Audit 305251

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$10.10M
Findings
12
Programs
6
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-05-01

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
395640 2023-001 - - L
395641 2023-001 - - L
395642 2023-001 - - L
395643 2023-001 - - L
395644 2023-001 - - L
395645 2023-001 - - L
972082 2023-001 - - L
972083 2023-001 - - L
972084 2023-001 - - L
972085 2023-001 - - L
972086 2023-001 - - L
972087 2023-001 - - L

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $803,647 - 0
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $304,248 Yes 1
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $213,259 - 0
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $186,455 Yes 1
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $138,970 Yes 1
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $63,627 - 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
WF6YK942FVJ3 Hermelinda Sierra Auditee
5095868576 Jennifer Gebhart Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Program Costs Accounting Policies: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the Housing Authority City of Kennewick (the Authority) financial statements. The Authority uses the accrual basis of accounting. The Authority’s accounting records are maintained in accordance with the methods prescribed by the State Auditor under the authority of Washington State law, Chapter 43.09 RCW. The Authority uses the revenue and expenditure classifications contained in the Financial and Accounting Handbooks prescribed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Authority has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The amounts shown as current year expenditures represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs for FY 2023. Entire program costs, including the Authority’s portion, may be more than shown.
Title: Sub-Recipients Accounting Policies: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the Housing Authority City of Kennewick (the Authority) financial statements. The Authority uses the accrual basis of accounting. The Authority’s accounting records are maintained in accordance with the methods prescribed by the State Auditor under the authority of Washington State law, Chapter 43.09 RCW. The Authority uses the revenue and expenditure classifications contained in the Financial and Accounting Handbooks prescribed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Authority has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The Authority did not grant funds to sub-recipients.
Title: Year-end loan balances Accounting Policies: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the Housing Authority City of Kennewick (the Authority) financial statements. The Authority uses the accrual basis of accounting. The Authority’s accounting records are maintained in accordance with the methods prescribed by the State Auditor under the authority of Washington State law, Chapter 43.09 RCW. The Authority uses the revenue and expenditure classifications contained in the Financial and Accounting Handbooks prescribed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Authority has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. As of June 30, 2023, the balance outstanding on the HOME Loan for the MicroHomes project was $803,647.

Finding Details

Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director
Finding Name: Timeliness of Accounting Close and Financial Reporting and Federal Audit Submission Federal Award(s): ALN 14.871/14.879 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Voucher Cluster ALN 14.872 – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Public Housing Capital Funds Finding: Internal control processes over financial reporting did not ensure that the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year-ended June 30, 2023, or the related supporting accounting records, were completed timely, which prevented timely submission of the audit to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Repeat Finding: Not applicable - this is not considered a repeat finding. Criteria: The Authority is responsible for preparation of accurate and complete financial statements and related supporting documentation to its auditors in a timely manner in order to facilitate meeting all audit reporting deadlines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse each require annual submission of an audit no later than nine months after the Authority’s fiscal year end. Condition and Context: While management was aware of the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadlines, the draft financial statements and certain supporting accounting records were not provided to the auditors in a timely manner, with some records and draft financial statements and notes provided more than 8 months after the fiscal year-end. Delays were caused by an Authority-wide accounting system conversion, transitions in key management roles, and a lack of available time to prepare for the audit. Cause: The internal controls of the accounting and reporting system were not effectively operating such that the preparation of accounting records and draft financial statements could be completed timely for submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or for internal use. Effect: The submission of audited financial statements to the federal audit clearinghouse was late, which could result in reductions or delays in federal assistance provided to the Authority. Additionally, the Board of Directors and other users of the financial statements rely on timely and complete reports for decision making, and delays in these reports could impact their ability to govern the Authority effectively. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendations: We recommend the Authority develop a process or procedure to ensure the preparation year-end financial records and draft financial statements is completed timely to allow sufficient time for the audit of such information to occur prior to all deadlines for audit submission. Views of Management and Corrective Action Plan: Management’s response is reported in the “Management’s Corrective Action Plan” at the end of this report. Contact Person: Hermelinda Sierra, CFO/Deputy Director