Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist, Hospital Operations, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist. This position serves as a senior financial operations lead for the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC), overseeing complex accounting, billing, and accounts receivable functions that support more than 35,000 patient visits annually and contribute to over $19 million in revenue. This position exercises substantial independent judgment in managing client accounts, ensuring regulatory and policy compliance, resolving high-risk financial issues, and supporting strategic financial decision-making for the VMC. The role provides advanced analytical support, leads process improvements, coordinates cross-departmental financial workflows, and serves as a key resource to clinicians, department heads, and external agencies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Minimum 3 years of accounting experience
Knowledge of accounting principles and financial controls.
Strong computer skills, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Skill in mathematical calculations and use of financial tools.
Excellent customer service, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in accounting or business-related field
Experience in billing and collections environment or veterinary office/other medical setting preferred.
DASH knowledge is preferred.
Knowledge of billing, collections, and medical or veterinary financial operations.

Responsibilities

Directs comprehensive accounts receivable operations for all Referral Veterinary Services, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely resolution of complex financial matters.
Conducts advanced analysis of patient accounts, identifies systemic issues, and implements corrective actions to strengthen financial controls.
Oversees monthly billing cycles, aging reports, delinquency management, and account status maintenance within the hospital system.
Develops AR performance dashboards, trend analyses, and monthly reports for the Finance Director.
Coordinates with collection agencies, reconciles statements, and resolves discrepancies requiring high-level financial judgment.
Serves as the primary financial liaison for clients, clinicians, and external agencies, providing expert guidance on billing inquiries, treatment plan estimates, and account resolution strategies.
Handles escalated, sensitive, or high-risk financial cases requiring advanced communication and negotiation skills.
Drafts professional correspondence, negotiates payment arrangements, and ensures compliance with institutional and legal requirements.
Collaborates with insurance carriers, Humane Societies, law enforcement, state agencies (e.g., TWRA), referring veterinarians, and debt-reduction agencies to resolve complex account matters.
Maintains detailed documentation of all communications and collection efforts to support audit readiness and legal compliance.
Oversees daily financial operations for clinical services, ensuring accuracy, security, and compliance in all cash-handling processes.
Manages cash drawer controls, verifies daily cash logs, and maintains after-hours receipt documentation.
Prepares bank deposits and performs DASH cash entry functions in the absence of the supervisor.
Investigates cash discrepancies, identifies root causes, and recommends process improvements to strengthen internal controls.
Maintains inventory of financial processing supplies and coordinates with technical support to resolve credit-card terminal issues.
Ensures accurate client demographic data and initiates corrections to maintain data integrity.
Provides leadership in training and workflow coordination for student employees and new staff, developing training materials, evaluating performance, and ensuring consistent adherence to accounting procedures.
Participates in hiring processes and provides recommendations regarding candidate selection.
Collaborates with departmental bookkeepers, UTIA personnel, Central Cashier’s Office, Internal Audit, Treasurer’s Office, and other UT departments to streamline processes and resolve complex financial issues.
Works closely with Computer Services to recommend, test, and implement system enhancements that improve billing accuracy and operational efficiency.
Supports orientation for interns, residents, and live-in students regarding financial processes and expectations.
Conducts advanced financial and statistical analyses to support departmental planning, budgeting, and operational decision-making.
Prepares detailed accounting reports, year-end write-off recommendations, and reconciliation summaries for leadership review.
Assists with year-end closing activities and contributes to the development of the departmental budget through revenue forecasting and AR performance evaluation.
Provides full functional coverage for Client Clinical Services and Referral Services accounting operations during staff absences.