Position overview
The Research Operations and Clinical Trials Support Unit (ROCTSU) provides support for the conduct of clinical research at Canberra Hospital. The Unit currently has active trials in varying stages ranging from ethics submissions to trial close outs. The number of participants in each trial varies from approximately 1 to 1000 participants. These trials are either Pharmaceutical Sponsored trials, Observational or Investigator Led trials that are funded by grants such as the National Health & Medical Research Council.
The Clinical Trials Finance Support Officer plays a vital role in supporting the financial operations of clinical research projects undertaken within Canberra Health Services. This position ensures the reliable and accurate processing of financial transactions and contributes to the overall integrity of Clinical Trials finances. Key responsibilities include providing timely, accurate, and high-quality financial information and support under supervision. The role will involve a strong focus on accounts receivable and accounts payable activities, including invoice processing, payment tracking, and reconciliation, while maintaining compliance with established financial procedures.
Proficiency in the use of computerised financial systems, spreadsheets, word processing, and data management tools is essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.
Key Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Process accounts payable documentation, ensure quality assurance, and manage accounts in conjunction with Shared Services.
- Process accounts receivable documentation and banking related to clinical trials income and assist with debt recovery where required.
- Liaise with external Sponsors regarding financial matters for Clinical Trials, ensuring clear communication and accurate reporting.
- Provide relevant financial support to clinical trials staff, including guidance on financial processes and compliance.
- Cross-reference and validate data in Excel spreadsheets and workbooks against contracts to maintain accuracy and consistency.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification that contribute to the efficient operations of the unit.
Competencies
Competencies required for the role include but are not limited to the following.
- Displays critical thinking skills and forms defensible conclusions based on evidence and sound judgement.
- Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.
- High-level communication, facilitation, interpersonal and representational skills, and a proven ability to produce quality outcomes.
- Personal drive, ability to communicate with influence, and drive strategic improvements.
- Strong organisational skills with a strong work ethic.
- Able to relate to people of varied and diverse backgrounds.
Qualifications
Essential
- N/A
Desirable
- A degree in a relevant area, from a recognised university.
Experience
Essential
- Prior experience in using MS Excel and MS Office Applications in a Finance setting.
Desirable
- At least 1 year working in a Finance role.
- Practical experience in the financial management of clinical trials.
- Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.
Prior to commencement
Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:
- Pre-employment National Police Check.
Important information
All employees are required to:
- Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
- Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
- Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
- Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.
CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.
What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)
These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.
- Proven ability to accurately and efficiently complete financial processing tasks, including accounts payable and receivable, banking, reconciliation, and quality assurance of documentation.
- Well-developed written and oral communication skills, with proven experience in liaising, consulting, and negotiating effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including sponsors, service providers, and internal staff.
- Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, handle a large number of matters concurrently, set priorities and meet deadlines working independently and within a team environment.
- Demonstrated competency with computer software packages in the Microsoft Office suite for data collection, analysis and communication.
- Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.
Work environment description
The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.
| Administrative | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Telephone use | Frequently |
| General computer use | Frequently |
| Extensive keying/data entry | Frequently |
| Graphical/analytical based | Frequently |
| Sitting at a desk | Frequently |
| Standing for long periods | Occasionally |
| Psychosocial demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distressed People e.g. Emergency or grief situations | Never |
| Aggressive & Uncooperative People e.g. drug / alcohol, dementia, mental illness | Never |
| Unpredictable People e.g. Dementia, mental illness, head injuries | Never |
| Restraining e.g. involvement in physical containment of clients/consumers | Never |
| Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. Child abuse, viewing dead / mutilated bodies; verbal abuse; domestic violence; suicide | Never |
| Physical demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit) | Occasionally |
| Working outdoors | Never |
| Manual handling | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Lifting 0 - 9kg | Occasionally |
| Lifting 10 - 15kg | Never |
| Lifting 16kg+ | Never |
| Climbing | Never |
| Running | Never |
| Reaching | Never |
| Kneeling | Never |
| Foot and leg movement | Occasionally |
| Hand, arm and grasping movements | Occasionally |
| Bending/squatting | Occasionally |
| Bend/Lean Forward from Waist/Trunk twisting | Occasionally |
| Push/pull | Occasionally |
| Sequential repetitive movements in a short amount of time | Never |
| Travel | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Frequent travel – multiple work sites | Occasionally |
| Frequent travel – driving | Never |
| Specific hazards | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Working at heights | Never |
| Exposure to extreme temperatures | Never |
| Operation of heavy machinery e.g. forklift | Never |
| Confined spaces | Never |
| Excessive noise | Never |
| Low lighting | Never |
| Handling of dangerous goods/equipment e.g. gases; liquids; biological. | Never |
| Slippery or uneven surfaces | Never |
Directorate: Canberra Health Services
Division: Office of Research and Education
Business Unit: Research Operations and Clinical Trials Support Unit
Position number: P70704
Position title: Clinical Trials Finance Support Officer
Classification: Administrative Services Officer Level 3
Location: Canberra Hospital
Reporting relationships: Direct Manager: Finance Manager
Manager +1: CHS Clinical Trials Manager
Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.
Our Vision: creating exceptional health care together
Our Role: to be a health service that is trusted by our community
Our Values: Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind