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The only constant is change

  • Published
  • By Maj. Alisa Ricks
  • 325th Comptroller commander
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. --  There is a saying that goes, "the only thing constant is change," and it is certain this cliché can be applied to the comptroller career field today. As Airmen in the finance business, our constant attention is required as we adapt to the dynamics of an evolving financial environment. Three specific changes in the comptroller career field will not only affect members in our Air Force specialty codes, but will ultimately impact every Airman. They include the transferring of various financial duties to a centralized Air Force Financial Services Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, our transition to a new Government Travel Charge card provider and new requirements for use of the GTC card.

The first change finance personnel face is the new AFFSC that opened at Ellsworth. Already, financial-service procedures have been transferring to the new center. Air Education and Training Command began the transfer in February, and to date six AETC bases have "cut over" with Tyndall AFB scheduled to cut over tentatively in November.

For most of our customers, this means processes currently being performed, like computing and payment of manual travel vouchers will be performed by Ellsworth finance technicians. The 325th Comptroller Squadron will continue to accept vouchers at the base level for cursory review, but our technicians will then scan all documents to AFFSC for computation and processing.

Due to initial system challenges, some bases that have already cut over have experienced slight delays in document processing and payment times. However, progress and improvements are being made each day. The goal is for this transition to be as seamless as possible for customers, and for technicians to continue providing services as the liaison between our customers and AFFSC.

The second change on the finance horizon involves a new Department of Defense GTC contract with CitiBank beginning Nov. 30. Tyndall Airmen will receive new Citi cards in the mail in September. It is critical that members have a current address on file to receive the new cards in a timely manner. Deploying members and those with questions regarding addresses changes should contact their unit's agency program coordinator. When members receive the new card they must follow enclosed instructions to verify receipt. If in temporary duty status Nov 29-30, members will need both the old and new GTC cards; however, they should use only the new card for charges incurred on or after Nov. 30.

Finally, additional requirements are being considered for a mandatory use of the GTC card. In the past, the travel card was only required for use with all transportation, lodging and rental car expenses associated with official government TDY. Currently, it's being considered to make GTC card use mandatory during TDY and permanent change of station moves. More guidance is forthcoming on new procedures for all Airmen to know proper travel card usage.

As a refresher, please be reminded of general GTC guidelines: the card is authorized for use only when in official government travel status; travel vouchers must be filed within five duty days after TDY return; and GTC card payment must be made immediately. Keeping these rules of engagement in mind will keep members the base GTC delinquency list and from facing possible disciplinary action.

The 325th Comptroller Squadron appreciates customer's patience as we adapt and evolve to meet your financial needs. For more information, call 283-4117.