Cost center overview

Last updated March 20, 2026

Cost centers are folders that group accounts. Each cost center can hold one or more accounts.

You can nest cost centers to match your organization's financial structure.

To restrict user access, assign them one or more topmost cost centers. Users will only see data within those cost centers and nothing above them in the hierarchy.

This screenshot is an example of setting the topmosts for a user in the Accounting tree.

Edit User: EUM Topmosts dialog with the Facilities and Accounting hierarchies side by side, with the Accounting side outlined and City of Happy Valley and Fund 8000 checked.

You cannot edit your topmost place, cost center, or site.

For the example shown below, if your topmost place is City Leased, you can't change any of the properties for the City Leased cost center.

Account tree with City of Happy Valley labeled as a cost center and the account 1210 Grant Ave - ELE under Doc Brown Building labeled as an account.

Creating a hierarchy lets you quickly view subtotaled use, cost, and trends.

Cost center reports

You can download popular configured reports (quick reports) without leaving the Accounts module.

The filters used to create the report are listed on the last report page and set for you when you use Configure Advanced Options.

Animated Accounts screen for the City Managed cost center showing the Billing Period Data Summary with a Total Cost Summary chart and 2024 target lines. Only the first frame was reviewed.

How to manage cost centers

  • Create cost centers within the Accounts module with the Actions menu.
  • Create cost centers with a spreadsheet.
  • Edit cost centers with the Actions menu or an update cost centers spreadsheet.
  • In the Accounts module use All Cost Centers to move or delete cost center directly in the application.