e-SHOP Simplifies Online Purchasing A select number of business service centers this October began using e-SHOP, the new online purchasing system, to order products from a range of suppliers. e-SHOP integrates with existing purchasing and accounting systems, so that purchasers can order from multiple suppliers with one requisition and pay with a procurement card themselves, or route the order through their business service center.
New e-SHOP user and recent training attendee Leslie Kinsland says, “It’s so cool! One nice surprise, and a huge timesaver, is that I can access all my vendors with just one login. I can also put all my frequent purchases in a ‘favorites’ list to use again later. Using the system will get better and better as more vendors are added.” The Office for Purchasing Services (OPS) expects to add other Cornell preferred suppliers to e-SHOP within the next year. The next phase of e-SHOP’s multi-phase, campus-wide deployment is expected in January, with the remainder scheduled throughout 2007. To learn when e-SHOP is coming to your unit, sign up for the Purchasing listserv by sending an e-mail to uco-purch@cornell.edu |
The first users of e-SHOP get a hands-on introduction to ordering through the new online system being released by the Office for Purchasing Services (OPS). OPS staff members Michael Winters (rear, standing) and Dennis Butts (third from left), along with DFA’s Barbara Sutton (rear, standing, partially hidden), assist new users. New e-SHOP users included, front to back, Mike Mott, Micci Bogard, Leslie Kinsland, and Michelle Lane (OPS).
Next, Kuali Tackles Research Administration Following the Kuali Financial System (KFS) release (see story above), the Kuali Foundation will pursue the development of research administration and student services software. Cornell is part of the team that is working on the research administration project, with a view to possible implementation at this university in 2008, if funding is approved. Kuali Research Administration (KRA) will comprise the following components:
The process for designing KRA will be similar to that of the recently released Kuali Financial Systems, which involved Subject Matter Expert Subcommittees of individuals from across campus. For more information, contact Cornell’s KRA functional representative, Director of Research Administration Information Services Dan Dwyer |
New W-4 Requirements for Non-Resident Foreign Nationals The Internal Revenue Service has revised requirements for the Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (W-4 form) for foreign nationals classified as "non-resident aliens" (NRAs) for U.S. tax purposes. A new W-4 form should be completed as follows and sent to University Payroll, 377 Pine Tree Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 by no later than Friday, December 15, 2006: Box 1: Print your name and address W-4 forms are available from unit payroll representatives. Please e-mail questions to Robin Beaudoin |
Ordering Goods from Outside the U.S.? Check Customs Requirements! The Office for Purchasing Services reminds units that items purchased and shipped from other countries often require clearance through U.S. Customs, regardless of your method of payment. So, before ordering goods from outside the U.S., consult Purchasing Policy 219 Cornell has contracted with Syracuse customs brokers Mohawk Customs and Shipping Corporation to facilitate clearance and shipment of foreign goods to Cornell. |
Report Post-Bid Vendor Contact Before Bid Acceptance New York State Finance Law 139k(6) states that vendor contact with a buyer before that buyer has accepted any bid is an attempt to influence the outcome of a procurement contract. To report such contact from vendors when state-appropriated funds are involved, contact the Office for Purchasing Services. For information about procurement lobbying, refer to the New York State Office of General Services |
Beware of Scammers Gone "Phishing" Beware of e-mail messages that may be from internet scammers meant to trick you into providing valuable, personal data. Such attempts to hijack information are called “phishing” scams. Americans receive millions of e-mails a day from phishing scammers. Such e-mails may appear to come from companies you trust, like your bank or credit card vendor, and often contain official-looking logos. The sender may claim that the fictitious vendor urgently needs your response, or that your account with them has been compromised, and that they need to verify your information. Legitimate companies will never ask customers to verify their information via e-mail. US Bank, Cornell’s procurement card vendor, will NOT ask the cardholder to confirm the credit card account number. They will contact cardholders by telephone when they detect suspicious activity. How you can protect yourself from these scams:
For more information about these and similar scams, contact your local business service center or the Office of Credit Card Programs |
Cornell Aims Higher in 2006 United Way Campaign This year, Cornell is aiming to provide $660,000 of Tomkins County United Way’s $1.9 million campaign goal, up from $627,000 last year, with a 20 percent participation rate. By now, you should have received your 2006 Community Campaign pledge card. DFA's University Business Service Center (UBSC) provides central system and production support to Cornell's annual United Way Campaign, and joins with the Campaign Cabinet to encourage you to support United Way's fund-raising. Give any amount, and be entered to win one of over 50 prizes, such as tickets for local entertainment, food, and campus parking passes. The sooner you return your card, the greater your chance to win. When you support the United Way, you help more than 40 Tompkins County agencies meet their commitment to provide much needed services to the community. Below are some examples:
Thanks to all of your generous support last year, Cornell's contribution to Tompkins County United Way was $627,000 of a total of $1,859,835 in donations! Track the progress of Cornell's United Way Campaign at www.cornell.edu/unitedway |
Finance Mentor Opportunity Make a difference in an aspiring professional's life! Become a finance mentor and help a Cornell staff member shape his or her career in finance. If you are a seasoned finance professional, the Division of Financial Affairs (DFA) invites you to sign up as a mentor in its Finance Mentoring Program. You will be assigned a protégé with whom you will share your knowledge and experience to not only develop your protégé's skills, but also your own skills as a leader. Already, DFA has paired 16 mentors and protégés from various colleges and units, including DFA. A protégé can be any staff member in a financial or administrative position who wants to develop skills in the finance field. A new group begins each fall. To sign up, visit DFA's Finance Mentoring |
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Accounts Payable Deadlines Friday, December 15, 2006 (end of day): Last day to process payments BEFORE the holiday break to make the last check writing of the year on Friday, December 22, 2006. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 (end of day): Last day to process payments to make the first check writing of 2007 on Wednesday, January 3, 2007. To make these deadlines, be sure that all payment requests meet the following requirements:
Payment requests not meeting these criteria may not be processed and paid before the holiday break or on January 3, in spite of Accounts Payable's efforts to process as many as possible. If you have questions please contact dfa-disbursement-review@cornell.edu |
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Payroll Holiday Deadlines Time Collection
Off-Cycle Checks Requests received before 12:00 noon on December 20, 2006 will be available on December 21, 2006. Overpayments |
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Holiday Paydates Biweekly Payday: December 28, 2006 Semimonthly Payday: December 29, 2006 Eliminate delays by signing up to direct deposit your paycheck
If the address on the front of your check is incorrect, please update it immediately through Employee Essentials Checks that are not distributed by units to employees before winter break must be returned immediately to the Payroll Office. |
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Payroll's Year End Tips Before you leave for winter break this December, check out these tax-related tips from the Payroll Office.
Tax Exemptions Expire If you have questions about federal or state income taxes, e-mail the Payroll Office |
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Financial Statements Released This year’s financial report has been expanded into an even larger university publication, the “Cornell University Report for 2005-2006.” Major themes include research, students, the Weill Medical College, and Cornell’s contribution to New York State. Take a look at the Cornell University Report or just the Financial Statements for fiscal year 2006 on the Accounting Services |
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DFA Explores Check Printing Options The Division of Financial Affairs (DFA) is exploring outsourcing accounts payable check printing by spring 2007. Vendor options offer more frequent check processing, on-site security, and contingency backup sites, all of which exceed current on-campus capabilities, and meet audit requirements. Learn more about check outsourcing by signing up for the Controller’s e-mail listserv by e-mailing Diane Terry |
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Sexual Harrassment Policy Updated The University Policy Office recently announced the revision and interim reissuance of University Policy 6.9, Sexual Harrassment, now titled "Prohibited Discrimination, Protected Status (Including Sexual) Harassment and Bias Activity View this and other university policies at the University Policy Office |
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