What is an expense check & how to use them

Expense checks, also known as expense reimbursements, are a key aspect of employee compensation strategies. They ensure that employees are promptly and fairly compensated for any business-related expenses they incur, including travel, accommodation, meals, and other essential costs.

How expense checks work

When completing an expense check in a business setting, the following steps are typically followed:

1. The employee incurs the expense while conducting business on behalf of the organization.
2. They then gather all necessary receipts and documentation to support the expense.
3. They submit expenses along with the required documentation to their supervisor or to the appropriate person in their department responsible for approving expenses.
4. The supervisor meticulously evaluates the expense to ensure alignment with stringent company policies and budget mandates.
5. If the expense is approved, your employee will receive a reimbursement check.

Importance of expense reimbursements

Expense reimbursements are a critical component of the employer-employee relationship. For the employee, it means they won’t be out of pocket for work-related expenses. For the employer, it means they won’t take an unjust financial advantage of their employees.

Promoting fairness and equity

The importance of expense checks in maintaining a fair and equitable workplace is acknowledged. Without this structure, staff members might find themselves personally covering business expenses, creating undue financial burdens, especially for those on more modest salaries. This could lead to discontent and inequity among the team, potentially affecting morale and productivity.

Accurate financial planning

In addition, expense checks help employers maintain accurate records of their company's expenses. This is crucial for budgeting and financial planning purposes. When employees are required to submit an expense report along with their receipts, it allows employers to have a full picture of their spending. This enables them to identify any areas where costs can be reduced, leading to better financial management.

Preventing fraud and misuse of funds

Expense checks also play a crucial role in preventing fraud and misuse of company funds. By requiring employees to provide detailed expense reports and receipts, you can verify that the expenses claimed are legitimate and within your policies. This can help prevent employees from submitting false or inflated claims, which can have a significant impact on your bottom line.

Legal implications and employee retention

In a commitment to fairness and transparency, the legal significance of expense checks is recognized. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandates that employers must reimburse employees for all work-related expenses. Beyond being a legal requirement, this practice is seen as an investment in team satisfaction and commitment. When employees know their expenses are covered, they feel valued and supported, leading to increased job satisfaction and loyalty to the company.

Clear expense policy and communication

A strong framework is crucial for efficient processing. A well-defined expense policy is the bedrock of streamlined operations. The policy should clearly specify eligible expenses, the process for report submission, and any limits or constraints in place. Proactive steps have been taken to ensure the policy is communicated effectively to all personnel. Through handbooks, training sessions, and email reminders, a culture of clarity has been cultivated, leaving no room for ambiguity concerning reimbursable expenses.

Efficiently manage business expenses with Ramp

Reimbursements are integral to employee benefits and critical for operating fairly, transparently, and within legal boundaries. They are essential for effective financial management and building strong team relationships. A well-defined and transparent reimbursement policy ensures fair compensation for all business expenses.

Simplify processes and reduce errors with Ramp’s expense management platform. The modern system makes capturing and storing receipts effortless, while real-time tracking provides clear spend visibility.