Next, the officer is required to estimate the frequency that the information will be required in the future. If the information is expected to be required again, the officer is further required to estimate the cost to maintain the required information by modifying processes, system codes or the accounting system software. These estimates may take the form of executive estimates included by memorandum to the work paper file. A full cost benefit analysis should be initiated only if the initial estimates indicate a greater expected benefit than cost to maintain the information. DOI policy is that the following adjusting and closing entries are to be made by all bureaus to ensure comparability among bureau's financial information.
Accruals are to be reversed at the start of the next period.
The payroll accrual is based on the number of work days remaining in the period. A representative pay period may be used, provided that the potentially distorting effects of all factors is considered. Bureau finance officers are responsible for determining the method to be used in calculating the accrual, ensuring that adequate work papers are kept to document the calculation, that any potentially distorting factors are considered. A general ledger transaction to record the estimated accounts payable and expense amounts must be posted and reversed at the start of the next period. The review may be against the total outstanding amount of open travel obligations or against individual travel authorizations.