The Payment Specialist is responsible for managing the end-to-end payment process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely disbursement of funds to external vendors and providers. This role exercises independent judgment in resolving complex payment issues, performs advanced analysis of payment trends, and leads process improvement initiatives. The Payment Specialist serves as a subject matter expert (SME) and key liaison across internal teams and external partners to enhance operational efficiency and payment accuracy. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepare, audit, and generate complex payment files for submission to payment vendors in accordance with established schedules, client requirements, and regulatory guidelinesValidate payment file accuracy through detailed review of payment data, provider information, offsets, adjustments, and reconciliation balancingSubmit payment files through designated vendor platforms and ensure successful transmission, receipt, and processingMonitor payment submissions for rejections, exceptions, or error notifications and take immediate corrective action to prevent payment delaysPerform detailed reconciliations between vendor platforms, internal systems, bank reporting, and payment batches to ensure financial accuracy and completenessResearch, analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve payment file discrepancies, balancing issues, and processing errors in a timely mannerServe as a subject matter resource and liaison for provider payment release requests, escalated inquiries, and payment status investigationsProcess payment reissue, void, stop payment, recoupment, and offset requests in accordance with department procedures and compliance standardsCreate and validate client refund files for Accounting department processing and reconciliationCollaborate cross functionally with internal departments, external vendors, banking partners, and IT resources to resolve discrepancies, transmission failures, and file format issuesMaintain detailed documentation and audit ready records of payment submissions, corrections, reconciliations, approvals, and outcomesAnalyze payment activity trends and provide reporting related to payment accuracy, aging, rejection trends, reconciliation findings, and resolution timelinesIdentify operational risks, process inefficiencies, and recurring payment issues and recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy, reduce rework, and improve turnaround timesSupport revenue cycle operations through accurate and timely disbursement processing while ensuring adherence to client contractual obligations and departmental service levelsGenerate, analyze, and reconcile reports from Data Warehouse and applicable systems to identify Provider Accounts Payable due and outstanding payment activityReconcile Jopari payment acknowledgement reports against payment batch files to identify invoices requiring voids, corrections, or internal reprocessingGenerate Explanation of Reimbursement (EOR) documentation and coordinate distribution processesManage and prioritize the AP queue for provider payment requests, escalations, research items, and inquiries while maintaining service expectationsGenerate and review outstanding AP reports with Manager, Revenue Management and assist in identifying trends, risks, and resolution strategiesAssist with departmental audits, special projects, workflow enhancements, system testing, and implementation initiatives as assignedProvide support and training to team members regarding payment processing workflows, reconciliation procedures, and issue resolution processesMaintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive financial, provider, and client information in compliance with company policies and regulatory standardsMaintain reliable and predictable attendance during scheduled work hours.Demonstrates a customer-first mindset by developing a broad and deep (where appropriate) understanding of Paradigm organization, products, operations, and customers. Prioritizes collaboration to meet customer needs and expectations and takes personal accountability for service quality.Utilizes AI tools to support day-to-day tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance output quality. Adopts new technologies as trained and applies them in alignment with established processes and guidelines.Responsible for complying with Paradigm Information Security requirements and policies, for safeguarding Paradigm or Paradigm related passwords, and for notifying Paradigm of any Information Security incidents per policy SEC 10-12 Information Security Incident Management. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Acute attention to detailUnderstanding of medical billing, short payments and denialsReconciliation between various systemsStrong interpersonal skillsAbility to communicate professionally and effectively on the phone, in person, electronically, or through other means to individuals and groupsAbility to deal effectively with individuals at all organizational levelsProven ability to handle multiple projects while meeting deadlinesAbility to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, memos, and other documentationCommitment to excellence and high standardsAbility to work independently and as a member of various teams and committeesMust be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace: EnglishTechnical Capacity including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and familiarity with Microsoft Access