This course group provides the basis upon which all subsequent courses build. They include overviews of accounting terminology, systems and processes. Although not required for experienced fiscal managers, this group is considered a prerequisite for those relatively new to fiscal responsibilities.
Introduction to Accounting Terms
Accounting Fundamentals (Online - 3.5 hours)
Understanding accounting procedures requires a prerequisite knowledge of certain principles, concepts, terms, and common accounting records. This practical course gives you the why's and how's to accurately conduct accounting activities. "Accounting Fundamentals" examines the theories of accounting, how to maintain accounting records, and how to generate financial statements.
The Basics of Budgeting (Online - 2 hours)
Running a department without understanding the budget process is like driving a car without knowing how to steer. Every manager needs a basic understanding of how to plan, use, and monitor adherence to a budget. Addressing the needs of your own budget process will help you support the financial processes and goals of your organization as a whole.
Funding at WSU (2 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
With its focus on WSU’s sources and types of funding, allocation processes and special funding categories, this course is particularly useful to those interested in upgrading their understanding of financial management in the university setting.
Introduction to WSU Accounting Systems
Intro to Accounting Systems (2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
This course provides a high level overview of the purpose and inter-relationship of such WSU mainframe accounting systems as DEPPS, BALANCES, FACTS, SCBAIMS, PROPERTY, PAPR, BRS, BPS. Also included is how to read a budget statement and how information in accounting systems feed into the budget statement.
This area provides in-depth information into the many systems, processes and procedures important to responsible fiscal management. There is no need to complete the courses within this group sequentially.
Procurement I: Purchasing, Purchasing Card
(2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
So many purchases, so many methods: This course briefly introduces WSU purchasing policy, examines each method available for delegated and centralized purchases, and then covers solutions to recurring procurement issues. The second part of the presentation refreshes your knowledge of the basics of the Purchasing Card program and benefits of PCard purchasing.
Procurement II: Central Stores, Receiving and Delivery
(2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
The first part of this course provides an overall view of Central Stores mission and function on the campus. This is followed by a look at the processes that take place from the time your freight is received at Central Receiving’s dock until it’s delivered to your department.
Purchasing Card Training (1 hour / 1 session typically scheduled each month)
This course is the required training for participants in the WSU Purchasing Card Program. Account Reconcilers are strongly encouraged to attend and attendance is required of all new Cardholders. Purchasing Card Applications are available at http://www.wsu.edu/%7Eforms/PDF/BPPM/70-08-10.pdf. Participants who apply for a card at least seven days in advance will receive cards at the end of the training session.
Purchasing Card Training - Level 2 | An Advanced Course for Experienced Cardholders
(1.5 hours / 1 session typically scheduled each month)
Experienced Cardholders and Reconcilers are encouraged to update their knowledge about the Purchasing Card Program by attending this course. The course content deals with recent and upcoming policy changes, recommendations for managing PCard accounts and hierarchy, complex transactions, managing delegated use of the PCard, running the new Purchasing Card Reconciliation Report and beyond-the-basics uses of PaymentNet.
Overview of Purchasing Card Program for Approving Officials
(1 hour / 1 session typically scheduled each month)
Individuals who provide oversight of purchasing card usage at the department level are designated as the 'Approving Officials.' In this overview course, the Approving Official will learn the three participant roles and their respective responsibilities, the policy and process for purchasing, reconciliation and documentation, the prohibited purchases and the consequences of misuse.
Revenue Management (2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
This course is a brief overview of cash handling and intensive training of the Billings and Receivables system. It is recommended for all those that have charges or payments that run through the billings receivables system referred to as BRS. Authorized access to BRS is a prerequisite for attending this course. Included in the training is the proper use and function of the Interdepartmental Requisition and Invoice (IRI) and Service Centers.
Cash Handling (2 hours / 4 sessions typically scheduled each year)
Required for those whose positions entail cash handling at Washington State University, this course describes the policies and procedures related to the handling of cash, the receipt and deposit of money, and dealing with foreign currency. Additionally, handling a returned check, identifying the proper procedures for safeguarding and securing monies, reimbursing a petty cash fund, and processing a refund are explained.
AIS: Account Balances (2 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
Washington State University’s mainframe application BALANCES is explored in this course. As a hands-on computer lab, practice with the techniques needed to navigate through the program and extract information is featured. Authorized access to BALANCES is a prerequisite to attending this course.
Business Objects: Financial
Business Objects: Financial *Private sessions available upon request
Learn how to build build ad-hoc queries, schedule reports, and gain a basic understanding of the data. For more information and to schedule a private session, contact Tom Ambrosi.
Business Objects: InfoBurst Scheduling
Business Objects: InfoBurst Scheduling *Private sessions available upon request
If your scheduling needs exceed the built in capabilities of Business Objects, this training will help you create an efficient delivery of reports using InfoBurst. For more information and to schedule a private session, contact Tom Ambrosi.
This course is not typically included on the open training calendar. However, both departmental and one-on-one offerings of this training can be requested through hrstraining@wsu.edu.
WSU’s Departmental Personnel Payroll System (DEPPS) is the Administrative Information System that contains information on employees, payroll, and position control. This training demonstrates navigation through the many query screens that detail such things as salary history, work location, position type, and employee demographics. Authorized access to DEPPS is a prerequisite to requesting this training.
Department Pay (1.5 hours / 1session typically scheduled each month)
All departments must have two people who have been trained in inputting hours for hourly staff and reviewing gross pay for departmental employees. You cannot access DEPTPAY without this training. Authorized access to DEPPS is a prerequisite to attending this course.
Position Control Training
Position Control: Part One (2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
Appropriate for beginners in the WSU system and also for those who would like a refresher, this course is designed for those who want to gain a basic understanding of position control. It provides an overview of how DEPPS is designed, where to find necessary position information in DEPPS, how forms are routed, and an overview of position control definitions and functions. Practical instruction will be given on how to fill out basic Position Action and Expense Assignment Action forms with ample time to practice these skills. Authorized access to DEPPS is a prerequisite to attending this course.
Position Control: Part Two (2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
Extending beyond the information provided in the first part of this course, this session provides more in-depth discussion and application of position control policies and procedures. Training on more challenging Position Action forms will be presented and additional hands-on exercises are included. Authorized access to DEPPS is a prerequisite to attending this course.
Accruals, Allocation Adjustments and Reserve Accounts
Accruals, Allocation Adjustments and Reserve Accounts (2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
This course takes an in-depth look at the WSU Accruals and Allocation Adjustment Policy and examines how allocation adjustments interact with reserve accounts. Discussion includes a focus on the various kinds of reserve and control accounts and their uses, as well as different ways to track accruals and allocations via downloads from DEPPS, BALANCES and the Financial Data Warehouse.
Travel Training: Basic Forms and Procedures (3 hours / 1session typically scheduled each month)
This class covers the WSU forms and processes from the Travel Authority to the final Travel Expense Voucher being submitted. It also addresses Washington State Invoice Vouchers and airfare purchasing.
Life Cycle of a Sponsored Program
Life Cycle of a Sponsored Program (2.5 hours / 1 session typically scheduled each year)
This is the opening course in the WSU Research Administration Series. It provides an overview of the grant process and highlights the roles of the principal investigator, the department administrator, the Office of Grant and Research Development and the Sponsored Project Finance Office
In many ways considered “capstone courses,” the following resources are especially appropriate for experienced fiscal managers who have a working knowledge of the processes, systems and terms provided in the previous topics.
Managing and Reconciling Your Unit Budget
Managing and Reconciling your Unit Budget (2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
This class presents a basic overview of basic budget concepts and how they are applied at the WSU work unit level. The distinction is made between operating and capital budgets, and the advantages and disadvantages of various budgeting methods are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the key role the staff can play in developing and controlling the unit budget.
Financial Analysis (2.5 hours / 2 sessions typically scheduled each year)
This course provides a basic understanding of financial analysis at Washington State University and why it is important. When financial analysis can be used to the best advantage is discussed, along with some of the tools, techniques and applications in the college and university environment. Specific sources of financial information at WSU and the flow of information between departments, areas and central administration are explained.
Fiscal Audits and Internal Controls
Fiscal Audits and Internal Controls (2.5 hours / 3 sessions typically scheduled each year)
This course identifies and defines internal controls at Washington State University, explaining their role, purpose, and impact, as well as who is responsible for them. Additionally, the course focuses on what is looked for in an audit and describes the different types of audits common to the university. The ultimate objective of the workshop is how to ensure proper stewardship of WSU resources by utilizing strong controls that will enable clean and good audits.
