Check Distribution Code "P"
For All Check Pick Up In Person

(either by the payee or by university personnel)

Effective Monday, December 4, 2000, all documents with a check distribution code of "P" must be approved by the appropriate processing office in The Office of Accounting prior to final approval of the voucher payment document (VPM) in *DEFINE. The purpose of this method of check distribution will allow the vendor-payee and/or a University employee to physically pick up the check. However, recognizing the inherent risk associated with this method of check distribution, the following procedures have been established to safeguard The University from possible fraud and misappropriation of funds. It is important to keep in mind that more stringent procedures, including advanced written approval, apply when someone other than the payee listed on the check is requesting authorization to pick up the check.

The department making the payment must determine who will pick up the check when the check is issued. The person picking up the check is either:

1. the payee or
2. someone other than the payee (a third party)

PAYEE WILL PICK UP CHECK:
APPROVAL and GENERAL PROCEDURES 

University Personnel may not pick up checks on behalf of a payee (individual or vendor) unless approved in writing. See Third Party Check Pick-Up Procedures below for further information.

If the payee will be picking up the check in person, then no written memo is required. However, the *DEFINE payment voucher document must include the information listed below prior to final approval.

Note: These requirements only apply to vouchers using code "P" for distribution.

1. The Comments area of Section #1 of the *DEFINE payment voucher document (VPM) must state the words:
   "PAYEE will pick up" or "DEPARTMENT will pick up" to distinguish whether the check will be picked up by either the payee (individual or vendor) or by a University Department (employee) representative in lieu of the payee.
   
2. The Comments area of Section #1 of the *DEFINE payment voucher document (VPM) should also state the name and  phone number of the person who needs to be notified once the check is ready for pick up.
   

All checks issued with the Check Distribution Code "P" may be picked up from
The Office of Accounting, Main Building, room 132.

THIRD PARTY WILL PICK UP CHECK:
APPROVAL and GENERAL PROCEDURES 

The procedures stated below apply when a department is requesting authorization to pick up a check. They do not apply when the payee (vendor or individual) will be picking up the check.

In short, University personnel may not pick up checks for vendors unless the Director of Accounting or his designees has approved a written request received from a departmental Director (or higher level employee). The following procedures have been established to ensure checks are issued in a timely manner and to help safeguard University funds against possible fraud or loss.

1. The Comments area of Section #1 of the *DEFINE payment voucher document (VPM) must state the words:
   "PAYEE will pick up" or "DEPARTMENT will pick up" to distinguish whether the check will be picked up by either the Vendor (payee) or by a University Department (employee) representative in lieu of the payee.
   
2. The Comments area of Section #1 of the *DEFINE payment voucher document (VPM) should also state the name and  phone number of the person who needs to be notified or contacted to inform them once the check is ready for pick up.
   
3. A written request must be submitted to the Director of Accounting to request approval for check pickup by a University employee for checks issued to a payee.
   



The written request should be addressed to the attention of the Director of Accounting:
Attention: Director The Office of Accounting Main 132, K-5300
However, the written request should be submitted along with other voucher documentation to the appropriate processing office. See the chart below and include the following:

• The memo must be signed by the Unit Head or Director (authorized for the account), UBOC member, or from a person of higher authorization from the account that the payment will be made on.


• The reason(s) why the check must be picked up by departmental personnel and the name phone number of the person who will be contacted when the check is ready.
• And the request must include the Document ID number and the name of the vendor/payee being paid on the voucher.



Once the request has been approved and all the necessary supporting documentation received the voucher will process normally.

All checks issued with the Check Distribution Code "P" may be picked up from
The Office of Accounting, Main Building, room 132. Phone: 471-3723

VPM QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Partial List of Check Distribution Codes

• Check Distribution code will default to "U" on voucher documents for regular US mail distribution.
  
• Check Distribution Code "T" is reserved for checks which require additional paperwork/documentation to be sent along with the check to the payee.
  
• Check Distribution Code "P" is reserved for checks which are issued to a payee but for whom the physical check will be picked up from the Main Building, Room 132 in person.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do I need the "written request"?
In the spring of 1994 The University adopted the policy of not releasing checks to departmental offices except in unusual and justifiable cases. The policy was adopted in response to cases where funds were misappropriated and is designed to help safeguard University funds. The written request documents the conditions requiring that departmental personnel pick up the check and ensures compliance with University policy.

To whom do I send the "written request"?
Fred Friedrich, Director of Accounting

Where do I send the "written request"?
The request needs to be attached to the Voucher Transmittal Form (VTF) or voucher documentation appropriate for the specific *DEFINE document form. This documentation is mailed to the appropriate processing office. See VPM chart for list of where to mail the written request and voucher documentation.

Is check pick-up for  Vendor Payee checks only, or does "P" code also work for checks issued to individuals where someone other than the payee will be picking up the check?
"P" indicates that the check will be picked up by the Payee or a department representative.

When can someone pick up the check? The request should be attached to the VTF and mailed with all other supporting documentation. After the electronic document has final approval and the check has been issued/printed, the department will be notified when the check is available for pickup Normal office hours for check pick up is 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday except on University holidays.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional detailed information regarding the Voucher Transmittal Form and where to send your paperwork for processing voucher payment documents (VPM) in *DEFINE is available from the Accounts Payable web page.

Additional important information regarding the general procedures for voucher preparation is available from the Accounts Payable web page.

General information regarding the Post Payment Audit guidelines and the Prompt Payment Act can also be found from the Accounts Payable web page.