Finance program speeds PCS paperwork Published June 26, 2009 By Financial Services Office 72nd Comptroller Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- New arrivals here will soon be able to in-process with the base finance office using the Permanent Change of Station In-Processing System, or PiPS, a Web-based financial system which provides general PCS in-processing information and discusses PCS travel entitlement and military pay entitlements. A by-product of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21, initiatives to streamline PCS in-processing, PiPS was designed to accurately capture specific PCS-related information needed to transfer servicemembers' records to their new base by having them answer a series of questions, then automatically produce the documentation required by the Air Force Financial Services Center. "PiPS uses the same concept as most common commercial tax software," said Gregory Woodson, 72nd Comptroller Squadron Financial Services officer. "Customers answer standardized questions that automatically populate various forms required for submission. Like filling out tax returns online, the completed PiPS-generated forms are then electronically transmitted directly to AFFSC for processing." PiPS offers many benefits including consistency and standardization, faster travel reimbursement, faster military pay records update and document accuracy, according to Mr. Woodson. All customers in-processing at an installation now receive the same PCS briefing containing all the information needed to ensure a smooth transition to their new duty station. "Members no longer have to wait until the next 'Right Start' briefing to in-process," said Mr. Woodson. "Where customers used to wait from three days up to two weeks after arrival to be able to complete their financial in-processing and file for their travel reimbursement, they can now in-process through finance the same day they arrive on station." In-processing sooner allows customers to receive their travel entitlements faster. With PiPS, the average customer's PCS travel voucher is paid three to seven days faster than before from the date of their arrival. In-processing sooner also allows finance specialists to update members' military pay records in a timely manner increasing the likelihood customers will receive their station allowances on the next available payday. Additionally, timely update of pay records allows finance specialists to immediately stop members' housing allowances received from their last base for the entire PCS period, and minimizes indebtedness amounts or overpayments resulting from these adjustments. PiPs will help eliminate travel claims being rejected by the AFFSC due to illegible or poor handwriting. The sponsor needs to show the new arrival where the finance office is located and ensure the newcomer's common access card is reset to Tinker or they may not be able to properly access PiPS. PiPS is expected to be implemented at Tinker in early July 2009.