Business Analyst - Sponsored Programs Financial Services

Highmark Health•Washington, NV

1d•$28 - $44

About The Position

The Business Analyst is responsible for implementing and executing post-award and financial management activities for grants, contracts, and clinical trials within Sponsored Programs Financial Services (SPFS), supporting Allegheny-Singer Research Institute and Allegheny Health Network. Work includes award setup, transaction processing, compliance review, cash management, collections, financial reporting, and project closeout. The role is accountable for the material accuracy of financial statements and reports, analyzes financial results, trends, projections, and performance metrics, and provides root-cause analysis to support business decisions while following institutional policies and sponsor guidelines. The position manages sponsor and regulatory compliance, invoicing and receivables, cash management, monthly close activities, financial reporting, project closeout, and audit support. It requires knowledge of accounting principles, research financial management, and compliance requirements, along with the ability to investigate complex financial issues, work across teams, meet deadlines, and handle confidential information appropriately.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or relevant experience and/or education as determined by the company in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Knowledge of accounting principles, budget planning, and financial analysis, with the ability to interpret and apply fiscal regulations.
Ability to assess, research, and resolve complex financial and compliance issues using sound judgment.
Deep understanding of financial management in a clinical trial setting, expertise in research accounting, and a strong background in compliance and auditing.
Organizational and mathematical skills, including the ability to analyze data, formulate conclusions, and apply problem-solving techniques.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to lead financial meetings and explain financial information in an understandable narrative.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work independently, prioritize and manage high volumes of work, and anticipate and meet tight deadlines.
Proficiency in financial software and adaptability to new technologies; understanding of financial processes and controls, including reconciliations.
Proficiency in MS Excel, including sorting, pivot tables, filtering, lookups, subtotals, and basic formulas.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement complex regulations, procedures, and compliance standards.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in grant, contract, and clinical trial financial administration.
Knowledge of federal agency regulations, policies, and procedures; Uniform Guidance; and 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.
Financial analysis experience focused on clinical research or healthcare.

Responsibilities

Understand grant, contract, and clinical trial terms and conditions and maintain compliance with allowable costs, periods of performance, subrecipient monitoring, cost share, program income, effort reporting, reporting requirements, special test provisions, cash management, invoicing, and clinical trial billing.
Stay current on applicable federal, state, local, private sponsor, and other agency regulations, including Uniform Guidance, and evaluate and maintain post-award business processes.
Understand sponsor payment terms and schedules; prepare invoices promptly, follow up on outstanding payments, record cash against programs, and troubleshoot payment variances and sponsor queries.
Set up and use sponsor portals to establish payment profiles, submit invoices, and retrieve payment documentation.
Maintain monthly close processes, prepare journal entries, and ensure transactions are documented, timely, and consistent with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and institutional policies and procedures.
Prepare financial statements and reports using the institution’s financial systems.
Independently prepare financial reports of varying complexity, work with management and financial and program staff to resolve discrepancies, meet internal and sponsor deadlines, and report financial information accurately using sponsor-required forms.
Prepare ad hoc reports and analyses as needed.
Complete accurate and timely project closeout documentation; verify cost share, remove unallowable costs, account for subaward and contract expenses, resolve outstanding obligations, and ensure invoices and payments are complete.
Gather supporting information and documentation from financial and program staff and others, and close project cost centers in financial systems.
Apply regulations and guidelines, implement and document internal controls, policies, and procedures, and gather documentation from multiple sources for auditors.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.