Home > Resources and Services > Business Office > Processing Payments
- Processing Payments
- Types of Payments
- Transferring Funds
- Travel Reimbursement
- Donations and Contributions
- Receiving Gifts and Awards
- Contracts and Agreements
- Co-Sponsoring Events
- Travel Business Expense Report
- Cash/check Deposits
- Vendor Authorization
- Copy/Print Authorization
- Car Services
- Pre-Travel Authorization
- Check Request
- Internal Transfers
- Wire Transfers
- Travel Reimbursements
- Transportation (rail, air, bus)
Processing Payments
All student group transactions must be routed through the Business Office. Procedures vary depending upon the type of expense involved.
Allow 2-3 weeks for processing. The speed of check processing depends upon the workload of the accounting staff.
Rush requests take 2-3 days and are approved at the discretion of the Accounts Payable Office.
Checks will be mailed directly to the vendor or student, unless the “check pick-up” option is requested.
The University also offers the convenience of direct deposit to all vendors, students, and staff.
Please note: this is separate from payroll direct deposit.
If interested in this option for any non-payroll related payments, you should submit the Columbia University Direct Deposit Form.
Outside Vendors
Outside vendors should submit invoices directly to:
SIPA Business Office
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
420 West 118th Street, Room 1420
New York, NY 10027
*New outside vendors must also submit a W-9 Form.
Planning an Event
A student group must complete and submit a Vendor Authorization Form before any event that will generate invoices, check requests, or student reimbursements. Please attach a copy of the flyer or e-mail advertising the event to help track invoices and payments.
Vendor Accounts/Voucher System
SIPA has billable accounts with many food and beverage vendors in the Columbia community.
If your preferred vendor is on the vendor authorization form, the form may be submitted electronically, or printed and submitted to the Business Office. Miguel Garcia or Stevie Robinson will authorize the form for faxing or for hand-delivery to the vendor.
If your vendor is not on SIPA’s list, the Business Office may be able to create an account.
Contact the Business Office before contracting a vendor without an account at Columbia University, and we will advise you on making arrangements to ensure that the vendor gets paid as quickly as possible.
*You are encouraged to use vendors on the list to avoid spending your own funds.
Remember: Your event must be approved by the Office of Student Affairs and Assistant Dean, Duane Bruce BEFORE you submit a vendor authorization form.