Finance

Delegation of Fiscal Authority (DRAFT)

CSU Monterey Bay | Finance

Purpose

This site outlines the policies and procedures related to fiscal delegation as governed by CSU Executive Order 1000. It ensures proper internal controls and responsible financial management at CSU Monterey Bay.

An individual with Delegation of Authority (DOA) has been designated to review and approve transactions and authorize the expenditure of monies. This delegation is tied to an individual’s role and responsibilities within the organization.

Authority & References

Delegated Responsibilities & Expectations

The President, CFO, and designated administrators are responsible for fiscal decision-making within defined authority levels.

  • President: Ultimate fiscal authority and compliance oversight.
  • CFO: Policy implementation and monitoring.
  • Delegates: Authorized personnel by role and unit.

Key Responsibilities and Financial Stewardship Expectations

  • Understand the Nature of the Expense
    Ensure you comprehend the purpose and justification for each purchase or expense. All transactions must be accompanied by complete and appropriate supporting documentation.
  • Validate Funding Source Accuracy
    Confirm that the expense is charged to the correct campus chartfields and funding source. This ensures proper accounting alignment and transparency.
  • Assess Fund Availability and Sustainability
    Verify that sufficient funds are available to cover the immediate cost. For multi-year financial commitments, evaluate the long-term budget sustainability and alignment with fiscal planning.
  • Ensure Compliance with Spending Guidelines
    Confirm that the selected funding source is permissible for the type of expense, particularly when student fee revenue is involved. Adhere to all relevant CSU and campus-specific policies and restrictions.

The Importance of Your Fiscal Role

  • Uphold Stewardship and Accountability
    Your role carries significant responsibility and should not be taken lightly. You are a key contributor to maintaining financial integrity across the institution.
  • Maintain and Apply Financial Expertise
    This role requires that you either possess or actively acquire knowledge of CSU fiscal policies, procedures, and funding rules.
  • Ensure Compliance and Ethical Standards
    Compliance with all CSU financial regulations is essential. Your actions should reflect the highest standards of accountability and ethical stewardship.
  • Support Structural Financial Processes
    Your contributions are a vital part of the university’s financial systems and operational processes, ensuring decisions are sound and well-documented.
  • Align Expenditures with Strategic Goals
    Expenditures should advance the University's mission and fall within the scope of your budget authority. Your review helps ensure that spending aligns with institutional priorities.

Delegation Matrix: Authority Levels & Roles - Stateside 

Level

Example Roles/Position

Authority Limit

1

President; Designated Chief Financial Officer

Unlimited, subject to policy

2

Other Vice Presidents 

Up to $1,000,000

3

Deans, Associate Vice Presidents, Vice Provost

Up to $500,000

4

Management Personnel (MPP) or Academic Equivalent, Department Chairs

Up to $100,000

5

Non-MPP Leads, Fiscal Analysts, or Administrative Support personnel

Up to $5,000

Delegation Matrix: Authority Levels & Roles - Corporation 

Level

Example Roles/Position

Authority Limit

1

President; Designated Chief Financial Officer, Secretary/Treasurer 

Unlimited, subject to policy

2

Associate Executive Director 

Up to $1,000,000

3

Deans, Department Heads 

Up to $500,000

4

PIs/Dept Chairs/Dept Managers

Up to $100,000

5

Admins

Up to $5000

Delegation Matrix: Authority Levels & Roles - Foundation 

Level

Example Roles/Position

Authority Limit

1

President; Designated Chief Financial Officer

Unlimited, subject to policy

2

VPUA

Up to $1,000,000

3

Dept Heads/Director of Financial Aid / Corporation Controller 

Up to $500,000

4

Stateside Management Personnel (MPP) 

Up to $100,000

5

Admins

Up to $5,000

Delegation Matrix: Authority Levels & Roles - Otter Student Union

Level

Example Roles/Position

Authority Limit

1

President; Designated Chief Financial Officer

Unlimited, subject to policy

2

VP EMSA

Up to $1,000,000

3

OSU Director t

Up to $500,000

4

Associate Directors

Up to $100,000

5

Admins

Up to $5,000

Procedural Workflow 

  1. Complete Delegation of Authority [coming soon] form.
  2. For Stateside submit to osi@csumb.edu to add CFS DOA role (CFSCSU_FS_JG_DOA_Approver).
  3. For Auxiliary units submit to ucorp_accounts_payable@csumb.edu
  4. Added by the OSI Department into CFS DOA Module for Stateside.
  5. Added by the Corporation Accounting Department into CFS DOA Module for Auxiliary units. 
  6. Requires overnight sync between CFS & CSUBUY P2P.