Clinical Trials Finance Manager – Dept of Medicine

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

16d • $85,000 - $125,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Research Services (ORS) within the Department of Medicine (DOM) is seeking a Clinical Trials Finance Manager to lead financial operations for clinical research activities, including both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies. This position plays a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across the Department’s clinical trial portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge clinical research while leading a team that supports the financial backbone of discovery and innovation. ORS supports clinical research professionals and participants in advancing medical discovery to improve health outcomes across Wisconsin and beyond. ORS provides expert guidance, resources, and infrastructure to facilitate high-quality clinical trials and foster collaboration among investigators, industry partners, and research teams. The Finance Manager will supervise a team of 3-5 staff members and work closely with investigators, research coordinators, sponsors, and contract research organizations (CROs) to develop and negotiate clinical trial budgets and contracts. They will oversee the monitoring of study expenditures, reconcile financial data, ensure accurate and timely processing of transactions. A key responsibility includes managing research billing compliance activities in coordination with institutional and regulatory guidelines, as well as overseeing the setup and administration of the Advarra participant payment system to ensure timely compensation for research participants. In addition to day-to-day financial oversight, this role will lead efforts to evaluate and improve business processes related to clinical trial finance. The Finance Manager will identify opportunities for increased efficiency, develop and implement new workflows, and collaborate with ORS/DOM leadership to ensure financial operations align with best practices and institutional goals. This includes refining systems for budget development, contract review, billing compliance, and participant payments to support a scalable and sustainable research infrastructure. This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. The Finance Manager will serve as a central point of contact for financial matters related to clinical trials, working collaboratively with DOM leadership and external partners to ensure smooth operations and timely payments. The successful candidate will be proactive, solutions-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement, helping to identify and implement process enhancements that support the success of our research mission. This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Terminal, 24 month appointment This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.

Requirements

• Ability to listen, understand and communicate information and ideas effectively in writing, over the phone or in person.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects despite interruptions.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively.
• High attention to detail and ability to assess/recommend ways to improve processes.
• Effective leadership skills including the ability to motivate others in a team environment
• Knowledge of effective management, supervisory, problem solving, and leadership techniques required to supervise professional staff

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of finance/accounting experience, preferably in a clinical research setting
• At least 2 years of experience in research/contract management and oversight activities.
• Work experience in clinical trials, human research, or a patient care environment.
• Experience in financial management of clinical research activities from various departments and sources.
• Experience in collaborating with multiple depts, study teams, faculty, and external sponsors.
• Demonstrated experience in scheduling, coordinating, and conducting financial operations and personnel.
• Experience working with complex automated accounting systems and processes
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; focus in business/public administration, accounting, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and management of Advarra clinical research participant payment system on behalf of DOM
• Analyzes financial information and makes recommendations to unit leadership
• Plans, directs, and engages in financial and/or accounting operations for multiple areas; coordinates data management, budget preparation and management, and financial reporting efforts
• Participates in the development, maintenance, and monitoring of automated financial information systems
• Recommends, interprets, disseminates, and implements unit-focused fiscal policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with established rule, regulations and financial guidelines
• Identifies, verifies, and audits financial charges, credits, and authorizes payments
• Serves as a subject matter expert to unit leadership regarding financial operations, status and reporting, and recommends process improvements
• May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees

Benefits

• Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager