Financial Information Collaboration Space Overview

FICS (Financial Information Collaboration Space) Features

• Provides monthly training plans or training packages with resources.
• Includes highlighted content sections with key position playbooks and new member starting points for each finance section.
• Product search screen uses key terms and product information to index the entire FICS tools and training library.
• Search options include seven dropdowns, a search bar, and a toggle to explore training products.
• Contingency toggle divides the portfolio into contingency and non-contingency products; selecting "yes" displays a UTC dropdown filter for contingency products.
• To create a new search, users click the clear button to reset filters and the search bar.

Financial Management Systems Overview

• Defense Travel System (DTS): Used for setting up lines of accounting (LOAs), budgets, and tracking travel funds. Roles include Budget DTAs, CBA-Ss, DMMs, and CTAs. Reviewing Officials (ROs), Certifying Officials, and Authorizing Officials (AOs) manage travel documents and approvals. Travelers create and sign their documents, or others may do it on their behalf.
• Defense Joint Military Pay System (DJMS): Uses the Master Military Pay Account (MMPA) database to record current and historical pay data for active-duty members, including entitlements, deductions, payments, leave balances, and collections.
• Web Defense MilPay Office (WebDMO): A web version of the DMO Transaction Module; access is managed through the account management and provisioning system (AMPS). Trusted agents manage user IDs and security. The TASO (Trusted Agent/Terminal Area Security Officer) Procedures Manual provides step-by-step processes for managing user access.

Financial Management and Supervision

• Internal Control: Emphasizes continuous evaluation as a dynamic process for security and efficiency. The QAM (Quality Assurance Manager) and FM staff plan annual evaluations and review plans monthly with the comptroller to ensure timely completion.
• Office of Management & Budget Circular A-123: Guides management’s responsibility for internal control in Federal agencies; focuses on establishing, assessing, correcting, and reporting on internal control.
• Pay Record Accessibility and Travel Record Audit: Involves continuous review to maintain accountability and ensure correct financial practices. The Air Force Audit Program plays a vital role in this.

Short Answer Questions and Answers

• The focus on accountability is highlighted by using the contingency toggle in FICS to refine searches for training materials specific to roles like disbursing agents.
• To correct documents in FMWF, log on, check the FSO queue, select scan options (add, replace, amend), state the reason for the update, then print the scan sheet.
• The FY 22-26 FM Strategic Plan fosters accountability as part of an environment valuing collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity.
• The three primary purposes of FICS are searching for trainings and tools, providing product feedback, and accessing updated information.
• The FICS home screen facilitates access to resources and information by providing a "how-to" video, product search, announcements, and upcoming training events.