Frequently Asked Questions

  • Click question to view answer.
  • Search all categories or a specific category selected from the list at right.

Encumbrances

An encumbrance is a commitment to use funds for a specific purpose. By earmarking funds it helps departments in planning expenditures during the life of a budget. Salary encumbrances are set up automatically upon entry of costing allocations in Workday. Corrections for Salary Encumbrances are handled in the Financial Accounting department. 

An encumbrance is a commitment to use funds for a specific purpose. By earmarking funds, it helps departments plan expenditures during the life of a budget. The University uses various encumbrance codes for its financial activity. A list of encumbrance codes can be found at: http://finance.uw.edu/gca/encumbrances-0

Encumbrances and ARIBA Open Balances are charges that are anticipated to be charged to a budget or, in some cases, restricted funds. Note that encumbrances and open balances are for internal planning and monitoring only and will NOT be reflected on invoices or reports to the sponsor. List of encumbrance types and contacts for managing them.