Claims Analyst

POSITION TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION CLAIM ANALYST (PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT #1851)

STARTING SALARY: $60,047-$75,881

Reporting to the Supervisor, coordinates all fiscal/reimbursement activities related to special education pupils including all requests for data and data analysis either by preparing responses or coordinating their preparation. Serves as liaison to the Special Education and Software Solutions Departments to improve functionality of special education pupil data systems as it impacts district payment. Analyzes special education funding trends and forecasts claim costs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews, evaluates and processes all claims for special education pupil reimbursement, maintaining confidentiality and security of special education student records.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance via written correspondence or workshop presentations to school districts and special education cooperatives concerning proper procedures, law and regulations pertaining to pupil reimbursement.
• Calculates and maintains electronic documentation pertaining to reimbursement calculated outside of automated systems, such as reimbursement made to districts ordered by a due process hearing officer.
• Functions as the primary staff person responsible for various Financial Reimbursement Information System (FRIS) programs as assigned by the Director. This involves: A) loading allotments, budgets, amendments, payment schedules, audit adjustments and expenditure reports; B) correcting errors in data submitted; C) processing payments and vouchers; D) posting check returns to appropriate programs as necessary; E) preparing and distributing correspondence and related forms; F) providing technical assistance to clients concerning project records, reports and procedures; G) performing a variety of complex functions in regards to federal FRIS programs including, but not limited to, monitoring program and project grants (current year and carryover) for correctness, recalculating and adjusting grant information as necessary, monitoring federal grant year payments to ensure that the oldest grant year is being utilized, and performing grant year voucher corrections as necessary to avoid lapsing federal dollars.
• Serves as main liaison to the Special Education and Software Solutions Departments on behalf of Funding and Disbursements.
• Evaluates proposed changes to ISBE systems affecting special education pupil reimbursement and makes recommendations for system improvement.
• Reviews and analyzes special education pupil data to forecast future claim costs.
• Collaborates with Budget Department to identify estimated funding available for special education claims.
• Taking into account estimated resources available, identifies level of proration anticipated, or necessary, to pay out claims.
• Coordinates all internal and external requests for special education pupil reimbursement data and in collaboration with the Director, evaluates and provides analysis of legislative bills pertaining to special education pupil funding and reimbursement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration, or, a Bachelor's degree in one of these areas plus two years of relevant professional experience. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Two years of experience in analyzing and summarizing large amounts of financial data.
• Experience in the field of accountancy or auditing.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to use Excel.
• Ability to think analytically with a high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with teams in a collaborative manner.
• Ability to develop, interpret and communicate policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• Experience working with school district special education claims.
• Experience in governmental accounting.