Accounts Payable is responsible for the processing of all Institute payments, other than student financial aid/awards and employee payments for salary/wages.
| Category | Form | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Vendor Payment for Goods/Services | Vendor Invoice that references GT PO# | Vendor sends invoice to AP. AP enters invoice directly into BuzzMart. |
| Recurring Payment for Stipends, Non-GT Fellowship, Rent | AP Recurring Payment Request Form | Department completes form and sends to AP. AP establishes recurring payments based on schedule due dates. |
| Non-PO payments for Refunds, Reimbursements, Registrations, Memberships, Utilities and Honoraria | AP Check Request Form | Department completes form and sends to AP with supporting documentation. For all first-time payees, a Vendor Profile Form must be completed prior to payment. |
| Wire transfer payment | Wire Transfer Request Form | All regular procurement policies apply. Wire transfers are restricted to international payees |
| Nonemployee travel | TES for Nonemployees | See Section 6: Travel Policies |
These following sections provide instructions for the processing of each of these payment categories.
Georgia Tech Business Services retains electronic imaged documents as the official Institute record for invoices, Check Requests, Purchase Orders, vendor documents, and receipt documents for expense reimbursements (T&E and TES forms). In addition to vendor invoices, a rendered e-invoice is created for all invoice data that is received electronically from vendors.
Campus departments and document processing should retain the original documents until they have been scanned and linked into the document imaging system, ImageNow. The original can be destroyed after the document has been digitized. Providing the digitized document reflects the information as originally created and can be accessed electronically for later reference.
Users are required to complete an access form to be granted privileges to view these documents. The form can be found under ImageNow Access Request Form.
Documents will be maintained in the document imaging system for the required retention period. Archive and document retention requirements can be found here
Beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, Georgia Tech adopted a new policy regarding the accounting for open purchase orders at fiscal year end. Both state and non-state orders remain encumbered obligations of the budget year in which the orders are placed. This reserves monies to pay for the orders and at the same time it allows the Institute to account for funding in accordance with state appropriation guidelines (i.e., the funding is an obligation of the year in which the order is placed, not the year the obligation is paid).
(Note that prior to June 30, 2001, the Institute “expensed” open state funded purchase orders to obligate funding. This facilitated state budgetary reporting, but it was a violation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This variance from GAAP was noted in the Institute’s annual audit. Under the new practice, this disclaimer to our financial statements will be removed.)
To better understand how the new process works, know that each purchase order placed is associated with two different “year” designations. One of these is the “budget year”. This maps expenses and encumbrances to the state’s/BOR’s approved budget for Georgia Tech. The second designation is “fiscal year”. This indicator tracks expenses for GAAP (as opposed to budget) reporting. Most management reports developed for the campus track to the “budget year” automatically, since the budget is the primary management tool in place to control spending. In most instances, the budget and fiscal years are the same for a procurement transaction; however, for carry forward orders the encumbrance and expense will be reported as obligations of the old budget year, not the current budget year.
For prior budget year orders, units should approve invoices for payment once goods are received and forward the approved invoices to Accounts Payable (AP). AP will make payment to the vendor using the prior year funding. If insufficient funding is available on the prior year order to pay the invoice, a new distribution line using the same accounting information will be added for the overage in the current budget year. If there is a remaining balance of state funds on a prior budget year purchase order after all invoices have been paid, they will be lapsed to the Institute’s unreserved fund balance (surplus). This lapsed funding is not available to the unit. If there are remaining non-state funds available on a prior budget year order after all invoices have been paid, it will be released from the budget year obligated and moved to the current budget year as available funds.
Reports
There are numerous reports available to campus management to review procurement activity and funding availability. The reports recommended for prior budget year procurement management are the “Open Encumbrance Report” (GTPOR262), the “Prior Year Expense Ledger” (Report number 306 from the report menu) and the “Summary Prior Year PO” (Report number 718 from the report menu). If you need assistance running reports, please forward a request for help via e-mail.
Policy for Lapsing
Orders for sponsored sub-agreements and construction contracts may span two years without justification. Other purchase orders should be completed no later than the year following the year in which the order was placed, unless justified.
A stop payment is a request by the Institute to our bank to refuse the processing of a check upon presentation. The most frequent reasons for stop payments are a lost, stolen, or damaged check. The associated action is a request to reissue the payment via a new check. A stop payment is made to prevent two checks being presented for payment.
If a check was sent in error, a stop payment without a reissue request is requested.
The status of Accounts Payable check payments can be reviewed via the AP/PO Web Payment Inquiry tool on the Procurement website. Checks that have cleared the GT bank account will reference the date in the ‘DATE CLEARED’ field. Checks that have cleared the Institute’s bank cannot have a stop payment request placed.
A stop payment on a check may be requested by either the payee or the campus unit that originally requested the payment. In either case, the request must include the payee name, check#, campus ref/PO#, and amount. The reason for the request must be provided, as well as the request to reissue the check, if appropriate. If a campus unit requests that a check be reissued, it is the responsibility of the campus unit to alert the payee to ensure that the payee does not attempt to cash the check.
Stop payment requests can be requested 10 business days after check date, to allow for check audit and mail delivery. After confirmation of the stop payment from the bank is received, a new check will be reissued, if requested.
Individual invoices can be scanned and attached via email.
This form is used for all non-employee payment requests specifically listed on the form. Payments for office supplies, equipment, service agreements, sub-contracts, and other categories where the vendor provides an invoice should be processed via the BuzzMart requisition/approved invoice process. Employees use the Travel & Expense System for reimbursement of travel expenditures and the Employee Payment Request Form for non-travel reimbursements, including parking and STRAP reimbursements, program advances, and reimbursements for food/group meal events.
The Check Request Form (CRF) is designed to request check payment for the following payment types:
Agency Fund Payments
Agency Funds are funds held by Georgia Tech as an agent for an organization
or group affiliated with Georgia Tech. Expenses must be used to support the purpose of the Agency Fund. Projects that are designated as Agency Fund projects will always have a ‘9’ in the 4th digit of the project (for example, 210990724-Lego Camp and 536990110-Residence Hall Activity Fees).
Refunds
Refunds are processed for students and visitors who are due a personal refund for key deposits, study abroad deposit, BUZZ card, or parking refunds. The original Georgia Tech receipt should be included or may be referenced on the form with the receipt # and deposit date in the Business Purpose section. Refunds should be charged to the same account that was used for the original deposit of funds.
Reimbursement
Reimbursements to employees are processed via the Employee Payment Request Form. Non-employee reimbursements may be processed via the Check Request Form if the payee is not located on campus or for amounts greater than $500. Non-employee reimbursements of less than $500 should be processed as petty cash reimbursement through the Bursar’s Office, using the Bursar’s Office Reimbursement and Replenishment Form.
Pre-Payment
State regulations do not permit payment prior to receipt of goods/services, with the exception of subscriptions, institutional memberships, or postage/shipping, or where specifically required by the contract/agreement. Consequently, campus units should not use this form for pre-payment of goods/services, unless approved by the Purchasing Director. A subscription form, vendor estimate, or order form must be included to support the payment request. If the Georgia Tech vendor contract specifies that a down-payment or deposit is required, a pro-forma invoice must be attached along with the contract that specifically permits pre-payment.
Utilities / Shipping / Telecommunication Services Paid to Provider
Invoices payable to the service provider can be processed using the Check Request Form. Reimbursements to employees for these types of services are processed via the Employee Payment Request Form. For recurring monthly invoices, ensure that the approved amount is the current monthly charge and does not include a prior month’s un-posted payment.
Inter-Agency Transfer / Affiliated Organization Transfer
Transfers to the Georgia Tech Foundation, GTRC, GTAA, and other state agencies. These may be for expenses related to joint-staffing arrangements, co-sponsored events, or authorized transfers between affiliated organizations.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship of events that support Georgia Tech’s mission and are specifically permitted by the fund source.
Department of Homeland Security
Processing fees associated with visas and associated expedite fees. The individual’s name must be included; however back-up documentation is not required for standard H-1B processing fees.
Honorarium
Payments for short-term, one-time service activities payable to a non-employee individual. The period of service should not exceed 9 days. Associated travel expenses may be reimbursed at the same time if original receipts are provided. The visitor must comply with Institute travel regulations. Use account 751108 for the honorarium payment and provide a Vendor Profile Form. Reimbursable expenses are coded to the appropriate travel expense account.
Professional Education Instructor
Payments to Professional Education instructors as specified in the PE service agreement. Use account 751108 and provide a Vendor Profile Form.
Options/CRC Instructor
Payments to short-term, non-employee instructors. Use account 751108.
Ferst Center Performer
Payments to performers and artists as specified in the Ferst Center performance contract. Use account 751108.
Student Center Performer/Service Provider
Performers and service providers for student events may be processed via the Check Request Form if the vendor agreement is included to support the payment.
Payments to Attorneys
Payments to attorneys must be authorized by the Georgia Tech Office of Legal Affairs via e-mail approval or signature approval on the attorney’s invoice.
Catering / Group Meals
Statement of business purpose, list of attendees (if less than 15 participants), and invoice/receipt is required. If sponsored funds are used, the sponsor must specifically authorize use of funds. Approved Georgia Tech caterers must be used for all on-campus events, unless an exception is approved by Auxiliary Services. State of Georgia meal per diem limits must be used for all group meals, other than conferences/workshops or events using agency fund accounts. See "Procurement of Group Meals for Employees, Students, and Official Visitors" for more information regarding the purchase of group meals and food for
official Institute events.
Rentals
Hotel rooms for official guests/visitors and candidates. Rental of meeting room space and transportation rental (taxi, bus, car) for groups.
Non-GT Student Training Stipends/Awards
SURF, REU, SURE, URS training stipends. Only sponsored funds may be used and payments must be approved by the Accounting Services Financial Aid accountant. See "processing fellowship and stipend payments" for more information regarding these types of payments.
Registration Fees
Registrations can be paid for employees, students, consultants, or official guests/visitors. A registration form must be included and a copy will be sent with the check by Accounts Payable. Registration associated with college courses for credit cannot be processed through AP. STRAP and tuition remission programs are available as employee benefits, but must be pre-approved by the Office of Organizational Development prior to student registration.
Workshops or retreats can be processed as a registration if both an agenda and list of attendees are included and the supporting documentation shows an all-inclusive meeting price per person.
Employee Participants: If individual lodging or meals are charged, daily per diem limits are imposed and each employee participant must be more than 50 miles from home or headquarters. If lodging and meals are billed by person, all employee travel regulations prevail and the payment will be processed as employee travel reimbursement to each employee participant via the Travel & Expense System.
Students and other non-employee participants may have their charges directly billed by the vendor and payment may be processed via the Check Request Form. If meals are charged separately, the per person charge cannot exceed the State of Georgia meal per diem rates. See "Meals and Incidental Travel Expenses" for more information.
Non-Resident Alien Payments
Procurements of goods, services, or equipment over $5000 must be initiated via a BuzzMart requisition (Purchasing Take Action). Payments for awards, services and royalties are generally subject to mandatory IRS tax withholding and the payee must be legally authorized to receive payment for any service performed in the United States. See "payments nonresident aliens nonemployees" for more information.
Vendor Invoices
Trade vendor invoices for goods and services should be associated with a BuzzMart PO. If the PO was not entered in BuzzMart prior to receipt of the invoice, a Confirming Order Form should be completed in BuzzMart to create a PO# and encumber funds, if the invoice is less than $5000. For orders over $5000, use the Non-Contract Form in BuzzMart. The invoice should not be included as an attachment to the Confirming Order or Non-Contract Form. Submit the invoice, including the PO# by e-mail, or, if the invoice is scanned to a WebNow work queue, approve the payment using the payment worksheet.
Availability of Form
The check request form is available from the Accounts Payable Forms. Link on the Accounts Payable website.
Payee Information
Payment requests that require a Vendor Profile Form (services, rents, awards, registrations) will not be processed until the Vendor Profile Form has been approved and processed.
For expedited payment, a vendor ID number should be entered on the form for payment to an existing vendor.
Unit Approval and Signature Authorization
Deans, directors and department heads are authorized to approve payment via the Check Request Form.
Approval Authorization may be delegated to departmental administrators. The Procurement Services Signature Authorization Form is used to document delegated authority. Department heads are responsible for ensuring that a current form is on file for those individuals that are authorized to approve Check Request Forms.
When an employee leaves the Department or is otherwise no longer authorized to approve payments, a revised Procurement Services Signature Authorization Form must be submitted to Procurement Services.
Deans, department heads, and directors (or delegated unit financial officer) are responsible for reconciling all expenses to the Georgia Tech Business Office Tech ledgers to ensure that expenditures have correctly posted to the correct project and expense code for the appropriate amount.
Effective 5/1/12, All payments $3000 and over must include an additional authorized approval signature.
The Employee Payment Request Form is designed to request payments to employees for non-travel related activity. Employees include all individuals who are active on payroll. All travel reimbursements are processed via the Electronic Travel and Expense System in Techworks.
Refund of Personal Funds for Institute Expenses
Refunds are processed for employees who are due a personal refund for key deposits, study abroad deposit, BUZZ card, parking refunds, payroll STRAP, etc). The original Georgia Tech receipt should be included or may be referenced on the form with the receipt# and deposit date. Refunds should be charged to the same account used for the original deposit of funds.
Reimbursement for Food/Group Meal Expense
A supplemental form, the Food/Group Meal Summary Documentation Form, must be included for reimbursement of any food or group meal expenses, with the exception of reimbursements exclusively using Agency Funds and invoice/receipt is required. If sponsored funds are used, the sponsor must specifically authorize use of funds.
Approved Georgia Tech caterers must be used for all on-campus events, unless an exception is approved by Auxiliary Services. State of Georgia per person meal per diems limit the amount that can be spent for each participant. See Food/Group Meal policy for specific policy guidance.
Program Advance/Reimbursement – Participant Research
The program coordinator may request an advance or reimbursement for program expenses when the scope of the project requires small dollar cash disbursement to participants where check payment would be impractical, an administrative burden, or payee identity is confidential. A statement of project scope, budget of proposed advance, and project dates must be included. Any employee participant that receives $75 or more per year must receive payment via Payroll.
Within 15 business days of project end, a summary of expenses must be submitted that references the original campus ref# and provides original receipts and/or a participant roster that documents receipt of funds. If additional funds are due, they can be requested via the Employee Payment Request Form. If all funds are not used, the program coordinator will return unused funds via a personal check (made payable to Georgia Tech) attached to the post-event summary of expenses. A program advance that is not substantiated with documented receipts and a business purpose that supports Georgia Tech will be classified as a taxable stipend and reported as income on the employee’s W-2.
Any individual payee/project participant that receives $600 or more per year will receive a 1099-misc. The campus unit is responsible for notifying Accounts Payable by January 10th for any payments for the prior calendar year that reach this limit. An IRS W-9 form or GT Vendor Profile Form must be submitted.
Program Advance – Study Abroad
The program coordinator may request an advance for group study abroad program expenses. A statement of study abroad program, budget estimate and program dates must be included.
Within 15 business days of program end, a summary of expenses must be submitted that references the original campus ref# and provides original receipts and a reconciliation of the advanced funds. If additional funds are due, they can be requested via the Employee Payment Request Form. If all funds are not used, the program coordinator will return unused funds via a personal check (made payable to Georgia Tech) attached to the post-event summary of expenses. A program advance that is not substantiated with documented receipts and a business purpose that supports Georgia Tech will be classified as a taxable stipend and reported as income on the employee’s W-2.
Prepayment of Hotel Expenses
Employees may be reimbursed prepayment of hotel deposits when it is required in order to secure a reservation. A copy of the TA and the hotel receipt or credit card charge should be submitted as supporting documentation for the expense. Per GT travel policy, travelers cannot be reimbursed for airfare prior to the trip, however, they have the option to direct bill their airfare through the Institute’s contracted travel agency, Travel Incorporated at (770) 291-5190.
Student Group Expenses
Employees may be reimbursed for payment of student expenses when a student(s) cannot otherwise pay for their own expenses. The employee should submit their personal expenses via the Travel and Expense system; however, additional expenses for students may be submitted on the Employee Payment Request Form. Appropriate supporting documentation (per the GT travel regulations) must be submitted.
Payee Information
Payment requests that may require a Vendor Profile Form will not be processed until the Vendor Profile Form has been approved and processed. The Vendor Look-Up tool (active HTML link is on the current electronic version of the form) provides information regarding the status of the vendor and notation if the Vendor Profile Form is on file in Accounts Payable.
Unit Approval and Signature Authorization
Employees are required to sign the form.
Deans, directors and department heads are authorized to approve payment.
Approval Authorization may be delegated to departmental administrators. The Procurement Services Signature Authorization Form is used to document delegated authority. Department heads are responsible for ensuring that a current form is on file for those individuals that are authorized to approve Employee Payment Request Forms. When an employee leaves the Department or is otherwise no longer authorized to approve payments, a revised Procurement Services Signature Authorization Form must be submitted to Procurement Services.
Deans, department heads, and directors (or delegated unit financial officers) are responsible for reconciling all expenses to the Georgia Tech Business Office Tech
ledgers to ensure that expenditures have correctly posted to the correct project and expense code for the appropriate amount. All payments over $500 must include an additional authorized approval signature.
This procedure applies to the request for, assignment of, and use of UPS and Federal Express Accounts. UPS is on a mandatory State Contract and should be used as the primary shipping vendor. Fed Ex should only be requested if shipping dangerous chemicals or if required for shipments per sponsors.
The authority to make purchases of freight is delegated to the administrative departments. This authority is vested in the Purchasing Department and administrated under the State Purchasing Rules and Regulations.
Establishment of Account
One or more accounts per delivery address may be established. A UPS Employee Agreement Form or a FedEx Employee Agreement Form should be completed and approved and sent to the Georgia Tech Purchasing Department if an employee is acting as the accountholder. The Purchasing Department will establish the account with UPS and Federal Express, based upon available account numbers. The department should take care in releasing the UPS and FedEx Account number as they will be responsible for charges associated with that account.
Payment of Invoices
All UPS and FedEx accounts can be invoiced to the department or set up with a Pcard for autopay. This set up is the responsibility of the accountholder.
Redistribution of Charges
Departments should the Concur system to redistribute charges if necessary for accounts linked to a Pcard. Multiple lines can be allocated for an ePayment request.
Disputed Charges
It is the cardholder’s responsibility to resolve discrepancies and ensure credits are received. When a cardholder discovers an incorrect amount has been charged or a questionable purchase appears on the monthly statement, the cardholder must immediately seek to resolve the problem directly with the vendor by calling UPS Customer Service at 1-877-289-6418 or FedEx Customer Service at 1-800-463-3339. Any communications should be documented on the statement (or attachment) including dates, persons involved, and a brief description of the problem.
| Revision Date | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 2015 | P-Card Manager | Added UPS to approved charges |
| April 2018 | Procurement Coordinator | Updated payment methods |
Overview
An invoice may be processed with no other supporting documentation, if a valid Georgia Tech BuzzMart Purchase Order is referenced on the invoice and the invoice matches the PO within tolerances.
Vendor invoices that reference a valid BuzzMart PO are entered directly by Accounts Payable and the system auto-matching process will match the invoice to the PO and the receipt (for orders $3000 and over)>
Invoice Approval Via Departmental WebNow Invoice Work Queue
Vendor invoices that do not reference a valid BuzzMart PO will be scanned into the departmental WebNow invoice queue for approval.
BuzzMart Invoice / PO Tolerances
Match exceptions will be created that prevent invoice payment for the following scenarios:
This policy documents the signature approval and authorization requirements necessary to commit Institute funds for the payment of goods, services and other non-payroll expenditures through Accounts Payable.
Delegation of Approval Authority
The Dean, director, or department heads may delegate the authority to approve payments, but not the primary responsibility of the approver. Delegated signers should always sign their own name, rather than sign the name of the dean, director or department head. Once a signature delegation is provided, it is valid until cancelled by the unit.
Responsibility of Approver
The approver must verify the following prior to approval of payment:
The approver is responsible for submitting an approved invoice or Check Request Form for payments to Accounts Payable within ten business days of receipt of merchandise / services or receipt of invoice, whichever is later.
General trade vendor payment terms for orders will be net 30 days. Days are calculated from date of invoice, date of receipt of goods/services, or date of receipt of accurate invoice, whichever is later. Payment discounts will be taken when earned.
General payment terms for employees, official guests and visitors, and most payments paid via the Check Request Form will be net 00 days. Construction contractors and OSP sub-agreements will be paid as per the payment terms of the contract.
Governor's Executive Order - Prompt Payment of Invoices
Georgia Tech is mandated by Executive Order of the Governor of the State of Georgia to pay vendor
invoices within 30 days from the latter of:
Departmental Approval Turnaround
Invoices are entered by Accounts Payable and processed against the PO reference on the invoice. Invoices that are delivered directly to the department by the vendor must be sent to Accounts Payable immediately to ensure timely record of receipt. Departments are responsible for entering receipts for all POs $3000 and over and are responsible for managing all invoices that are in match exception status. Delays in approval or receipt entry should be noted in the Comments of the BuzzMart PO; for example, “Goods received damaged 06/30/2011, replacement anticipated 07/05/2011.”
Invoices that do not reference a valid PO will be forwarded to the departmental invoice approval
Work queue in WebNow and should be approved using the payment request worksheet linked to the invoice image.
Payment Request Turnaround
Accounts Payable is responsible for completing payment requests within five calendar days of reciept of departmental approval and all other necessary requirements, to ensure prompt payment of invoices. . It may however be necessary incertain instances that additional processing is required. Therefore, departments should submit requests in time to allow at least calendar ten days for processing. Should this not be possible, see "Rush Payment Requests". If Accounts Payable cannot process the payment due to missing or incorrect information, Accounts Payable is responsible for alerting department within ten calendar days. Department will be informed of problem and provided with instructions regarding what is needed to complete the transaction.
Credit Memo Instructions
Vendors issue credit memos for returned goods as well as pricing discrepancies. If a credit memo is anticipated, for overpayments, exchanges, etc., the department should hold the original or final invoice until it receives the corresponding credit memo. The credit memo and the invoice should be approved and submitted to Accounts Payable for payment. In the event an invoice is processed prior to receipt of the corresponding credit memo, the department can approve the credit, referencing the original campus reference # and account distribution, and submit to Accounts Payable for processing. Future invoice payments from any department will offset credit memos. If the corresponding invoice has been paid, and the department does not anticipate doing additional business with this vendor, the department is responsible for requesting a refund check in lieu of a credit.
Refund Check Instructions
When a department receives a refund check, the campus reference # and account number must be referenced on the check stub and submitted to Accounts Payable.
Accounts Payable will apply the refund to the appropriate account and deposit it with the Bursar's Office. For state projects, if the refund applies to a current year payment, use the current year account number. If the refund applies to a prior year payment, the surplus account will be credited.
Overview of Fellowships, Scholarships, and Trainee Program Payments
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education covers the rules for the taxation of student scholarships and fellowships. The publication states that the part of any grant, scholarship, or fellowship that represents payment for teaching, research or any other service is taxable to the student. Colleges and universities are obligated to withhold taxes on any award that represents compensation for services. Nonresident alien students may have taxes withheld on awards that do not represent compensation for services. Their tax obligations are governed by their visa status, United States (US) tax laws, and/or the tax treaty between the US and their country of residence.
The Institute is required by federal law to withhold taxes on fellowships that require the student to perform services (past, present or future) to receive the award. Students that are required to perform a service as part of the fellowship agreement, must be classified as employees and payments are processed through the OHR/Payroll process. The consequences of not properly withholding the taxes may cause the Institute to incur serious financial penalties. The department is responsible for determining if a student’s fellowship/trainee award requires that a service be performed. The Office of Human Resources can assist departments that need clarification regarding proper employee classification.
All payments to students for research training grants, participant support, and scholarship/fellowships must be approved by Accounting Services Financial Aid Team prior to payment. The Vendor Profile Form must accompany the payment request. Once approved, the payment request and related documentation will be forwarded to Accounts Payable or Financial Aid for payment processing. For more information regarding graduate fellowships, refer to Accounting procedure Processing Fellowship Payments. Procedures related to undergraduate scholarships and fellowships can be found in Accounting procedure Processing Undergraduate Training Program Grants.
Overview of Stipends for Participant Support
GT Students: Stipends for Georgia Tech students are processed through Student Financial Planning and payments are posted to the student’s account through the Banner system.
Employees: Stipends awarded to employees are processed through Payroll.
Stipends to non-Georgia Tech students who are also not employed by Georgia Tech are processed through Accounts Payable via the Check Request Form. A Vendor Profile Form (or W-8BEN for foreign students) is required for all participant support stipend payments made through Accounts Payable. These payments are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-misc annually (or 1042S for foreign students).
General Guidelines
Accounts Payable is responsible for processing payment requests within five business days of receipt of request, with the exclusion of peak periods. In order to allow efficient processing of all payments, requests should be submitted in a timely manner to allow adequate time for processing. There will be instances, however, that the campus unit is unable to do this due to circumstances beyond their control. Rush payment requests should only be used in those situations. Additional time and effort goes into providing campus with additional services such as rush payments. Campus units should follow the rush payment request procedures to ensure the payment is processed, and received by the vendor in the necessary time frame. In all cases, a Vendor Profile Form must be on file for payments to trade vendors and all payments for rents, royalties, and services. Same-day checks are not feasible, due to payment processing production schedules. Rush payment requests received by noon, if approved will be processed within 48 hours.
Procedures for Rush Payments
A rush payment request form must be submitted with all rush requests. All fields on the rush payment request form must be completed prior to the submission of a rush payment request form. This includes obtaining all appropriate department approvals. Valid justification must also be provided as to why an exception should be granted outside the standard processing time. Any forms with incomplete information or insufficient supporting documentation will not be processed, and will be returned to the requestor.
TThe Accounts Payable Manager will initially review to ensure all required fields on the payment request form have been completed and sufficient documentation has been provided.
All rush payment requests must be approved by the Director of Accounts Payable and Travel prior to being processed.
I. Invoice Payments
The invoice must be approved and have an appropriate PO reference and sufficient encumbrance balance to cover the payment. If the PO is $3000 or greater, a receipt must be entered in BuzzMart to ensure that the 3-way match is not delayed. Submit the invoice with the approved rush payment request form via an email attachment to ap.ask@business.gatech.edu with ‘RUSH PAYMENT REQUEST’ in the subject line to ensure priority payment processing.
II. Rush AP Payment Forms - AP Payment Requests, Honorarium Requests, Student Payment Requests, e-Payments, Recurring Payments and Wire Transfers.
Submit the approved rush payment request form and the applicable AP payment request via an email attachment to ap.ask@business.gatech.edu. Include ‘RUSH PAYMENT REQUEST’ in the subject line to ensure priority payment processing. Sufficient supporting documentation must also be included.
III. Rush Travel Forms - T&E Reimbursements, Employee Payment Requests, and Non-Employee Payment Requests.
For T&E reimbursements, ensure that all approvals have been completed and that the receipt images have been scanned and linked to the Expense Report. For TES and Employee Payment Request Forms, please or scan/attach via an email attachment to travel.ask@business.gatech.edu. Include ‘RUSH PAYMENT REQUEST’ in the subject line to ensure priority payment processing. Sufficient supporting documentation must also be included.
In all cases, an approved rush payment request form must be submitted in addition to the original payment request i.e. invoice, AP payment request form, T & E reimbursement, wire transfer etc.
Payments processed by Accounts Payable for goods and services may generally be classified into the following types:
| Payment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| EFT | EFT payments are made for all active employee reimbursements. Establishment of EFT Detail is through TechWorks Employee Self-Service for Payroll payments. |
| ACH | ACH payments are available for all non-employee payments. Establishment of ACH Is through GT’s Bank of America PayMode system. A registration link is available via The Business Services Vendor Information website. |
| Check | The standard payment process is via paper check mailed to the remit address on the Payment request or invoice. |
| Wire Transfer | International payees can receive funds in US or foreign currency via departmental Completion of the Wire Transfer Request Form. |
| Foreign Draft | A foreign draft can be issued to vendors that can not accept a wire transfer or a check In US currency. Use the Check Request Form and provide documentation to support the request for foreign currency payment. |
| PCard | The PCard can be used for small dollar purchases (less than $5000, with no single item over $3000) for non-GT contract catalog items. |
New Vendor Registration
A new trade, service, individual, or consultant vendor may be set up upon submission and approval of a Georgia Tech Vendor Profile Form. The Vendor Profile Form includes data required for IRS, State and Federal, and SBA reporting (note: registration vendors must supply FEI/EIN on the registration form, otherwise a Vendor Profile Form will need to be submitted). In rare cases, as italicized below, IRS Form W-9 may be submitted in lieu of a Vendor Profile Form (legal settlements, estate checks and various government entities). Form W-8 and the Foreign Vendor Profile Form must be submitted for all foreign companies, partnerships, organizations, institutions, and individuals. Links to the Vendor Profile Form can be found on the Vendor/Supplier Information Bank. IRS W-9 and W-8 forms and instructions can be accessed via the irs.gov website.
Exceptions for the requirement for submission of a Vendor Profile Form, W-9, or W-8 are listed below:
Vendor Maintenance for Established Vendors
A new Vendor Profile Form or a W-9 is required whenever critical information on the form changes. Critical information includes a change in the vendor name, tax ID, SBA classification, or conflict of interest indicators. A new form is not required to update phone numbers or address information. Please forward notification by e-mail, fax 404-894-8552 or mail to:
Georgia Tech Accounts Payable
711 Marietta Street
Atlanta, GA 30332-0253
Vendor Review and Approval Process
All new vendors are subject to approval prior to establishment in the Business Services vendor database. A vendor must be registered before it can be selected for BuzzMart purchase orders.
Conflict of Interest, Ethics and Unlawful Actions
Georgia Tech subscribes to the State's Code of Ethics for Governmental Service. All procurements are subject to the Georgia Vendor Manual, in particular, Chapter 9, Ethics and Unlawful Actions. Any apparent or potential conflict of interest between the vendor and a Georgia Tech Employee must be defined. If the conflict would not disqualify the vendor for obtaining business under certain conditions or circumstances, an understanding of those conditions or circumstances must be part of the vendor record.
Employee vs Independent Contractor
If the prospective vendor is an individual or a sole proprietor that is performing a service, Procurement Services, with the assistance of the Human Resources Department, will make a determination of the proper classification status. Retired or ex-employees that return to Georgia Tech to perform a service similar to that performed when they were an employee, will be classified as an employee through Payroll. For more information regarding this topic, please see "consultants individuals and firms".
Foreign Vendor Exclusion List
The Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) maintains a list of individuals and organizations that we are prohibited from doing business with. Please refer specific issues regarding vendors that may appear on this list with the Office of Legal Affairs.
Vendor Inquiries
The Accounts Payable department will answer inquiries from vendors regarding the status of delinquent invoices. Accounts Payable will serve as a liaison between the campus department and the vendor. Georgia Tech must strive to maintain and promote a satisfactory credit standing with suppliers. Prompt payment of invoices and responses to inquiries is necessary in order to achieve this goal. Vendor inquiries for invoices over 30 days old will be referred to the campus unit for action. Georgia Tech's Credit Reference Letter, tax exemption forms, and Georgia Tech's IRS W-9 are available on the Vendor/Supplier Information Bank: from Accounts Payable via e-mail or 404-894-5000.
