internal and sponsor deadlines. Translate and report financials on sponsor‑required forms. Provide ad‑hoc reports and analysis as needed.
• Project Closeout:
  Complete closeout documentation accurately and on time. Ensure cost‑share requirements are met, remove unallowable costs, account for subaward/contract expenses, and address outstanding obligations. Communicate with financial and program staff to gather needed information. Close project cost center in all financial systems.
• Audit:
  Apply compliance with regulations, implement and document internal controls, policies, and procedures. Gather documentation and information for auditors.
• Other duties as assigned or requested.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, budget planning, and financial analysis with ability to interpret and apply fiscal regulations (preferred with focus on clinical research or healthcare).
• Ability to assess, research, and resolve complex financial and compliance issues while exercising sound judgment.
• Deep understanding of financial management in a clinical trial setting, research accounting, compliance, and auditing.

• Prior experience in grant, contract, and clinical trial financial administration; knowledge of federal agency regulations, policies, and procedures;
  Uniform Guidance; laws and federal acquisition regulations applicable to research and sponsored programs.
• Prior experience with clinical trial financial management and/or clinical research billing compliance and regulations.

• Organizational and mathematical skills with ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to lead financial meetings and translate numerical information into narratives.
• Attention to detail with high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently; prioritize and manage large volumes of work…