Current Program

The Business Office collects all fees, disburses checks, audits and processes purchase documents for payments to vendors, audits other departments, processes accounts payable and receivables, and processes and maintains accounting documents and records for the college, the Foundation and the Associated Student Organization. In recent years several factors have affected operations in the department, including the increasing use of computers, the decentralization of many district office functions and the change to a year-round schedule of classes. The new S.A.P. program will result in adjustments to many of the current procedures.

Personnel - The Business Office is headed by a college fiscal administrator and has 11 full-time classified employees, three seasonal part-time classified employees and five student workers. An increase in the number of student questions and problems is using more staff time than ever before.

Equipment - Five computers were replaced last year. Computer replacement has been ongoing and will continue. Three typewriters and two printers in the department need to be replaced.

Facilities - The Business Office is located on the first floor of the K Building, with the Accounting function on the second floor of the same building. At this time the size of the office spaces is adequate. There is no security in place for personnel or equipment in the Accounting area.

Future Program

The Business Office will likely see additional responsibilities added to its workload in coming years as new computer programs such as S.A.P. come online, more transactions occur and more financial accountability is required.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Equipment - In addition to replacing typewriters, computers and printers, a copy machine, a coin sorter and a scanner will be needed in the office. Within five years it is anticipated that the office's 14 computers and seven printers will need to be replaced. Several chairs and computer work stations also will need to be replaced.

Facilities - Accounting should be in a location adjacent to the main Business Office on the same floor, close to Admissions and Records, Financial Aid and the Bookstore. An all-in-one location would help provide security.
Counters should be made accessible to disabled students. There is some need for additional storage area for files and reports.

Staff Development - Training in various software applications would be useful to staff. Also an occasional basic overview of all department functions and locations would help staff direct students and transfer phone calls to appropriate departments and services.