The purpose of the Approver Training is to provide UMBC faculty, staff, and designated approvers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively review and authorize travel requests and expense reports in SAP Concur. This session explains the approver's responsibilities, their role in maintaining compliance with the Interim Travel Policy, and the impact they have on the efficiency and accuracy of UMBC's travel process. Participants will learn how to navigate the approval tools in Concur, evaluate travel and expense submissions, handle exceptions, and access available resources for ongoing support.

Key Topics Covered:

• Role of the Approver: Defining the responsibilities of an approver and how their actions contribute to the integrity, compliance, and efficiency of UMBC's travel process.

• System Overview for Approvers: Navigating the Concur approval dashboard, understanding travel request and expense report views, and tracking items awaiting action.

• Approval Workflow in Detail: How travel requests and expense reports are routed for review and approval, including timelines, workflow stages, and notification settings.

• Reviewing Travel Requests: Confirming travel details, verifying compliance with policies, and ensuring sufficient justification before granting pre‑approval.

• Reviewing Expense Reports: Checking for accuracy in expense categorization, validating receipts, monitoring per diem and mileage calculations, and identifying discrepancies.

• Compliance Checks: Ensuring all submissions meet the requirements of the Interim Travel Policy, including documentation standards and allowable expenses.

• Exception Handling: Approving special cases, managing exceptions to policy, and knowing when additional review or escalation is required.

• Resources & Support: Accessing job aids, workflow charts, policy references, and technical assistance for approving travel efficiently and correctly.

Who Should Take This Training?

Any UMBC employee assigned as the Authorized Approver or Cost Object Approver in SAP Concur.

Recommended for:

• Supervisors approving travel for faculty, staff, and students

• Staff responsible for approving travel costs charged to specific accounts or projects