18th CPTS, 18th CONS tackle fiscal year close out

Photo By Staff Sgt. Rhett Isbell | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Blie Yang, 18th Contracting Squadron budget officer, reviews documents during the fiscal year budget close out at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Funds awarded before the fiscal year deadline can go to unit needs such as laptops or all-terrain vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rhett Isbell)  

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.07.2022

Story by Staff Sgt. Rhett Isbell 

18th Wing

Through the close-knit cooperation between the Airmen and contractors of the 18th Comptroller Squadron and the 18th Contracting Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, has successfully made its way through another fiscal year budget close out.

Members of the dual squadrons worked through the weekend to finish fully allocating funds and completing the contracts associated with them; ensuring nothing was wasted and Kadena Air Base continued to be properly funded.

“In order to close out we have to make sure that the books are balanced and nothing is left to do,” said Kyle Fey, 18th CPTS budget analyst team lead. “It’s a lot of work so we need the whole team to pitch in through the weekend.”

Working through the weekend becomes a necessity for these dedicated team Kadena members due to the nature of how funds can move around at the very end of the fiscal year. Realizing this type of time-sensitive goal takes a team effort and constant communication.

“As contracting officers we’re the only ones able to obligate contracts so our role is pivotal to be able to allocate the money at the end of the year,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Blei Yang, 18th CONS budget officer. “I’ve been through this a few times, but here in Kadena it’s a pretty fast pace and if you’re new it can be a little overwhelming, so we have to help each other out because it can be a pretty demanding job.”

Through their dedication to detail, this financial force met their goal of a proper budget close out and were able to feel a sense of satisfaction before getting started on next year's budget.

“This year was better than last year because we really had everything lined up beforehand due to lessons learned from last year,” Fey said. “It feels so good to be through with it, but after relaxing for a bit, we’ll move on to preparing for next year, going over lessons learned, what we can do better and just setting ourselves up for success at the next close out.”

• Date Taken: 10.07.2022
• Date Posted: 10.20.2022 21:48
• Story ID: 430913
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP