Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Budget Planning and Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite Fringe Benefit Rates (CFBR)
What are the benefits of using a composite fringe benefit rate cost allocation method?
- Provides a consistent charging methodology university-wide for employee fringe.
- Such cost allocation methodologies are commonplace and preferred by the federal government for reimbursement of costs related to sponsored research projects.
- Simplifies and improves the preparation and administration of budgets, including those associated with the grant proposal budget process.
- Limits the variability of certain types of fringe costs such as leave payouts.
When will the composite fringe benefit rate be effective?
What benefits are included in the composite fringe benefit rate?
- Health
- FICA
- Retirement
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Workers compensation
- Termination Leave Payouts and related fringe
- Unemployment compensation
What leave payments will be included in the composite fringe benefit rate?
What are the 2018-19 composite fringe benefit rates?
COM Clinical Faculty– 19%
A&P – 36%
Executive Service – 25%
USPS – 49%
Post-Docs – 20%
OPS Non-Students – 11%
OPS Students – 2%
Employee awards, perquisites, incentives, etc. – 8%
How often will these composite fringe benefit rates be adjusted?
How will fringe benefits be recorded in my department or project?
All CFBR fringe charges will post to the general ledger account 711610 – Fringe benefit expense, except for Post Docs, OPS Non-Student and OPS Student fringe charges which will post to 712610 – Fringe benefit OPS expense. Refer to the General Ledger Mapping for further details.
How can I reconcile my fringe benefit charges to gross salary by employee group?
How often will the fringe benefit allocation occur?
How will the new rate structure affect existing awards at the time of the change?
Will I need to calculate fringe benefit expense when processing salary cost transfers?
What composite fringe benefit rate will be applied to payroll cost transfers?
What rate is used when an employee waives our medical benefits?
The CFBR rate is an average of all the benefits applicable to employees within rate groups based on attributes of the employees who fall into each group.
Why do the composite rates not distinguish between academic year and summer appointment faculty?
Whom do I contact if I have questions not answered here?
Property & Inventory Control
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating to UCF Financials Assets
How do I look for the current and/or previous location of the asset?
Navigate to Asset Management > Asset Transactions > Owned Asset > Basic Add. To narrow your search, enter a value in the Asset Identification or Tag Number field. To get a list of all assets, leave the fields blank. From the search result list, select the asset on which you are inquiring. On the page that displays, click the Location/Comments/Attributes tab. To view previous location(s), click View All.
How do I find the current and/or previous custodian information of the asset?
How do I check if an asset is off‐campus?
What navigation do I use to see asset cost history like transfer and cost adjustment?
_
Roles and Training
How is a new property custodian (PCT) added to an account or project?
For the request to go through, the RFO needs to make sure that the new PCT has his or her employee information page filled out.
Also the new PCT needs to have the required training completed before the request can be granted. The following classes are required:
- FNV130
- FCA131
- FAM131
If you need further assistance, please contact the Financials Service Desk at (407) 823‐5117, choose option 6.
Forms and Reports
How do I transfer an asset?
To do so, the approver should go to the myUCF portal, my.ucf.edu, and open UCF Financials.
- Navigate to Main Menu > Manager Self‐Service > Assets > View/Transfer Assets.
- Click Search.
- If there are multiple asset transfer requests, select the appropriate one. This will display the Asset Transfer Approval page.
- Review it for accuracy and add Comments, if necessary. Comments are required if the request is being denied.
- If the asset is being approved and a Location Code was not provided by the requester, go the Asset Transfer Request page and enter the code for the location where the asset will reside. Return to the Asset Transfer Approval page.
- The approver may choose from the options Approve, Deny, or Hold. To complete the transfer, select Approve and click OK.
The asset will be sent to the property custodian (PCT) in the location and department designated in the asset transfer request.
Which form do I fill out to declare an off‐campus asset?
Which form do I need to fill out for lost/missing assets for a department?
Which form do I need to fill out for stolen assets for a department?
Which form do I need to fill out for lost/missing or stolen assets for a project?
Where can I find a list of Online Property Inventory Reports?
Why doesn’t the effective date change in Basic Add/Location after an item has been scanned?
Types of Queries
Which report/query should I run to get a list of all the assets for my department/project?
Which report/query should I run to get a list of all the scanned assets for my department/project?
Which report/query should I run to get a list of all the not scanned assets for my department/project?
Which report/query should I run to get a list of all the off‐campus assets for my department/project?
Which report/query should I run to get a list of the lost/stolen assets for my department/project?
Which report/query should I run to get a list of the surplus assets for my department/project?
Which report/query should I run to get a list of all the taggable account numbers with the proper profile IDs?
Which report/query should I run to get a list of all the assets by location only?
Which report/query should I run to search for items that need to be decaled?
Which report/query should I run to get a list of only scanned assets by location?
Which report/query do I run to get a list of the lost/stolen assets by tag number?
Which report/query should I run to search for inventory information by purchase order number?
Which report/query should I run to search for inventory information by voucher ID number?
Which report/query should I run to search for inventory information by serial ID number?
In June 2011, all assets with an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more were converted to a decal/tag number beginning with 4940CF20. Which report/query should I run to search for these converted assets?
Procurement Card (PCard)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCard?
PCard, Purchasing Card, or Procurement Card, is the university’s equivalent to a corporate card. It essentially operates as a Visa debit card. The PCard is usually ‘tied‐in’ to a department or project from which the funds are deducted as charges occur. PCards may be used to purchase commodities, pay for services, and facilitate travel expenses.
What is the benefit of using the PCard?
How do I become a PCard holder?
Responsible Fiscal Officers (RFO) or Deans, directors, and chairs (DDCs) or vice presidents may approve a card for employees in their college or division. Requests should be made by completing a Cardholder Profile which can be found under UCF Financials (Main Menu > Employee Self-Service > PCard Application > Add a New Value) Further instructions can be found under the instructions tab.
Is PCard training available?
When should I use the PCard?
- Vendor does not accept PCard.
- Item being purchased is on the PCard prohibited items list.
- Purchase is for hazardous materials.
You may review the Creating an ePro Requisition for $1000 or Less Addy Tip to learn more about these exceptions and how to fill out a Standard Comment detailing the exceptions on a requisition.
What if the vendor does not accept PCards?
Can we buy coffee and water for the benefit of those in the department?
Can the PCard be used to purchase gasoline/fuel?
- State vehicles and equipment
- Rental vehicles when on UCF business travel
Purchases must meet F&A’s fuel requirements by including a copy of the receipt and the UCF state vehicle/equipment Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and/or rental agreement number.
Can the PCard be used to purchase gasoline for a personal vehicle on a business trip?
Where can we find a list of prohibited items?
What do I do if sales tax is charged?
Must I keep a receipt for every single transaction on the PCard?
Why do I have a single purchase limit (SPL)?
Can we have the merchant split a transaction to bypass my PCard's single purchase limit (SPL)?
How do I change my limits?
If you would like to make a temporary change to your monthly credit limit and/ or single purchase limit, please gather Responsible Fiscal Officer (RFO) or the Dean, Director, or Chair (DDC) email approval and send your request to PCard@ucf.edu.
If you need further assistance, please contact the PCard team.
I lost my PCard or fear it has been compromised. What do I do next?
How do I dispute a PCard transaction that I do not recognize?
I accidentally charged a personal expense to my UCF PCard, what do I do next?
How do I determine if my purchase is considered tagable?
If the travel PO associated with the transaction is closed, how do I proceed?
Can I allow other users access to my PCard?
What are some common reasons for a card to be declined?
How do I assign an approver on the DAL to access a specific cardholder's charges?
Where can I find a list of valid UCF account codes?
When is the statement package due?
The statements are due prior to the end of the month following the statement date. For example, a statement dated July 31 (for July charges) is due prior to Aug. 31.
What if I become aware of fraud, waste, or abuse?
Virtual Payables
What are the benefits to a supplier of accepting a credit card payment?
There are many supplier benefits:
- Expedited payment which improves Days Sales Outstanding
- Elimination of check processing costs
- Elimination of collection costs associated with lost or misplaced checks
- More efficient handling of exception items
- Reduced exposure to check fraud
- Better control by eliminating the need to give out bank information for ACH payments
- Remittance data transmitted with payment for more efficient back-end reconciliation
- Going green - paperless, electronic payments are more secure, save money and conserve the
- environment by eliminating costs associated with printing and mailing paper checks
- For larger ticket transactions, a supplier may qualify for a reduced interchange rate (large
- ticket interchange) if the transaction meets certain criteria. The supplier should speak to their merchant acquirer for more information on this program.
Is card acceptance a requirement from my Client (the buyer)? If I decline to accept card payments, will it affect our Supplier-Client relationship?
This is your client’s preferred method of payment and is part of an effort to reduce checks and eliminate inefficiencies and costs associated with paper. This method of payment will expedite receipt of payment and is more convenient than handling a check. Typically, credit card payments are deposited into your account within 48 hours of payment processing, compared to 7-10 days to process a check.
Are there any fees associated with taking Virtual Payables as a form of payment?
Payments will be processed as credit card transactions and your standard merchant bank fees will apply. There are no additional fees imposed by your client or issuing bank.
- For larger ticket transactions, a supplier may qualify for a reduced interchange rate (large ticket interchange) if the transaction meets certain criteria. The supplier should speak to their merchant acquirer for more information on this program.
Our Company requires a signed Card Authorization Form for every credit card transaction. Can our client partner fax this information with the remittance advice?
You will receive the card account information via secure email or directly from your client. At that time you can provide your Card Authorization Form to your client for signature and maintain that form with the card information. Each remittance advice is your authorization to process the credit card transaction for the exact amount indicated.
How will I receive the card account number, expiration date and the 3-digit CVV2 value on the back of the card?
Your client will provide you with the card account number and expiration date to keep on file. You will receive this information via phone or by secure email. The 3 digit CVV2 value is not provided in the secure email. If you need the 3-digit CVV2 code, your client will provide you with the same via a phone call. If you elect not to keep the card account number on file, you can opt to receive the card account number and expiration date with each remittance advice by secure email.
Is it safe to keep the card account number on file?
It is safe to maintain a card account number on file as there are zero dollars on the card until an invoice is approved for payment. Once an invoice is approved for payment, the card will be funded for the exact amount of the invoice(s) and you will receive a remittance advice. The remittance advice is an electronic confirmation that the card is ready to be charged. This technology eliminates risk associated with maintaining the card account number on file.
Will I receive payment for all company locations?
Receipt of payment will remain the same. If you currently receive one check for multiple locations, you will maintain one card account number on file and the remittance advice will identify the appropriate location by invoice number, date and amount. If a separate check is sent to each remit to address, a unique card number will be assigned for each location.
How will I receive the remittance advice?
You can elect to receive the remittance advice by email or fax. The remittance advice can be sent to multiple email addresses or one fax number. If you elect to receive the card account number and expiration date with each remittance advice, the delivery method is secure email.
Are there other card payment options if our company policy does not allow us to keep a card account number on file?
Yes. If you cannot keep a card account number on file, the card account number and expiration date can be included in each remittance advice and sent via secure email.
How do I get set up to use the secure email website?
In the first remittance advice email you receive, please click on the “secure email” attachment (“securedoc.html”). This will take you to the secure email site registration page. Please enter your email address and create a password and security question and answer. Registration is a one-time process and takes just a minute or two. Once complete, you will be logged in and presented with the entire remittance details in your browser, including payment details, card account number and the card’s expiration date.
What is the process to access the card account number and expiration date from a secure email once I’ve registered on the secure email website?
In each remittance advice email you receive, there will be a “secure email” attachment (“securedoc.html”). When you click on that attachment, you will be taken to the secure email login page where you can log in with your email address and password. Once you’ve logged in, you will be presented with the entire remittance details in your browser, including payment details, card account number and the card’s expiration date.
What if I have trouble logging in or accessing the website?
If you have forgotten your password, there is a standard “Forgot your password” link on the login page. If you click this link, you will be prompted with your security question and assisted through creating a new password.
If you experience other technical difficulties, there will be a link provided in all remittance emails that will take you to a URL (http://securemsg.bankofamerica.com/l-en/en.html) that lists phone numbers and hours of operation for technical help. For support in the U.S., you can call 1.866.765.0732 Monday-Friday, 24 hours a day. There are additional phone numbers listed on the above webpage for servicing teams in other countries.
Once the card account information is decrypted, will the card account information continue to stay decrypted?
Each time you receive a secure remittance advice you will be required to click on the link contained within the email to access the card account number and expiration date. Once you log out of that site, the card account information will not be accessible again until you re-authenticate to the site.
Is there a process to assist me if I forget the password to decrypt the card account information?
Yes. There is a “Forgot your password” function that will verify your identity and re-establish a password.
Will net terms change for this payment method? How soon will we get paid?
Your terms will remain the same, however, you do gain float associated with this payment method. Funds are typically deposited within 48 hours after processing the transaction.
How does credit card acceptance for payment of invoices affect our invoicing process? How are credits and short-pays on invoices managed?
Your invoicing, current procedures and client contacts remain the same.
Should I be concerned about the cost associated with card acceptance (i.e. merchant fees)?
Your invoicing, current procedures and client contacts remain the same.
- Expedited receipt of cash, which improves days sales outstanding
- Elimination of check processing costs
- Elimination of collection costs associated with lost or misplaced checks
- More efficient handling of exception items
- Reduced exposure to check fraud
- Better control by eliminating the need to give bank information for ACH payments
- Remittance data transmitted with payment for more efficient back-end reconciliation
- Going green - paperless, electronic payments are more secure, save money and also help conserve the environment by eliminating printing and mailing paper checks
Additionally, helping your client streamline their payment processes by accepting card will likely strengthen your relationship with your client. It will also increase your marketability with other clients looking to make card payments.
My Company does not take credit card for payment currently, but we are interested in learning more. What is the next step?
BofAML has a partnership with Bank of America Merchant Services, a merchant acquirer. We can facilitate a referral to BAMS on your behalf at the end of our calling campaign. If you become enabled to accept credit cards, you can decide on a buyer to buyer basis from whom and when you want to take card for payment.
Travel Payables
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel
Are stays at Airbnb reimbursable?
Yes. Effective June 11, 2019; the prohibition on reimbursing expenses incurred through the services of Airbnb while on official state business was lifted. On June 4th, the governor’s office released a statement announcing that Airbnb was removed from the scrutinized companies list. As a result of these changes, UCF employees, students, and contractors may resume making reservations with Airbnb for university travel effective June 11.
Can we reimburse a traveler for mileage to attend a meeting at another UCF campus?
A department may reimburse for mileage to and from the employee’s primary work location to the UCF campus where the meeting is being held. The department may not reimburse for mileage between any Orlando UCF campus and the traveler’s home, regardless of the time at which duties end at the location of the meeting. Mileage is not reimbursable is a university vehicle is used.
Example
An employee’s main work location is UCF main campus. The employee has a meeting from 4:00-5:00 at UCF Downtown campus. The employee uses their personal car and drives home after the meeting. The department may reimburse for mileage between UCF main campus and UCF Downtown. The employee is not eligible for mileage reimbursement from UCF Downtown to their home.
What is the first thing I should do if I am a new travel processor?
Take the online UCF Travel Guidelines course FNPO113.
Where do I find information concerning UCF travel policies and procedures?
Read the UCF Travel Manual, which can be found on the Finance & Accounting website.
Where can I find the forms associated with travel activity?
Go to the Finance & Accounting website and navigate to Departments > Disbursements Services > Travel Payables page, then click Forms.
Can we reimburse for travel between UCF work locations or between a UCF work location and the traveler’s home?
If an employee regularly works at two locations during one day, the transportation expenses incurred to get from one workplace to another are reimbursable. However, expenses incurred by the employee to travel to or from their home to their secondary work location are not reimbursable. Travel expenses between the regular and secondary location are not reimbursable if a university vehicle is used.
Example
An employee regularly works three days a week at the UCF main campus and two days a week at the UCF downtown campus. The employee may be required to travel to meetings at the downtown campus on days that he is at the main campus. The transportation expenses incurred for travel between UCF main campus and UCF downtown campus are reimbursable. However, transportation expenses to and from the employee’s home to either campus are not reimbursable.
What is a Voyager gasoline credit card?
Each Voyager gasoline credit card is assigned to a specific UCF vehicle. It can be used to purchase gasoline at any facility that accepts credit cards. It cannot be used to purchase gasoline for a privately owned vehicle.
Air Travel
Will seat fees for air travel be reimbursed?
If a non-refundable economy or coach class ticket is purchase, all expenses associated with the ticket will be reimbursed.
Will airline baggage fees be reimbursed?
If the number of bags for a trip does not seem excessive for the length of the trip, all baggage fees will be reimbursed.
Are change fees for airline tickets reimbursable?
The increased cost of the ticket should be reasonable, considering the time of the traveler, impact on the traveler’s productivity, cost of transportation, and per diem or subsistence required. Fla. Stat. § 112.061(7)(a)(2) (2008). The reason for the change should be included with the reimbursement request.
Are excess baggage fees for airline travel reimbursable?
Yes, these fees are reimbursable provided a valid explanation and a receipt accompany the reimbursement request.
If a traveler flies to a business destination and then to a personal destination, how should the amount to be reimbursed for airfare be calculated?
The university will reimburse the traveler the round-trip cost to the business destination; however, the traveler must pay the additional cost to the personal destination. Note: Provide a copy of the business round-trip quote to support the reimbursement amount.
If a traveler’s flight is delayed, are additional meals or per diem allowable?
Yes, explain on the reimbursement request why the travel differed from the time shown on the airline ticket.
If severe weather occurs, are flight changes allowable?
Yes, a memo explaining the situation should accompany the reimbursement request.
If an airline cancels a flight and has no other flights available until the following day, may a traveler purchase a ticket on another airline?
Yes, the traveler may purchase a ticket provided the traveler has made all reasonable efforts to resolve the situation with the airline and if waiting for the next available flight on that airline would inconvenience the traveler. A memo explaining the reason for the additional cost should accompany the reimbursement request.
If a traveler uses frequent-flyer miles to purchase an airline ticket for business, can the traveler be reimbursed for the estimated cost of the flight as originally quoted?
No, the university can only reimburse the traveler for actual out-of-pocket costs.
Conferences/Symposiums
How does a traveler provide the required conference agenda when it is voluminous or unavailable?
Provide the registration form showing the conference’s name, location and dates, fee schedule, and the items included in the registration cost.
If the conference registration fee includes the cost of a meal, but the traveler does not eat it, can the traveler receive reimbursement for the meal?
No, a traveler cannot be reimbursed for any meal included in the registration cost.
Can a traveler be reimbursed for events that contain additional fees exceeding the basic conference fee?
If a business reason exists for a traveler to attend those events and that reason is provided with the reimbursement request, the additional fees are reimbursable.
Immediately after a conference ends, a traveler travels to another location to attend a second conference that begins a few days later. Are the costs the traveler incurs while waiting for the second conference to begin reimbursable?
If staying at the location of the second conference is more cost-effective for the traveler than returning home, the costs incurred while waiting are reimbursable, provided the traveler supplies supporting documentation.
Is the cost to obtain copies of conference or symposium proceedings reimbursable?
Yes.
Is the cost for materials needed to present at a conference reimbursable?
Yes.
If a traveler’s spouse accompanies the traveler to a conference, can the traveler use a university purchasing card to pay for the spouse’s registration?
No, all costs associated with family-member travel are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Foreign Travel
Can foreign travel lodging costs exceed the U.S. Department of State’s per diem rates?
If the traveler stays at a conference hotel and provides an itemized receipt, he or she is allowed up to 300 percent above the listed per diem rate.
Note: To receive reimbursement, the traveler must submit conference documentation listing the hotel and rates.
Are visa and immunization fees reimbursable?
Yes, if the traveler is sent to a foreign destination on university business, these costs are reimbursable if a receipt is submitted.
Are the fees a foreign bank charges to convert U.S. currency to a foreign currency reimbursable?
Yes, they are reimbursable with a receipt.
Are electrical adapters purchased to convert power sources to U.S. electrical appliances while traveling in a foreign country reimbursable?
Yes.
Are cell phone rental charges for foreign travel reimbursable?
Yes, these charges are reimbursable as long as the cell phone was used for university business and a receipt is submitted.
Are entry and exit fees for foreign travel reimbursable?
Yes.
General Information
Does a traveler need to submit a Meeting Information form?
If the reimbursement voucher clearly states the meeting’s purpose in the Purpose or Reason column, then the form is not needed.
Do the tag numbers of personal vehicles used for travel need to be listed on a Group Travel Summary Report form?
No, this requirement has been discontinued.
Are tips made to hotel cleaning staff reimbursable?
No.
If a traveler works outside normal business hours, is the traveler entitled to receive reimbursement for mileage between the university and home?
No, travel costs between the traveler’s official place of work and home are not reimbursable, even if the travel occurs outside normal business hours.
If a traveler receives a ride to the airport, are mileage and tolls reimbursable?
If a family member transports the traveler to the airport, round-trip mileage and tolls are permissible. However, if someone other than a family member gratuitously drives the traveler to the airport, the traveler is not entitled to reimbursement for mileage and tolls.
Is valet parking reimbursable?
Valet parking is reimbursable only if self-parking is not available.
If a traveler chooses to drive his or her vehicle instead of fly, is the traveler entitled to be reimbursed for mileage?
Yes, the traveler may be reimbursed up to the amount it would have cost to fly to his or her destination. Note: Include a quote for the round-trip airfare cost with the reimbursement request.
Can a traveler be paid the cost of gas in lieu of mileage?
No, the university always pays mileage. It is not permissible to pay for gas to be put into a traveler’s personal vehicle.
Does a travel PO need to be prepared so a traveler can have insurance coverage?
No, the travel PO has nothing to do with insurance or workman’s comp. It functions only as an instrument to encumber funds, so the money needed to pay for a trip has been set aside.
Can a professor pay the travel costs for his or her student(s) and then be reimbursed?
While a university purchasing card should be used to pay for this type of expense, if a professor incurs travel costs on behalf of a student or students, the professor will be reimbursed.
Are limousines reimbursable?
Only if a quote shows that the cost was comparable to the cost of a taxi.
Is a reception considered dinner?
No.
Hotels
Are business center charges at a hotel permissible?
Yes, all business-related communication is reimbursable.
Are hotel phone charges reimbursable?
Yes, all business-related communication is reimbursable.
Note: Personal phone calls are not reimbursable.
Are laundry charges at a hotel reimbursable?
If a trip exceeds seven days and the traveler provides a receipt for the charges, the traveler will be reimbursed.
Are storage fees to hold a traveler’s baggage at the front desk of a hotel reimbursable?
Yes.
If breakfast is included as part of the hotel room cost, should the cost of breakfast for the days it was included be deducted from the reimbursement request?
Yes.
PCard
If a university purchasing card is the only method used to incur travel-related costs, is a travel purchase order needed?
Yes, any travel costs that the university pays require a travel PO, regardless of the payment method used.
When a registration cost is for training only, is a travel PO required?
Yes, all expenses that use an account code starting with 746 require a travel PO just like those using 726xxx.
When a traveler uses a university purchasing card to purchase an airline ticket, should the traveler also purchase travel insurance?
No, airline tickets purchased with a university purchasing card automatically come with insurance through Bank of America.
Rental Cars
What is the purpose of the Avis Wizard Number or the Budget RapdiRez Number?
Avis Wizard and Budget RapidRez numbers assigned to a UCF PCard allow the cardholder to rent an Avis or Budget vehicle for a UCF employee who does not have a UCF PCard or for a non-UCF employee traveling on behalf of the university. When making the reservation with Avis or Budget, provide the Avis Wizard or Budget RapidRez number and the name of the individual who will pick up the vehicle.
How do I get an Avis Wizard or Budget RapidRez number assigned to a UCF PCard?
Complete the Avis Global Electronic Billing Terms of Agreement and the Budget Applicant Program Terms of Agreement forms and submit using the “Submit” button on the form. A representative from Avis/Budget will contact you to obtain credit card information to finalize processing. You will then be sent an Avis Wizard and Budget RapdiRez number via email. Please note, you will need to complete both forms if you want an Avis Wizard and a Budget RapidRez number.
Where can I get help if I encounter problems when attempting to rent from Avis/Budget?
Contact the Financial Affairs travel department or our account service representative, Raylene Clegg at floridahelp@avisbudget.com or 800-525-7521. Please copy the contract administrator, Cynthia Metcalfe at Cynthia.metcalfe@dms.fl.gov on all communications with the Avis/Budget Account services representative.
How do I make a reservations with Avis or Budget using the state of Florida contracted rates?
When booking a rental vehicle through the university’s travel booking tool, Concur, you will automatically be provided with the state of Florida’s contracted vehicle rates for Avis and Budget.
When booking outside of Concur, bookings should be made through the Avis or Budget websites:
Avis reservation website
Budget reservation website
The Appropriate discount code should be entered into the “Offer Codes” section of the online reservation. For Avis reservations, the code should be entered in the AWD code field. For Budget reservations, the code should be entered in the BCD code field.
When making a reservation through the Avis or Budget website using an Avis Wizard or RapidRez number, your number should be entered in the “Add Customer ID” section of the reservation.
Can an employee or student under 25 years of age drive a rental vehicle?
If a driver of the vehicle is under the age of 25, but over 18, the person must be the renter and the rental must be paid with a UCF PCard or an Avis Wizard or Budget RapidRez number. Per the State contract renters can be 18 years of age or older but must be employed by the university (on university payroll) or a student traveling on behalf of the university.
Can students use the leisure portion of the Avis/Budget rental contract?
No, students may only use the Avis/Budget contract for official UCF business travel. The leisure portion of the contract is only available to UCF employees.
What about collision insurance coverage when renting from Avis/Budget?
The state of Florida rental contract with Avis/Budget is only applicable in the United States. Insurance coverage is included in the state’s Avis/Budget business use rental rates and should not be purchased in addition to the rental when traveling for UCF business. The following discount numbers must be provided at the time of rental to ensure that insurance coverage is included in business rentals: Avis (AWD)- A113400, Budget (BCD) T417600. This also applies to rentals in some U.S. locations where the state rental rates are not available on certain days of the week or certain times of the day. It is the renter’s responsibility to provide the appropriate discount code to Avis or Budget when making the reservation.
What should a traveler do if Avis and Budget do not have a location at the traveler’s destination or do not have cars available at that destination at the time the traveler needs a car?
In these circumstances, the traveler may use another company as long as the traveler includes an explanation memo with the reimbursement request.
Does a traveler need to fulfill any special requirements to rent a SUV?
The University discourages travelers from renting SUVs, travelers should rent a van instead. However, if circumstances require a traveler to rent a SUV, the traveler should get prior written approval.
Are hybrid rental cars reimbursable?
Yes, if the cost of the hybrid car is comparable to the cost of a compact car and the savings in gas consumption make renting a hybrid car an economical choice.
Is a GPS device in a rental car reimbursable?
If a traveler will be in an unfamiliar area, a GPS device can help the traveler arrive at his or her destination in a timely manner. Since this device is simply an interactive map, the daily charge for it would be allowable if the traveler’s department approves the charge.
If a traveler loses a gas receipt, can the traveler still receive reimbursement?
Yes, the traveler should sign and submit an affidavit or memo certifying that the traveler incurred the charge, the charge was for gas, and the receipt was lost.
If a traveler receives a parking or traffic violation while using a rental car, is that cost reimbursable?
No, the traveler is responsible for all parking or traffic violations.
If a traveler can rent a car at a lower rate from a company other than Enterprise, may the traveler use that company?
Yes. Note: The traveler should consider that the university’s contract with Enterprise includes insurance. If the traveler rents from another company, the traveler should purchase collision damage waiver insurance. Once insurance is added to the base rental cost, the total rental cost per day will likely make renting a car from another company more expensive.
UCF Substitute W-9 Form and Checks
What is required for a vendor to be set up in UCF Financials?
A completed UCF Substitute W‐9 is required. Information must be clear and legible. W9s should be submitted using the university’s electronic submission tool.
Did you know that you can view the vouchers that paid your vendors or suppliers?
Vouchers scanned on or before Nov. 30, 2010, may be viewed in ViewStar. Email ViewStar@ucf.edu or call (407) 823‐5609 for help. Vouchers scanned on or after Dec. 1, 2010 can be retrieved through UCF Financials. For assistance, call the Help Desk at (407) 883‐3173.
May checks be picked up?
Generally all checks should be mailed, but if requested, they may be picked up by the vendor. Check pickup by any person other than the vendor is limited to the following situations:
- An honorarium for a speaker or guest lecturer if the speaking engagement is after office hours or on weekends and the vendor wants payment after the service is rendered.
- Entertainer or concert performer whose performance is after office hours or on weekends and the vendor wants payment after the service is rendered.
- Priority rush payment to a lawyer who handles visa application and applicable visa fees.
- Payment to a United States Post Office that doesn’t accept the PCard for the purchase of stamps or replenishing stamp meters.
- Stipends for REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) or URE (Undergraduates Research Experience) students. The project manager or project coordinator may pick up the checks for distribution to the recipients only after they have met the deliverable requirements of their awards.
- Exceptional circumstances supported by appropriate and reasonable justification.
Checks for pickup are marked PU on the vouchers. Check pickups must have prior approval attached to the voucher packet. Please send requests for approval to Joel Levenson, Assistant VP Tax Payables and Procurement.
Can missing, lost, or outdated checks be replaced?
Yes, contact your respective Travel or Vendor Payables accountant/processor for proper handling. Provide a reason or justification for the request to facilitate the completion of the void/stop payment form. Original checks that need to be canceled or replaced must be stamped VOID and returned to Financial Affairs, if available.
Vendor Payables
Frequently Asked Questions
Petty Cash Accounts
What are the different types of petty cash accounts?
- Permanent accounts may be further divided into two types: non-reimbursable and reimbursable.
- Non-reimbursable accounts are not used to purchase items. Instead, they are designed to allow departments to make change. The total amount held in the account stays the same; therefore, reimbursements are not needed.
- Reimbursable accounts are designed to facilitate payment of small or emergency purchases.
- Temporary accounts are designed to accommodate the needs of short-term, grant-funded projects. Generally, they are used to cover payments to participants or for incidental charges related to the project.
What can I use my petty cash fund for?
- Petty cash is a form of payment that should be used for small and incidental purchases of $250 or less, and for items that cannot be paid using the PCard or a Purchase Order (PO). The nature of the expenditures allowed to be paid depends on the source of funds used to pay for the specific charge.
- For example, if the department being charged is a concession fund (10006), then you can pay for food using petty cash. For additional guidance on fund use, please visit the UCF Funds Use Guidelines.
- Petty cash may be used for cash incentives to pay research participants.
- Use form Petty Cash Disbursement Log (Form 41-988). Provide each petty cash recipient’s name and signature. Provide the identifier (unique number assigned to participants to maintain confidentiality and signatures are not required), date and incentive amount that was distributed to the participant. The completed log MUST be submitted when requesting replenishments of petty cash.
- Petty cash is not intended to reimburse expenses. Instead, the custodian should provide money to the individual, have them sign for the funds, and provide a purpose for the purchase. The individual should return the receipts and any unspent funds to the custodian.
I want to create a petty cash fund. What are the appropriate actions I need to take?
- Complete form 41-565 (Petty Cash and Change Fund Assignment).
- The petty cash custodian must complete the form and sign it.
- Forward the form to the responsible fiscal officer (RFO) or the dean, director, or chair (DDC) of your department for approval.
- Send the signed form to Finance and Accounting (F&A), 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32826‐0975, OR email to FAPettyCash@ucf.edu.
- An accounting staff member and associate controller will review the form and, if appropriate, will approve the petty cash request. A maximum amount of $1,000 for each request is allowable for each area. Any requests of petty cash greater than $1,000
will be forwarded to the university controller for approval. - F&A General Accounting will provide the requesting custodian with a petty cash vendor identification number (VID), which is different from the original employee ID (EMPXXXXXXX) that was assigned to the petty cash custodian as a university employee.
- A check will be issued and the custodian will be informed when it is ready for pick up at the F&A front desk, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32826‐0975. The check may be cashed at the UCF Federal Credit Union located on the main UCF campus or the Bank of America branch at the intersection of Alafaya Trail and Research Parkway.
- All petty cash funds should be maintained in the form of cash at all times and secured in a locked box with limited access.
- Petty cash audits may be performed periodically and without prior notification.
If the petty cash will be used to pay incentives to research participants, what additional documents are needed to obtain a petty cash fund?
- Provide an approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) form which documents the end date of the research.
- The budget information showing authority to pay participants.
How do I know how much money I need in my petty cash account?
When I request a petty cash fund, do I need an approved purchase order?
My petty cash account is low on funds. How often should I replenish my petty cash fund?
After submitting the forms, how long will it take to get the petty cash?
- If the request is submitted on a Friday, the earliest the check will be available is the following Wednesday.
- If requests are submitted Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, your petty cash will not be processed until the next pay cycle.
How do I replenish my petty cash funds for incurred expenses?
Option 1
- Initiate an online requisition including departments/projects, account codes, and amounts to be charged as separate lines for the various expenditures (See “What account codes can be used for petty cash expenses?”).
- Attach a copy of the receipts and submit the requisition in UCF Financials. The requisition will automatically be routed via workflow for appropriate approval(s), forwarded to the respective buyer tied to the category, and sourced to a PO.
- The petty cash custodian should send an email to FAPettyCash@ucf.edu (input subject line: Replenish Petty Cash), attach scanned copies of the original receipts, and provide the approved PO number for the expenditures OR mail the original receipts with the approved PO number to the F&A office, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32826-0975.
- All receipts must be taped to an 8½” x 11″ sheet of white paper (no color paper allowed) to reduce the risk of losing documents. Tape the top and bottom of the receipts, side by side, and use additional sheets if necessary. For scanned copies, make sure the receipts and documentation is legible.
Option 2
- Initiate a zero-dollar online blanket requisition for the department/project in which the petty cash was established using category code 99005002 and account code 749999.
- The requisition will automatically be routed via workflow for appropriate approval and forwarded to the respective buyer tied to the category, and sourced to a PO.
- The petty cash custodian should send an email to FAPettyCash@ucf.edu (input subject line: Replenish Petty Cash), attach scanned copies of the original receipts, and provide the approved PO number for the expenditures OR mail the original receipts with the approved PO number to the F&A office, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32826-0975.
- All receipts must include the department/project numbers, appropriate expenditure account codes, and authorized signatures as shown in the Departmental Authorization List (DAL). All receipts must be taped to an 8½” x 11″ sheet of white paper (no color paper allowed) to reduce the risk of losing documents. Tape the top and bottom of the receipts, side by side, and use additional sheets if necessary. For scanned copies, make sure the receipts and documentation is legible.
What account codes can be used for petty cash expenses?
• 713910 – Participants
• 713999 – Background Checks
• 724201 – Warranty
• 734101 – Costumes, Fabrics, Supplies, Food Products, Plates, Napkins, Gift Bags
• 734401 – Research Supplies
• 735101 – Food Items
• 735102 – Food Catering Approved Vendors “Restaurants”
• 735103 – Food Catering Non-Approved Vendors “Restaurants”
• 749801 – Retirement Gifts
• 749916 – Parking Decals/Fees
• 749999 – Registration/Tag Renewals
After creating the PO and submitting receipts, how long will it take to receive the replenishment?
- Missing documents and receipts that are not legible will cause delays in the process.
- Checks are processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- If reimbursements are submitted on a Friday, the earliest the check will be available is the following Wednesday.
May I pay for food using my petty cash?
Do I need to prepare a journal entry to transfer expenses in a petty cash fund from one department to another?
I need to extend my temporary petty cash fund. What information do I need to submit?
How do I increase the amount of petty cash allocated to my account by F&A?
- Complete form 41-565 (Petty Cash and Change Fund Assignment).
- Send via campus mail to F&A General Accounting, Attn: petty cash accountant, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32826-0975, or email FAPettyCash@ucf.edu.
- Specify the amount you would like to increase your fund by, and provide justification.
- F&A will review this information, determine if a change should be made, and then notify you of the decision.
- If the request for additional funds brings the total fund balance above $1,000, the request will be forwarded to the university controller or their designee for approval.
How do I decrease the amount of petty cash allocated to my account by F&A?
- Complete form 41-565 (Petty Cash and Change Fund Assignment).
- Send via campus mail to F&A General Accounting, Attn: petty cash accountant, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32826-0975, or email FAPettyCash@ucf.edu.
- Indicate the amount you would like to decrease your fund, and provide a justification.
- Bring the excess cash to the cashier’s office along with a completed Departmental Expense Reimbursement Transmittal form (Form 41-908B).
- Use the appropriate department/project number and account 111000-Cash On Hand.
- Email a copy of the cashier’s receipt to FAPettyCash@ucf.edu.
- If the excess funds have been spent but don’t need to be replenished, submit the receipts along with a copy of the PO to the current AP petty cash processor, and indicate that you do not need to replenish your fund balance.
How do I make sure all charges are being applied to the appropriate department(s)/project(s) and account(s)?
What are the reporting requirements for my petty cash and receipts?
Can I send the receipts for reimbursement with the Petty Cash Quarterly Reconciliation?
How do I close my petty cash fund?
- Bring the excess cash to the cashier’s office along with a completed Departmental Expense Reimbursement Transmittal form (Form 41-908B).
- Use the appropriate department/project number and account 111000‐Cash On Hand.
- Email a copy of the cashier’s receipt to FAPettyCash@ucf.edu.
- Submit the remaining original receipts along with a copy of the PO to vendor payables and indicate that you do not need to replenish your fund balance.
What is the proper procedure to change custodian?
Is there a designated buyer for petty cash replenishment requisitions?
Should the ROTT (Reimbursement Other Than Travel) comment be selected in initiating the petty cash replenishment requisition?
Since petty cash custodians can initiate replenishment requisitions with multiple lines, how is the combination of categories tied to different buyers handled?
Can the petty cash custodian reimburse gas expenses incurred after taking students to theme parks, concerts, games, and other activities that are an integral part of the courses the students are taking?
Can the petty cash custodian reimburse a principal investigator (PI) or a graduate student assistant for materials purchased for an experiment that are hazardous in nature?
The petty cash account was established to pay food expenditures while interviewing a potential UCF employee. If the UCF employee used his/her own personal credit card, can he/she be reimbursed by the department’s petty cash custodian?
• The original receipt with detailed breakdown.
• The name of the prospective employee.
• Title of position for which the recruitment expense is incurred.
• The name of the university host and accompanying guest(s).
• Statement that the expenses were incurred as a result of recruiting for employment at UCF.
• Alcohol and alcohol products are strictly prohibited and are not reimbursable through UCF.
• The number of participants should be reasonable for the circumstance. As a guideline, the attendees should be the appropriate department head (or substitute) plus two other university hosts.
I am uncertain about how to handle authorization of a petty cash request. Who should I contact for assistance?
UCF Substitute W-9 Form and Checks
What is required for a vendor to be set up in UCF Financials?
A completed UCF Substitute W‐9 is required. Information must be clear and legible. W9s should be submitted using the university’s electronic submission tool.
Did you know that you can view the vouchers that paid your vendors or suppliers?
Vouchers scanned on or before Nov. 30, 2010, may be viewed in ViewStar. Email ViewStar@ucf.edu or call (407) 823‐5609 for help. Vouchers scanned on or after Dec. 1, 2010 can be retrieved through UCF Financials. For assistance, call the Help Desk at (407) 883‐3173.
May checks be picked up?
Generally all checks should be mailed, but if requested, they may be picked up by the vendor. Check pickup by any person other than the vendor is limited to the following situations:
- An honorarium for a speaker or guest lecturer if the speaking engagement is after office hours or on weekends and the vendor wants payment after the service is rendered.
- Entertainer or concert performer whose performance is after office hours or on weekends and the vendor wants payment after the service is rendered.
- Priority rush payment to a lawyer who handles visa application and applicable visa fees.
- Payment to a United States Post Office that doesn’t accept the PCard for the purchase of stamps or replenishing stamp meters.
- Stipends for REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) or URE (Undergraduates Research Experience) students. The project manager or project coordinator may pick up the checks for distribution to the recipients only after they have met the deliverable requirements of their awards.
- Exceptional circumstances supported by appropriate and reasonable justification.
Checks for pickup are marked PU on the vouchers. Check pickups must have prior approval attached to the voucher packet. Please send requests for approval to Joel Levenson, Assistant VP Tax Payables and Procurement.
Can missing, lost, or outdated checks be replaced?
Yes, contact your respective Travel or Vendor Payables accountant/processor for proper handling. Provide a reason or justification for the request to facilitate the completion of the void/stop payment form. Original checks that need to be canceled or replaced must be stamped VOID and returned to Financial Affairs, if available.
Virtual Payables
What are the benefits to a supplier of accepting a credit card payment?
There are many supplier benefits:
- Expedited payment which improves Days Sales Outstanding
- Elimination of check processing costs
- Elimination of collection costs associated with lost or misplaced checks
- More efficient handling of exception items
- Reduced exposure to check fraud
- Better control by eliminating the need to give out bank information for ACH payments
- Remittance data transmitted with payment for more efficient back-end reconciliation
- Going green - paperless, electronic payments are more secure, save money and conserve the
- environment by eliminating costs associated with printing and mailing paper checks
- For larger ticket transactions, a supplier may qualify for a reduced interchange rate (large
- ticket interchange) if the transaction meets certain criteria. The supplier should speak to their merchant acquirer for more information on this program.
Is card acceptance a requirement from my Client (the buyer)? If I decline to accept card payments, will it affect our Supplier-Client relationship?
This is your client’s preferred method of payment and is part of an effort to reduce checks and eliminate inefficiencies and costs associated with paper. This method of payment will expedite receipt of payment and is more convenient than handling a check. Typically, credit card payments are deposited into your account within 48 hours of payment processing, compared to 7-10 days to process a check.
Are there any fees associated with taking Virtual Payables as a form of payment?
Payments will be processed as credit card transactions and your standard merchant bank fees will apply. There are no additional fees imposed by your client or issuing bank.
- For larger ticket transactions, a supplier may qualify for a reduced interchange rate (large ticket interchange) if the transaction meets certain criteria. The supplier should speak to their merchant acquirer for more information on this program.
Our Company requires a signed Card Authorization Form for every credit card transaction. Can our client partner fax this information with the remittance advice?
You will receive the card account information via secure email or directly from your client. At that time you can provide your Card Authorization Form to your client for signature and maintain that form with the card information. Each remittance advice is your authorization to process the credit card transaction for the exact amount indicated.
How will I receive the card account number, expiration date and the 3-digit CVV2 value on the back of the card?
Your client will provide you with the card account number and expiration date to keep on file. You will receive this information via phone or by secure email. The 3 digit CVV2 value is not provided in the secure email. If you need the 3-digit CVV2 code, your client will provide you with the same via a phone call. If you elect not to keep the card account number on file, you can opt to receive the card account number and expiration date with each remittance advice by secure email.
Is it safe to keep the card account number on file?
It is safe to maintain a card account number on file as there are zero dollars on the card until an invoice is approved for payment. Once an invoice is approved for payment, the card will be funded for the exact amount of the invoice(s) and you will receive a remittance advice. The remittance advice is an electronic confirmation that the card is ready to be charged. This technology eliminates risk associated with maintaining the card account number on file.
Will I receive payment for all company locations?
Receipt of payment will remain the same. If you currently receive one check for multiple locations, you will maintain one card account number on file and the remittance advice will identify the appropriate location by invoice number, date and amount. If a separate check is sent to each remit to address, a unique card number will be assigned for each location.
How will I receive the remittance advice?
You can elect to receive the remittance advice by email or fax. The remittance advice can be sent to multiple email addresses or one fax number. If you elect to receive the card account number and expiration date with each remittance advice, the delivery method is secure email.
Are there other card payment options if our company policy does not allow us to keep a card account number on file?
Yes. If you cannot keep a card account number on file, the card account number and expiration date can be included in each remittance advice and sent via secure email.
How do I get set up to use the secure email website?
In the first remittance advice email you receive, please click on the “secure email” attachment (“securedoc.html”). This will take you to the secure email site registration page. Please enter your email address and create a password and security question and answer. Registration is a one-time process and takes just a minute or two. Once complete, you will be logged in and presented with the entire remittance details in your browser, including payment details, card account number and the card’s expiration date.
What is the process to access the card account number and expiration date from a secure email once I’ve registered on the secure email website?
In each remittance advice email you receive, there will be a “secure email” attachment (“securedoc.html”). When you click on that attachment, you will be taken to the secure email login page where you can log in with your email address and password. Once you’ve logged in, you will be presented with the entire remittance details in your browser, including payment details, card account number and the card’s expiration date.
What if I have trouble logging in or accessing the website?
If you have forgotten your password, there is a standard “Forgot your password” link on the login page. If you click this link, you will be prompted with your security question and assisted through creating a new password.
If you experience other technical difficulties, there will be a link provided in all remittance emails that will take you to a URL (http://securemsg.bankofamerica.com/l-en/en.html) that lists phone numbers and hours of operation for technical help. For support in the U.S., you can call 1.866.765.0732 Monday-Friday, 24 hours a day. There are additional phone numbers listed on the above webpage for servicing teams in other countries.
Once the card account information is decrypted, will the card account information continue to stay decrypted?
Each time you receive a secure remittance advice you will be required to click on the link contained within the email to access the card account number and expiration date. Once you log out of that site, the card account information will not be accessible again until you re-authenticate to the site.
Is there a process to assist me if I forget the password to decrypt the card account information?
Yes. There is a “Forgot your password” function that will verify your identity and re-establish a password.
Will net terms change for this payment method? How soon will we get paid?
Your terms will remain the same, however, you do gain float associated with this payment method. Funds are typically deposited within 48 hours after processing the transaction.
How does credit card acceptance for payment of invoices affect our invoicing process? How are credits and short-pays on invoices managed?
Your invoicing, current procedures and client contacts remain the same.
Should I be concerned about the cost associated with card acceptance (i.e. merchant fees)?
Your invoicing, current procedures and client contacts remain the same.
- Expedited receipt of cash, which improves days sales outstanding
- Elimination of check processing costs
- Elimination of collection costs associated with lost or misplaced checks
- More efficient handling of exception items
- Reduced exposure to check fraud
- Better control by eliminating the need to give bank information for ACH payments
- Remittance data transmitted with payment for more efficient back-end reconciliation
- Going green - paperless, electronic payments are more secure, save money and also help conserve the environment by eliminating printing and mailing paper checks
Additionally, helping your client streamline their payment processes by accepting card will likely strengthen your relationship with your client. It will also increase your marketability with other clients looking to make card payments.
My Company does not take credit card for payment currently, but we are interested in learning more. What is the next step?
BofAML has a partnership with Bank of America Merchant Services, a merchant acquirer. We can facilitate a referral to BAMS on your behalf at the end of our calling campaign. If you become enabled to accept credit cards, you can decide on a buyer to buyer basis from whom and when you want to take card for payment.