Job Overview
Financial Analyst I (Financial Compliance & Payment Operations)
Location: North Chicago, IL
Schedule: Hybrid (Tuesday–Thursday onsite, Monday & Friday remote)
Contract: 6–12 months to start (extension based on performance & business needs)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST (flex up to 8:30 AM start)
Pay Rate: $25–$29/hr (based on benefits selection)
Role Overview
Orion Group is seeking a Financial Analyst I to support payment operations and financial compliance processes for our pharmaceutical client.
This role is not a traditional accounting or FP&A position—it sits at the intersection of finance, compliance, and operations, focused on reviewing and reconciling payments tied to consultant and vendor engagements.
You will play a key role in ensuring accuracy, compliance, and audit readiness across high-volume payment activities in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
What You’ll Do
Payment Review & Reconciliation
Compliance & Documentation
Vendor & Payment Operations
Stakeholder Communication
Process Improvement & Tracking
Payment Review & Reconciliation
- Review and reconcile high volumes of payment requests (invoices, expense reports, out-of-pocket receipts)
- Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with internal policies and regulatory requirements
- Validate alignment between contracts, invoices, and payment terms
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain audit-ready documentation for all transactions
- Support transparency reporting requirements (e.g., Sunshine Act)
- Ensure adherence to corporate and regulatory compliance standards
Vendor & Payment Operations
- Assist with vendor setup and validation (tax forms, banking details, W-9/W-8 documentation)
- Process purchase order (PO) requests and support various payment methods (PO, ACR, etc.)
- Support payment closeout activities and resolve discrepancies
Stakeholder Communication
- Partner with business owners, consultants, and internal stakeholders to resolve payment issues
- Communicate timelines, delays, and requirements clearly and professionally
- Provide high-quality customer service in a high-volume support environment
Process Improvement & Tracking
- Identify and support process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and accuracy
- Track work using tools such as Smartsheet or internal systems (e.g., iHub, SAP)
- Help manage backlog and support onboarding of new processes
What You Bring
Required:
1–5 years of experience in invoice processing, reconciliation, accounts payable, or financial operations
Strong attention to detail and ability to review large volumes of data accurately
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Customer service mindset with experience supporting internal or external stakeholders
Preferred:
Experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or regulated industries
Exposure to SAP or similar financial systems
Familiarity with compliance processes, transparency reporting, or audit documentation
Experience with tools such as Smartsheet, Excel, or internal tracking systems (e.g., iHub)
Knowledge of tax documentation (W-9, W-8)
What Success Looks Like
- Quickly learns complex processes and systems
- Maintains high accuracy across high-volume work (~7,500 invoices annually)
- Ensures compliance and audit readiness at every step
- Communicates effectively with stakeholders and resolves issues proactively
- Adapts easily to changing priorities and workflows
Why This Role
- Opportunity to gain experience in a large, global pharmaceutical organization
- Exposure to compliance-driven financial operations and cross-functional collaboration
- Strong potential for extension and long-term growth
Core Responsibilities
- Review and reconcile invoices submitted for services performed (HCPs, patients, research contributors, etc.)
- Compare invoices against:
- Contract terms
- Approved hours
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Ensure:
- Services billed align with agreed contracts
- Hours and expenses do not exceed approved limits
- Manage a multi-step validation process prior to payment approval
- (This is not a simple invoice processing role — multiple checks are required before payment is released)
- Ensure invoices are accurately processed, paid, and fully reconciled
- Support compliance with:
- OEC (Office of Ethics & Compliance)
- Transparency reporting requirements
- Audit readiness
- Partner cross-functionally with:
- Legal
- Accounts Payable
- Business owners
- Communicate with both internal teams and external stakeholders (HCPs, patients, etc.) via email and phone
Key Skill Sets
- Strong attention to detail (critical for compliance-heavy work)
- Ability to work quickly and accurately in a high-volume, process-driven environment
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills
- Comfortable navigating multi-step workflows and audit requirements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Team & Culture
- Highly team-oriented and collaborative environment
- Daily interaction with:
- Internal team (Lake County)
- Offshore team (Philippines)
- Cross-functional exposure to:
- CCG
- Business owners
- External stakeholders (HCPs, patients, etc.)
- Work is independent but supported — team members are encouraged to ask questions and collaborate
- Emphasis on team fit, communication, and willingness to learn
Candidate Profile
- Open to candidates with:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
- Entry-level or early career experience (including recent grads)
- Background in:
- Compliance, contracts, operations, or similar environments preferred
- SAP is NOT required
- Prior experience (e.g., controller) is helpful, but not required
What They Care About Most
- Attention to detail
- Ability to follow structured, multi-step processes
- Strong communication skills
- Team fit and collaboration
- Comfort working in a compliance-driven, audit-heavy environment