A good program of financial management in a laboratory animal care and use
program is no different than in any other business or program. It should tell the
financial story in clear terms. It should meet the needs and format of the institution
being served, and it should be meaningful. Financial management therefore includes
acceptable accounting practices, sound budget planning, and frequent monitoring
and adjustments. It is very important to remember that unlike most supplies and
services used by the investigators, animal maintenance is usually very close to a
monopoly and therefore suspect. The better the accounting practices, the easier it will
be for the manager to tell his/her story