Business and Financial Services Office

Understanding Accounting Codes

1. Purpose

To explain the Clark University accounting system for departmental expenses and earnings to all employees of the University.

2. Overview

Clark University's accounting system operates electronically and generates a General Ledger and related subsidiary reports of monthly expenses and budget status. Each accounting entity is made up of four segments, or codes that define exactly to which department account funds are directed to, and from which account funds are being withdrawn. Following is a guide to the four types of accounting codes used in Banner.

3. Fund

5. Program

6. Account

7. Index numbers

Finally, apart from the four accounting codes, index numbers (INDEX) may also used in defining an accounting entity. The index number acts as a short cut for commonly used account strings. In some instances, entering only an index number in Banner will default in the appropriate FUND, ORGN, and ACCT codes relevant to that particular charge.