260 likes | 394 Views
How to use the Certified Annual Report (CAR) – Chart of Account (COA) test site and actual site. Test and actual sites. COA test site mirrors the actual site Available year around
E N D
How to use the Certified Annual Report (CAR) – Chart of Account (COA) test site and actual site
Test and actual sites • COA test site mirrors the actual site • Available year around • Switches to the current fiscal year’s edits after all the past fiscal year’s CARs have been received and reviewed • Additional capability of testing individual account codes • Actual upload site is available in August • All accruals and deferrals should be made prior to upload
Log in to the Iowa Education Portal:https://portal.ed.iowa.gov/iowalandingpage/Landing.aspx
Test site • Test early and test often!!! • Testing gives you the opportunity to clean up incorrect account codes or reconciliations early on.
First time through – answer questions. Edits are based on the answers.
Stage 1 - Green Complete – can progress through Stages 2, 3 and 4. Stage 1 – Red Not Complete – can progress to Stage 2 only if the edits are due to negative amounts on the balance sheet. Otherwise Stage 1 edits will need to be corrected to progress.
If edits appear in Stage 2, they do not need to be corrected at that point and you can advance to Stages 3 and 4.
To view edits – 2 possible buttons ordrop-down menu (hit GO)
Individual account vs. entire file • Individual account codes • Most edit checks to look at the format of an account code are in Stages 1 and 2. • Progressing to Stages 3 and 4, which are comprised of various reconciling edits, will give edit messages that do not relate to the account number. • Entire files • Some edits in Stages 3 and 4 cannot be corrected until accruals, deferrals, and end of the year journal entries are made.
Try, try, and try again! • Individual account codes • Repeat this process for 1 to 5 account codes at any time • May only want to do Stages 1 and 2 which determine the validity of the code • Entire files • Correct edits and repeat process • Mirrors the actual upload site which is available in August
Actual CAR upload and reports • Check points • Bank accounts are reconciled to financials • Using most updated version of financial software • One upload file – all accounts from all funds must be included in one comma delimited text file • Accounting entries have been made (adjustments, accruals, and deferrals) • Opened CAR reports and verified balances to ledger • Reviewed for accuracy • Report must be completed & certified by Sept. 15th
Navigation of CAR-COA • Use the Dropdown menu on each page to navigate through the application: choose page and hit GO button • In completing a report or certification, information is only accepted after hitting UPDATE button
Complete 1 report – Nonprofit School OrganizationsIf not applicable, must still hit Update
Instructions • Instructions can be found at: Certified Annual Financial Reports (CAR) • Or navigate by going to https://www.educateiowa.gov/ , A-Z Index, Certified Annual Financial Reports (CAR)
Resources • Use the Department of Education website often at https://www.educateiowa.gov/ & bookmark !!! • School Business & Finance, Accounting & Reporting, CAR • CAR Information & Instructions • School Business & Finance, Accounting & Reporting, Uniform Financial Accounting • Appendix G: Chart of Account Descriptions • Appendix H: Minimum Chart of Account Quick Reference Guide • Uniform Financial Accounting Manual – 2004 Edition • School Business & Finance, Accounting & Reporting, Procedures • Uniform Administrative Procedures for LEAs (AEAs)
Other tips for using the Department of Education’s website Use the A-Z Programs List for finding things quickly
Other tips to using the Department of Education’s website Quick link to Iowa Education Portal
Contact Us!!!! • Denise Ragias – for help with the uploads and reports • Email: denise.ragias@iowa.gov • Phone: 515-281-4741 • Janice Evans - for help with account codes and journal entries • Email: janice.evans@iowa.gov • Phone: 515-281-4740