Budget/Procurement

The Budget and Procurement Unit’s main tasks are budgetary planning, budget implementation, accounting and the procurement of goods. In addition to budgetary resources, the unit also administers third-party funds that have been received by scientists for their research work. Depending on third-party funding volumes, the unit manages budgetary resources that annually amount to more than EUR 80 million. Three teams – Accounting, Third-Party Funding Administration and Procurement/Materials Administration – make up the department.

Accounting

Each year the Accounting team processes thousands of incoming invoices from suppliers in Germany and abroad. It also audits these bills and promptly releases payment. The team also files a large number of outgoing invoices each year and monitors incoming payments. Accounting operations are rounded off by periodic balancing of accounts.

Third-Party Funding Administration

The Third-Party Funding Administration team supports scientists in managing and accounting for research funds that have been received from third parties. The team helps to prepare a large number of financial plans and requests for amendments and prolongations of project periods. It also provides actual cost reports documenting how third-party funding is used. It also documents the conclusion of projects. Third-Party Funding Administration processes incoming invoices for goods and services that are procured with thirdparty funds. It also files outgoing invoices and accounts for third-party funding income.

Procurement/Materials Administration

The Procurement/Materials Administration team processes around 9,000 orders annually. In addition to conventional price enquires, the team prepares national or EU-wide invitations to tender. The affiliated materials administrations are made up of the central receiving areas for all incoming goods at each institute location. Their stocks ensure that supplies are continually available to both the institute’s offices and laboratories.