Expensify Blog

Expensify user Camp Kesem is a college student run summer camp for kids with a parent who has (or has had) cancer. Their one-week sleep away camps are a chance for kids to have a fun-filled week and just be kids.  The student volunteers at their 37 chapters work year-round to plan and implement every aspect of camp – in addition to raising thousands of dollars and developing leadership skills.

I recently had a chance to talk to Rachel Firestone, Camp Kesem’s National Program Director, about how they use Expensify and the benefits it provides for them.

Expensify allows us highly organized oversight of expenses and streamlines our reimbursement process.  Before Expensify, volunteers at our 37 chapters would send us countless emails with receipts and reimbursement information – often with mathematical errors or missing information.  Now it is easy for them to “fill in the blanks” so to speak, to make sure we get all the info we need, plus the totals are summed automatically.  They can even snap a photo of their receipt with the Expensify smartphone app!  Additionally, when we do spot an error, it is easy to reject the report, include our feedback, and have the volunteers resubmit after making any necessary changes.  On top of all of that, our accountant loves the way it interfaces with QuickBooks, making reconciliation a much less daunting task. ~ Rachel Firestone – Camp Kesem National Program Director

Bringing joy into these kid’s lives! Who could have a problem with that?

With so many locations spread out across the country, and a regularly rotating staff, the intuitive systems Expensify can provide offer a large benefit to an organization such as Camp Kesem.

Camp Kesem Kids. Happy to just be kids!

Training is minimal and people are able to get quickly up to speed and spend their time helping kids rather than scratching their heads looking at a computer. We couldn’t be happier to play whatever small part we can in furthering Camp Kesem’s important mission!

I want to thank Rachel and Camp Kesem for agreeing to be featured here in How Do You Expensify.  If you would like to be featured here, or if you have any questions about how Expensify can help to bring this kind of ease in expense reporting to your organization, please feel free to contact us at help@expensify.com at any time. We are always happy to help. And if you have a free moment please take look at Camp Kesem and the great work they are doing across the country!  I think you will be impressed!

I first heard of Team Rubicon about one year ago when their Founder, Jake Wood, wrote in asking to get his direct deposit account set up.  I was so impressed with the work they are doing that when we started up the ‘How do you Expensify’ series they were the first group that came to mind.  

Made up of hundreds of military veterans, Team Rubicon takes the skills and strength forged on the battlefield and puts it to work saving lives around the world.  They have made a real difference in helping disaster torn areas such as Pakistan, Chile, Burma, and also back here in the U.S.  Currently they are hard at work in Haiti, (Remember that earthquake?  Team Rubicon never forgot) and South Sudan.  We couldn’t be more proud to count them as Expensify users, and we take great pride in any small way that we may be assisting them in their work.

Team Rubicon’s John Webster checks on a sick child’s heart rate. What did you do for the world today?

I recently had a chance to ask Jake about what works best for him and his team in Expensify and he was kind enough to take the time to share a few thoughts.

I’d say that perhaps the best example would be when we have a mission domestically.  We get a lot of spontaneous volunteers who are driving in from as far as 500 miles to respond.  Many of them need reimbursements rapidly since they are fronting the costs.  Expensify allows them to take a photo of their receipt from the field and save it, which is crucial.  Also, with the mileage tracker, it’s the easiest method we’ve found to reimburse miles. ~ Jake Wood, Team Rubicon

Whether you are traveling across the war torn African savana, or just delivering supplies to a local outlet of your business, Expensify can suit your needs equally well.  On our mobile apps, you have access to multiple means of mileage tracking – from manual entry, odometer readings, or even our newest feature, GPS tracking.  Whatever your needs, we have an option that will suit them.

Tracking Mileage: Whichever Way Works Best For You!

Team Rubicon’s Zach Smith saying good bye to his friends in Pibor, Sudan. How awesome is that scene?

So if you haven’t had a chance to try out our mobile mileage entry why don’t you give it a shot!  And also please do check out Team Rubicon and the amazing work they do around the globe.  As always, if you have any questions, or if there is anything at all Expensify can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us at help@expensify.com.