3013.4 How to Become a Purchasing Card Site Manager Procedure

How to become a Purchasing Card Site Manager Procedure

Procedure #3013.4; Rev.: 0 (Effective May 8, 2017)
Related Policy: UW-3013 Purchasing Card Policy
Functional Owner: Accounting Services, Division of Business Services
Contact: Purchasing Card Program Manager: (608) 262-3300, meghann.grove@wisc.edu

Download 3013.4 How to Become a Purchasing Card Site Manager Procedure (PDF)


Contents

I. Procedure statement
II. Who is affected by this procedure
III. Procedure
IV. Contact roles and responsibilities
V. Definitions
VI. Related references
VII. Revisions


I. Procedure statement

The UW–Madison Purchasing Card Program is designed to expedite the purchasing process and reduce the costs associated with processing low-dollar, best-judgment purchases. The site manager is the individual responsible for managing purchasing cards at the departmental or divisional level. This procedure provides specific instructions on how to become a site manager.


II. Who is affected by this procedure

Site managers; department chairs; Divisional Business Office staff; Division of Business Services, Accounting Services staff; the Division of Business Services Purchasing Card Program Manager.


III. Procedure

A. The department’s administrative staff and the respective Divisional Business Office identify:

  1. An employee who will be assigned the site manager responsibilities.
  2. The Department ID range the site manager will support.

B. The identified site manager completes the Purchasing Card Site Manager Agreement and routes it to the department chair for approval.

C. The department chair reviews and approves the Purchasing Card Site Manager Agreement and routes it to the Divisional Business Office for approval.

D. The Divisional Business Office reviews and approves the Purchasing Card Site Manager Agreement, updates the Purchasing Card Approver Assignment Grid, and routes the agreement and grid to the Purchasing Card Program Manager for processing.

Note: To obtain a copy of the current Purchasing Card Approver Assignment Grid, contact the Purchasing Program Manager.

E. The identified site manager registers for and attends required purchasing card training sessions.  The Purchasing Card Program Manager verifies training completion, assigns the new site manager to the requested Department ID range in the Purchasing Card Module of the Shared Financial System, and adds the individual to the Site Manager Email Distribution List.

F. The Purchasing Card Program Manager emails confirmation to the new site manager.


IV. Contact roles and responsibilities

  • Departmental staff/Divisional Business Office staff: responsible for identification and approval of the site manager.
  • Purchasing Card Program Manager: responsible for ensuring the site manager is trained and assigning the site manager role.
  • Site manager: responsible for submitting the Purchasing Card Site Manager Form, attending required purchasing card training, reviewing all card activity, and acting as the liaison between cardholders and the Purchasing Card Program Office.

V. Definitions

  • Purchasing Card Program Module: Module of the Shared Financial System (SFS) used to reconcile purchasing card transactions; also, the system of record for all purchasing card supporting documentation and reconciliation approvals.
  • Site manager: the individual responsible for managing purchasing cards at the departmental or divisional level.

VI. Related References


VII. Revisions

Procedure Number 3013.4
Date Approved May 8, 2017
Revision Dates January 19, 2021 – Updated Procedure Number to 3013.4 from 300.4
December 11, 2021 – Purchasing Card Module implementation

3013.3 Purchasing Card Deactivation Procedure

Purchasing Card Deactivation Procedure

Procedure #3013.3; Rev. 0 (Effective May 8, 2017)
Related Policy: UW-3013 Purchasing Card Policy
Functional Owner: Accounting Services, Division of Business Services
Contact: Purchasing Card Program Manager: (608) 262-3300, meghann.grove@wisc.edu

Download 3013.3 Purchasing Card Deactivation Procedure (PDF)


Contents

I. Procedure statement
II. Who is affected by this procedure
III. Procedure
IV. Contact roles and responsibilities
V. Definitions
VI. Related references
VII. Revisions


I. Procedure statement

Deactivation of a purchasing card should be initiated by the cardholder or site manager prior to the cardholder’s last day of employment with the sponsoring department. The Purchasing Card Program Manager initiates the deactivation of a card when an employee transfers from a sponsoring department without notification, an account is identified as idle (and not designated for emergency purposes), or because of negligent use identified through auditing or monitoring. Details are outlined below.


II. Who is affected by this procedure

Employees who are assigned a purchasing card; site managers; Divisional Business Office staff; the Division of Business Services Purchasing Card Program Manager.


III. Procedure

A. Deactivation initiated by cardholder or site manager

  1. The cardholder or site manager fills out an Account Update Request Form and submits it for approval to the Divisional Business Office prior to the cardholder’s last day of employment with the sponsoring department (if the cardholder fills out the form, he or she must obtain the site manager’s signature before submitting the form to the Divisional Business Office). The cardholder or site manager destroys the card.
    Note: Under no circumstances should the department continue to use the card after the cardholder’s departure.
  2. The Divisional Business Office routes the form to the Purchasing Card Program Manager who deactivates the card and documents the card cancellation.

B. Deactivation initiated by Purchasing Card Program Manager

The Purchasing Card Program Manager:

  1. Monitors weekly query to identify employees who are no longer UW–Madison employees.
  2. Runs a monthly query to identify idle accounts (e.g., a card has not been used in over 12 months) where no justification has been provided for keeping the card activated.
    Note: This excludes cards designated for emergency purposes as part of the campus Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
  3. Oversees regular audit and monitoring activities.

IV. Contact roles and responsibilities

  • Cardholder: responsible for completing (including obtaining the site manager signature) and submitting an Account Update Request Form and destroying the card.
  • Site manager: responsible for signing the Account Update Request Form and routing it to the Divisional Business Office (also responsible for completing the form and destroying the card if the cardholder fails to do so prior to the last day of employment with the sponsoring department).
  • Divisional Business Office: responsible for signing the Account Update Request Form and routing it to the Purchasing Card Program Manager.
  • Purchasing Card Program Manager: responsible for deactivating the card, monitoring OHR reports, running a monthly query for card activity, and retaining documentation.

V. Definitions

  • Cardholder: the UW–Madison employee whose name appears on a purchasing card and who is responsible for all purchases made with that card.
  • Deactivation: a change in account status that forces all authorization requests to decline.
  • Idle account: an account that has not been used for a minimum of 12 months.
  • Purchasing Card Program Manager: responsible for deactivating the card, monitoring management queries, and retaining supporting documentation of account maintenance.
  • Site manager: the individual responsible for managing the purchasing cards for a department or division.

VI. Related references


VII. Revisions

Procedure Number 3013.3
Date Approved May 8, 2017
Revision Dates January 19, 2021 – Updated Procedure Number to 3013.3 from 300.3
December 11, 2021 – Purchasing Card Module implementation

3013.2 Purchasing Card Use and Account Management Procedure

Purchasing Card Use and Account Management Procedure

Procedure #3013.2; Rev.: 1 (Effective May 8, 2017)
Related Policy: UW-3013 Purchasing Card Policy
Functional Owner: Accounting Services, Division of Business Services
Contact: Purchasing Card Program Administrator: (608) 262-3300, meghann.grove@wisc.edu

Download 3013.2 Purchasing Card Use and Account Management Procedure (PDF)


Contents

  1. Procedure statement
  2. Who is affected by this procedure
  3. Procedure
  4. Contact roles and responsibilities
  5. Definitions
  6. Related references
  7. Revisions

I. Procedure statement

The UW–Madison purchasing card is for UW–Madison business purchases only. There are specific procedures that govern its use, including those for working with vendors, obtaining appropriate supporting documentation, handling returns, reviewing transactions, and generally managing the purchasing card account.

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II. Who is affected by this procedure

Employees who are assigned a purchasing card; site managers; Divisional Business Office staff; the Division of Business Services Purchasing Card Program Administrators; Purchasing Services staff.

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III. Procedure

  1. Things to consider before using a purchasing card – In many cases, the purchasing card may not be the best or most appropriate method of payment. The cardholder should consider the following before making a purchase with the card:
    1. Card limits: Know the limits for the card. The cycle credit limit and single purchase limit can be obtained from the Purchasing Card Program Administrator. Do not exceed the single purchase limit by splitting purchasing transactions.
    2. Best-judgment purchase limit: The best-judgment purchase limit at UW-Madison is $5,000. Purchases exceeding the best-judgment purchase limit must be coordinated through UW–Madison Purchasing Services. The purchasing card may not be used to make purchases that exceed this limit.
    3. Contracted vendors: Use the Purchasing Services contract vendor directory to identify contracted vendors and negotiated discount pricing. Purchases from non-contracted vendors may require additional justification. Contact Purchasing Services.
    4. ShopUW+: Whenever possible, purchase items from UW–Madison’s contracted vendors via ShopUW+. At times, individual items may be less expensive not using ShopUW+, however; the discount we receive for all UW–Madison’s purchases is based on our spend volume. By purchasing from non-contracted buyers, there is potential to reduce our future overall discounts, which would have a greater negative financial impact than the savings on individual items. As such, it is important to check the online supplier catalogues for the item(s) needed prior to using the purchasing card with a non-contracted vendor. Using ShopUW+ guarantees contract pricing and tax exemption. More information can be found at ShopUW+ Essentials.
    5. Vendor’s eligibility to do business with UW–Madison: A vendor’s eligibility to do business with UW–Madison is contingent upon its compliance with state statutes. Several vendors have been deemed ineligible by the State of Wisconsin because they are not compliant with our state tax laws or affirmative action employment requirements. The cardholder must not conduct business with vendors on either of the ineligible vendor lists.
    6. Alternate methods of making internal purchases: While many internal vendors (e.g., campus catering, campus libraries, campus printing services) accept payments by credit card, the purchasing card should not be used for purchases between UW–Madison units. Vendors pay a transaction fee for all purchases made with a credit card. Departments should instead use the Interdepartmental Billing Form or other internal billing method for payments greater than $100 to other campus units in order to avoid these credit card processing fees. Internal payments of $100 or less made on the purchasing card will not be identified as non-compliance, but are still subject to other program policies.
    7. Purchases that require special approval or special handling: Some products and services require special approval or special handling and may not be purchased without adhering to requirements found in UW-3043 Exceptions/Approvals/Special Handling Policy.
    8. Frequently questioned purchases: For additional information on items or services allowed to be purchased with the purchasing card, refer to the list of Frequently Questioned Purchases. Some of the items on this list are allowable and some are not. Read the whole explanation before determining if the card can be used.
  2. Making a purchase:
    1. Determine the appropriate vendor for the materials or services needed. See section A, 3-5.
    2. Provide the purchasing card information to the vendor (e.g., account number, expiration date, Card Verification Value [CVV] number).
    3. For the “Bill to” address, provide the vendor with the address currently on file with U.S. Bank (typically, as submitted on the card application). Do not use generic campus addresses (e.g., 21 N. Park Street).
    4. For the “Ship to” address (if the purchase requires a shipment of materials), provide a campus address. If the purchase must be shipped off campus (e.g., shipping to a remote work location), the cardholder must provide a reasonable justification in the supporting documentation.
    5. Provide the vendor with the appropriate tax-exempt information. (Note: UW–Madison is exempt from state sales and use tax for purchases made from vendors in Wisconsin and in other states with which we have tax treaties.) If sales tax is paid in error in an amount greater than $25, contact the vendor to obtain a refund. Document the date and action taken on the supporting documentation for the charge.
    6. Ask whether the vendor offers educational or governmental rates or discounts.
    7. Obtain required vendor documentation or receipts for all transactions regardless of the dollar amount. Required vendor documentation includes at least one of the following:
      1. Invoice (a packing slip is acceptable if an invoice is unavailable)
      2. Confirmation screenshot or email
      3. Itemized cash register receipt
      4. Registration form with pricing detail
      5. Service agreement with pricing detail

      Note: If supporting documentation has been lost or destroyed, contact the vendor for a copy. If a copy cannot be obtained from the vendor, complete a Missing Receipt Form.

    8. Obtain other supporting documentation, when required:
      1. For documentation requirements for travel: see the travel section of the Business Services policies and procedures list.
      2. For documentation requirements for business meals and events: see UW-3039 Business Meals Policy.
      3. For documentation requirements for gift cards: see UW-3027 Gift Card Policy.
    9. Ensure appropriate receipt of materials and services and follow up with vendors to resolve any discrepancies.
  3. Returning or requesting a refund for goods or services: When returning an item or requesting a credit for services bought with the purchasing card, the cardholder should request the credit be issued to the card used for the purchase. Cardholders may not accept a refund in cash or in-store credit to be used for another purchase. Since no new authorization is required, credits may be posted to closed purchasing card accounts.
    1. Note: If the original purchase was coded to a capital equipment account code (series 46XX), contact property@bussvc.wisc.edu and the Department Property Administrator (DPA).
  4. Transaction reconciliation: Purchasing card transactions are reconciled in the Shared Financial System (SFS). Transactions are loaded into SFS daily and can be reconciled daily.  Transactions must be reconciled within 30 days of the transaction posting date.  Detailed instructions are available in the Purchasing Card Reconciler Business Process Guide (PDF). See below for a summary of the purchasing card transaction reconciliation process.
    1. Purchasing cardholders receive an email notification from SFS when a transaction(s) has posted to their account.
    2. Cardholders are required to provide a business purpose and supporting documentation for each transaction prior to finalizing their verification.
    3. Cardholders may allocate the transaction(s) to more appropriate funding than their default funding source.
    4. Cardholders verify the transaction(s) and notify the Approver (site manager) and transactions are ready for review.
  5. Unique considerations during transaction reconciliation: Some transactions require additional information/supporting documentation to adhere to policy.
    1. Capital equipment fabrication materials: Capital equipment components and materials for capital equipment fabrications must be reported to UW–Madison Property Control. Allocate the expenses to Account Code 4670 and reference the appropriate Asset ID number within the documented business purpose. Contact the Department Property Administrator (DPA) or property@bussvc.wisc.edu if you have questions.
    2. Relocation expenses: When reconciling an expense related to employee relocation (e.g., moving costs, airfare, temporary lodging), for tax reporting purposes, the transaction must be allocated to account codes 2880, 2881, or 2883 and the new employee’s Employee ID must be entered in the “Comment” section.
    3. Fraudulent/disputed transactions: Fraudulent/disputed transactions must be reconciled the same as any other purchasing card transactions. It is recommended the fraudulent/disputed transaction be left on the purchasing card account’s default funding string to eliminate additional allocation requirements once the expected, subsequent credits post to the account. Supporting documentation and a documented business purpose are required. Cardholders may attach any relevant supporting documentation or simply create an attachment acknowledging the fraudulent/disputed transaction and any actions taken. The business purpose can be used to identify the transaction as fraudulent or disputed and to document any other pertinent information the cardholder has about the situation.
    4.  Note: See Section III.H below for procedural steps to address unrecognizable transactions.
  6. Assigning a proxy reconciler: Purchasing cardholders may request to add a Proxy Reconciler to their profile in the Purchasing Card Module to assist in transaction reconciliation. The Proxy can provide the business purpose(s) and supporting documentation and allocate the transaction(s); however, the cardholder is ultimately responsible for verification of each transaction. Proxy Reconcilers must be university employees.  Add or remove a Proxy Reconciler by completing and submitting the Account Update Request Form.
  7. Timeliness of Purchasing Card transaction reconciliation: Cardholders and site managers are required to reconcile transactions within 30 days of the transaction posting date.
    1. If a cardholder has a purchasing card transaction that is not fully approved after 15 days, an automated email reminding the cardholder of the pending transaction will be sent. Emails will continue to send daily until the transaction is fully approved or “system-closed”, including those transactions previously verified by the cardholder, but have not been approved by the site manager. Site managers do not receive reminder emails; therefore, it is the cardholder’s responsibility to either forward the email to their site manager or utilize the Notify Approver(s) button on the Reconcile Statement page of the Purchasing Card module.
    2. After 30 days, a process will run to “System Close” any purchasing card transactions that have not been fully approved and transfer the transaction(s) to WISER. “System-Closed” transactions will be tracked by the Purchasing Card Program Administrator and treated as non-compliance. Compliance measures will be taken for repeat offenders.
    3. Cardholders and site managers are required to complete the reconciliation process and provide the required receipts and supporting documentation for “System-Closed” transactions.
      1. The Purchasing Card Program Administrator notifies the cardholder, site manager, and Divisional Business Office of “System-Closed” transactions. The email notification includes the Purchasing Card Post-System Close Reconciliation Form referencing the details of the “System-Closed” transaction. The following steps must be completed within 14 days of receipt of this form.
      2. The cardholder provides a justification for missing the reconciliation deadline and signs the form, acknowledging the policy requirement. The cardholder provides the required business purpose and supporting documentation for the “System-Closed” transaction in the Purchasing Card module. The cardholder forwards the form to the site manager via email.
      3. The site manager provides a justification for missing the reconciliation deadline, reviews the provided supporting documentation and business purpose in the Purchasing Card module, and attaches the form to the “System-Closed” transaction in the Purchasing Card module.
      4. The Purchasing Card Program Administrator reviews the “System-Closed” transaction to verify reconciliation is complete within 14 days.
  8. Following up on unrecognizable or disputed transactions: It is the cardholder’s responsibility to follow up on any unrecognizable transactions that post to the account. To do this, the cardholder must first determine if business has been conducted with the vendor in the past:
    1. If yes, the cardholder should contact the vendor to see if they are able to explain the charge or clear up any discrepancies. If the vendor is unwilling or unable to rectify the situation, the cardholder must file a dispute through U.S. Bank by contacting U.S. Bank Customer Service at (800) 344-5696. The disputed amount(s) will be credited back to the cardholder’s account on a subsequent statement.
      1. Note: Per U.S. Bank, transactions must be disputed within 90 days of the transaction date.
    2. If no, the cardholder must contact the U.S. Bank Fraud Investigation Unit at (800) 523-9078. The bank will initiate a fraud claim and send a fraud form to be completed by the cardholder. The fraudulent amount(s) will be credited back to the cardholder’s account, the account will be closed, a new account will be opened, and a new card will be sent directly to the cardholder.
      1. Note: Per U.S. Bank, fraud must be disputed within 60 days of the transaction date.
    3. See section III.E.3. for procedural steps to reconcile fraudulent/disputed transactions.
  9. Updating account information: To update account information (e.g., demographic information, credit limits, default funding), the cardholder must complete the Account Update Request Form, obtain the appropriate approvals, and route the form to the Purchasing Card Program Office.
    1. Note: Cards cannot be transferred from one individual to another or from one department to another (e.g., in the event of an employee transfer).
  10. Renewing a purchasing card: Purchasing cards automatically renew every four years provided the cardholder has successfully completed required annual refresher training. Renewed cards are mailed directly to the cardholder at the address on file at U.S. Bank, at the end of the month prior to expiration. Cards remain active until the end of the month in which they expire.
  11. Warning and card revocation: If, as a result of an audit or monitoring, a transaction is found to violate UW-Madison Purchasing Card Policy or Procedures, the following will occur:
    1. If the cardholder has not had a violation within the previous one-year period, the cardholder will receive a written warning from the Purchasing Card Program Administrator. A copy of the written warning will also be sent to the site manager, the divisional Chief Financial Officer, the Controller/Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business Services. The written warning will remain on file in the Purchasing Card Program Office for one year. One year from the date of the communication, the warning will be expunged.
    2. If the cardholder has two violations within a one-year period, all purchasing cards issued to the cardholder will be revoked. After one year, the employee may reapply for a purchasing card. If the application is approved, the employee will be required to attend purchasing card training. During the one-year revocation period, the former cardholder is ineligible for all roles associated with the purchasing card program, including being an authorized user of a Department Purchasing Card or serving as a purchasing card site manager.

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IV. Contact roles and responsibilities

  • Cardholder: responsible for complying with purchasing card policy and procedures and managing the purchasing card account.
  • Site manager: responsible for reviewing all assigned card activity and serving as the liaison between cardholders and the Purchasing Card Program Administrator.
  • Purchasing Card Program Administrator: responsible for overseeing the Purchasing Card Program at the campus level, providing training and resources for cardholders and site managers, and collaborating with campus leadership and program stakeholders to continuously review and improve the program.

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V. Definitions

  • Department Property Administrator (DPA): an individual in a department or division who serves as the liaison between that department or division and Property Control for all matters regarding capital equipment.
  • ShopUW+: a ShopUW+ is an efficient way to make business purchases and carries commonly used items such as lab supplies, office supplies, computer hardware, and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) supplies.
  • Site manager: the individual who manages purchasing cards at the departmental level. The site manager is responsible for reviewing all card activity and acting as the main communication link between cardholders and the Purchasing Card Program Office. Cardholders who are unsure who their site manager is should contact pcard@bussvc.wisc.edu.

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VI. Related References

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VII. Revisions

Procedure Number 3013.2
Date Approved May 8, 2017
Revision Dates July 13, 2018 – Updated deadlines for filing disputes and claiming fraud
August 14, 2019 – Updated links due to Business Services web redesign.
August 15, 2019 – Added procedure for requesting sales tax refund (previously noted in Procedure 300.5).
September 20, 2019 – Updated Warning/Revocation section to include ineligibility for use of Department Card and site manager role if purchasing card is revoked
July 9, 2020 – Increased tax tolerance level from $5 to $25; decreased warning life from two years to one year
January 19, 2021 – Updated Procedure Number to 3013.2 from 300.2
December 11, 2021 – Update procedure to reflect SFS – Purchasing Card Module implement
September 8, 2022 – General review and updates
March 8, 2023 – Additional clarification added re: alternate methods of making internal purchases

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3013.1 Purchasing Card Application, Activation, and Registration Procedure

Purchasing Card Application, Activation and Registration Procedure

Procedure # 3013.1; Rev. 3 (Effective May 8, 2017)
Related Policy: UW-3013 Purchasing Card Policy
Functional Owner: Travel and Card Team, Division of Business Services
Contact: Credit Card Program Manager: (608) 262-3300, meghann.grove@wisc.edu


Contents

  1. Procedure statement
  2. Who is affected by this procedure
  3. Procedure
  4. Contact roles and responsibilities
  5. Definitions
  6. Related references
  7. Revisions

I. Procedure statement

UW–Madison Travel and Card Team in the Division of Business Services administers a purchasing card program supported by supported by U.S. Bank. The card program includes a standard purchasing card and a department purchasing card. Both card types are sponsored by the employing department and authorized for use for UW–Madison business only. To obtain either type of purchasing card, an employee must submit the Purchasing Card Request form and complete mandatory training. All applications are subject to approval from the applicant’s HR Manager, their Cost Center Manager, their Divisional Expense Operations Lead, and a Credit Card Administrator. After receiving a purchasing card, the employee must activate the card. Details are outlined below.

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II. Who is affected by this procedure

Employees who apply for purchasing cards; managers, Cost Center Managers, Expense Operations Leads; Division of Business Services Credit Card Administrators.

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III. Procedure

  1. Card application: Applications for purchasing cards must be completed and submitted by an applicant via the Purchasing Card Request, an electronic questionnaire available in Workday. The form is populated with information entered by the employee and imported from the employee’s Workday profile. It is recommended employees review their Workday profile prior to accessing the request form and make any necessary updates to their personal information.
    1. Login to Workday.
    2. Click on the Profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen (looks like a person silhouette):
      1. Red arrow points to the "Profile" icon in the Workday toolbar. Upper right corner of the toolbar, indicated by a simplified line drawing of a person's silhouette.
    3. Click the View Profile button.
    4. Review your name in the red panel on the left. Click the Contact link to review your contact information. If this information requires updates, click the Edit button at the top of the page and make the required changes. If the information is current, proceed to the next step.
    5. In the Workday Search bar, enter “Create Request”. Click on the resulting task.
    6. In the Request Type field, enter “Purchasing Card” then hit the Enter key.
    7. Select Purchasing Card Request from the resulting list and click OK.
    8. Review the header-level instructions.
    9. In the Describe the Request field, provide a brief description of what the requested card will be used for.
    10. 10. In the Type of Card section, select the preferred card type.
      1. If selecting a Department Purchasing Card, enter the Department Name to be embossed on the card.
    11. Complete the Name on Credit Card section.
    12. Provide a Cycle Limit based on your purchasing needs.
    13. Provide a Single Purchase Limit based on your purchasing needs.
    14. Enter a 10-digit phone number.
    15. Select an address for card delivery and billing purposes.
    16. Read the Purchasing Card Agreement and acknowledge your agreement by typing your name in the subsequent field.
    17. Enter any additional notes/comments in the Comments field.
      1. Note: The first comment field will display for approvers with the rest of the questionnaire content. The second comment field will display in the questionnaire routing history.
    18. Click Submit.
    19. The submitted application is electronically routed for approvals.
  2. Approval process:
    1. HR Manager approval: The HR Manager reviews the request. HR Managers may “Approve” the request to advance it in the approval workflow or “Send Back” the request for editing and resubmission. HR Managers may also “Deny” the request to eliminate it from the approval workflow.
      1. If the request is approved, it is routed to the Cost Center Manager.
      2. If the request is sent back, it is routed to the applicant’s My Tasks inbox for editing and resubmission.
      3. If the request is denied, it is eliminated from the approval workflow and a notification is delivered to the applicant in Workday.
    2. Cost Center Manager approval: The Cost Center Manager reviews the request. Cost Center Managers may “Approve” the request to advance it in the approval workflow or “Send Back” the request for editing and resubmission. Cost Center Managers may also “Deny” the request to eliminate it from the approval workflow.
      1. If the request is approved, it is routed to the Expense Operation Lead.
      2. If the request is sent back to the applicant, it is routed to the applicant’s My Tasks inbox for editing and resubmission.
      3. If the request is denied, it is eliminated from the approval workflow and a notification is delivered to the applicant in Workday.
    3. Expense Operations Lead approval: The Expense Operations Lead reviews the request. Expense Operations Leads may “Approve” the request to advance it in the approval workflow or “Send Back” the request for editing and resubmission. Expense Operations Leads may also “Deny” the request to eliminate it from the approval workflow.
      1. If the request is approved, it is routed to the Credit Card Administrator.
      2. If the request is sent back to the applicant, it is routed to the applicant’s My Tasks inbox for editing and resubmission.
      3. If the request is denied, it is eliminated from the approval workflow and a notification is delivered to the applicant in Workday.
    4. Credit Card Administrator approval: The Credit Card Administrator reviews the request and confirms applicant eligibility for the card program. Credit Card Administrators may “Approve” the request to advance it in the approval workflow or “Send Back” the request for editing and resubmission. Expense Operations Leads may also “Deny” the request to eliminate it from the approval workflow.
      1. If the applicant is ineligible based on prior audit findings/compliance issues, the Credit Card Administrator denies the request and notifies the applicant and their HR Manager.
      2. If the applicant is eligible, the Credit Card Administrator verifies the applicant has completed the required training.
      3. If the applicant has not completed the required training, the Credit Card Administrator notifies the applicant of the training requirement and retains the request without ordering the purchasing card from U.S. Bank.
      4. If the applicant has completed the required training, the Credit Card Administrator approves the application and orders the card from U.S. Bank.
  3. Training: Before the Credit Card Administrator orders a purchasing card from U.S. Bank, the applicant must complete Purchasing Card Policies and Procedures training and Travel Policy Training. Registration details are available in the Training section of the Purchasing Card website. Department card applicants are also required to complete a supplemental Department Card Training. Department card applicants will be automatically enrolled in this training and sent an invitation from Canvas.
  4. Card distribution: U.S. Bank mails the purchasing card directly to the applicant at the address indicated on the Purchasing Card Request.
  5. Card activation: Cards may be activated online or via phone:
    1. Online:
      1. Visit the U.S. Bank Access Online site and click Activate Your Card. (You do not need to login.)
      2. Enter the requested information (card number, expiration date, last 4 digits of business phone number).
      3. The cardholder will be sent two emails to the email address on file for the account (included on application); one email with a unique activation link and another with an activation code. Follow the link in the first email to enter the code from the second email. The link and activation code are valid for 20 minutes. If this time lapses, the cardholder should begin the process again.
    2. Phone:
      1. Contact U.S. Bank Customer Service at (800) 344-5696.
      2. When prompted for the last four digits of the Social Security number or Employee ID, enter four zeroes (0).
  6. Access Online Registration: Registration provides a purchasing cardholder with online access to account information, activity and billing statements. To register, the cardholder follows these steps:
    1. Go to access.usbank.com and click Register Online.
    2. Enter the following:
      1. Company Short Name: UWMDSN
      2. Account Number: 16-digit account number embossed on the purchasing card (no dashes or spaces)
      3. Account Expiration Date: As indicated on the purchasing card
    3. Click Send a Code.
    4. Complete remaining on-screen prompts.
  7. Real-time alerts: To enroll in real time alerts via text message or email, see Procedure 3013.8 – How to Enroll in Real-Time Alerts.

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IV. Contact Roles and Responsibilities

  • Applicant/Cardholder: responsible for submitting the Purchasing Card Request, completing the mandatory purchasing card training, activating the card, and registering the card in Access Online.
  • Cost Center Manager: responsible for reviewing and approving the request.
  • Credit Card Administrator: responsible for reviewing the request for eligibility, confirming training requirements, processing the application through U.S. Bank, and retaining required supporting documentation.
  • Expense Operations Lead: responsible for reviewing and approving the request.
  • HR Manager: responsible for reviewing and approving the request.
  • U.S. Bank: responsible for processing the card request, producing the card, and sending the card to the applicant.

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V. Definitions

  • Access Online: U.S. Bank’s web-based transaction management tool used by the Credit Card Administrators to maintain the purchasing card program at UW–Madison and by purchasing cardholders to manage account settings.
  • Department Card: A university-liability credit card issued to a UW–Madison employee that may be used by other authorized employees or enrolled students for pre-approved business-related purchases.
  • Purchasing Card: a university-liability VISA credit card issued by U.S. Bank to a trained UW-Madison employee for business-related purchases.
  • Purchasing Card Request: an application using Workday’s “Request Framework” submitted by a card applicant to obtain a purchasing card at the Universities of Wisconsin.
  • Real-Time Alerts: Functionality provided by U.S. Bank that allows a cardholder to receive alerts via text message and/or email when specified transactions post to their purchasing card account.
  • Workday: the cloud-based software used by the Universities of Wisconsin to manage finance and human resources.

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VI. Related references

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VII. Revisions

Procedure Number 3013.1
Date Approved May 8, 2017
Revision Dates June 21, 2017 – remove Travel Card training option.
March 28, 2018 – add role of applicant’s Supervisor in Section I Procedure Statement and Section III Procedure
May 4, 2018 – Updated card distribution process; purchasing cards are delivered directly to the applicant
Jan. 19, 2021 – Updated Procedure Number to 3013.1 from 300.1
December 11, 2021 – Purchasing Card Module implementation
September 2, 2022 – Updated to replace “Purchasing Card Application and Agreement” with new “PCard Request Form.”
Feb. 22, 2023 – Cardholder signature no longer required.
Sept. 11, 2023 – New and required UW Travel Policy Training available.
July 1, 2025 – Updated due to Workday implementation and new request form

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