Accountant Senior - Research

Tucson Medical Center; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucson Medical Center is seeking an Accountant Senior – Research to manage the financial lifecycle of clinical studies, including budgeting, invoicing, and close processes. You will ensure GAAP compliance and partner with investigators, sponsors, and research administration.

The role requires 4–6 years in clinical research accounting, a bachelor's in accounting or finance, and proficiency with Excel and ERP systems. CPA or CCRP preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• 4–6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in clinical research accounting or grants management preferred.
• CPA, CMA, CGFM, or CCRP certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting and financial analysis for clinical studies.
• Prepare and reconcile journal entries and month-end closes.
• Oversee sponsor invoicing and accounts receivable/payable.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with investigators and sponsors on financial matters.

Skills

Excel

US GAAP

ERP systems

Financial reporting

Reconciliations

Audit preparation

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

CTMS

ERP systems

Job description

Accountant Senior - Research

Job Category: Professional

Schedule: Full time

Shift: 1 - Day Shift

SUMMARY:

The Accountant Senior – Research is responsible for financial management, accounting, reporting, and compliance activities associated with clinical trials and research programs. This position oversees the financial lifecycle of clinical research studies from study start-up through closeout while ensuring compliance with sponsor agreements, institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

The Accountant Senior – Research serves as a strategic partner to investigators, study teams, research administrators, sponsors, vendors, and organizational leadership. Responsibilities include study budgeting, contract financial review, sponsor invoicing, accounts receivable and accounts payable management, reconciliation of study financial activity, financial analysis, forecasting, audit support, and month-end accounting activities. This role requires advanced accounting expertise, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage complex financial issues while mentoring junior staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Clinical Research Financial Management

• Manage the financial lifecycle of clinical research studies from activation through closeout.
• Develop, maintain, and reconcile study budgets in accordance with sponsor contracts, protocols, and organizational guidelines.
• Monitor study financial activity using the Clinical Trials Management System (CTMS) and ensure accurate financial tracking.
• Collaborate with investigators, study teams, sponsors, and research administration to support financial management and compliance.
• Conduct financial analyses, identify discrepancies, and recommend strategies to optimize cost recovery and financial performance.
• Support contract and budget negotiations through financial review and reimbursement analysis.

Billing and Revenue Cycle Management

• Ensure research billing compliance and adherence to applicable regulations, contracts, and organizational policies.
• Manage sponsor invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and study-related financial transactions.
• Monitor outstanding payments and resolve billing, payment, and reimbursement discrepancies.
• Review and validate study-related invoices, participant reimbursements, and vendor payments for accuracy and contractual compliance.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders to resolve financial and billing issues.

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Prepare and reconcile financial transactions, journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities.
• Maintain accurate financial records and audit-ready documentation.
• Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and analyses for research leadership, investigators, sponsors, and organizational stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements.

Budgeting and Financial Analysis

• Develop and monitor research budgets, forecasts, and financial models.
• Analyze financial performance, variances, trends, and operational impacts to support decision-making.
• Prepare regular and ad hoc financial reports and recommendations for leadership.
• Support strategic planning through financial forecasting and resource allocation analysis.
• Conduct Medicare coverage analysis on study budgets.

Compliance and Process Improvement

• Support internal and external audits and maintain compliance with regulatory and sponsor requirements.
• Evaluate and improve financial processes, controls, and reporting practices to enhance efficiency, compliance, and risk management.
• Assist in the development and implementation of research finance policies, procedures, and best practices.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as a financial resource and subject matter expert for research teams, investigators, sponsors, and leadership.
• Provide regular updates on study financial performance, billing, reconciliations, and receivables.
• Foster collaborative relationships across Clinical Research, Finance, Revenue Cycle, Compliance, and other operational departments.
• Demonstrate organizational values through professionalism, accountability, integrity, and service excellence.

Adheres to TMCH organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies, and standards.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.

EXPERIENCE

• Four (4) - six (6) years of relevant experience.
• Experience in clinical research administration, grants management, healthcare reimbursement, or clinical trial accounting is strongly preferred.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION

• None required.
• CPA, CMA, CGFM, or Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Expert skills in excel.
• Strong knowledge of ERP / systems.
• Expert knowledge of US GAAP.
• Strong abilities to prepare financial statements.
• Moderate knowledge of Tax / Treasury
• Moderate knowledge of AP / Payroll
• Strong skills in BS Reconciliations.
• Strong skills in Bank Reconciliations.
• Strong abilities in audit preparation.
• Moderate skills in processes evaluations and design.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting.
• Strong attention to detail skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.