Audit 3028

FY End
2022-06-30
Total Expended
$4.31M
Findings
10
Programs
14
Organization: Benton County School District (MS)
Year: 2022 Accepted: 2023-11-13
Auditor: Brown CPA PLLC

Organization Exclusion Status:

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Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
1743 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
1744 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
1745 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
1746 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
1747 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
578185 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
578186 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
578187 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
578188 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B
578189 2022-005 Significant Deficiency - B

Contacts

Name Title Type
TZN8W5MD1H84 Tonya Kuhl Auditee
6622243607 Clint Brown Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Accounting Policies: Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (1) Basis of Presentation The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal award activity of the Benton County School District under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2022. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of the Benton County School District, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position,changes in net position, or cash flows of the Benton County School District. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the same basis of accounting and the same significant accounting policies, as applicable, as those used for the financial statements; however, the expenditures include transfers out. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Negative amounts shown on the Schedule represent adjustments or credits made in the normal course of business to amounts reported as expenditures in prior years. (3) Indirect Cost Rate The Benton County School District has not elected to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. (4) Other Items Donated commodities are included in the National School Lunch Program. E-rate funds have not been included on this schedule due to the fact the FCC considers the support to be in the form of providing a discount to the schools and libraries and does not consider the assistance to be direct financial support. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Benton County School District uses the indirect cost rates provided by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Finding Details

2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.
2022-005 Finding Accounts payable testing and internal controls. Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster, ALN #10:555; 10:559 COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief I & II(ESSER) ALN #84.425D COVID-19 – Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief III ARP (ESSER) ALN #84.425U Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Repeat Finding: None Criteria: An effective system of internal control is the responsibility of management. Management should establish an internal control system that ensures strong financial accountability and safeguarding of assets. This includes maintenance of accurate accounting records and following the proper purchasing procedures. Condition: During our testing of forty (40) invoices, we noted the following exceptions: 1. Invoices were not initialed and dated when received by the district. 2. Invoices are not being cancelled (marked paid) to indicate payment. 3. Three (3) instances of no indication, signature and/or dated by the employee, of receipt of goods or services. 4. One (1) in the sample where the district did not add the fixed assets purchased to the asset inventory list. 5. One (1) instance where the purchase order was dated after the invoice date. Context: Internal control procedures were tested for accounts payable in the major federal funds. Cause: The district did not properly ensure that the accounts payable internal control system was being followed for all transactions including all purchasing procedures required by the state. Effect: Without a proper internal control system being in place to ensure accurate accounting records, there is an increased risk that the financial statements could be misstated. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: District should implement policies and procedures to establish an internal control system that will require accountability with regard to accounts payable and purchasing. This will ensure the proper safeguarding of assets and accurate accounting records. Response: Please refer to the Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan beginning on page 83.