Audit 332205

FY End
2022-12-31
Total Expended
$1.04M
Findings
18
Programs
3
Organization: Respond INC (NJ)
Year: 2022 Accepted: 2024-12-12
Auditor: Marcum LLP

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
514005 2022-001 Material Weakness Yes L
514006 2022-001 Material Weakness Yes L
514007 2022-001 Material Weakness Yes L
514008 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes C
514009 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes C
514010 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes C
514011 2022-003 Significant Deficiency Yes L
514012 2022-003 Significant Deficiency Yes L
514013 2022-003 Significant Deficiency Yes L
1090447 2022-001 Material Weakness Yes L
1090448 2022-001 Material Weakness Yes L
1090449 2022-001 Material Weakness Yes L
1090450 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes C
1090451 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes C
1090452 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes C
1090453 2022-003 Significant Deficiency Yes L
1090454 2022-003 Significant Deficiency Yes L
1090455 2022-003 Significant Deficiency Yes L

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
93.600 Head Start $419,421 Yes 3
10.558 Child and Adult Care Food Program $337,467 - 3
93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant $279,134 - 3

Contacts

Name Title Type
PN8GLLYU2WR1 Milton Westray Auditee
8563654403 Amish Mehta Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedules are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Agency has not elected to use the 10 per cent de minimums indirect cost rate as allowed under the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid. The accompanying schedules of expenditures of federal and state awards (the “Schedules”) include the federal and state grant activities of Respond Inc. and Subsidiary (the “Agency”) under programs of the federal and state of New Jersey governments for the year ended December 31, 2022. The information in the Schedules is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid. Because the Schedules present only a selected portion of the operations of the Agency, they are not intended to and do not present the consolidated financial position, changes in net assets or cash flows of the Agency.
Title: NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedules are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Agency has not elected to use the 10 per cent de minimums indirect cost rate as allowed under the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid. Expenditures reported on the Schedules are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.
Title: NOTE 3 - INDIRECT COST RATE Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedules are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Agency has not elected to use the 10 per cent de minimums indirect cost rate as allowed under the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid. The Agency has not elected to use the 10 per cent de minimums indirect cost rate as allowed under the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, Single Audit Policy for Recipients of Federal Grants, State Grants and State Aid.

Finding Details

FINDING 2022-001 - FINANCIAL CLOSING AND REPORTING - TYPE: MATERIAL WEAKNESS - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria Controls should be in place to evaluate accounts, review and approval of transactions, record entries into the general ledger in a timely, complete and accurate manner and generate a final trial balance and financial statements. Condition The Agency’s existing process of initiating, reviewing and approving transactions, maintaining supporting documentation, closing the books and preparing financial statements includes recording a significant number of manual post-closing entries and audit adjustments. We noted the following control deficiencies, which in combination, are considered a material weakness: • Supporting documentation for journal entries is not maintained in one central location nor does it evidence formal review by an individual at least one level above the preparer. • Weaknesses over recording rental activity include recording rental income on a cash basis and inconsistent application of late rental fees and utility payments charged to tenants. • Charges to corporate debit and credit cards are not formally reviewed by management. • Accounts receivable aging is not maintained timely or reconciled and uncollected accounts receivable balances are not followed up on for correct recorded balances. Lack of controls over the timing of revenue recorded resulted in material adjustments. • Day care expenses are not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts. • Weakness over recording fixed assets additions, in-kind donations, and disposals, maintaining fixed asset schedule, and reviewing fixed assets for impairment. • Child care fees are recorded on a cash basis. • Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in significant penalties and accrued interest and difficulty reconciling to balance due at year-end. • Expenses not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts and weakness over preparation and review of statement of functional expenses. • Difficulty locating documentation and agreements supporting current year transactions. • Accounts payable aging not maintained timely or reconciled. • Payroll not accrued properly or timely. • The Agency spent funds for the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program before receiving budget modification approval from the grantor resulting in delays or not receiving expense reimbursements. Cause Failure to enforce its policies and procedures over financial closing and reporting and turnover of personnel in the accounting department.Effect Agency’s initial trial balance was materially misstated. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-01. Recommendation Management has begun to implement new controls in the accounting department and hire additional staff and external consultants. We recommend management to continue to develop and further refine its financial reporting processes. Management should continue to conduct a thorough assessment of the adequacy and completeness of the Agency’s accounting and financial closing and reporting policies and procedures. Based on the results of the continued assessment, management should develop additional policies and procedures and/or reinforce the existing policies and procedures to personnel. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-001 - FINANCIAL CLOSING AND REPORTING - TYPE: MATERIAL WEAKNESS - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria Controls should be in place to evaluate accounts, review and approval of transactions, record entries into the general ledger in a timely, complete and accurate manner and generate a final trial balance and financial statements. Condition The Agency’s existing process of initiating, reviewing and approving transactions, maintaining supporting documentation, closing the books and preparing financial statements includes recording a significant number of manual post-closing entries and audit adjustments. We noted the following control deficiencies, which in combination, are considered a material weakness: • Supporting documentation for journal entries is not maintained in one central location nor does it evidence formal review by an individual at least one level above the preparer. • Weaknesses over recording rental activity include recording rental income on a cash basis and inconsistent application of late rental fees and utility payments charged to tenants. • Charges to corporate debit and credit cards are not formally reviewed by management. • Accounts receivable aging is not maintained timely or reconciled and uncollected accounts receivable balances are not followed up on for correct recorded balances. Lack of controls over the timing of revenue recorded resulted in material adjustments. • Day care expenses are not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts. • Weakness over recording fixed assets additions, in-kind donations, and disposals, maintaining fixed asset schedule, and reviewing fixed assets for impairment. • Child care fees are recorded on a cash basis. • Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in significant penalties and accrued interest and difficulty reconciling to balance due at year-end. • Expenses not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts and weakness over preparation and review of statement of functional expenses. • Difficulty locating documentation and agreements supporting current year transactions. • Accounts payable aging not maintained timely or reconciled. • Payroll not accrued properly or timely. • The Agency spent funds for the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program before receiving budget modification approval from the grantor resulting in delays or not receiving expense reimbursements. Cause Failure to enforce its policies and procedures over financial closing and reporting and turnover of personnel in the accounting department.Effect Agency’s initial trial balance was materially misstated. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-01. Recommendation Management has begun to implement new controls in the accounting department and hire additional staff and external consultants. We recommend management to continue to develop and further refine its financial reporting processes. Management should continue to conduct a thorough assessment of the adequacy and completeness of the Agency’s accounting and financial closing and reporting policies and procedures. Based on the results of the continued assessment, management should develop additional policies and procedures and/or reinforce the existing policies and procedures to personnel. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-001 - FINANCIAL CLOSING AND REPORTING - TYPE: MATERIAL WEAKNESS - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria Controls should be in place to evaluate accounts, review and approval of transactions, record entries into the general ledger in a timely, complete and accurate manner and generate a final trial balance and financial statements. Condition The Agency’s existing process of initiating, reviewing and approving transactions, maintaining supporting documentation, closing the books and preparing financial statements includes recording a significant number of manual post-closing entries and audit adjustments. We noted the following control deficiencies, which in combination, are considered a material weakness: • Supporting documentation for journal entries is not maintained in one central location nor does it evidence formal review by an individual at least one level above the preparer. • Weaknesses over recording rental activity include recording rental income on a cash basis and inconsistent application of late rental fees and utility payments charged to tenants. • Charges to corporate debit and credit cards are not formally reviewed by management. • Accounts receivable aging is not maintained timely or reconciled and uncollected accounts receivable balances are not followed up on for correct recorded balances. Lack of controls over the timing of revenue recorded resulted in material adjustments. • Day care expenses are not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts. • Weakness over recording fixed assets additions, in-kind donations, and disposals, maintaining fixed asset schedule, and reviewing fixed assets for impairment. • Child care fees are recorded on a cash basis. • Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in significant penalties and accrued interest and difficulty reconciling to balance due at year-end. • Expenses not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts and weakness over preparation and review of statement of functional expenses. • Difficulty locating documentation and agreements supporting current year transactions. • Accounts payable aging not maintained timely or reconciled. • Payroll not accrued properly or timely. • The Agency spent funds for the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program before receiving budget modification approval from the grantor resulting in delays or not receiving expense reimbursements. Cause Failure to enforce its policies and procedures over financial closing and reporting and turnover of personnel in the accounting department.Effect Agency’s initial trial balance was materially misstated. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-01. Recommendation Management has begun to implement new controls in the accounting department and hire additional staff and external consultants. We recommend management to continue to develop and further refine its financial reporting processes. Management should continue to conduct a thorough assessment of the adequacy and completeness of the Agency’s accounting and financial closing and reporting policies and procedures. Based on the results of the continued assessment, management should develop additional policies and procedures and/or reinforce the existing policies and procedures to personnel. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-002 - CASH MANAGEMENT - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria A cash management plan should be in place to monitor cash flow, current budget projections, debt covenants, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to meet statutory requirements. Condition The following instances were noted due to a lack of monitoring by the Agency of their cash flow levels timely and accurately: 1) Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in penalties and accrued interest. 2) Uncollected accounts receivable balances are not monitored and followed up on for timely collection. 3) Significant outstanding checks on bank reconciliations were not timely followed up on. Cause Failure to monitor their cash flow and receivables, current budget projections, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately. Effect Potential future and previous failure by the Agency to meet its obligations as they become due. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02. Recommendation The Agency has implemented a plan to monitor cash flow, create more detailed budgets, and cash flow forecasts, but the plan should be formally adopted and reviewed with management consistently. The Agency has sold properties and cut expenses resulting in positive changes in net assets during 2022 and 2021. Prior to 2020, the Agency had experienced large net operating deficits. These prior year deficits and the noncompliance with statutory requirements have highlighted the need for an effective cash management plan. We recommend management develop and further refine its cash management plan to monitor cash flow and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to prevent future noncompliance with statutory requirements and avoid unnecessary costs.  Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency has reviewed these findings and will strive to adhere to the suggested corrective action plan in this audit report. Additionally, management plans to continue to aggressively implement structural cost-saving measures throughout the Agency. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02.
FINDING 2022-002 - CASH MANAGEMENT - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria A cash management plan should be in place to monitor cash flow, current budget projections, debt covenants, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to meet statutory requirements. Condition The following instances were noted due to a lack of monitoring by the Agency of their cash flow levels timely and accurately: 1) Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in penalties and accrued interest. 2) Uncollected accounts receivable balances are not monitored and followed up on for timely collection. 3) Significant outstanding checks on bank reconciliations were not timely followed up on. Cause Failure to monitor their cash flow and receivables, current budget projections, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately. Effect Potential future and previous failure by the Agency to meet its obligations as they become due. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02. Recommendation The Agency has implemented a plan to monitor cash flow, create more detailed budgets, and cash flow forecasts, but the plan should be formally adopted and reviewed with management consistently. The Agency has sold properties and cut expenses resulting in positive changes in net assets during 2022 and 2021. Prior to 2020, the Agency had experienced large net operating deficits. These prior year deficits and the noncompliance with statutory requirements have highlighted the need for an effective cash management plan. We recommend management develop and further refine its cash management plan to monitor cash flow and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to prevent future noncompliance with statutory requirements and avoid unnecessary costs.  Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency has reviewed these findings and will strive to adhere to the suggested corrective action plan in this audit report. Additionally, management plans to continue to aggressively implement structural cost-saving measures throughout the Agency. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02.
FINDING 2022-002 - CASH MANAGEMENT - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria A cash management plan should be in place to monitor cash flow, current budget projections, debt covenants, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to meet statutory requirements. Condition The following instances were noted due to a lack of monitoring by the Agency of their cash flow levels timely and accurately: 1) Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in penalties and accrued interest. 2) Uncollected accounts receivable balances are not monitored and followed up on for timely collection. 3) Significant outstanding checks on bank reconciliations were not timely followed up on. Cause Failure to monitor their cash flow and receivables, current budget projections, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately. Effect Potential future and previous failure by the Agency to meet its obligations as they become due. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02. Recommendation The Agency has implemented a plan to monitor cash flow, create more detailed budgets, and cash flow forecasts, but the plan should be formally adopted and reviewed with management consistently. The Agency has sold properties and cut expenses resulting in positive changes in net assets during 2022 and 2021. Prior to 2020, the Agency had experienced large net operating deficits. These prior year deficits and the noncompliance with statutory requirements have highlighted the need for an effective cash management plan. We recommend management develop and further refine its cash management plan to monitor cash flow and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to prevent future noncompliance with statutory requirements and avoid unnecessary costs.  Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency has reviewed these findings and will strive to adhere to the suggested corrective action plan in this audit report. Additionally, management plans to continue to aggressively implement structural cost-saving measures throughout the Agency. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02.
FINDING 2022-003 - REPORTING - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria The Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”) and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III, require the Agency to submit its audit to New Jersey funding agencies no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. The Agency is required to establish internal control systems to ensure required reporting is completed timely for compliance with Uniform Guidance and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III. Condition The Agency failed to meet the federal and state reporting deadline of September 30, 2023. Cause Due to lack of internal controls over its financial reporting process, the late completion of the Agency’s consolidated financial statements contributed to the late submission of its audit.Effect The late submission affects all federal and state programs the Agency administers. Questioned Costs None noted. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-003. Recommendation The Agency should improve its financial reporting process so that it can submit its audit to New Jersey Funding Agencies and potentially its Single Audit Reporting Package to the federal clearinghouse, if required, no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-003 - REPORTING - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria The Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”) and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III, require the Agency to submit its audit to New Jersey funding agencies no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. The Agency is required to establish internal control systems to ensure required reporting is completed timely for compliance with Uniform Guidance and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III. Condition The Agency failed to meet the federal and state reporting deadline of September 30, 2023. Cause Due to lack of internal controls over its financial reporting process, the late completion of the Agency’s consolidated financial statements contributed to the late submission of its audit.Effect The late submission affects all federal and state programs the Agency administers. Questioned Costs None noted. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-003. Recommendation The Agency should improve its financial reporting process so that it can submit its audit to New Jersey Funding Agencies and potentially its Single Audit Reporting Package to the federal clearinghouse, if required, no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-003 - REPORTING - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria The Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”) and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III, require the Agency to submit its audit to New Jersey funding agencies no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. The Agency is required to establish internal control systems to ensure required reporting is completed timely for compliance with Uniform Guidance and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III. Condition The Agency failed to meet the federal and state reporting deadline of September 30, 2023. Cause Due to lack of internal controls over its financial reporting process, the late completion of the Agency’s consolidated financial statements contributed to the late submission of its audit.Effect The late submission affects all federal and state programs the Agency administers. Questioned Costs None noted. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-003. Recommendation The Agency should improve its financial reporting process so that it can submit its audit to New Jersey Funding Agencies and potentially its Single Audit Reporting Package to the federal clearinghouse, if required, no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-001 - FINANCIAL CLOSING AND REPORTING - TYPE: MATERIAL WEAKNESS - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria Controls should be in place to evaluate accounts, review and approval of transactions, record entries into the general ledger in a timely, complete and accurate manner and generate a final trial balance and financial statements. Condition The Agency’s existing process of initiating, reviewing and approving transactions, maintaining supporting documentation, closing the books and preparing financial statements includes recording a significant number of manual post-closing entries and audit adjustments. We noted the following control deficiencies, which in combination, are considered a material weakness: • Supporting documentation for journal entries is not maintained in one central location nor does it evidence formal review by an individual at least one level above the preparer. • Weaknesses over recording rental activity include recording rental income on a cash basis and inconsistent application of late rental fees and utility payments charged to tenants. • Charges to corporate debit and credit cards are not formally reviewed by management. • Accounts receivable aging is not maintained timely or reconciled and uncollected accounts receivable balances are not followed up on for correct recorded balances. Lack of controls over the timing of revenue recorded resulted in material adjustments. • Day care expenses are not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts. • Weakness over recording fixed assets additions, in-kind donations, and disposals, maintaining fixed asset schedule, and reviewing fixed assets for impairment. • Child care fees are recorded on a cash basis. • Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in significant penalties and accrued interest and difficulty reconciling to balance due at year-end. • Expenses not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts and weakness over preparation and review of statement of functional expenses. • Difficulty locating documentation and agreements supporting current year transactions. • Accounts payable aging not maintained timely or reconciled. • Payroll not accrued properly or timely. • The Agency spent funds for the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program before receiving budget modification approval from the grantor resulting in delays or not receiving expense reimbursements. Cause Failure to enforce its policies and procedures over financial closing and reporting and turnover of personnel in the accounting department.Effect Agency’s initial trial balance was materially misstated. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-01. Recommendation Management has begun to implement new controls in the accounting department and hire additional staff and external consultants. We recommend management to continue to develop and further refine its financial reporting processes. Management should continue to conduct a thorough assessment of the adequacy and completeness of the Agency’s accounting and financial closing and reporting policies and procedures. Based on the results of the continued assessment, management should develop additional policies and procedures and/or reinforce the existing policies and procedures to personnel. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-001 - FINANCIAL CLOSING AND REPORTING - TYPE: MATERIAL WEAKNESS - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria Controls should be in place to evaluate accounts, review and approval of transactions, record entries into the general ledger in a timely, complete and accurate manner and generate a final trial balance and financial statements. Condition The Agency’s existing process of initiating, reviewing and approving transactions, maintaining supporting documentation, closing the books and preparing financial statements includes recording a significant number of manual post-closing entries and audit adjustments. We noted the following control deficiencies, which in combination, are considered a material weakness: • Supporting documentation for journal entries is not maintained in one central location nor does it evidence formal review by an individual at least one level above the preparer. • Weaknesses over recording rental activity include recording rental income on a cash basis and inconsistent application of late rental fees and utility payments charged to tenants. • Charges to corporate debit and credit cards are not formally reviewed by management. • Accounts receivable aging is not maintained timely or reconciled and uncollected accounts receivable balances are not followed up on for correct recorded balances. Lack of controls over the timing of revenue recorded resulted in material adjustments. • Day care expenses are not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts. • Weakness over recording fixed assets additions, in-kind donations, and disposals, maintaining fixed asset schedule, and reviewing fixed assets for impairment. • Child care fees are recorded on a cash basis. • Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in significant penalties and accrued interest and difficulty reconciling to balance due at year-end. • Expenses not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts and weakness over preparation and review of statement of functional expenses. • Difficulty locating documentation and agreements supporting current year transactions. • Accounts payable aging not maintained timely or reconciled. • Payroll not accrued properly or timely. • The Agency spent funds for the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program before receiving budget modification approval from the grantor resulting in delays or not receiving expense reimbursements. Cause Failure to enforce its policies and procedures over financial closing and reporting and turnover of personnel in the accounting department.Effect Agency’s initial trial balance was materially misstated. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-01. Recommendation Management has begun to implement new controls in the accounting department and hire additional staff and external consultants. We recommend management to continue to develop and further refine its financial reporting processes. Management should continue to conduct a thorough assessment of the adequacy and completeness of the Agency’s accounting and financial closing and reporting policies and procedures. Based on the results of the continued assessment, management should develop additional policies and procedures and/or reinforce the existing policies and procedures to personnel. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-001 - FINANCIAL CLOSING AND REPORTING - TYPE: MATERIAL WEAKNESS - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria Controls should be in place to evaluate accounts, review and approval of transactions, record entries into the general ledger in a timely, complete and accurate manner and generate a final trial balance and financial statements. Condition The Agency’s existing process of initiating, reviewing and approving transactions, maintaining supporting documentation, closing the books and preparing financial statements includes recording a significant number of manual post-closing entries and audit adjustments. We noted the following control deficiencies, which in combination, are considered a material weakness: • Supporting documentation for journal entries is not maintained in one central location nor does it evidence formal review by an individual at least one level above the preparer. • Weaknesses over recording rental activity include recording rental income on a cash basis and inconsistent application of late rental fees and utility payments charged to tenants. • Charges to corporate debit and credit cards are not formally reviewed by management. • Accounts receivable aging is not maintained timely or reconciled and uncollected accounts receivable balances are not followed up on for correct recorded balances. Lack of controls over the timing of revenue recorded resulted in material adjustments. • Day care expenses are not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts. • Weakness over recording fixed assets additions, in-kind donations, and disposals, maintaining fixed asset schedule, and reviewing fixed assets for impairment. • Child care fees are recorded on a cash basis. • Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in significant penalties and accrued interest and difficulty reconciling to balance due at year-end. • Expenses not consistently allocated to grants that are reimbursed based on student attendance/meal counts and weakness over preparation and review of statement of functional expenses. • Difficulty locating documentation and agreements supporting current year transactions. • Accounts payable aging not maintained timely or reconciled. • Payroll not accrued properly or timely. • The Agency spent funds for the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program before receiving budget modification approval from the grantor resulting in delays or not receiving expense reimbursements. Cause Failure to enforce its policies and procedures over financial closing and reporting and turnover of personnel in the accounting department.Effect Agency’s initial trial balance was materially misstated. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-01. Recommendation Management has begun to implement new controls in the accounting department and hire additional staff and external consultants. We recommend management to continue to develop and further refine its financial reporting processes. Management should continue to conduct a thorough assessment of the adequacy and completeness of the Agency’s accounting and financial closing and reporting policies and procedures. Based on the results of the continued assessment, management should develop additional policies and procedures and/or reinforce the existing policies and procedures to personnel. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-002 - CASH MANAGEMENT - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria A cash management plan should be in place to monitor cash flow, current budget projections, debt covenants, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to meet statutory requirements. Condition The following instances were noted due to a lack of monitoring by the Agency of their cash flow levels timely and accurately: 1) Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in penalties and accrued interest. 2) Uncollected accounts receivable balances are not monitored and followed up on for timely collection. 3) Significant outstanding checks on bank reconciliations were not timely followed up on. Cause Failure to monitor their cash flow and receivables, current budget projections, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately. Effect Potential future and previous failure by the Agency to meet its obligations as they become due. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02. Recommendation The Agency has implemented a plan to monitor cash flow, create more detailed budgets, and cash flow forecasts, but the plan should be formally adopted and reviewed with management consistently. The Agency has sold properties and cut expenses resulting in positive changes in net assets during 2022 and 2021. Prior to 2020, the Agency had experienced large net operating deficits. These prior year deficits and the noncompliance with statutory requirements have highlighted the need for an effective cash management plan. We recommend management develop and further refine its cash management plan to monitor cash flow and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to prevent future noncompliance with statutory requirements and avoid unnecessary costs.  Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency has reviewed these findings and will strive to adhere to the suggested corrective action plan in this audit report. Additionally, management plans to continue to aggressively implement structural cost-saving measures throughout the Agency. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02.
FINDING 2022-002 - CASH MANAGEMENT - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria A cash management plan should be in place to monitor cash flow, current budget projections, debt covenants, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to meet statutory requirements. Condition The following instances were noted due to a lack of monitoring by the Agency of their cash flow levels timely and accurately: 1) Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in penalties and accrued interest. 2) Uncollected accounts receivable balances are not monitored and followed up on for timely collection. 3) Significant outstanding checks on bank reconciliations were not timely followed up on. Cause Failure to monitor their cash flow and receivables, current budget projections, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately. Effect Potential future and previous failure by the Agency to meet its obligations as they become due. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02. Recommendation The Agency has implemented a plan to monitor cash flow, create more detailed budgets, and cash flow forecasts, but the plan should be formally adopted and reviewed with management consistently. The Agency has sold properties and cut expenses resulting in positive changes in net assets during 2022 and 2021. Prior to 2020, the Agency had experienced large net operating deficits. These prior year deficits and the noncompliance with statutory requirements have highlighted the need for an effective cash management plan. We recommend management develop and further refine its cash management plan to monitor cash flow and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to prevent future noncompliance with statutory requirements and avoid unnecessary costs.  Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency has reviewed these findings and will strive to adhere to the suggested corrective action plan in this audit report. Additionally, management plans to continue to aggressively implement structural cost-saving measures throughout the Agency. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02.
FINDING 2022-002 - CASH MANAGEMENT - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria A cash management plan should be in place to monitor cash flow, current budget projections, debt covenants, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to meet statutory requirements. Condition The following instances were noted due to a lack of monitoring by the Agency of their cash flow levels timely and accurately: 1) Property taxes and utility payments are consistently paid late, resulting in penalties and accrued interest. 2) Uncollected accounts receivable balances are not monitored and followed up on for timely collection. 3) Significant outstanding checks on bank reconciliations were not timely followed up on. Cause Failure to monitor their cash flow and receivables, current budget projections, and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately. Effect Potential future and previous failure by the Agency to meet its obligations as they become due. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02. Recommendation The Agency has implemented a plan to monitor cash flow, create more detailed budgets, and cash flow forecasts, but the plan should be formally adopted and reviewed with management consistently. The Agency has sold properties and cut expenses resulting in positive changes in net assets during 2022 and 2021. Prior to 2020, the Agency had experienced large net operating deficits. These prior year deficits and the noncompliance with statutory requirements have highlighted the need for an effective cash management plan. We recommend management develop and further refine its cash management plan to monitor cash flow and forecast future cash flows timely and accurately to prevent future noncompliance with statutory requirements and avoid unnecessary costs.  Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency has reviewed these findings and will strive to adhere to the suggested corrective action plan in this audit report. Additionally, management plans to continue to aggressively implement structural cost-saving measures throughout the Agency. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2021-02.
FINDING 2022-003 - REPORTING - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria The Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”) and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III, require the Agency to submit its audit to New Jersey funding agencies no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. The Agency is required to establish internal control systems to ensure required reporting is completed timely for compliance with Uniform Guidance and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III. Condition The Agency failed to meet the federal and state reporting deadline of September 30, 2023. Cause Due to lack of internal controls over its financial reporting process, the late completion of the Agency’s consolidated financial statements contributed to the late submission of its audit.Effect The late submission affects all federal and state programs the Agency administers. Questioned Costs None noted. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-003. Recommendation The Agency should improve its financial reporting process so that it can submit its audit to New Jersey Funding Agencies and potentially its Single Audit Reporting Package to the federal clearinghouse, if required, no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-003 - REPORTING - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria The Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”) and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III, require the Agency to submit its audit to New Jersey funding agencies no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. The Agency is required to establish internal control systems to ensure required reporting is completed timely for compliance with Uniform Guidance and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III. Condition The Agency failed to meet the federal and state reporting deadline of September 30, 2023. Cause Due to lack of internal controls over its financial reporting process, the late completion of the Agency’s consolidated financial statements contributed to the late submission of its audit.Effect The late submission affects all federal and state programs the Agency administers. Questioned Costs None noted. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-003. Recommendation The Agency should improve its financial reporting process so that it can submit its audit to New Jersey Funding Agencies and potentially its Single Audit Reporting Package to the federal clearinghouse, if required, no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.
FINDING 2022-003 - REPORTING - TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - FEDERAL AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AWARDS: ALL Criteria The Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”) and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III, require the Agency to submit its audit to New Jersey funding agencies no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. The Agency is required to establish internal control systems to ensure required reporting is completed timely for compliance with Uniform Guidance and State of New Jersey Office of Management and Budget Circular 15-08, State Grant Compliance Supplement, Part III. Condition The Agency failed to meet the federal and state reporting deadline of September 30, 2023. Cause Due to lack of internal controls over its financial reporting process, the late completion of the Agency’s consolidated financial statements contributed to the late submission of its audit.Effect The late submission affects all federal and state programs the Agency administers. Questioned Costs None noted. Identification of a Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-003. Recommendation The Agency should improve its financial reporting process so that it can submit its audit to New Jersey Funding Agencies and potentially its Single Audit Reporting Package to the federal clearinghouse, if required, no later than nine months after fiscal year-end. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Agency agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan in this audit report.