Understanding the University of Michigan Finance Office
The University of Michigan (U-M) Finance Office is a crucial administrative unit responsible for managing the university’s financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and providing essential financial services to the entire U-M community. Its operations are vast and multifaceted, impacting every aspect of university life from academic departments to student organizations.
Key Responsibilities
The Finance Office’s core responsibilities encompass a broad range of functions, including:
- Financial Reporting and Accounting: Maintaining accurate and transparent financial records, preparing financial statements in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and university regulations. This includes managing the university’s general ledger and providing financial reports to stakeholders.
- Budgeting and Planning: Collaborating with university leadership and individual units to develop and manage the university’s annual budget. This involves forecasting revenues and expenses, allocating resources effectively, and monitoring budget performance throughout the fiscal year.
- Procurement and Payables: Overseeing the procurement of goods and services for the university, ensuring compliance with purchasing policies, and processing vendor invoices for timely payment. This includes managing contracts, negotiating pricing, and promoting sustainable procurement practices.
- Payroll Services: Administering payroll for all university employees, including faculty, staff, and student workers. This includes processing salaries, wages, and benefits, as well as ensuring compliance with tax regulations and labor laws.
- Treasury Management: Managing the university’s cash flow, investments, and debt. This involves optimizing investment returns while minimizing risk and ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet the university’s financial obligations.
- Grant and Contract Administration: Providing support for the administration of grants and contracts, including pre-award and post-award activities. This includes ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations, managing budgets, and reporting on financial performance.
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating financial risks to the university, including fraud, errors, and non-compliance. This involves developing and implementing internal controls, conducting audits, and providing training on risk management best practices.
Serving the U-M Community
The Finance Office strives to provide excellent service to the U-M community. It offers resources and support to help departments and individuals manage their finances effectively. These resources may include:
- Training and Workshops: Providing training on financial policies, procedures, and systems to help university employees understand and comply with regulations.
- Online Resources: Offering a variety of online resources, such as FAQs, guides, and tutorials, to help answer common financial questions.
- Dedicated Support Staff: Providing dedicated support staff to assist departments and individuals with their specific financial needs.
Commitment to Excellence
The U-M Finance Office is committed to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity, transparency, and accountability. It continuously seeks to improve its processes and systems to better serve the university community and ensure the responsible stewardship of its financial resources. By embracing innovation and collaboration, the Finance Office plays a vital role in supporting the university’s mission of education, research, and service.