Finance operations undergoing biggest change in its history Published Nov. 6, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Dave Thompson 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force is transforming its Financial Management (FM) operations in the largest change in AF FM's 60-year history and for Airmen at Cannon, the changes begin Dec. 14. The changes will provide more effective and efficient finance operations by consolidating the processing operations currently provided by 93 separate active and reserve base finance offices worldwide into one operation at the new Air Force Financial Services Center (AFFSC) at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota. The workload currently performed at each base will migrate to the AFFSC by major command and began with Air Force Space Command in October. It concludes in April 2008 and the changes will save the Air Force $210 million. "At AF bases around the world, differing experience levels gave the customer an inconsistent product, " said -Major Randy Toris, 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron commander at Cannon. Comptroller. "By centralizing the back shop processing, we will be able to ensure a top-notch result for the member, all while decreasing the support footprint at Cannon AFB due to gained efficiencies at the Center." The initial effort to consolidate is designed to be seamless and how customer service is provided does not change. In October 2008 the initial operational capability of the contact center will be reached. In this phase additional options for customers to get service, including Web self-service and a contact center will be available. Much like other career fields, Airmen will see fewer "FM'ers " on base, but will have more flexibility in obtaining service through 24x7 self-service and contact center options. Base finance office walk-in service will remain for some services; however customers will be encouraged to use the new service options. A Financial Services Transformation (FST) Cut-over Team is assisting bases for the transition to the new service center. The team visited Cannon in May to brief wing leadership and comptroller Airmen on the transformation initiative and to train Airmen on the processes and technology solutions they will use. At Cannon, after Dec. 14, all travel/pay affecting documents will be electronically transmitted to the AFFSC for processing and payment. The FSO will still have the ability to make emergency cash or check payments on a case-by-case basis. "Financial Management's transformation objective is to provide the Air Force 'a longer tooth and a shorter tail' by returning resources from support operations to direct war fighting capabilities," said Mr. John Vonglis, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller. He said the AFFSC will use the latest technologies to free resources that can be allocated to directly supporting the warfighter and Air Force Mission. For more information, visit the AFFSC Web site on the Air Force Portal. Highlight the 'Life & Career' Tab, then clicking on 'Money - Finance Central.' Select 'Air Force Financial Services Center (AFFSC)' link.