Business Travel Expense Reimbursement Reminders
Business travel is at an all-time high, so here are some tips and policy reminders to make sure everyone gets reimbursed for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Expense reports come to Accounts Payable, which is responsible for making sure each expense report is within the FN550 Travel and Expense policy. The team processes and pays more than 17,000 expense reports each year for Cook Children’s.
Key Travel and Expense Information
- Read Policy FN550 – Travel and Expense Reimbursement
- Airfare, hotel and rental cars must be booked through Cook Children’s Travel Services.
- Exception: Conference block hotel rooms may be purchased through the conference.
- Travel Services webpage can be found here.
- Employees are expected to book the most economical travel option that reasonably suits the travel timeline and does not compromise safety.
- Expense reports are due within 60 days of the purchase or return date of the business trip.
- How to complete an Expense Report job aid can be found here.
- Gift Cards must be purchased through Concierge and are not eligible for reimbursement on expense reports.
- Travel Advances may be requested by submitting a Spend Authorization in Workday. The job aid can be found here.
Expense Report Tips
1. Attach all receipts: Include detailed receipts for meals, including those listed on a hotel folio.
2. Separate alcohol expenses: Use the itemization on the right.
3. Include conference documentation: Registration confirmation, and proof of attendance (example: conference handout, schedule, CEU or CPE).
4. Include your travel itinerary: This should include flight details, hotel reservations (if not done through the conference), and any other pre-booked travel arrangements.
5. Maps for mileage: Please add a map showing the miles being requested.
6. Use clear and concise descriptions/memos for each expense.
7. Employee must review and approve an expense report if an assistant completes it on the employee's behalf, before it will be processed for approval and reimbursement.
Questions can be sent to ExpenseReports@CookChildrens.org