Atara Howard, MHA

Graduate Research Assistant/DrPH Student

aca5jj@r.postjobfree.com

Experience

Accountant/Fiscal Analyst II at University of South Carolina Student Health Services

February 2012 - June 2013 (1 year 5 months)

Creates monthly revenue report and utilization reports for Student Health Services Departments. Reviews

aged insurance receivables balances insuring that payer responsibility is accurate and that claims are filed in a

timely manner. Researches and monitors monthly credit balance reports in Point and Click. Manages

write-off activity for accounts deemed uncollectible and prepares annual write-off report for submission to

the Executive Director of Student Health Services. Monitors and processes payments, credits and/or

adjustments for EPI, HPV Study, Special Clinics and University Sponsored Groups.

Claims Processor/Senior Project Assistant at BlueCross BlueShield of SC

April 2010 - February 2012 (1 year 11 months)

Assisted management with workflow performance and process improvement within our team. Reviewed and

improved processing errors and work-flow reports. Researched out-of-network providers and prevented

fraudulent insurance claims. Was responsible for correctly processing out-of-network claims at first

resolution and adjusting claims as needed.

Administrative Resident at BlueChoice HealthPlan, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South

Carolina

January 2011 - May 2011 (5 months)

Conducted extensive research on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and worked with the Medical Director to

determine the proper resources to educate members. Designed educational materials and lead the

development of a disease management program for IBS.

Testing Validation Specialist (Graduate Assistant) at BlueCross BlueShield of SC

October 2009 - April 2010 (7 months)

Collected and analyzed job skills and performance data to improve the quality of pre-hire testing for

incumbent positions for supervisors and employees. Coordinated pre-hire testing for potential employees.

Seasonal Tax Preparer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service

January 2009 - March 2010 (1 year 3 months)

Prepared and filed tax returns. Resolved complex tax problems for clients and accurately addressed non-filer,

client entitled deduction issues and tax return amendments.

Administrative Specialist at South Carolina Employment Security Commission

July 2009 - October 2009 (4 months)

Prepared unemployment appeals for claimants. Researched evidence for appeals and scheduled hearings.

Resolved claimant issues and disputes.

Page1

Public Health Assistant at SC Department of Health & Environmental Control

May 2008 - August 2008 (4 months)

Assistant to the Director of Public Health. Interviewed patients to gather demographic and medical

information. Collected and organized qualitative research of client services.

Leasing Agent at Copper Beach Townhomes

April 2007 - May 2008 (1 year 2 months)

Responsible for processing lease agreements to future residents. Organized community activities for

residents. Resolved disputes and complaints. Provided excellent customer service to residents.

Financial Analyst Intern at Morgan Stanley

April 2006 - July 2007 (1 year 4 months)

Assisted Wealth Advisors acquire clients. Maintained contact with existing and potential clients. Prepared

portfolios for current and potential clients.

Summary

University of South Carolina Master of Health Administration Alumni and Bill Gates Millennium Scholar.

Interested in heathcare administration and financial management, healthcare consulting, accounting and real

estate.

Specialties

Healthcare accounting, fiscal analysis, administration, health insurance billing, disease management program

development, income tax preparation, project management and accounting/bookkeeping.

Skills & Expertise

Project Planning

Healthcare

Health Insurance

Research

Process Improvement

Accounting

Financial Analysis

Financial Reporting

Team Leadership

Tax Preparation

Problem Solving

Excel

Compliance

Page2

Education

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Doctor of Public Health, Health/Health Care Administration/Management, 2012 - 2015

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Master of Health Administration, Health Services Policy & Management, 2009 - 2011

Activities and Societies: Healthcare Executive Student Association (HESA), Volunteer Service Coordinator

University of South Carolina - The Moore School of Business

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (Insurance & Risk Management/Real Estate), 2005 - 2009

Activities and Societies: INROADS Talent Pool Training, Emerging Leaders Program, Gamecock Leadership

Society

Honors and Awards

Gates Millennium Scholar

Honors and Awards

Arnold Fellowship

USC Arnold School of Public Health

September 2013

Page3

Atara Howard, MHA

Graduate Research Assistant/DrPH Student

aca5jj@r.postjobfree.com

Contact Atara on LinkedIn

Page4

Contact this candidate