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 Departments 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.
Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge skills and abilities will be given first consideration:
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
Provides oversight and management of Advarra clinical research participant payment system on behalf of DOM
School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Medicine Office of Research Services
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The expected salary range for this position is $85000 up to $125000 for highly experienced candidates and actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation holidays and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026.
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
Bachelors Degree preferred; focus in business/public administration accounting or related field preferred.
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University sponsorship is not available for this position including transfers of sponsorship and TN selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States a lawful permanent resident a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.This position is currently scheduled to end two years from date of hire and will require eligibility to work until that time. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.
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