Accountant I, Post Award - Investigational Cancer Therapeutics

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The primary purpose of the Accounting I position is to manage the invoicing process for a high-volume portfolio of clinical trials, ensuring timely and accurate billing of trial-related expenses. The role is essential for maintaining strong financial health and supporting the execution of both ongoing and future clinical research projects, including Phase 1 clinical trials. The Accountant I will also monitor and reconcile financial transactions related to clinical trial contracts, ensuring compliance with departmental, divisional, and institutional guidelines.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1.       Clinical Trial Contract Invoicing - Invoiceables (60%)

·       Analyze industry-sponsored clinical trial agreements and initiate the invoicing process in accordance with contractual terms. Collaborate with Grants and Contracts Accounting (GCA), Research Nurses, and other study personnel to gather the necessary information for invoicing.

·       Interact with external funding agencies to ensure proper invoicing and payment for clinical trials according to the contractual agreements.

·       Set up and initiate invoice request in SharePoint, PeopleSoft, and OnCore for invoiceable items.

·       Ensure invoicing is accurate and done per ICT’s departmental, Divisional and Institutional guidelines.

·       Prepare, send, and track invoices to Sponsors/CROs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional guidelines,

·       Follow up on outstanding invoices and negotiate payment terms, resolving discrepancies as needed

·       Ensure all payments are received and accurately recorded.

2.        Clinical Trial Contract Invoicing - Milestones (30%)

·       Review clinical trial budgets and contracts terms to identify and invoice for patient visits.

·       Track and access budget amendments to determine the impact on invoicing.  

·       Coordinate with Clinical Research Finance, Study Team to ensure that all pertinent information is captured for invoicing.

·       Prepare and send out invoices to Sponsors/CROs, follow up with sponsors to ensure timely payments.

·       Ensure all payments are received and accurately recorded.

3.       Account Maintenance and Reconciliation (10%)

·       Monitor balances and track income and expenses for clinical trial ChartField Strings, ensuring all financial transactions align with trial budgets and contractual agreements.

·       Reconcile financial data with General Ledger and ICT internal database.

·       Assist in maintaining a database (MOCLIA Finance Tools) to provide up-to-date financial information on all department sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials.

·       Work closely with GCA and post-award finance team to ensure that all expenses related to clinical trials have posted to the general ledger.

4.       Other duties as assigned.

The above functions require the following abilities and skills:

•           Demonstrated proficiency in MS Excel, PeopleSoft, and other institutional financial systems.

•           Demonstrated thorough working knowledge of institutional and state guidelines, which include purchasing, check requests, petty cash and travel.  Also a demonstrated working knowledge of mainframe access programs to monitor company center activities.

•           Ability to practice independently, have strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational and critical judgment skills, and be able to interact effectively with patients and co-workers.

•           Strong attention to detail.

•           Strong organizational skills.

•           Ability to work with personal computers using standard word processing software, spreadsheets, and programs for database and graphics usage.

•           Demonstrate the ability to maintain a satisfactory work environment by organizing and redistributing files, records, etc., requiring bending, stooping, reaching, manual handling, walking, visually inspecting, extended standing, sitting and repetitive motions

•           Requires use of computer via keyboard, and operating facsimile machine, calculator, printer, photocopy machine, etc.  Requires the use of push-button, multiple line telephone set.  Must be able to master new software by utilizing available resources (other program personnel, reference manual, training classes, etc.)

•           Be clearly understood by verbal communication in face-to-face encounters and by telephone.