Student Organization Finance and Accounting

On this page:

• Introduction
• Purchase Requests
• Organizational Accounting 
• Catering
• Cash Handling
• Meet with the Finance Team

Introduction

Responsible finance and accounting are key to the success of any club or organization. Student Involvement and Leadership provides clubs and organizations with the services necessary to manage their finances effectively. Our staff is here to help with deposits, revenue planning, expense management, travel, funding options, and more.

---

Purchase Requests

Wright State University can pay for goods via check, VISA credit card (procurement "pro" card), and petty cash withdraws for minor transactions. Our office coordinates these purchases through the Engage platform.

To place a purchase request, visit your organization's manage menu, and select Purchase Request under the finance tab. This function is by default only available to presidents and treasurers. If an organization wants to designate another member to make a purchase request, the president can modify the member's organization permission under the member's set position. The president will also need to authorize that affected position. Presidents can contact our front desk at SIL@wright.edu or 937-775-5570 for assistance.

Procurement

Procurement is defined as the process of finding and agreeing to terms and acquiring goods, services, or works from an external source. Student Involvement and Leadership submits requisitions to the Office of the Controller on behalf of clubs and organizations. Once a requisition is approved, a purchase order is assigned, and once the good, service, or work is delivered adequately, the university may remit a check. This process is set up to ensure compliance with the Ohio Revised Code and Wright State University policies and procedures.

Goods, services, or works purchased using this model are typically renumerated via check.

Contractor and vendor payments

As soon as a supplier is selected, the requisition process can begin. Student Involvement and Leadership requires that all proper documentation be submitted 30 days before payment is due.

To begin the requisition process, clubs and organizations must submit the following:

1. A quote, invoice, or receipt
2. A WSU W-9 (for new suppliers)
3. All applicable, unsigned contracts

All contracts, agreements, and terms of conditions must be reviewed by Contract Services, which reserves signatory authority. Students are not permitted to sign contracts or agreements on behalf of their club, organization, or Wright State University under any circumstances.

contracts templates

• Independent Contractor Agreement (DOCX)—Use this if an individual (they use their social security number for taxes) will be doing services for the university. A certificate of insurance (COI) is not needed.
• Memorandum of Agreement (DOCX)—Use this if a company (they use a federal ID number for taxes) will work for the university. COI needed.
• Speaker/Artist Agreement (DOC)—Use if an individual is coming on campus to speak or perform. COI is not needed.

Procurement "Pro" Credit Card

Some expenses are easiest made with a credit card; Student Involvement and Leadership recognizes this. If you think it would be easiest to purchase with a pro card, please fill out a purchase request form and indicate that you would like to use a pro card. When submitting your purchase request, be sure to include a completed Request to Use Pro Card form.

Clubs and organizations must process all expenses through our office with no exception. If your faculty or staff advisor has access to a pro card, this method may be used after permission has been granted by our finance team. The advisor will need to work with our staff to ensure all accounting codes are entered correctly and that all Chromeriver approvals are set up properly. We also require that all receipts are delivered and filed with our office on an 8.5" x 11" Receipt Cover so that they can be filed accordingly for reconciliation and record retention purposes.

Petty Cash Withdrawal

Petty cash withdraws are considered rare and are seldom used. Student Involvement and Leadership can initiate cash reimbursements limited to $200 or less. Items over $200 must be processed using the purchasing procedures listed above. Since the university is a tax-exempt entity, petty cash reimbursements will not be made for Ohio sales tax charged on purchased goods.

A request for a petty cash reimbursement must be made on a Student Organization Petty Cash Voucher. An original receipt and/or invoice for each expenditure must be attached to the voucher, along with a sufficient transaction justification and business purpose. Small receipts should be taped to an 8.5" x 11" Receipt Cover. We recommend visiting our office with all of your materials so that we may walk you through the process.

Reimbursement for gifts, donations, or personal expenses is not permitted. Also, payment for professional services is not permitted via petty cash.

Additional expenditure guidelines are available per University Policy 9130. 

---

Organizational Accounting 

Tier I and II organizations are provided with a university agency fund. This fund serves as an "on-campus bank account" for clubs and organizations. Student Involvement and Leadership provides this service to ensure proper accounting protocol and ensure both the club or organization and the university follow proper accounting protocol.

Accounting Codes (FOAP)

Balance and Transaction History

Clubs and organizations can obtain fund balances or transaction history by contacting us at SIL@wright.edu, 937-775-5570, or visiting us in 190 Student Union.

---

Catering

Food for Events: Food for events held inside a university facility or university property must use Hospitality Services. An event is defined as any social or educational activity in nature (not a meeting) where members outside of the organization are invited to participate. 

For permission to order food outside of Hospitality Services, fill out a Catering Waiver form. Forms MUST be submitted to Hospitality Services at least 15 days before the event. The club or organization must also submit the following documents with the form:

1.  A copy of the vendor's food license
2. A copy of the vendor's certificate of insurance for $1 million listing Wright State University as an additional insured

---

Cash Handling

Clubs and organizations must secure all cash collected for events and fundraisers at a university location at all times. Our office has money boxes and lockable zipper bags that can be checked out. Cash must be deposited immediately after the event to the dropbox outside of 019 Student Union. 

We need to know:

• Who–What is your name and the organization’s name?
• What–What’s the revenue from? Bake sale? Tickets? Dues? 
• When–What was the date of the transaction?
• Where–Where should the funds be deposited? Please provide your FOP.
• Why–Were you fundraising for a specific event?

Ticket sales require contacting Event Services and Youth Programs 30 days before the revenue is properly accounted for at the Office of the Bursar. When turning in ticket funds, please include the organization's name and FOP, ticket price, and the number of tickets sold. 

---

Meet with the Finance Team

Have a question? Need help filling out your forms? Meet with a member of the SIL Finance Team!