Where can a facility manager obtain information about the previous year's budget expenditures?

The institution's accounting department is the most reliable source for information regarding the previous year's budget expenditures. This department is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, including detailed accounts of all budget allocations, expenditures, and financial transactions that have occurred over the past year. They can provide itemized reports and summaries, allowing the facility manager to understand how funds were utilized, which is essential for planning future budgets and justifying financial requests.

Research staff may have insights into budgetary needs and spending but are not typically the custodians of the detailed financial information. External funding agencies provide funds but do not track the internal expenditures of individual departments or facilities. Animal care technicians might access funding or make departmental expenditure requests, but they generally do not handle or maintain comprehensive financial records. This delineation of roles illustrates why the accounting department stands out as the authoritative source for budgetary data.