MHN Decision Support Analyst

Overview

This role supports hospital leaders in making informed financial and operational decisions by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting cost, volume, revenue, staffing, and productivity information. The analyst translates financial and operational data into 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.

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 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 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 questions have been answered and 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 1–2 years of position-related experience required.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• CHFP (HFMA certification).
• CPA or CMA.
• 2–5 years of position-related experience.
• Familiarity with a hospital decision support or cost accounting system.

Compensation & Benefits

• Not specified in the provided job description.

Location

• Work is performed primarily remotely.
• Requires occasional walking between hospital departments and facilities to meet with leaders.
• Minimal exposure to patient care areas; no direct patient contact is required.

Additional Working Conditions

• Requires prolonged sitting and extended use of a computer, keyboard, and phone.
• Occasional light lifting of up to 10 pounds (e.g., files, a laptop, or supplies).
• 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.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to the Director of Planning and Decision Support.