Journal Entries

Submitting an Actual Journal Entry for Approval

All University of Colorado Colorado Springs actual journal entries (JEs) must have an explanation and supporting documentation attached.

To submit JEs for approval the following should be provided:  

 1.     If it is a correcting entry, an adequate description in the JE itself.

Please use the Journal Entry header panel long description field to include any of the following that apply:  

• How did the error occur?
• How was the error found?
• Why is the new entry correct?
• If there is more than 90 days between the transaction date and the JE, explain the reason for the delay in making the correcting entry. For any sponsored projects you will need to fill out the Cost Transfer paperwork.  

2.      Adequate documentation to support the JE.

Each journal entry must stand on its own for audit purposes. For example, a year from now, if a journal entry is selected; the auditor should be able to understand exactly why the journal was done from the available documentation attached to the entry. Essentially, any documents you use to help prepare the JE should be attached to the JE.

Examples of necessary documentation include the following:  

a. To transfer an expense or revenue - include a copy of the m-Fin Financial Detail report showing the original transaction. Please circle or highlight the items in question. You can use the Snipping Tool to do this.  The report should show the ST and date the report was run.

b. To transfer cash - In case you care to tackle this, include a copy of the report to show there are resources available.

c. To record a receivable - include a copy of the corresponding invoice.

d. To journalize interdepartmental charges - include a copy of the signed IN forms.

e. Spreadsheets, emails, notes, and summaries of the error - all are important back-up documentation. In short, any document that prompted the transaction, was used as a basis for the transaction, or provided the amounts should be attached.  

3.      Appropriate coding for interdepartmental charges:  

a. To journalize interdepartmental charges - make sure to use the ID account codes, as outlined on the Quick Reference Card, pg. 17-18.

b. To record revenues for Internal Service Centers (e.g. those programs with an expense purpose code 2100, most of which are in fund 28) - internal charges should be charged to account code 380100, while charges to external entities should be charged to account code 325300.

c. For proper revenue account coding for funds 20 through 29, refer to the Quick Reference Card, pg. 16. Tips For Screen Shots-Ctrl Button and PrtScn/SysRq, then paste that screen shot into powerpoint or word doc, save and attach. Or use the Snipping Tool, paste to a word doc, save and attach.   

Additional Resources

Finance System Guides: Finance System Learning Resources: Journals | University of Colorado (cu.edu)  

Quick Reference Card: https://www.cu.edu/controller/policies/account-quick-reference-card 

Chart of Accounts: https://www.cu.edu/controller/accounting-finance/chartfields-attributes/chart-accounts

Adding Attachments to JEs: http://www.cu.edu/controller/fin-how-adding-attachments

Setting up/Configuring JE Spreadsheet: https://www.cu.edu/controller/training/finance-system-training/finance-system-learning-resources-journals/fin-journal

Contacts

acctfinc@uccs.edu

(719) 255-5704

Nicholas Martinez
nmartin2@uccs.edu

(719) 255-3231
 

Last Reviewed on 02/11/2016