Controller's Unit Policy Program

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Definitions

• Fiscal Policy:  Unit rules that serve as the guiding principles for administering or implementing operations within the Division of Finance and Administration (DFA), and applicable to all areas of fiscal activity across the university.
• Philosophy:  A set of ideals, standards or beliefs used to describe behavior and thought.  General principles or laws of a field of knowledge, activity, etc.  Distinguished from other ways of addressing problems by a critical, generally systematic approach and reliance on rational argument.

Fiscal Policy Objectives

• Generating effective results through structured and inclusive decision-making.
• Conveying and confirming intent and respect for all OSU community members through communication and engagement the is responsive, clear and transparent.
• Improving effectiveness and efficiency through process consistent balanced with flexibility.
• Supporting DFA's core values and mission through community safety, support for well-being and respect for all.
• Providing clear fiscal requirements and guidelines to ensure proactive stewardship of resources in alignment with OSU's Strategic Plan.
• Balancing innovation and compliance through active assessment and management of risk.
• Ensuring compliance with university  policies, regulations, laws, and other local, state and federal government requirements through clearly defined and integrated policies, standards and processes.
• Empowering unit leaders and employees with appropriately delegated decision-making authority.

Fiscal Policy Requirements

• Clear and concise statement of the fiscal principles.
• Explanation of intent or rationale, including legal or regulatory requirements, risk mitigation or general principles the university community must follow.
• Explanation of who should be informed, describing broadness of applicability to the governing policy.
• General information about expectations, requirements and guidelines – Being as broad as possible, yet well-defined, definitive when necessary and specific to fiscal activities.
• Defined process and responsibilities for implementing the fiscal principles.
• Links to more detailed information and useful resources, especially when a topic may not apply to everyone.  This also reduces revisions in more than one place.