Financial Reorganization
Running a college these days is a com. plicated business. Every Dartmouth administrative and academic department will rise up to offer itself as the basis for this statement, and with good cause; but for really grade-A complexity the financial and business offices of the College probably have the edge. The Office of the Bursar, in particular, has had both the volume and diversity of its work greatly expanded since it was established some 24 years ago. In addition to the growth of its duties arising from Dartmouth's general development, it has taken on in recent years such new responsibilities as federal income tax with- holding, group life insurance plans, group hospitalization and medical insurance, and an expanded retirement system for academic and non-academic personnel. The recently amended Social Security Act opens up a new possibility, now under study. In connection with all these activities the Bursar's Office has been performing both managerial and accounting functions.
In order to achieve greater efficiency and a clearer allocation of responsibilities, John F. Meek '33, Treasurer of the College, last month announced a reorganization of the College's financial and business department. The most important step is the establishment of the new Office of the Comptroller and the naming of Robert D. Funkhouser '27, formerly Assistant Bursar, to head it. All accounting functions will be assigned to the Office of the Comptroller, while the Bursar's Office will fulfill the duties primarily of a business management organization. Mr. Meek announced that all cash transactions, including the payment of student bills, will be handled in the Bursar's office and all accounting records maintained in the Comptroller's office, thereby affording a better system of internal control and the basis for setting up internal audit procedures. The rental of dormitory rooms and of other college property in Hanover will continue to be handled by the Bursar.
Max A. Norton '19, presently Bursar and Assistant Treasurer, will continue to hold those positions, and LeRoy G. Porter '15 will retain his present post as Assistant Bursar. Mason I. Ingram '29, formerly Assistant Bursar, has been appointed Assistant Comptroller. The realignment of financial responsibilities involves no change in the staff of the Treasurer's Office; Donald L. Barr '18 continues as Assistant Treasurer, and Leonard E. Morrissey '48T, as announced in September, fills the position of Assistant to the Treasurer.
The first steps in the reorganization will be taken about November 1, with the entire process carried out over a period of several months and completed sometime early in 1951.
