Payment Methods

Internal Billing: Once the copier is purchased, preferably with a requisition within NUFinancials from a Preferred Vendor, copy charges will be automatically charged to you school/department chart string.

Requisitions with NUFinancials: For larger catering orders, you'll want to ensure that a requisition/purchase order is sent to the vendor before the work is performed. For smaller catering needs, an inline voucher is the primary alternative, followed by a procurement card. We also need to ensure that a signed contract is in place and that caterers meet certain insurance requirements. Northwestern's preferred vendors have provided this documentation.

Corporate Card or Payment Request: If unplanned, emergency repairs are needed, you'll pay for these last-minute services with either a procurement card or payment request. If the service can be planned for in any way possible, it's best to have a Purchase Order in place to mitigate risk.

Payment Request: The payment request process is a way to request payment for services when the transaction does not warrant the issuance of an official purchase order to a vendor but a signed contract should still be in place, which is why a PO isn't needed.

Paying independent contractors can be complex

• If the contractor has a FEIN (Federal Employee Identification Number), then they are paid through a Payment Request: Direct Payment Request.
• If they are just using their Social Security number, then they would be paid through a Payment Request: Contracted Services Form.

Either way, a signed contract must be in place.

Procurement Card or Payment Request: For these types of services that you'll pay for before attending/receiving, using a procurement card or payment request is recommended.

Personal memberships and subscriptions are not reimbursable and cannot be direct paid using University funds.

Requisition within NUFinancials: Office supplies should be purchased through the University's current preferred vendors in iBuyNU.

Requisition within NUFinancials: Work with one of the University's preferred vendors or appropriate University department (e.g., Facilities Management) to schedule planned repairs. To mitigate risk, get a quote then requisition and Purchase Order set up within the system before the service is performed.

Requisition within NUFinancials: For lower risk monthly services, it's recommended that you set up a blanket within NUFinancials. Blanket orders are to be used primarily to make payments for the regular delivery of a consistent quantity of products or for services that are provided on a regular and consistent basis.