Clinical Trial Financial Specialist

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report. Location Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center Job Description The Clinical Trial Financial Specialist is an integral member of the Office of Clinical and Community Trials (OCCT), playing an essential role in supporting the financial and administrative management of clinical research studies.  This position is responsible for financial tracking, payment processing, budget and contract support, data management, and reporting activities that support both the Financial Management and Budget and Contract Management teams within the Clinical Research Finance (CRF) service line.  Reporting to th Associate Director, CRF, the Clinical Trial Financial Specialist ensures the accurate entry and maintenance of financial and study related data across multiple research administration systems.  The role contributes to the development and  management of study budgets, maintains compliant financial records, processes research-related transactions, and prepares reports to support operational and financial decision-making.  Through attention to detail, collaboration, and a commitment to accuracy, this position helps ensure adherence to institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and regulatory standards while supporting the successful execution of clinical trials.   Essential Job Functions:  1. Manage the Financial Management payment inbox which includes tracking the receipt, reconciliation, and application of clinical trial payments, including EFT, check, and lockbox remittances, ensuring accurate financial tracking and timely resolution of unapplied payments.  2. Support clinical trial financial operations through data entry, record maintenance, payment processing, and financial tracking across multiple research administration and financial management systems.  3. Assist with the preparation, maintenance, and reporting of financial, study, and enrollment metrics to support operational monitoring, decision-making, and compliance requirements.  4. Perform data validation, quality assurance reviews, and data cleanup activities to ensure accuracy, completeness, and integrity of research and financial data.  5. Support the development, submission, activation, and maintenance of funding proposals, awards, and study records within research administration systems, including Huron/RASCAL and other institutional platforms.  6. Monitor and respond to sponsor, investigator, and internal stakeholder inquiries regarding study status, budgets, contracts, and financial operations.  7. Manage the OCCT Budget & Contract Management inbox, triaging requests, coordinating responses, and ensuring timely resolution of issues and inquiries.  8. Maintain accurate documentation for study budgets, funding proposals, contracts, financial records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other research administration processes.  9. Collaborate closely with all members of Research Operations and Conduct, Clinical Research Services, Clinical Research Finance, and other stakeholders to facilitate efficient study startup, financial setup, contract execution, and ongoing study management.    10. Contribute to process improvement initiatives by identifying discrepancies, recommending corrective actions, enhancing data quality, and supporting other clinical trial financial and administrative functions as assigned.  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   1. Bachelor’s Degree or three+ years of relevant experience  2. One to two years experience in clinical research conduct, clinical research regulatory compliance, clinical research billing, and/or clinical research/trial budget and contract management preferred.  Understanding of  coverage analysis, study budgets, informed consent forms, and CTA cost language preferred.  3. Ability to interpret cost language present in the CTA and budget required. Ability to interpret research protocol information essential.  4. Strong understanding of research billing compliance preferred.  5. One to two years of work experience in healthcare finance (patient billing, collections, account reconciliations, etc) preferred.  6. Working knowledge of medical terminology preferred.  7. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team and follow through on assignments with minimal direction required.  8. Demonstrated accuracy and precision, attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills essential.  9. Strong verbal and written communication skills required.  10. Ability to manage large quantities of data in a manner which facilitates sharing of information   11. Ability to handle high volume of work with changing priorities and constant interruptions and establish priorities and deadlines required.  12. Ability to prepare accurate documentation of events required. Ability to maintain confidential material and information required.  13. Personal computer skills; functional experience with integrated software systems and proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Education Pay Range $54,600.00-$89,273.60 Salary At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions.   In addition to base salary, Lurie Children’s offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives fo