Job Description

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.