The quick answer
From Employee Center, open Enter Expense Report, add the meal’s date, category, currency, amount, and business purpose, then submit. Compare the saved line and reimbursable total with the receipt and check the approval status.
The screenshots use sample data and fictional person and operating-company names.
Before you start
Use an expense category available to the employee and follow your company’s receipt policy. This example reviews a receipt outside NetSuite but does not attach it. Continue without an attachment only where policy and validation permit it.
01. Read the receipt before entry
Review the Riverbend Kitchen receipt dated September 5, 2026. The personally paid meal is $54.00 plus $4.05 tax and $5.40 tip, totaling $63.45 USD. Its business purpose is Client planning dinner — Alder Retail.
02. Open an expense report
Return to Employee Center Home and select Enter Expense Report. Confirm the employee and report date, then review any other required fields. The example starts with a zero total and a September 7 report date.
03. Enter and add the meal line
On Expenses, enter September 5, 2026, Meals and Entertainment, US Dollar, 63.45, and the business-purpose memo. Leave Billable, Corporate Card, and Non-reimbursable clear. No file is attached, so Receipt stays clear. Click Add and compare the completed line with the receipt. The example exposes line currency; other forms may use only report currency. The gross expense amount does not separately record tax details.
04. Submit and check the saved report
Choose Submit when the report is complete. Compare the saved report date and meal line date, category, memo, and $63.45 reimbursable total. The example shows Pending Accounting Approval. Your approval route can differ; submission does not establish approval or reimbursement.
Check the result
- The expense date matches the September 5 receipt.
- The $63.45 includes meal, tax, and tip without an advance or currency adjustment.
- The saved status identifies the next approval stage.
Common questions
How do I submit a client-meal expense report from Employee Center?
Review the receipt, then create an expense report from Employee Center. Enter the incurred date, available expense category, currency, amount, and memo; add the line, verify the total, and choose Submit. Required fields and available categories depend on account configuration.
What is the difference between Submit and Complete Later?
Submit marks the completed report for the account’s configured approval process and may prevent further edits. Complete Later saves the report as incomplete without submitting it for approval. The exact buttons, validation, and edit restrictions depend on the account’s form and workflow configuration.
Does the Receipt checkbox attach the meal receipt?
No. The Receipt checkbox indicates that supporting documentation is provided; it does not upload or attach a file. Attachments use the form’s file or attachment controls when available. This example leaves the box clear, and submission without a file is appropriate only when company policy permits it.
Does “Pending Accounting Approval” mean the expense was reimbursed?
No. Pending Accounting Approval is a routing status showing that the report is awaiting the configured approval step. Approval status names and routing can differ by account. Submission or approval does not by itself prove reimbursement, payment, or external settlement.
Supporting sources
Oracle NetSuite: Entering an Expense Report in the Employee Center.