All Financial Institution Accounts, as defined, must be authorized by the University Treasurer and managed in accordance with this policy. In cases where expediency or fiscal prudence warrants a deviation from this policy, one may be granted by the University Treasurer.

Program Description:

1. Authorization for Opening and Closing Financial Institution Accounts:
   A Financial Institution Account, as defined, may be opened, maintained or closed only by authorization of the University Treasurer. All such accounts must have the University's Tax Identification Number and the name “Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia,” "University of Virginia," or “UVa” in its title. External entities (e.g., student groups, brokerages, etc.) are prohibited from using the University’s Tax Identification Number on accounts unless authorized by the University. Requests to open, close, or modify Financial Institution Accounts must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Treasurer.

2. Management of Financial Institution Accounts:
   Separation of duties between employees is required for management of Financial Institution Accounts. The division of responsibilities assists the University in preventing fraudulent transactions and identifying any errors so they can be corrected in a timely manner. An individual assigned by a responsible official to reconcile a Financial Institution Account shall not be the same individual who is authorized to transact on the Financial Institution Account. An approver, separate from the reconciler, is responsible for verifying the legitimacy, appropriateness, and necessity of any transactions and for reviewing and signing off on the reconciliations. A comprehensive reconciliation of all Financial Institution Accounts must be performed within the guidelines of Policy FIN-023: Reconciling Departmental Accounting Records.

   A department head should assign a responsible individual to each University Financial Institution Account for the purposes of:

   • Monitoring compliance with University policies and procedures.
   • Adequately segregating duties in the administration of the account.
   • Providing timely reconciliation of accounts.
   • Monitoring the continued need and appropriate structure for such accounts.
   • Taking other oversight actions as appropriate.

   1. Authorized Signors: All authorized signers on Financial Institution Accounts must be employees of the University. The signers for such accounts must be approved by the University Treasurer or the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (VP & CFO). Except as permitted by the Office of the Treasurer, the VP & CFO and/or the University Treasurer must be an authorized signor on each Financial Institution Account.

   2. General Ledger: All activity related to Financial Institution Accounts, such as deposits, disbursements, and transfers to other accounts, should generally be recorded by the originating department in the University's official accounting records within one business day.

3. Bank or Other Financial Institution Accounts Maintained by Related Entities:
   Financial Institution Accounts established and maintained for the purpose of student groups, alumni groups, employee-sponsored social events and other purposes not directly associated with University business do not normally constitute funds of the University. Accordingly, related entities and individuals who maintain such accounts may not:

   • Use the University's Tax Identification Number on such accounts.
   • Deposit funds made payable to, or intended for, the University of Virginia, regardless of payee name, into such account.
   • Present themselves as University employees or agents of the University.
   • Use the University of Virginia name without approval from the University Treasurer.

4. Establishment and Management of ATM Machines on Grounds:
   The installation or removal of an ATM machine on Grounds needs to have the authorization and approval of the University Treasurer.

5. Responsibilities:
   The Office of the Treasurer is responsible for issuing and maintaining policies and procedures governing the establishment and management of Financial Institution Accounts.

   The Comptroller's Office is responsible for conducting and/or reviewing the reconciliation of Financial Institution Accounts.

   University units, including all faculty, staff and students are responsible for:

   • Using Financial Institution Accounts only for legitimate and allowable business purposes.
   • Promptly depositing University funds into a properly approved Financial Institution Account.
   • Notifying the Office of the Treasurer any time a Financial Institution Account is needed for University-related deposits.
   • Obtaining authorization from the Office of the Treasurer before distributing banking information to external parties.

6. Compliance with Policy:
   Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with relevant University policies.

   Questions about this policy should be directed to the Office of the Treasurer.