Departmental Budget Management
The university organizes department-level finances into groups of accounts called cost centers or budgets. There are hundreds of cost centers throughout campus.
Each cost center (budgetary unit/department) has a person designated as the manager of the cost center. This individual has certain responsibilities for the financial management of the cost center. Only cost center managers and their designees may authorize payment or encumber University funds. The following pages outline the responsibilities of the Departmental Budget Manager as well as providing useful tips and tools to fulfill these responsibilities.
If you will be responsible for managing your department’s budget, contact the Controller’s Office (x5880) to request a Controller’s Office Guidebook. This manual is a critical resource covering various aspects of the University’s fiscal processes and includes explanations of many forms and procedures.
If you have further questions after reviewing these materials please contact Ivette Serna or Kerry Keller-Ash in the University Budget Office.