System Director of Accounting

Job Summary: The System Director of Accounting is responsible for the development, implementation and control of related healthcare accounting policies and procedures, formulation and/or enhancement of internal control systems and processes, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the financial statements, and the safeguarding and preservation of new and existing assets. Works closely with other members of Pipeline Health and approved affiliates, leadership team to develop and implement strategies to improve financial performance. Works with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to understand their needs and ensure that the facilities assigned is provided with the financial resources they need to complete their jobs effectively. Actively and consistently contributes to department operations and communications, behaves in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Pipeline Health, upholding standards of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) patient communication. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of general accounting policies, including Accounts Payable, Payroll, and asset management
• Prepare, review, and ensure the accuracy of hospital financial statements, including reconciliation of balance sheet accounts
• Manage internal control efforts and coordinate all external audits, providing comprehensive documentation for audit completion.
• Develop and monitor monthly financial analyses, productivity reports, and budgets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Oversee cash management, including projecting cash flow needs and managing bank accounts, loans, and investments.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies
• Lead the configuration, maintenance, and enhancement of healthcare-specific accounting systems (e.g., Paragon), ensuring system integrity, security, and operational efficiency
• Oversee system upgrades, implementations, and process improvements in partnership with IT and clinical leadership
• Ensure systems support accurate financial reporting, third-party payor submissions, and compliance with Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other payor regulations
• Manage the preparation and submission of Cost Reports and other regulatory filings, supporting third-party audits and reviews
• Develop and enforce policies related to system controls, data security, and privacy (HIPAA compliance)
• Coordinate internal and external audits related to financial systems and operations
• Prepare and review documentation for all audits, ensuring readiness and compliance
• Monitor and review third-party contractual allowances and reimbursement calculations
• Ensure proper management of tax filings, property management, insurance, and lease payments
• Direct and manage finance and accounting staff, fostering professional development and ensuring department alignment with organizational values
• Effectively manage financial resources within the area(s) of responsibility.
• Ensures optimal provision of services through sound personnel management.
• Uses clear, concise, professional communication with coworkers, patients, all customers internal and external.
• Uses AIDET in interactions with patients and family members.
• Acts with a sense of urgency when performing tasks.
• Basic unit/department maintenance such as keeping files, drawers, cabinets free from unnecessary clutter.
• Reports on any equipment and or environmental issues for repair.
• Abides by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
• Speaks up to stop the line and escalates potential safety events if necessary.
• Completes and attends monthly training assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Standards: 

• Possesses strong leadership skills including the willingness to pursue roles with increasing levels of accountability, coaching, teaching, inspiring, forging alliances, and collaborating to negotiate resolution to issues.
• Treats everyone as their customer; utilizes scripting and other tools to ensure consistency in customer service; Expresses recognition and shows appreciation to others; fully utilizes AIDET principles; responds quickly to handle requests, complaints and questions; displays a positive attitude.
• Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, passion and care when interacting with patients, families, physicians, and hospital staff members.
• Using a lens of equity in all aspects of patient care delivery, education, and research to promote policies and practices to allow opportunities for all to thrive and reach their potential, embracing ingenuity to service our customers.

Communication/Knowledge:

• Knowledgeable of administrative and accounting procedures, familiar with the hospital auditing principles and practices, proficient use of word processing and spreadsheet applications and hospital information technology systems.
• Wears nametag properly; follows dress code policy; answers phone correctly and promptly; is prepared for meetings; meets deadlines; does not participate in gossip; acts ethically and treats others with respect; respects customer’s and co-worker’s time; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and co-workers.

Collaboration/Teamwork:

• Attends staff meetings; follows HIPAA guidelines; follows patient rights policy; complies with the compliance program; demonstrates knowledge of role in a disaster; demonstrates knowledge of fire and fire drill procedures; working knowledge of hospital emergency codes; always utilizes standard precautions in the clinical setting; safely manages the environment of care by demonstrating a working knowledge of the requirements of the: Life Safety program, Utilities Management program, Hazardous Materials program, Emergency Preparedness program, Safety Management program, Medical Equipment Management program, Security Management program.

Qualifications/Experience: 

• Requires a minimum of ten (10) years of accounting experience, including at least five (5) years in a financial leadership and management role within an acute hospital or similar healthcare setting.
• Requires expertise in healthcare administrative and accounting procedures, with a strong foundation in hospital auditing principles and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing hospital financial management software, IT systems, and advanced spreadsheet and word processing applications.
• Critical thinking, service excellence and good interpersonal communication skills, ability to read/comprehend written instructions, strong organizational skills, and ability to follow verbal instructions.
• A capacity to learn, synthesize, make critical judgments, work independently, place patients and families first, and collaborate with the team members who are recognized leaders within health care.