2.0    NIST CAMS Accounting Classification Code Structure (ACCS)

The NIST accounting classification code structure (ACCS) is changing with the implementation of CAMS. The new "CAMS" ACCS is a Department-wide approved structure which is mandated for all bureaus as they implement CAMS.

The CAMS ACCS comprises the following data elements:

Although this is a long code, users of the Commerce Purchase Card system (CPCS) need only be concerned with the Fiscal Year, Organization Code, Project Code, Task Code, and Object Class. All other data elements will be automatically populated by the system based on pre-defined relationships between the data values.

Initially, transactions processed through the CPCS will be assigned a default accounting code established for each cardholder. If correct, the transaction can be reconciled with the default accounting code or if incorrect, it can be changed. Elements which need to be closely examined for correctness are the Fiscal Year, Organization Code, Project Code, Task Code, and Object Class. Brief explanations of these pertinent CAMS ACCS data elements are as follows:

Fiscal Year (4 positions):

All CPCS transactions require a four character fiscal year.

Project Code (7 positions):

This data element is the FIMA Task Code with an additional leading digit that identifies the applicable line, staff or program office.

Task Code (3 positions):

The task code is a further breakdown of a project code. FIMA Phase Codes were converted to CAMS with "P" as a prefix.

Organization Code (16 positions):

CAMS uses the NFC Payroll/Personnel System Organization Code excluding the first two digits that identify the bureau code. Bureau code is not needed as part of the organization code since it is a separate data element in the CAMS ACCS.

Object Class (8 positions - NIST uses only 4):

NIST will continue to use its current four position object classes under CAMS.

2.1   Default ACCS

The cardholder's default ACCS is displayed on the ACCS (BC-606) window in CPCS as illustrated below:

If the ACCS needs to be modified, drill down in the white field of the ACCS (BC-606) window where the full ACCS is displayed and the Account Classification Code Structure (dba094 or dba093) window will open.