MHN Decision Support Analyst
Position Summary
The Decision Support Analyst supports hospital leaders in making informed
financial and operational decisions by gathering, analyzing and interpreting
cost, volume, revenue, staffing and productivity information. This position
translates financial and operational data into meaningful insights and practical
recommendations to support organizational performance and planning.
The Analyst works closely with Finance, department directors, administration and
physician leaders to support the annual budget, monthly financial and
productivity reporting, cost accounting, service line performance and business
plans for new programs, services and equipment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Analysis and Budgeting
Prepare monthly budget variance, volume and productivity reports and help
leaders understand the causes of variances.
Support the annual operating and capital budget process, including forecasts
and staffing plans.
Analyze costs and profitability by department, service line, physician and
payer.
Prepare business cases and financial projections, including return on
investment and break-even analyses, for proposed programs, services and
equipment.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, revenue improvement and more
effective use of staffing and supplies.
Present objective, accurate and meaningful information to support financial
and operational decision-making.
Reporting Accuracy and Data Integrity
Review and reconcile reports and analyses for accuracy before distribution.
Use consistent, documented definitions for volume, cost, staffing and
productivity measures.
Maintain the accuracy and reliability of cost accounting and productivity
information used by leadership.
Prepare and explain monthly reports related to volumes, staffing and
productivity.
Identify trends, variances and opportunities for improved financial and
operational performance.
Collaboration and Communication
Build effective working relationships with department directors, managers and
physicians to understand their information needs.
Explain financial and operational results in clear, plain language and adjust
communication to the audience.
Share knowledge with Finance team members and help department leaders
understand and use their reports.
Respond to requests promptly and keep requesters informed of progress and
anticipated timelines.
Develop a working understanding of hospital operations and how clinical
activity drives financial results.
Customer Service and Professional Responsibilities
Treat every request as important and provide timely, courteous and helpful
service.
Follow up with requesters to confirm their questions have been answered and
their needs have been met.
Handle confidential financial, payroll and patient-related information in
accordance with hospital policy and HIPAA requirements.
Maintain effective working relationships with Finance, department leadership,
administration and physician leaders.
Continuous Improvement and Professional Development
Support quality and process improvement initiatives by measuring results
before and after changes.
Stay current on healthcare finance trends, including reimbursement changes,
cost accounting practices and benchmarking.
Seek opportunities for training to strengthen analytical, presentation and
Excel skills.
Recommend improvements to existing reports and processes to make information
easier to understand and use.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
Master's degree preferred.
Certification/Registration
CHFP (HFMA certification) preferred.
CPA or CMA preferred.
Experience
1–2 years of position-related experience required.
2–5 years of position-related experience preferred.
Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, cost accounting or business
analysis, preferably in a hospital or healthcare setting.
Experience preparing reports for managers and explaining financial results to
non-financial audiences.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Familiarity with a hospital decision support or cost accounting system
preferred.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Director of Planning and Decision Support.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily remotely.
Requires prolonged sitting and extended use of a computer, keyboard and
phone.
Occasional light lifting of up to 10 pounds, such as files, a laptop or
supplies.
Requires the ability to concentrate for extended periods and manage multiple
deadlines.
May require additional hours during budget season, month-end and year-end
close, or in response to urgent requests.
Occasional walking between hospital departments and facilities to meet with
leaders.
Minimal exposure to patient care areas; no direct patient contact is
required.