Accounting Procedures Handbook

2 LEGAL AUTHORITY I. OVERVIEW The primary purpose of this manual is to provide Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE or Board) personnel with important source reference information regarding statutes, regulations, policies and procedures needed to promote compliance (as applicable) with the mandates and requirements of the: • Federal Government; and • Maryland State Board of Education (MSDE) • Wicomico County Board of Education Policies It is our hope that the administrative and financial information contained in this manual will become a valuable resource for auditors, Board Members, Business Support Services Department staff members, and other school administrators and stakeholders. While much of this material may already exist somewhere in local district files, this manual may serve as a central “file server” to be accessed as the need arises. The reader is encouraged to review the subject matter contained herein and offer suggestions for improving its contents including expansion of topics. The manual represents the contributions of all Business Support Services Department staff members. It consists of a variety of topics including but not limited to internal control, chart of accounts, budget process, fund accounting, grants, procurement (purchasing), accounts payable, payroll, etc. Refer to the Table of Contents (TOC) for an outline of all major topics (broken down by Section) included in the manual. Each major topic (section) covered in the manual (as highlighted on the TOC) is further broken down into sub-sections or sub-topics. The manual is not intended to be a repository of each and every detailed procedure or step performed by Board / Business Support Services Department personnel; that would not be reasonable or cost effective. Rather the manual is intended to provide personnel and other independent readers with a foundational reference resource outlining the major functions and processes primarily controlled by or impacting the Business Support Services Department and key operational activities / steps related thereto. For additional procedural details about any of the areas, processes, functions, etc. noted in this manual, please contact the responsible manager in charge or the Comptroller. The structure of financial accountability for the Board of Education is determined by several references in the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). The Annotated Code of Maryland, ED, §5-101 establishes the budget categories and references the Financial Reporting Manual for Maryland Public Schools as the source for identifying additional budgetary details which the county fiscal authorities may request of the county board. ED, §2-205 requires the State Board of Education to adopt bylaws, rules and regulations that govern the administration of the public school systems in Maryland and empowers the State