About Financial Management Services

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Business Affairs' Vision, Mission and Strategic Goals

Financial Management Services is a unit of the Business Affairs Office, whose vision is

"to work together to make administration seamless and efficient to enable and support teaching, learning and research."

Financial Management Services (FMS), along with the other units in Business Affairs (which include: Administrative Systems (AS) and IT Services (ITS), Human Resources, Office of Sponsored Research, Research Financial Compliance & Services, Risk Management, Business Development & Privacy, and Internal Audit) works to provide integrated financial, technical, business and human resource services for the benefit of the Stanford community.

Each unit is responsible for furthering the Business Affairs' strategic goals:

  • Create an environment that attracts, retains and develops world class staff
  • Transform administrative processes, systems and infrastructure throughout the University so that people can spend more time on value-added activities
  • Deliver accurate, timely and useful information to support decision-making
  • Create a comprehensive and balanced approach to University-wide risk management
  • Continuously improve faculty, staff, student, and other clients' satisfaction with administrative services
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FMS Vision and Guiding Principles

Vision

Lead, drive and model best practices in financial management for the campus

Guiding Principles

  • Create a service focused organization
  • Capitalize on system investments
  • Enable business process improvements
  • Create an interdisciplinary work environment
  • Ensure consistent high quality image of Business Affairs tools and services
  • Assess and manage risk accordingly
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FMS Organization

See Financial Management Services Organization Chart.

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FMS Roles & Responsibilities

Financial Management Services (FMS) consists of five primary organizations: Controller's Office, Office of the Treasurer, Procurement, Global Business Services, and Financial Management Consulting & Support. FMS provides financial services and support to Stanford's distributed communities including University faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, investors and bondholders, donors, and suppliers.

  • The Controller's Office is responsible for leading and managing the financial and management accounting activities of the University. Controller's Office staff helps manage critical risks in an increasingly complex environment.
  • The Treasurer's Office is responsible for debt management, bond programs, cash management, forecasting and credit card merchant services. Staff in the Treasurer's Office drive important initiatives to ensure the financial health of the University. Visit the Office of the Treasurer web site.
  • Procurement is responsible for the policies, processes, and systems associated with purchasing & payables, travel and reimbursement, and the University's Purchasing Card and Travel Card programs, working towards a seamless processes for our clients.
  • Global Business Services partners with the Provost and Legal offices to make it easier for the Stanford community to undertake global activities in a compliant manner. Visit the Global Business Services web site.
  • Financial Management Consulting & Support is responsible for driving business process improvements and system initiatives, and improving customer satisfaction through effective customer support, training, online support materials, marketing and communications.
  • Other responsibilities include financial policy oversight, quality assurance and liaison to SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and the Hospitals.

For information and resources to assist with financial tasks, visit the Gateway to Financial Activities web site.

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