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Office of the Controller

Custom GPTs

Our CustomGPTs provide quick access to Controller's Office resources, policies, forms, contacts, and process guidance. They are designed to help users find information faster, understand requirements, and identify the appropriate next steps for common business and financial scenarios.

These GPTs provide high-level guidance and recommendations based on approved Controller's Office resources. They are intended to help users understand processes and locate information but should not be considered official determinations or substitutes for departmental review, required approvals, or guidance from the Controller's Office staff when necessary.

Availability: Controller's Office Custom GPTs are currently available only to faculty and staff on USC's Columbia campuses who have access to the USC ChatGPT EDU environment.

CustomGPT Description Resources
Controller's Office Resource Navigator Help users determine the correct Controller's Office process and locate the resources needed to complete it.
  • Direct users to the appropriate forms, job aids, documentation, and training materials
  • Help identify the correct process for a specific situation
  • Identify the appropriate starting point for common financial and administrative requests

I am a Business Manager reviewing a faculty member's request to charge a conference meal to a grant. The meal included someone who was not part of the research team. Explain how Controller's Office policies may apply, identify any compliance concerns or required approvals, and tell me whether this expense is likely allowable or if additional information is needed.
Grants and Funds Management Navigator Assist users with sponsored award and grants management processes.
  • Identify appropriate grants management actions for common award administration activities
  • Find the correct GFM forms, job aids, policies, checklists, and training resources
  • Handle grant-related transactions, expenditures, cost transfers, budgets, invoicing, and other award administration activities
  • Identify the appropriate grants contact, including when to work with your Post Award Accountant (PAA)

I am a Business Manager who needs to pay an individual for services provided to our department. The individual is not a USC employee. Help me determine the correct process, identify any forms or resources I need, and point me to the best place to start.
Controller's Office Policy Navigator Provide plain-language explanations of Controller's Office policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
  • Help users understand policy requirements and compliance considerations
  • Provide high-level guidance and interpretations based on approved resources
  • Identify potential risks, approvals, exceptions, and documentation requirements
  • Direct users to relevant policies and resources
  • Not intended for step-by-step transactional guidance. For detailed procedures, users should reference the applicable job aids and training materials.

I am a Principal Investigator who wants to purchase equipment using grant funds. The equipment will be used exclusively for the project. Explain any grant-related considerations, policies, resources, or approvals I should review before moving forward.
Controller's Office Contact Navigator Direct users to the appropriate Controller's Office department, mailbox, or support area.
  • Find the correct Controller’s Office contact for a question, issue, process, or request
  • Provide relevant department and email information
  • Route users to specialized support areas when applicable
  • Help reduce time spent searching for the correct office

I am a Business Manager with a payment that has not yet been processed. Help me determine the correct Controller's Office contact, explain why they are the appropriate resource, and provide the best email address for assistance.

Useful Tips and Reminders

  • To use these GPTs, you must have a USC-affiliated ChatGPT EDU account. To claim your account, follow the instructions found here.
  • Controller's Office Custom GPTs are currently available only to users on USC's Columbia campuses.
  • These GPTs are intended to complement existing Controller's Office resources and support services, not replace them.
  • When detailed procedural instructions are needed, users should continue to utilize Controller's Office job aids, training materials, and established business processes.
  • ChatGPT can make mistakes. Responses should always be reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness. OpenAI does not use USC ChatGPT EDU workspace data to train its models.
  • Your chats are private. The Division of Information Technology cannot view chats sent or received within these Custom GPTs or any chats in ChatGPT.

For questions regarding these Custom GPTs, please contact pstrain@mailbox.sc.edu.

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