HomeMy WebLinkAbout14 FIN OPER'S MANUAL 04-03-95Inter-Com
NO. 14
4-3-95
DATE:
MARCH 29, 1995
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
RONALD A. NAULT, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
PROGRESS REPORT ON FINANCE OPERATIONS MANUAL
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and File
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
DISCUSSION:
The City Council has requested a report on the progress the Finance
Department is making on our operations Manuals. First, 'let me
assure you that we have not been operating without the aid of
policy and procedure documentation. We currently have'a thick
three ring binder that contains the department rules and
regulations and individual procedures for the more significant
internal controls within the department. We have been working on
this project with the Audit Committee over the past year and have
been providing them with updates of our progress. We submitted the
draft of the first two sections for their review.
Our objective is to formalize a comprehensive department manual and
provide a desk manual for each operation within the department. We
have completed a duties and responsibilities work sheet for each
position which will be the back bone of the manual. I've attached
a draft of the first two sections of the manual, the Introduction
and Investments. We are targeting all cash activities as our
highest priority.
To properly complete a project of this magnitude it will require
the dedication of a significant amount of staff time. With our
limited staff we expected it to take up to twenty four months to
complete a draft of the full manual. We requested a proposal from
our auditors to assist us in preparing the draft but, I found the
cost to be prohibitive due to the labor involved. The project is
on hold at this time while we recruit to fill the Senior Accountant
position which was recently approved by the City Council.
Page 2
March 31, 1995
Finance Operations Manual Update
The primary responsibility of the new person will be to complete
this project. The tasks involved with the preparation of this
document will immediately expose the new staff member to the
smallest of detail for each function of our department. It will be
a priority for completion as is the direction of both the City
council and the Audit Committee.
Director of Finance
Attachment
RAN: lS/a:operations.wah
Accounfi
City of Tustin
!
olicy and Procedures
ACCOUNTING POLICIES ~RAFT
Introduction
The City of Tustin exists to conduct and manage public .affairs and
provide services to the-public. The City is controlled by legal
provisions in California State statutes, City of Tustin resolutions and
ordinances, and administrative regulations.
Accordingly, the City is required to report its activities and
· operations to citizens and other interested parties. The City's
financial reporting is intended to Provide:
Citizens, taxpayers and governmental agencies with
information useful in assessing the management of the City's
financial resources
Investors and creditors with information useful in making
investment and credit decisions
Elected and appointed'City officials, and Audit Committee
members with information useful in making decisions about.
spending and service-delivery.
In order to meet the information requirements of th'ese parties, the
City has adopted accounting and financial reporting principles
promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
These principles are outlined 'in the National Council of.Governmental
Accounting's Governmental Accountingand Financial Reporting, Statement
1 and subsequent statements issued by the NCGA.
They are embodied in the Municipal Finance Officers Association's
(MFOA) Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting
(GAAFR-1980 Edition).
The basic principles provide a framework in which the City's accounting
and financial reporting system may produce accurate and reliable
financial information in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP). The Statement 1 principles do not represent a
complete and separate body of accounting principles. Rather they are a
part of the whole body of generally accepted accounting principles.
these principles incorporate GAAP as they apply to governmental
accounting and financial reporting.
Accounti~.o ~'olicy and Procedures
City of Tustin
GAAP and Legal Compliance
The City's accounting.system is designed to:
(a) present fairly and with full disclosure the financial position
and results of financial operations Of the funds and account
groups, of the City in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles;
(b) determine and demonstrate compliance with finance-related
legal and contractual provisions.
Generally Accepted Accounting-Principles
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are commonly recognized
standards and guidelines for financial accounting and reporting. They
are promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and
National Council on Governmental Accounting (NCGA)..
GAAP-encompasses conventions, rules and procedures of generally
accepted accounting practice at a particular time. GAAP-also governs
the form and content of basic'financial.statements.'As such, it
provides a uniform framework in which'the City may prepare financial
statements.which will present fairly and with full disclosure the
citY's financial position~and results of operations.
The City prepares and publishes its financial statements in-accordance
with Statement I, which is considered as part of GAAP for state and
local governments in California State.
Legal Requirements
Requirements for the City's accounting and financial reporting are
governed by a combination of federal, state and local 'laws and legal
mandates.
Federal regulations stem primarily from the requirements of grants
(such as block grants,.revenue sharing, etc.). The regulations require
the City demonstrate its compliance with those regulations. '
.State laws are prescribed by the State Legislators. They require the
City.to report its financial position to the State COntroller on an
annual basis.
Local laws are as mandated by City Council resolutions and ordinances.
·
Accounting, _ Olicy and Procedures
City of Tustin
!
GAAP and Legal Compliance
In accordance with Governmental Accounting, Auditing ant Financial
Reponing, neither GAAP nor legal compliance take precedence.'Both are
essential. When legal provisions conflict with GAAP, the City will
prepare the basic financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Any
difference will be disclosed in notes to the financial statements. The
City will also present such supporting schedules, in addition to the
GAAP based financial statements, as may be necessary to clearly report
its legal compliance requirements.
Financial Reporting
The City prepares and publishes financial reports'which present its
financial position and results of operations.
The City's reporting function is twofold:
A monthly basis tosatisfy the management information needs of the
City's elected , appointed officials, and. committees.
An a.nnual basis to satisfy the financial .needs of-interested
parties external to the-City, including the Controller of the
State of California.
-~Interim Reporting
The monthly reports are all computer generated revenue and.expenditure-
summaries and detail are-used:
1) to control current operations;
2) to determine and demonstrate compliance with legal and
budgetary limitation; and
3) to anticipate changes in financial resources and requirements.
Financial statements that reflect current financial positions of each
fund at the end of a month and compare actual financial results with
budgetary estimates are also prepared monthly. The monthly reports are
prepared for internal use only. But are used to prepare published
quarterly reports such as the Mid-Year Budget report.
Account~ ,-o' Policy and Procedures
City of Tustin
~n~ual Financial Reporting
The City prepares and publishes a comprehensive annual financial report
(CAFR) to conform with GAAFR. The CAFR covers all funds and account
groups of the City. It includes all activities considered to be part
of, controlled by, or dependent on the City. The CAFR includes
appropriate combined, combining and individual fund statements,
including balance sheets; notes to the financial statements, 'and'-
.supplementary schedules. The CAFR comprises three major, sections:
· Introduction
· Financial
· Statistical
The City seeks to achieve and maintain a standard of excellence and
comprehensiveness qualifying fora Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate issued by the GFOA
signifies the attainment of an approved level of communication of
financial'.information in the'City's CAFR.
The annual, financial-.report is published by the City in accordance with
statements and principlespromulgated by the Financial Accounting.
Standards Board and-the.National Council of Governmental Accounting..
The financial statements are audited annually by independent auditors.
·
The CAFR is prepared and published by the Finance Department and is
based on the City,s fiscal-year end of June 30.
Accounting. ~/licy and ProcedUres
City of Tustin
Fund Accounting
The City's accounting system is organized and operated on a fund basis.
A fund is defined by Statement I, as a fiscal and accounting entity
with a self-balancing set of accounts. The accounts record cash and
other financial resources, together with all related liabilities and
residual, equities or balances, and changes therein.
The City maintains .the minimum number of funds possible, consistent
with legal and operating requirements and in-accordance with GAAFR.
The establishment and dissolution of funds is approved by either
appropriate administrative or legislative authority.
The City records its activities in individual funds and groups of
accounts to comply with limitations and restrictions placed on both the
resources available to the City and the services provided. Individual
funds and groups of accounts .of the City are classified, below as
defined Governmental Accounting Auditing and Financial Reporting.
Governmental Funds
Governmental funds typically finance most general service functions.
-?
· General Fund (Current Expense) 'to account for. all financial
resources except those required to be accounted for in any other
fund.
· Special Revenue Funds - To account for proceeds of specified
revenue sources (other than special assessments, expendable
trusts, or for major capital projects) legally restricted to
expenditure forspecified purposes (Examples of..these funds are
Gas tax, Park acquisition and development, Asset forfeiture, other
funds restricted for a specific purpose).
· Debt'Service Funds -.To account for accumulation of resources
for, and payment of, general long-term debt principal and interest
and special assesSment debt principal and interest.
M Capital Project Funds - To account for financial resources to
be used for construction or acquisition of major capital
facilities (other than those financed by Proprietary Funds).
Accountt.~ Policy and Procedures
City of Tuslin
I
Proprietary Funds
Proprietary funds are used.to account for the City's ongoing
organizations and activities similar to those found in the private
sector. ' '
· Enterprise Funds - To account for operations that (a) are
normally financed and operated 'in a manner s'imilar to private
business enterprises -~wherethe intent of the governing body is
that costs (expenses, including depreciation) of providing goods
and services to the general public on a continuing basis be
financed or recovered primarily through user charges; or (b) where
the governing body. has decided that periodic determination of
revenues earned, expenses incurred and or net income is
appropriate for.capital,, maintenance, public policy, management
control, accountability or other purposes.
Fiduc~ar~ Funds
Fiduciary Funds are used to account for assets held by a governmental
unit as a trustee oragent for individuals, private organizations, and
for other governmental units.
.
· Trust an4 Agency Funds - To account for assets held by the City
in a trustee capacity or as agent for individuals, private
organizations, other governmental units,-and/or other funds.
Trust and Agency Funds include:
Expendable. Trust Funds - the principal and interest of assets
accounted for in this fund type are .considered expendable
Nonexpendable Trust Funds - the principal of assets accounted
for in this fund are considered nonexpendable
Pension Trust Funds'- a trust fund used to account for public
employee retirement systems
Agency Funds - a fund used to account for assets held by the
City as an agent.
Accounting- oticy.and Procedures
Ci~. of Tu~tin
&ccount Groups
General Fixed Assets Account Group - A self-balancing 'group of
accounts set up to record the general fixed assets acquired
principally for use in the operations of governmental fund types
(General fixed assets include all fixed assets not .accounted for
in proprietary funds or in trust and agency funds).
General Long-Term Debt ~ccount Group - A self-balancinggrouPof
accounts set up to account for the unmatured general long~term
debt of a government (the general long-term debt is that debt .
expected to be repaid from the Governmental Funds and will mature
in more than one year after the date'of issuance).
·
Accountin~ olicy and Procedures
City of Tustin
·
I
Basis of Accounting
One of the most important principles contained in Statement 1 concerns
the "basis of accounting." Basis of accounting refers to that point in
time when revenues, expenditures or expenses (as appropriate), and the
related assets and liabilities are recognized in the accounts and
reported in the financial statements. In other words, the "'basis of
accounting" governs the timing with which the accounting system
recogniz es transactions.
There are three bases of accounti~'~ in common use:
1) cash;
2). accrual; and
3) modified accrual.
Cash Basis - Accounting transactions are recorded only when cash
is received or disbursed.
Accrual Basis - Transactions are recorded when they occur
regardless of the timing of related cash flows. Under this method
revenues are recognized in the accounting period in which they are
earned and, "objectively measurable." The term "objectively
Measurable" means the amount can be accurately determined. Using
the accrual basis of accounting, expenses should be recognized in
· the period, incurred, if "measurable." For an expense to
measurable, the amount 'must be determined. (This is normally when
the invoice is received.)
Modified Accrual Basis - Under the modified accrual basis,
revenues are recognized when they become susceptible to .accrual -
that is when they become both "measurable- and "available" to
finance .expenditures of the current period. Revenues .are
considered "objectively measurable" if the amount can be
reasonably determined. Revenues are considered "available" when
they become physically, available. (i.e. collectible within the
current period or soon enough thereafter to be used to pay
liabilities of the current period.) NCGA Interpretation 3,
"Revenue Recognition - Property Taxes," states that property' taxes
should be rec.ognized as revenue in the period for which they are
levied (budgeted) except that they shall not be recognized unless
they are:
a. Due and receivable within the current, year.
b.
Collected within 'the current year or expected to be collected
:within 30 days after the~ end of the current year:
Ail other revenues are considered "available" by the City of Tust. in if
revenues are expected to be received within 30 days.
Accoun~
city of Tus~
~olicy and Proccdurcs
Under the modified accrual ~asis, governmental fund type (budgetary)
expenditures are generally recognized when the related, fund liability
is incurred. Exceptions to this general rule are:
a.
Inventories of materials and supplies which may be considered
expenditures either when purchased or when used. The City of
Tustin uses the "purchases method." '
bo
Prepaid insurance and similar items which need not be
reported.
C.
d.
Accrual of unpaid vacation in proprietary 'funds. For
governmental funds the accrual is recorded in the General
Long-Term Debt Account Group.
Principal 'and interest on long-term debt which are. generally
recognized when due.
The City of Tustin will employ the two methods of accounting by fund
group as follows:
Accrual Basis in ~overnmental Accounting
'Governmental fund revenues and expenditures are recognized on the
modified accrual basis~
. Revenues. are recognized in the 'acco .u~. ting
period in which they ~ecome available and measurable. Expenditures are
recognized in the accounting period in which .the fund liability is
incurred, if measurable, except for unmatured interest on general
.long-term debt and on special assessment indebtness secured by
interest-bearing special assessment levies (which should be recognized
when due).
PrOprietary fund revenues and expenses are recognized on the accrual
basis. Revenues are recognized in.the .accounting period in which they
are earned-and become measurable; expenses are recognized in .the period
incurred, if measurable.
Fiduciary fund revenues and expenses or expenditures (as appropriate)
are recognized on the basis consistent with the fund's accounting
measurement, focus. Non-expendable Trust and Pension Trust Funds are
accounted for on the accrual basis; Expendable Trust Funds are
accounted for on the modified accrual basis. Agency Fund assets and
liabilities are accounted for on the modified 'accrual basis. Agency
Funds are purely custodial (assets equal liabilities) and thus do not
involve measurement of results of operations (i.e. revenues .and
expenditures or expenses).
Accounti~, ~olicy and Procedure~
City of Tu~tin
Transfers are recognized in the accounting period in which the
interfund receivable and payable arise:
NOTE: The various fund types may be grouped in the following
manner to more clearly portray their relationship' to an accounting
basis:
Spending Measurement Funds - use the modified accrual basis:
Ge.neral Fund .(Current Expense Fund) '-
Special Revenue Funds
Debt Service Funds
Capital Projects Funds
Expendable Trust Funds
Agency Funds
Cost of Services Measurement Funds - use the accrual basis:-
Enterprise Funds
Non-expendable Trust' Funds
Encumbrance Accounting
Encumbrance accounting is an extension of management's control over-the
financial commitments of the City. Encumbrances are an accounting
record of purchase orders, contracts,, etc., which represent commitment
to appropriations which are not yetactual liabilities of the City.
Encumbrances outstanding at~year-end reported as. reservations of fund
balances in governmental funds as. they do not constitute either
expenditures or liabilities. Encumbrance of funds musthave City
Manager approval.
Accountit~_.olicy and Procedures
City of Tustin -.
!
·
Inventorios, F~xod As~et~ and Long-To~n L~ecb~l~t~es
The accounting treatment applied to inventory, fixed assets and
long-term liabilities associated with a fund's operations Varies
depending on the type of fund. The following policies define the City's
treatment.of inventory, fixed assets and long-term liabilities.
~overnmental Fund
In the. financial statements, generally only current assets and
liabilities are'included on the balance sheets. For governmental fund
types, the City will account for these items as follows:
Inventories - are recorded on the' balance sheet as .an asset and are
offset (if significant) by fund balance reserve accounts at year-end,
as they do not represent available spendable resourceS.
Fixed assets - are recorded in the General Fixed Assets Account Group
rather than in the fund's balance sheet (this is to maintain control of
~the general fixed assets without affecting the fund balance; as they do
not represent financial resources available for expenditure.)
Proprietaz7 Fund T~pes
In the financial, statements, all-assets and liabilities (whether
current or non-current) associated with. a fund' s activities are
included in the balance sheet. For the proprietary fund types, the City
accounts for inventories, fixed assets and long-term liabilities as
follows: .
Record as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet of the appropriate
fund. This ensures related revenue and expenses (including
depreciation) are recognized in the appropriate accounting period.
AccountingPolicy and Procedures
City of Tu~tin
Valuation of Inventories and Fixed Assets
The City values fixed assets (whether governmental or proprietary fund
types) at historical cost. If actual historical cost is not available,
estimated historical cost is used. The cost of a fixed asset includes:
(I) the purchase price or construction cost, and (2) any ancillary
charges necessary to Place the aS~%t in its intended location and
condition for use.
Donated .fixed assets are recorded at their estimated, fair value at the
time received. The City does not capitalize public domain or
infrastructure general fixed assets. These include roads, bridges,
curbs and gutters, streets and sidewalks drainage Systems, lighting
systems, and s.~ilar assets that are unmovable and of value only to the
City.
Inventories are established on the basis of a physical inventory and
are recognized as expenditures using the purchases method in
governmental funds and proprietary funds. Under the pUrchases-method,
inventories are recorded as expenditures or expenses when they are
acquired,.regardless of when they are.used. Physical
inventories are
taken periodically, and the inventory balances adjusted to reflect the
results of physical counts. This methodology is used for all funds.
!
Accounti~ .~Olicy and Procedures
City of Tustin
I
Depreciation of Fixed Assets
Depreciation is a systematic allocation of the net cost (original cost
less estimated salvage value) of using an asset over its estimated
useful life. Depreciation is used to allocate the cost of a ~ixed asset
to the appropriate accountingperiod.
The City depreciates all exhaustible fixed assets used by the
proprietary fund types and charges the depreciation as an expense
against the fund's operations. Accumulated depreciation is report on
the fund's balance sheet. No depreciation is provided on the general
fixed assets used by the governmental fund types.
.
.
Classification and Terminolog~
The use Of proper terminology and appropriate classification is
essential throughout the budgeting,, accounting, and financial reporting
process. This is to insure that the entire process is performed on a.
consistent basis and will provide comparable financial reports.
The City will utilize common terminology and uniform classifications
consistently throughout the entire accounting and financial reporting
process. The City will use, to the extent'possible, the suggested
terminology and classification as recommended by Statement 1. A
glossary .of terms used by the NCGAand is an appendix to this manual.
Account~:r~Policy and Procedures
City of Turn
CAFR Reporting Requirements
General Fund
- Comparative Balance Sheet
- Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund BaIance
- Budget and Actual on Non-GAAP (Cash)'Basis
- Comparative Statement of Revenues, Expenditure, and Changes in Fund
Balance -'~
special Revenue Funds
· - Combining Balance Sheet - Combining Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and 'Changes in Fund
BalanCe
- Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance
- Budget and Actual on Non-GAAP Budgetary (Cash) Basis (for each
Fund)
Debt Service Funds
- Combining Balance Sheet
- Combining Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund
Balances
- Statement of Rev~nues,~Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance
- Budget and Actual on Non-GAAP'Budgetary (Cash) Basis (for each
Fund)
Capital Project Funds
- Combining Balance Sheet
- Combining Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in. Fund
Balance
- Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance
- Budget and Actual on Non-GAAP Budgetary (CaSh) Basis (for each
Fund) - Project-Length Schedule of Construction Projects
- All Capital Projects Funds
Enterprise Funds
- combining Balance Sheet
- Combining Statement of Revenue, Expenses and Changes in Retained
Earnings
- Combining Statement of Change in Financial Position - Schedule of
Cash Receipts and Disbursements
- RestriCted Accounts Required by Revenue Bond. Ordinance
.
Accounting _~,licy and Procedures
City of Tustin
Internal Service Funds
- Combining Balance Sheet
- Combining Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Retained
Earnings
- Combining Statement~ of Changes in Financial Position
- Schedule of Cash Receipt and Disbursements
- Restricted Accounts Required by Revenue Bond Ordinance
Trust and Agen~ Funds
- Combining Balance Sheet
- Combining Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Fund
Balances
- Combining Statement of Changes.in Financial Position
General Fixed AsSets Group of Acoounts
-.Schedule of General Fixed Assets by Source
- Schedule of General Fixed Assets by Function and Activity
- Schedule of 'Changes in General Fixed Assets by Function and
Activity '~.~ ,
All Funds
- Combined Balance Sheet
- Combined Statement'of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in .Fund
Balances
- Combined Statement of Revenues,'Expenditures and Changes in Fund
Balances
- Budget and Actual on Non-GAAP (Cash) Basis
- Reports to be provided for CAFR
Note: Combining required.only where there is more than one fund in the
category.
Accounting Policy,and Procedures
DRAFT
SUBJECT: INVESTMENTS
General Objective
The general objective of the investment function is to maximize the
efficiency of the City's Cash Management System and enhance the
economical status of the City while protecting its idle cash.
Responsibility
The Finance Director/City Treasurer is responsible for the
implementation of these procedures and for compliance with the
City's current Investment Policy.
Cash Flow Requirements
The cash flow requirements for all funds of the City that are co-
mingled for investment purposes should be evaluated at least
annually. The adopted budget shall be the basis of each new
analysis. The cash flow analysis will identify possible periods of
idle cash and target maturity periods. The cash flow analysis will
also be used to identify a target balance that will support some
portion of the City's' compensating balances that will offset the
monthly bank account service charge.
Authorized Deposit Accounts and Depositories
As of April 30, 1994, the only authorized accounts and depositories
of the City of Tustin are:
For the General Fund:
Bank of America
South Orange County Regional
Commercial Banking Office 1458
'3233 Park. Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The following, accounts are maintained at Bank of America:
ZBA 08400-80200
Activity Account 08408-80220
Payroll 1458-0-20829
Savings 06948-87099
Workers Comp Trust Account 2346-'8-35032
For Health Benefits:
E1 Dorado Bank, Tustin Office
17752 E. Seventeenth Street
Tustin, CA 92680
Account No. 341020026
Empress Account Deposit: $20,000
Accounting Policy and Procedures
City of Tus-tin
For the Tustin Community Redevelopment Agency:
First Interstate Bank
Tustin Office.
1140 Irvine Boulevard
Tustin, CA 92680
Checking Account
Savings Account
No. 240298000
No. 240342971
Inves~nent Procedures
All investments of City funds not otherwise restricted by bond
indentures, etc., will be governed by the current adopted
Investment Policy of the City. See Exhibit . The City of
Tustin follows the Prudent Man Rule when makinginvestments and all
investment decisions are made using the guidelines of safety,
liquidity and then yield. All investments shall be made on
delivery vs payment basis only. No funds will be directly
transferred to an investment advisor, nor pledged as collateral.
Daily Activity:
le
The Senior Account Clerk will record the previous days banking
activity between 7:30-8:00 a.m..by using on line systems for
each bank. They will report the current balance for each
account to the Finance Director/Treasurer as soon as recorded.
(See attached access instructions for Bank of America and
First Interstate Bank)
·
The Finance Director/Treasurer will compare the balance with
outstanding checks, cash flow requirements, incoming funds,
next warrant run needs, etc. with a predetermined .target bank
balance.
·
If the current balance is in excess of the target balance and
other.cash flow commitments are adequately funded, the Finance
Director/Treasurer can either transfer excess funds to the
State's Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF). Or, if in
accordance with the Investment Policy, capacity is available
for alternative, higher yielding investments, the Finance
Director/Treasurer may contact Broker/Dealers for quotes on
· allowable securities. Care should be taken to analyze the
concentration levels for each type of'security at the time an
investment is made.
·
Between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. is the time to secure
alternative investments. By 9:15 a.m. the decision to
transfer or nOt to transfer to LAIF must be made. By 9:30
a.m. the availability of alternative securities will be
significantly reduced.
Accounting Policy and Procedures
Cily of Tustin
e
Notify LAIF no later than 9:30 a.m.
withdrawals·
for deposits or
Se
The current maximum balance allowed by LAIF is $15 million per
entity. (The general fund and RDA funds are separate entities
each with a $15 million limit)
·
If LAIF is maxed out and an alternative investment cannot be
found, funds should be transferred to the interest bearing
savings account. The savings accounts should.only be used for
short periods until alternative higher yielding options can be
secured or for longer periods for a specific purpose, i.e.,
collateral deposit for RDA working capital loans..
·
·
If an alternative investment is found, delivery vs payment
instructions are given. See Exhibit for specific
instructions based ~on the nature of the security and the
proper banks instructions.
A journal entry must be written for all investment
transactions including, but not limited to, transfers between
savings and checking, transfers between checking account and
LAIF, purchases and sales of securities, receipt of principal
and interest.
10. All daily investment activity must be recorded on the monthly
investment report. The detail should be made on the working
copy of the previous months report and summarized at month end
for the current months report. See exhibit .
Weekly Activity:
Friday morning (Or Thursday morning due to modified work schedule):
·
.Review warrant demand list with accounts payable to determine
total dollar amount and if any large checks are being picked
up by vendors. (Every other Friday ~the net payroll must be
added to the warrant demand list to determine appropriate
balance. There is zero float on direct deposit payroll.)
·
Checks must be signed (over $3,000 requires manuaI signature)
and mailed by 4:30 p.m.
·
Complete the check log for specific activity. Note: Separate
check log for payroll., direct deposit and regular; general
warrants and RDA. The check log is to aid in keeping proper
inventory of all checks issued, voided, returned, etc. Care
should be taken to ensure that checks are used sequentially
and all checks are accounted for. A random physical inventory
Accoun~.~ Policy and Procedures
·
of remaining check stock will be conducted by the Sr. Account
Clerk at least twice a year.
General warrants are issued weekly; payroll is every Other
week and RDA Warrants are issued every other week opposite of
the payroll schedule.
·
Ail on going investment activity such as interest checks;
credit advices; purchase information, etc., shall go directly
to the Sr. Account Clerk for review. They will identify,
initial and forward to the Finance Director.
Se
A minimum cash balance only should be left in the checking
account at any one time, especially long holiday weekends.
The necessary balance can be determined by analyzing the
outstanding checks~
Monthly:
·
Both the General and RDA investment activity, sales,
purchases, P and I income, etc., must be booked via journal
entry and reflected on the current months investment report.
The current months activity must be recorded in each
investment file. Acknowledgement of monthly investment
activity will be identified on bank statements ~nd supported
by either a credit advice or the banks safekeeping report.
The safekeeping reports provide all the detail necessary to
properly book the individual monthly investment activity. The
RDA account at First Interstate Bank does not send credit
advices during the month. You must use the safekeeping
report.
Bank of america generally sends out credit advices for
principal payments only. But, they are not consistent. The
safekeeping report should always be reviewed for additional
activity.
·
A separate journal entry should be prepared for each'
individual investment activity as recorded in the bank
statement/safekeeping report.
A copy of each journal should also be placed in the
appropriate investment folder. Use the lotus program, CALC P
& I.wk3, to expedite the calculations. (The program is self
explanatory and easy to follow).
·
Accounting Policy and Procedures
Cily of Tustin
!
The current months investment report must be updated. Each
investment identified in the report must reconcile to the sub
ledger maintained in the individual investment folders.
Activity for LAIF; OCIP; Savings Account; Money Market
Accounts and GIC's will be provided by separate statements.
This activity should also be recorded by journal entry and
reflected on the Investment Report.
·
A draft Investment Report is prepared and given to the Sr.
Account Clerk (Cindy, Lynn) for reconciliation with the
general ledger. The draft report should reflect all the
investment activity for the month.
®
Both safekeeping reports from Bank of America and First
Interstate Bank provide current estimated market values for
the securities they are holding. Use this information to
update the current market values in the Investment Report,
Once the Investment Report has been reconciled with the
general ledger, make necessary corrections, print-and sign a
clean copy. Send the original to the City Manager for the
next Council meeting agenda, and file one copy in the current
investment file.
Annually:
The City's Investment Policy should be reviewed by the City's Audit
Committee at least annually. The Treasurer should provide input to
the Audit Committee during the annual review. But, it is the'
responsibility of the Treasurer to bring concerns regarding the
investment policy to the Audit Committee at any time, not just
during the annual review.
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