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Disclaimer: The policies created for the Nuclear Science Division supplement Berkeley official policies. Berkeley Lab's official policies override any adopted or proposed policies for the Nuclear Science Division. 

POLICY

A. Purpose

This policy outlines the requirements for Signature Authority within the Nuclear Science Division at Berkeley Lab, supplementing the principles detailed in the "Financial Approvals" and "Financial Management Core Principles" policy statements.

B. Exceptions

None.

C. Policy Statement

Signature Authority grants an employee the ability to approve specific financial transactions within the Laboratory's financial systems. This delegation is a critical control measure to ensure proper financial oversight.

  1. Key Requirements:
    1. Understanding Policies: Individuals granted Signature Authority must have a comprehensive understanding of Berkeley Lab's financial management policies and the implications of their certifications.
    2. Distinction from Procurement Authority: Signature Authority is distinct from Procurement Authority. Only authorized Procurement staff with delegated Procurement Authority are permitted to commit Laboratory funds.
    3. Mandatory Training for Nuclear Science Division: Nuclear Science Division staff seeking Signature Authority are required to complete the course CFO 0810 - Introduction to Financial Management for PIs/PMs in addition to the institutional requirement of CFO0300 - Approving Financial Transactions. This is an additional requirement to those outlined in Section D.5.c of the "Financial Management Core Principles."


This policy aims to ensure that financial transactions are approved by appropriately trained and authorized personnel, maintaining the integrity of Berkeley Lab's financial operations.

D. Roles and Responsibilities

In addition to the Roles and Responsibilities defined in the Lab’s Financial Management Core Principles, the following additional responsibilities apply to the Nuclear Science Division.

Area/Division Managers


  • Regularly reviewing the need for Signature Authority.
  • Adjusting authorized approval amounts as necessary.
  • Ensuring compliance with required training.

Individuals with budgetary management responsibilities

(i.e., Project Managers [PMs] / Principal Investigators [PIs])

  •  Bring new or developing signatory needs to the attention of your supervisor and the Division Deputy of Operations.

E. Definitions/Acronyms

Term/Acronym

Definition

SASSignature Authorization System

F. Implementing/Supporting Documents

Authorized Signer List (SAS)

G. Contact Information

NSD Policy Administrators

H. Revision History

Date

Revision

By Whom

Revision Description

Section(s) Affected

Change Type

 

1

T. Gallant

Disclaimer added

Header

Minor

 

0

T. Gallant

New policy

All

Major

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