Fillable DD Form 573

What Is DD Form 573

DD Form 573 is a document the United States Department of Defense (DoD) uses to reconcile disbursing officer accounts. This form is critical for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring funds are appropriately managed within military operations. It serves as an official record of adjustments to disbursement and collection transactions, helping maintain financial management's integrity within the DoD.

When to Use DD Form 573

DD Form 573 is employed in various situations where financial adjustments are necessary. These situations include:

• When errors in disbursement or collection transactions are identified, DD Form 573 is used to correct these discrepancies.
• This form is essential for reconciling discrepancies between disbursing officer accounts and official records.
• In situations involving foreign currency transactions, DD Form 573 adjust accounts based on exchange rate differences.
• The form is also used during the year-end financial closing process to accurately reconcile all accounts.

How To Fill Out DD Form 573

Filling out DD Form 573 requires attention to detail to ensure accuracy. Below is a step-by-step guide:

1. Enter the disbursing officer's name, rank, and disbursing station number. This information is crucial for identifying the officer responsible for the transactions.
2. Provide the voucher number, date, and amount involved in the adjustment. This section ensures that the correct transaction is identified for reconciliation.
3. Describe the reason for the adjustment, whether it’s a correction of an error, a currency exchange adjustment, or another type of discrepancy. A clear explanation is necessary for audit purposes.
4. Enter the account number and the amount to be credited or debited. Ensure that the accounts are accurately reflected to maintain financial integrity.
5. The disbursing officer must certify the form by signing and dating it. This certification confirms that the information provided is accurate and that the adjustment is necessary.
6. A higher authority, such as a commanding officer or a designated financial officer, must approve the form. The approval ensures that the adjustment is justified and adequately documented.

When to File DD Form 573

DD Form 573 should be filed promptly once an adjustment is identified and required. Filing this form promptly is crucial for several reasons:

• Filing the form promptly ensures that errors in disbursement or collection transactions are corrected immediately, preventing further financial discrepancies.
• To ensure accurate financial reporting, DD Form 573 must be filed during the year-end closing process, addressing any outstanding adjustments.
• Filing the form as soon as adjustments are recognized helps maintain compliance with DoD financial regulations and auditing standards.

Following these guidelines ensures that DD Form 573 is completed and filed correctly, supporting accurate and compliant financial management within the Department of Defense.