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Financial Management Newsletter #39

August 2006

Hello!

This issue of the Financial Management Newsletter includes information about the
following:

        * The Global Support Project is Up and Running!
        * Are You Direct Depositing Yet??
        * Equipment Inventory Reminder
        * Project Cost Accounting (PCA) Assistance Available
	* Invoice Mailing Recommendations

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The Global Support Project is Up and Running!


The Global Support Project was established earlier this summer with campus-wide
representation and a goal to identify and implement improved administrative
mechanisms to support global work.  Phase I will focus on research and sponsored
programs.  We expect Phase I to extend into Winter Quarter 07.  Deliverables may
range from guidelines, tools, information, policies and procedures.  A hallmark
of our work is broad communication with campus to seek input and evaluate
potential deliverables.  As Phase II emerges, with an emphasis on education
programs, our goal will be to identify remaining administrative support
mechanisms that may be unique to these activities.


Our first task is to identify issues, challenges and/or barriers experienced by
individuals doing or supporting this work.  While there have been preliminary
efforts to do this, focus groups will be established later this Fall to confirm
and expand upon our preliminary work and to help establish priorities and scope.

Questions about this project or to communicate interest in participating in our
initial focus groups can be directed to Ann Anderson at andera@u.washington.edu
or at 206-543-4993.

***************************************************************************

Are You Direct Depositing Yet??

The name Katrina will be etched in our memory for many years to come. Quite
possibly the most damaging of any hurricane in recent years, Katrina left a path
of despair and destruction in the gulf region.  What does this have to do with
Direct Deposit, you ask?

The last thing people in the gulf region were concerned about was whether their
paychecks would disburse to them in the aftermath of the disaster. But
nonetheless, they needed to have those funds in their accounts when expected.
Mailing service was suspended.  People were relocated to other parts of the
country with no forwarding information provided to their employers, in many
cases.  However, employees participating in Direct Deposit programs received
their payroll disbursements.  Many receiving checks did not, and in some cases,
for many weeks.  Direct Deposit allowed funds to flow into accounts without
delay.

The Payroll Office encourages employees to consider Direct Deposit.  It saves
time, prevents lost/stolen checks, and eliminates the need for a trip to the
bank.  In the case of a catastrophic disaster, it may be the only means to get
an employee their pay.

Please encourage your employees and co-workers to enroll in Direct Deposit.  An
employee can enroll on-line through their Employee Self Service (ESS) account or
by completing a Direct Deposit Authorization Form.  Additional information,
including the form and instructions, can be located at:

http://www.washington.edu/admin/payroll/directdeposit.html.

*********************************************************************

Equipment Inventory Reminder

Attention Departmental Inventory Contacts:

As a Departmental Inventory Contact, you would have received an inventory packet
during the first week of May from the Equipment Inventory Office (EIO).  This
packet detailed your department's physical inventory of equipment as either DUE
or OPTIONAL this year.  If DUE, please ensure that your department's inventory
is completed and submitted to EIO no later than August 31.  Having completed,
accurate, and on-time inventories will set a good foundation for upcoming State
and other external audits.

If you have any questions, please contact EIO at eio@u.washington.edu or
205-543-4663.

***********************************************************************

Project Cost Accounting Assistance Available

MyFinancial.desktop Customer Support offers 2 options to help your department
with Project Cost Accounting (PCA).

1) PCA consulting services for individual departments:

   We will help you create your own Chart of Accounts, enter your PCA
   coding structure into the UW Financial Accounting System (FAS) and create
various
   reports using MyFinancial.desktop.

   Visit the following URL to request this (free!) service:

   http://www.washington.edu/admin/finacct/office/fd/help/?p=report_train_request

2) Online PCA tutorial:

   This website provides an online tutorial for navigating the process of
   implementing and maintaining PCA for your department.  The tutorial can
   be found at:

   http://www.washington.edu/admin/finacct/office/fd/help/?p=home

Additional questions may be directed to myfdhelp@u.washington.edu.

***********************************************************************

Invoice Mailing Recommendations

We highly recommend you have your vendors send invoices directly to AP for
processing.  This eliminates departmental holding and mailing delays and
ultimately results in the vendor receiving payment sooner.  If you have a need
for vendors to send invoices directly to your department, please forward to AP
in a timely fashion so that payment processing can begin. This includes invoices
attached to Check Requests (for payments to individuals).  Invoices should be
sent by departments to Accounts Payable at Box 351130, or mailed by the vendor
directly to UW Accounts Payable, 3917 University Way, N.E., Seattle, WA, 98105.
For payment inquiries or assistance, call the Accounts Payable Customer Service
at 206-543-4500.

*************************************************************************

Ann

Ann Anderson, Controller (andera@u.washington.edu or 543-4993)

V'Ella Warren, Vice President, Financial Mgmt & Treasurer, Board of Regents (vwarren@u.washington.edu or 543-8765)