The University Controller’s Office hosts Business Connections Meetings each fiscal year from September to April (no December meeting due to the holidays). During these meetings, we share key financial updates and feature guest presentations on topics requested by the audience. Event dates and materials are posted on the University Controller’s Office website >  Business Connections page. Events are also listed in the Financial Reporting Calendar.

To join the listserv, please send your request to [email protected].

March Business Connections Meeting Recap

University Controller’s Office (UConO)

UConO announced the promotion of Matt Miller to Assistant Controller, effective March 9. The office is currently resolving a technical issue in account 51830, where medical insurance encumbrances for early 2026 are inaccurate due to State Health Plan rate changes. While budget projections may be impacted, actual personnel expenditures remain correct and unaffected. Updates will be provided once the system is corrected. Finally, the fiscal year-end close schedule is ready and will be added to the FIN Reporting Calendar.

Procurement and Business Services (PBS)

PBS reminded the campus community that purchasing thresholds are determined by cost: 

• Under $5,000: Use a PCard or the MarketPlace
• $5,000 to $31,000: Three quotes are required

Key year-end deadlines include:

• April 15 for non-MarketPlace requisitions 
• June 15 for PCard and MarketPlace purchases

Other updates and reminders include:

• New supplier AVI-SPL for audio-visual needs
• PCard Training for Cardholders, refresher was due March 15
• If needing departmental computers, order early or purchase from surplus to avoid rising costs.

Review Procurement and Business Service Updates.

Accounts Payable (AP)

• AP provided various travel-related updates:
  • Travel training under development
  • Guest travel reminders
  • Travel for prospective employees, as covered in Section 5.5 of the State Budget Manual
• A new Payments Professional 2 certification is now available, featuring Supplier Information 101 and Payables Training. 
• Access to Finance learning resources: To ensure staff use the most current information, the option to download and print learning resources has been disabled. However, accessible versions of these manuals are available through a link on each guide’s cover page.

Review Accounts Payable Updates.

Office of Enterprise Applications Services (EAS)

• EAS announced enhancements, including Vendor Names in the WolfPack Reporting System (WRS) drilldowns and new tracking columns for Grant Projects. 
• By June 30, 2026, Journal and Project Modification Request attachments will migrate to OnBase Reports. Users experiencing .docx or .xlsx upload errors should use .doc or .xls formats as a temporary workaround. 
• Future updates will introduce encumbrance drill-downs for Foundation and Endowment reports and streamlined grant closeouts.

Review EAS Updates.

Financial Reporting

• Campus-wide collaboration is vital to accurately process thousands of transactions required for state reporting. This collective effort supports almost 300 critical tasks needed to meet the August 25, 2026, deadline. 
• Accurate data is essential for maintaining the university’s R1 status and securing federal grants. 
• To assist with this effort, we recommend registering for the Finance Professional 1 Certification, which offers an introduction to basic accounting topics and internal controls in the context of financial data. It also provides participants with the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to create and approve journal entries.

Review Financial Reporting Updates.

Office of Information Technology (OIT)

OIT detailed the university’s initiative to comply with the revised ADA Title II law regarding digital accessibility. A compliance deadline of April 24, 2026, has been set to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards for all digital content. The strategy focuses on remediating content based on audience size and institutional risk. Training resources are available to help faculty and staff audit their materials to improve usability for all university students, staff and other stakeholders.

Review the Office of Information Technology Updates.

Next Business Connections Meeting

Mark your calendars: the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, at 10 a.m. To present or suggest a topic, complete the FY26 Meeting Presentation or Topic Request Form.