Imprest Checking Accounts

An imprest checking account is a sum of money advanced to a department or campus unit for a particular purpose. It is often used like a revolving loan. These accounts can be used for start-up costs, for example, or for payments to subjects participating in a research study, which would then be reimbursed from the Office of Sponsored Programs or other appropriate funds.

Under no circumstances should imprest funds be used for the following:

• making stipend payments
• making payments for personal services
• payment to vendors
• loans and advances to employees

The initial funding for an imprest checking account comes from the University’s unrestricted endowment income pool and must be returned to the pool when the imprest checking account is closed. A cover letter from the Dean, Director or Department Chair is required with the application.

Policies and Procedures

• 306 – University Policy on Imprest (Checking) Banking Accounts
• 306.1 – University Procedure on Establishing an Imprest (Checking) Bank Account
• 306.2 – University Procedure on Maintaining and Closing an Imprest (Checking) Bank Account
• 309 – University Policy on Escheats
• 309.1 – University Policy on Reconciling, Reporting, and Escheating Abandoned Property