Finance Glossary

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  • P-CARD
    Definition:

    University Purchasing Card.

  • PAC
    Definition:

    People@Columbia (also referred to as PeopleSoft system) – The  customized version of PeopleSoft that integrates and processes all Human Resources and Payroll transactions for Columbia University including hire/rehire, salary distribution, additional compensation and cost transfer transactions.

  • PAD
    Definition:

    Payroll Accounting Distribution - breakdown of personnel salary costs as charged across FAS accounts.

  • PAF
    Definition:

    Personnel Action Form - used to convey individual personnel data to HR and Payroll systems.

  • PAT
    Definition:

    Payroll Account Transfer form - used to accomplish payroll specific accounting entries.

  • PC
    Definition:

    Petty Cash - cash held in department for small or emergency purchases.

  • PO
    Definition:

    University Central Purchase Order.

  • Pre-encumbrance
    Definition:

    Part of the budget checking process.  It is the amount you expect to spend, but for which there is no obligation to spend and it is cleared when an encumbrance is created.

  • Project
    Definition:

    First (highest) level at which you can budget and record project activity.

  • Project Life Budget
    Definition:

    A budget that is created for the life of a project, e.g. Sponsored Projects, Capital Projects.

  • Purchasing Key Terms
    Definition:

    Please navigate to the following page.