JOB DESCRIPTION – Billing Accountant

• Job Title: Billing Accountant
• Reports To: Chief Accountant
• Department: Finance
• Location: Kigutu, Burundi

Background

Village Health Works (VHW) is a 501(c)(3) corporation. It is a social justice organization founded on the belief that health equity is not a commodity but a right. Founded in partnership with the communities we currently serve, VHW’s mission is to provide the neediest high quality, compassionate health care and education based on critical thinking in a dignified environment. VHW’s holistic approach integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music and the arts. In the context of where we currently work, this is the only way we can sustainably end extreme, multigenerational scarcity in a way that uplifts and engages communities with dignity and in their own context. We believe that the lack of access to quality healthcare and education is the biggest threat to development and world peace.

Currently VHW operates in a wide array of clinical and community programs in a catchment area of over 200,000 people within the provinces of Rumonge and Bururi, though its doors are open for every patient regardless of where that patient is coming from. Our first clinic attends over 51,000 outpatient consultations per year.  Since 2007 until summer 2023, our 60-bed inpatient wards have been providing basic adult and pediatric non-operative inpatient services including treatment of malnutrition, mental health, chronic and acute diseases and uncomplicated obstetrical deliveries. These services have been administered by our staff of generalist physicians under the supervision of our current Medical Director.

Village Health Works has embarked on a plan to expand our clinical services to provide comprehensive quality medical care and training. To achieve this goal, VHW has constructed and officially opened an 85,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art teaching hospital with several services that include surgery, obstetric deliveries, intensive care, pediatrics and neonatology, emergency, pathology lab, medical education and research center, etc.To provide excellent patient care and training we must expand the scope and skills of the healthcare providers through training, teaching and research, hiring through rigorous development and implementation of systems and structures, policies and procedures that are framed by high quality norms and international standards.

Additionally, VHW has established the Kigutu International Academy, a grade 9-12 boarding school to equip young minds with an education based on critical thinking to prepare them to become the leaders we wish their country and the continent to have for a better future.

Our core values are as follows:

• Every member of VHW’s team must value the dignity inherent in each individual, aspire to excellence in all we do, proceed with boldness and perseverance.
• Compassion and justice must be at the heart of our organization.
• To accomplish the mission of our organization we allmust be accountable to each other and to our community.

Position Overview

The Billing Accountant is responsible for managing and overseeing the billing processes for all types of patients, including those covered by private insurance, government social schemes, and cash-paying patients. This role is essential in ensuring accurate and timely billing, maintaining compliance with regulations, and supporting the hospital’s mission to provide care to vulnerable populations while managing financial transactions effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Billing and Claims Processing:
   • Prepare, review, and submit billing claims for patients covered by private insurance, government social schemes, and those paying cash.
   • Ensure accuracy in coding, billing, and charge entry in compliance with hospital policies and federal/state regulations.
   • Process electronic and paper claims, follow up on unpaid or denied claims, and manage rejections efficiently.
   • Address and resolve billing issues related to complex cases, including vulnerable and low-income patients.
2. Revenue Cycle Management:
   • Monitor accounts receivable and collections to ensure timely payments and minimize outstanding balances.
   • Reconcile patient accounts, address discrepancies, and work with other departments to resolve billing issues.
   • Implement strategies to improve billing efficiency and reduce days in accounts receivable.
3. Financial Reporting and Analysis:
   • Generate and analyze detailed billing reports to track financial performance and identify areas for improvement.
   • Assist in the preparation of financial statements and reports related to billing and revenue cycle activities.

4. Compliance and Documentation:

1. • Stay updated on changes in billing regulations and healthcare compliance, including those affecting vulnerable populations.
   • Ensure all billing practices comply with legal and regulatory requirements and maintain accurate, confidential records.

5. Patient and Insurance Communication:

1. • Communicate with patients, insurance companies, and government agencies regarding billing inquiries, payment plans, and account status.
   • Provide clear explanations of billing procedures and financial assistance options to patients, especially those in vulnerable situations.

6. Support for Vulnerable Populations:

1. • Assist vulnerable patients in navigating financial assistance programs and payment plans.
   • Collaborate with Social Work office to ensure the financial needs of vulnerable patients are addressed appropriately.

7. Collaboration and Training:

• • Work closely with medical staff, coding teams, and other departments to ensure accurate billing and address any issues.
  • Provide training and support on billing procedures and compliance to hospital staff as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business related or Economics Course, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in billing, preferably in a healthcare or hospital setting.
• Knowledge of medical billing codes and various payer requirements (private insurance, government programs, cash payments).
• Proficiency in billing software, EHR systems (Especially Open Clinic), and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on providing support to diverse patient populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with billing for Burundi government MFP schemes and other private schemes.
• Familiarity with healthcare compliance and regulatory requirements.

Required documents:

• Cover letter;
• CV;
• Copy of the identity card
• Certified copy of diplomas and certificates obtained
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Certificate of services rendered
• 3 reference persons

How to apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to immediately submit a CV and a thoughtful cover letter outlining why this position is of interest, exactly how their experience matches the qualifications stated and what they believe differentiates them from other candidates. Submissions without cover letters and CV will not be considered.

Submissions should be in English and sent to:  jobs@villagehealthworks.org Please include “Billing Accountant” in the subject line of your email.

The final deadline to apply for this position is August 30, 2024.

Village Health Works considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status.