LBCC Finance Office: Supporting Students and the College
The Long Beach City College (LBCC) Finance Office plays a crucial role in the financial health and operational efficiency of the institution. It manages the college’s financial resources, ensuring responsible stewardship of funds and providing essential services to students, faculty, and staff. Understanding the functions of the Finance Office is vital for anyone interacting with LBCC, whether as a student paying tuition or a faculty member managing departmental budgets.
Key Responsibilities
The LBCC Finance Office encompasses several core functions:
- Tuition and Fees: This is perhaps the most visible function for students. The office handles tuition payments, fee assessments, payment plans, and refunds. They provide resources and information regarding payment deadlines and acceptable payment methods. Students can typically access their account information and make payments online through the Viking Portal.
- Financial Aid Disbursement: Working closely with the Financial Aid Office, the Finance Office processes and disburses financial aid funds to eligible students. This includes grants, loans, and scholarships. They ensure that funds are applied correctly to student accounts and provide refunds for any remaining balances.
- Accounting and Reporting: The office maintains accurate financial records for the college, adhering to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and relevant regulations. They prepare financial statements, reports, and budgets for internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, state agencies, and accrediting bodies.
- Budget Management: The Finance Office collaborates with various departments across the college to develop and manage budgets. They monitor expenditures, track revenue, and ensure that funds are allocated effectively to support the college’s strategic goals.
- Payroll: The office processes payroll for all LBCC employees, ensuring timely and accurate payment of salaries, wages, and benefits. They also handle tax withholdings and reporting requirements.
- Accounts Payable: The Finance Office manages accounts payable, processing invoices and payments to vendors for goods and services provided to the college.
Resources and Support
The Finance Office provides various resources to support students and the college community:
- Online Resources: LBCC’s website offers information about tuition and fees, payment options, refund policies, and contact information for the Finance Office.
- Student Accounts Services: Students can contact the Student Accounts department within the Finance Office for assistance with billing inquiries, payment arrangements, and refund requests.
- Financial Literacy Programs: The college may offer financial literacy workshops or resources to help students manage their finances effectively. Check with the Student Services department for availability.
Importance to LBCC
The LBCC Finance Office is essential for the financial stability and sustainability of the college. By managing resources effectively, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing essential services to students and employees, the office contributes to LBCC’s mission of providing high-quality education and supporting student success. A well-run Finance Office allows the college to allocate resources effectively to academic programs, student support services, and infrastructure improvements, ultimately benefiting the entire LBCC community.