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Financials for HR Professionals

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A desk with a "Travel Authorization" chalkboard board featuring icons for route approval, budget confirmation and destination details.

Apr 30, 2026

Essential Ingredients for Your Travel Authorization

Navigating travel documentation doesn’t have to be a headache. For our Finance Division newsletter this month, we’re diving into the “Secret Sauce” of a perfect Travel Authorization (TA). Based on the latest updates from Chapters 2 and 3 of the Travel Manual, here is exactly what you need to include to ensure a smooth approval…
IT Community Award

Mar 31, 2026

Celebrating IT Community Award Nominations

The Finance Division and its campus partners are celebrating a remarkable year of innovation and collaboration, as evidenced by the outstanding teams nominated for the 2026 IT Community Awards. These nominations highlight the critical behind-the-scenes work that powers NC State’s digital transformation and operational efficiency. Two major initiatives led by cross-functional teams from across the…
The 5 Ws of the business purpose: what, who, why, where, when

Mar 31, 2026

Why the Business Purpose Matters

In university finance, every financial transaction requires a clear business purpose to ensure accountability and transparency. This statement justifies why a specific expenditure is necessary, reasonable and an appropriate use of university funds. Without a detailed business purpose, transactions may face increased scrutiny from auditors or experience delays in processing or approvals. For example, when…
IT Purchase Compliance process flow

Feb 27, 2026

What Is the IT Purchase Compliance and When Should I Submit One?

Written by Sharon Loosman and Mike McComas If you are looking to purchase software or other IT products for the university, you might be wondering where to start. Following the university’s IT Procurement Guide, here is a breakdown of what you need to do to ensure your purchase is compliant, compatible and efficient. Need Help?…
A graphic depicting Financials for HR Professionals: Payroll, Time and Labor.

Feb 1, 2026

FIN for HR: Payroll, Time and Labor

Written by Maria Fister. We are pleased to announce the release of the second guide in the Financials for Human Resource Professionals series: Payroll, Time and Labor.  This program, a partnership between University Human Resources and the Finance Division,  equips NC State HR professionals with the knowledge to make informed decisions and better understand the…
A digital landcape of colorful shapes with an annoted Google Doc Navigation Guide hovering above.

Dec 16, 2025

Tips for Navigating Finance Learning Resources

Written by Maria Fister. Finance Division learning resources use the same template across all areas to promote consistency and make them easier to navigate, regardless of the subject matter. We use a consistent layout across all Finance guides so you can quickly find the answers you need without relearning how to navigate them. The core…
Snow falling on trees around the belltower on NC State's campus

Nov 26, 2025

Winter Break Leave and Closure Dates 

Written by Martha Neal. The holiday season is rapidly approaching. Here are essential tips and deadlines to ensure you are prepared, especially if you plan to take additional time off during the winter break.  Action Required: Review Leave Balances If you are planning to take additional vacation time, please take a moment to review your…
A screenshot of the cover page of the Payroll Guide for Employees.

Nov 26, 2025

Payroll Guide for Employees

Written by Maria Fister. A top priority for the Payroll team is ensuring accurate and timely pay. To provide for a transparent payroll process and facilitate clear instructions, the University Controller’s Office (UConO) has created the new Payroll Guide for Employees. This comprehensive guide provides essential information to help NC State employees better understand payroll…
A screenshot of the cover page of the Asset Inventory Manual.

Oct 23, 2025

Find It, Record It, Certify It: Asset Inventory Compliance

Written by Maria Fister. The University of North Carolina (UNC) System Capital Asset Standards mandate an essential administrative requirement: the annual physical inventory of equipment. This process is critical for verifying the physical location of all assets and ensuring their location and identifiable characteristics are accurately recorded. Inventory certification is conducted within the Financial System,…

Sep 23, 2025

Financials for HR Professionals

Written by Maria Fister. Ever wish you had a better handle on the financial side of your human resources (HR) role? You’re not alone! To help HR professionals integrate financial acumen into their existing skill set, University Human Resources and the Finance Division have partnered to create the Financials for HR Professionals program. This initiative…