Audit 334930

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$3.34M
Findings
28
Programs
6
Organization: Methodist Services (PA)
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-12-27
Auditor: Eisneramper LLP

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
517029 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
517030 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
517031 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
517032 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
517033 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
517034 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
517035 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
517036 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
517037 2023-002 Material Weakness - AB
517038 2023-002 Material Weakness - AB
517039 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - AB
517040 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - AB
517041 2023-004 Material Weakness - L
517042 2023-004 Material Weakness - L
1093471 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
1093472 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
1093473 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
1093474 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
1093475 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
1093476 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
1093477 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
1093478 2023-001 Material Weakness - P
1093479 2023-002 Material Weakness - AB
1093480 2023-002 Material Weakness - AB
1093481 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - AB
1093482 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - AB
1093483 2023-004 Material Weakness - L
1093484 2023-004 Material Weakness - L

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $747,818 Yes 4
93.600 Head Start $528,300 Yes 4
93.667 Social Services Block Grant $477,258 - 1
14.195 Project-Based Rental Assistance (pbra) $209,101 - 1
10.558 Child and Adult Care Food Program $87,257 - 1
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $52,641 - 1

Contacts

Name Title Type
JDWHC35JFLS5 Cynthia Benton Auditee
2158771925 Jimmy Mo Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal, state, and city awards (the “Schedule”) includes the federal award activity of the Agency under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2023. 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 Organization, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets, or cash flows of the Organization. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. 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. The amounts reported in this Schedule as expenditures may differ from certain financial reports submitted to funding agencies because those reports may be submitted on either a cash or modified accrual basis of accounting. Expenditures of federal, state, and city awards are reported on the statement of activities as operating expenses. In certain programs, the expenditures reported in the basic financial statements differ from the expenditures reported in the Schedule because other program expenditures may exceed contract budget limitations, and are therefore not included as expenditures of federal, state, and city awards. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Organization used the rates noted in the grant agreements.

Finding Details

Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-002 – Material Weakness – Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs Principles 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Payroll Approval Criteria Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), entities are required to maintain effective internal controls to ensure the proper stewardship of federal funds, including appropriate oversight of payroll expenditures. Specifically, payroll transactions should be reviewed and approved by management prior to payment to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant policies. Condition During our audit of the Organization for compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, we noted that the client was unable to provide sufficient evidence of management review or approval of payroll transactions before disbursement. Payroll costs were verified through additional supporting documentation including payroll registers and time cards. In total sixty-five payroll samples were selected for testing and the lack of review occurred for all items tested. Cause It appears that the client has not enforced sufficient procedures to document the review of payroll prior to processing. This may be due to turnover in the Accounting/Finance Department which resulted in these procedures not being properly documented and maintained. Effects Without proper review of payroll before payment, there is an increased risk of inaccuracies, fraud, or noncompliance with federal and organizational requirements. Failure to detect errors in a timely manner could lead to unauthorized or incorrect payroll disbursements, potentially resulting in questioned costs or disallowed expenditures. Payroll costs were verified through additional supporting documentation including payroll registers and time cards. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that Organization establish and enforce formal procedures requiring documented management review and approval of all payroll transactions before they are processed. The review process should be supported by evidence, such as approval signatures, electronic audit trails, or other verifiable records. In addition, management should perform regular reconciliations of payroll to ensure compliance with federal and organizational policies. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization concurs with the finding and has already begun implementing a revised payroll approval process. Management is developing a formal payroll review policy, including electronic approval workflows, to ensure proper documentation and oversight of payroll prior to disbursement is maintained.
Finding #2023-002 – Material Weakness – Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs Principles 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Payroll Approval Criteria Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), entities are required to maintain effective internal controls to ensure the proper stewardship of federal funds, including appropriate oversight of payroll expenditures. Specifically, payroll transactions should be reviewed and approved by management prior to payment to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant policies. Condition During our audit of the Organization for compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, we noted that the client was unable to provide sufficient evidence of management review or approval of payroll transactions before disbursement. Payroll costs were verified through additional supporting documentation including payroll registers and time cards. In total sixty-five payroll samples were selected for testing and the lack of review occurred for all items tested. Cause It appears that the client has not enforced sufficient procedures to document the review of payroll prior to processing. This may be due to turnover in the Accounting/Finance Department which resulted in these procedures not being properly documented and maintained. Effects Without proper review of payroll before payment, there is an increased risk of inaccuracies, fraud, or noncompliance with federal and organizational requirements. Failure to detect errors in a timely manner could lead to unauthorized or incorrect payroll disbursements, potentially resulting in questioned costs or disallowed expenditures. Payroll costs were verified through additional supporting documentation including payroll registers and time cards. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that Organization establish and enforce formal procedures requiring documented management review and approval of all payroll transactions before they are processed. The review process should be supported by evidence, such as approval signatures, electronic audit trails, or other verifiable records. In addition, management should perform regular reconciliations of payroll to ensure compliance with federal and organizational policies. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization concurs with the finding and has already begun implementing a revised payroll approval process. Management is developing a formal payroll review policy, including electronic approval workflows, to ensure proper documentation and oversight of payroll prior to disbursement is maintained.
Finding #2023-003 – Significant Deficiency – Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Cost Principles 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Lack of Supporting Documentation for Disbursements Criteria Costs charged to federal grants must meet the provisions of the standards for documentation of expenses contained in 2 CFR 200.430(i)(1) which requires that charges to federal awards for disbursements must be based on records that accurately reflect actual costs incurred. These records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. This would include supporting invoices to be maintained and reviewed prior to payment. Condition During the audit, it was identified that supporting invoices could not be provided for three nonpayroll related disbursements. The population sampled was all nonpayroll related disbursements. Total number of selections tested was sixty-five, which comprised 2% of the total population. Cause This significant deficiency may have resulted from inadequate procedures for the retention of supporting documentation or a lack of oversight and reconciliation processes in the disbursement cycle. The failure to accurately reconcile recorded amounts to the supporting invoices further indicates a breakdown in internal controls. Effects The absence of supporting invoices and discrepancies between recorded amounts and invoice amounts create a risk of unauthorized or unsupported disbursements. This weakens the Organization’s ability to demonstrate compliance with federal grant requirements and increases the likelihood of disallowed costs or questioned costs in future audits. Failure to adequately control disbursements may also expose the client to potential financial misstatements or fraud. Questions Costs In total, $141 of expenses could not be supported. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal control procedures to ensure that all disbursement transactions are properly supported by invoices or other appropriate documentation before they are recorded and paid. The client should implement a regular reconciliation process to ensure that recorded amounts agree with supporting documentation. Additionally, management should establish policies for the retention of documentation to ensure it is readily available for audit and compliance purposes. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization is in the process of updating its procedures to ensure that all disbursements are supported by invoices and that recorded amounts are regularly reconciled with supporting documentation. Additionally, the Organization will implement a formal policy for document retention to ensure audit readiness.
Finding #2023-003 – Significant Deficiency – Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Cost Principles 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Lack of Supporting Documentation for Disbursements Criteria Costs charged to federal grants must meet the provisions of the standards for documentation of expenses contained in 2 CFR 200.430(i)(1) which requires that charges to federal awards for disbursements must be based on records that accurately reflect actual costs incurred. These records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. This would include supporting invoices to be maintained and reviewed prior to payment. Condition During the audit, it was identified that supporting invoices could not be provided for three nonpayroll related disbursements. The population sampled was all nonpayroll related disbursements. Total number of selections tested was sixty-five, which comprised 2% of the total population. Cause This significant deficiency may have resulted from inadequate procedures for the retention of supporting documentation or a lack of oversight and reconciliation processes in the disbursement cycle. The failure to accurately reconcile recorded amounts to the supporting invoices further indicates a breakdown in internal controls. Effects The absence of supporting invoices and discrepancies between recorded amounts and invoice amounts create a risk of unauthorized or unsupported disbursements. This weakens the Organization’s ability to demonstrate compliance with federal grant requirements and increases the likelihood of disallowed costs or questioned costs in future audits. Failure to adequately control disbursements may also expose the client to potential financial misstatements or fraud. Questions Costs In total, $141 of expenses could not be supported. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal control procedures to ensure that all disbursement transactions are properly supported by invoices or other appropriate documentation before they are recorded and paid. The client should implement a regular reconciliation process to ensure that recorded amounts agree with supporting documentation. Additionally, management should establish policies for the retention of documentation to ensure it is readily available for audit and compliance purposes. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization is in the process of updating its procedures to ensure that all disbursements are supported by invoices and that recorded amounts are regularly reconciled with supporting documentation. Additionally, the Organization will implement a formal policy for document retention to ensure audit readiness.
Finding #2023-004 – Material Weakness – Reporting 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Untimely Submission of Required Reports Criteria Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), nonfederal entities are required to submit accurate and timely financial, performance, and other reports to federal awarding agencies as specified by the terms of the federal awards. Timely submission of these reports is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper monitoring of grant activities. Condition The Organization is required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports. The total population was eight reports and of those four were selected for testing. These financial and performance reports were not submitted to the granting agencies within the deadlines established by the terms and conditions of the federal awards. Cause The failure to submit reports on time may have been due to insufficient internal controls or inadequate procedures for tracking reporting deadlines. It may also indicate a lack of staffing resources or ineffective communication between departments responsible for preparing and submitting the reports. Effects The untimely submission of required reports can hinder the granting agencies’ ability to monitor the progress and financial management of federal awards. This increases the risk of noncompliance with federal regulations and may result in penalties, suspension of funding, or negative impacts on future funding opportunities. Questions Costs None. Perspective Four reports were selected for testing out of eight. The four reports were filed between two to six weeks late. As a result this audit finding is systemic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal controls to ensure that all required reports are submitted to granting agencies on time. Management should implement a centralized system to track reporting deadlines and designate responsible personnel to monitor and ensure compliance with these deadlines. Additionally, periodic reviews of the reporting process should be conducted to identify any potential issues and address them proactively. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization agrees with this finding and has begun implementing corrective actions to ensure timely submission of required reports. The Organization is in the process of developing a reporting schedule and assigning dedicated personnel to monitor deadlines.
Finding #2023-004 – Material Weakness – Reporting 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Untimely Submission of Required Reports Criteria Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), nonfederal entities are required to submit accurate and timely financial, performance, and other reports to federal awarding agencies as specified by the terms of the federal awards. Timely submission of these reports is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper monitoring of grant activities. Condition The Organization is required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports. The total population was eight reports and of those four were selected for testing. These financial and performance reports were not submitted to the granting agencies within the deadlines established by the terms and conditions of the federal awards. Cause The failure to submit reports on time may have been due to insufficient internal controls or inadequate procedures for tracking reporting deadlines. It may also indicate a lack of staffing resources or ineffective communication between departments responsible for preparing and submitting the reports. Effects The untimely submission of required reports can hinder the granting agencies’ ability to monitor the progress and financial management of federal awards. This increases the risk of noncompliance with federal regulations and may result in penalties, suspension of funding, or negative impacts on future funding opportunities. Questions Costs None. Perspective Four reports were selected for testing out of eight. The four reports were filed between two to six weeks late. As a result this audit finding is systemic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal controls to ensure that all required reports are submitted to granting agencies on time. Management should implement a centralized system to track reporting deadlines and designate responsible personnel to monitor and ensure compliance with these deadlines. Additionally, periodic reviews of the reporting process should be conducted to identify any potential issues and address them proactively. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization agrees with this finding and has begun implementing corrective actions to ensure timely submission of required reports. The Organization is in the process of developing a reporting schedule and assigning dedicated personnel to monitor deadlines.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-001 – Material Weakness – Accounting Recordkeeping All Programs Other Criteria Accounting tasks such as timely monthly analysis, reconciliations and review of accounts play a key role in providing the accuracy of accounting data and information included in the interim and year-end financial statements. Trial balances should be maintained for the Organization continuously, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Detailed supporting schedules should be maintained for all significant asset, liability, revenue and expense accounts. Reconciling items should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. All of the forementioned items are essential to ensure that financial statements and data collection forms are submitted in conformance with 2 CFR Section 200.512(a)(1). Condition During the year ended June 30, 2023, management was unable to provide timely year-end trial balances in accordance with U.S. GAAP without significant adjusting journal entries required to accurately reflect the underlying accounting transactions. Cause The Organization’s Accounting/Finance Department experienced significant turnover in personnel which resulted in a backlog of recording transactions and invoicing during the year ended June 30, 2023. This resulted in reconciliations not being performed timely. Effects Not performing timely and complete monthly and year-end account reconciliations and closing procedures leads to a continually and growing backlog of transactions and journal entries that are not posted to the accounting system, which renders the accounting information ineffective for making well-informed business decisions. This has led to the expenditure of significant time and effort by many to complete the required reconciliation procedures and prevented the timely delivery of financial statements to management, board members and funders. In addition, this led to the Organization to be noncompliant with required deadlines for Uniform Guidance and Data Collection Form submission. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that individuals overseeing the accounting and finance department continue to review the Organization’s current accounting policies and update existing policies or implement new policies, as needed, to ensure that the trial balances are accurately maintained throughout the year, reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly or quarterly, as appropriate, and the trial balances and related supporting schedules are prepared and reviewed timely after year-end. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. There was significant turnovers in the finance department, including the CFO and the finance director. These turnovers affected the ability of the Organization to produce the information on time for the auditors. The Organization is working with external consultants to improve the timeliness of reconciliations and audit preparation and recruiting vacant positions. We completed accounting policy changes which will correct the issues noted. Management is confident that the issues that have been noted have been rectified.
Finding #2023-002 – Material Weakness – Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs Principles 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Payroll Approval Criteria Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), entities are required to maintain effective internal controls to ensure the proper stewardship of federal funds, including appropriate oversight of payroll expenditures. Specifically, payroll transactions should be reviewed and approved by management prior to payment to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant policies. Condition During our audit of the Organization for compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, we noted that the client was unable to provide sufficient evidence of management review or approval of payroll transactions before disbursement. Payroll costs were verified through additional supporting documentation including payroll registers and time cards. In total sixty-five payroll samples were selected for testing and the lack of review occurred for all items tested. Cause It appears that the client has not enforced sufficient procedures to document the review of payroll prior to processing. This may be due to turnover in the Accounting/Finance Department which resulted in these procedures not being properly documented and maintained. Effects Without proper review of payroll before payment, there is an increased risk of inaccuracies, fraud, or noncompliance with federal and organizational requirements. Failure to detect errors in a timely manner could lead to unauthorized or incorrect payroll disbursements, potentially resulting in questioned costs or disallowed expenditures. Payroll costs were verified through additional supporting documentation including payroll registers and time cards. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that Organization establish and enforce formal procedures requiring documented management review and approval of all payroll transactions before they are processed. The review process should be supported by evidence, such as approval signatures, electronic audit trails, or other verifiable records. In addition, management should perform regular reconciliations of payroll to ensure compliance with federal and organizational policies. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization concurs with the finding and has already begun implementing a revised payroll approval process. Management is developing a formal payroll review policy, including electronic approval workflows, to ensure proper documentation and oversight of payroll prior to disbursement is maintained.
Finding #2023-002 – Material Weakness – Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs Principles 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Payroll Approval Criteria Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), entities are required to maintain effective internal controls to ensure the proper stewardship of federal funds, including appropriate oversight of payroll expenditures. Specifically, payroll transactions should be reviewed and approved by management prior to payment to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant policies. Condition During our audit of the Organization for compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, we noted that the client was unable to provide sufficient evidence of management review or approval of payroll transactions before disbursement. Payroll costs were verified through additional supporting documentation including payroll registers and time cards. In total sixty-five payroll samples were selected for testing and the lack of review occurred for all items tested. Cause It appears that the client has not enforced sufficient procedures to document the review of payroll prior to processing. This may be due to turnover in the Accounting/Finance Department which resulted in these procedures not being properly documented and maintained. Effects Without proper review of payroll before payment, there is an increased risk of inaccuracies, fraud, or noncompliance with federal and organizational requirements. Failure to detect errors in a timely manner could lead to unauthorized or incorrect payroll disbursements, potentially resulting in questioned costs or disallowed expenditures. Payroll costs were verified through additional supporting documentation including payroll registers and time cards. Questions Costs None. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that Organization establish and enforce formal procedures requiring documented management review and approval of all payroll transactions before they are processed. The review process should be supported by evidence, such as approval signatures, electronic audit trails, or other verifiable records. In addition, management should perform regular reconciliations of payroll to ensure compliance with federal and organizational policies. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization concurs with the finding and has already begun implementing a revised payroll approval process. Management is developing a formal payroll review policy, including electronic approval workflows, to ensure proper documentation and oversight of payroll prior to disbursement is maintained.
Finding #2023-003 – Significant Deficiency – Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Cost Principles 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Lack of Supporting Documentation for Disbursements Criteria Costs charged to federal grants must meet the provisions of the standards for documentation of expenses contained in 2 CFR 200.430(i)(1) which requires that charges to federal awards for disbursements must be based on records that accurately reflect actual costs incurred. These records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. This would include supporting invoices to be maintained and reviewed prior to payment. Condition During the audit, it was identified that supporting invoices could not be provided for three nonpayroll related disbursements. The population sampled was all nonpayroll related disbursements. Total number of selections tested was sixty-five, which comprised 2% of the total population. Cause This significant deficiency may have resulted from inadequate procedures for the retention of supporting documentation or a lack of oversight and reconciliation processes in the disbursement cycle. The failure to accurately reconcile recorded amounts to the supporting invoices further indicates a breakdown in internal controls. Effects The absence of supporting invoices and discrepancies between recorded amounts and invoice amounts create a risk of unauthorized or unsupported disbursements. This weakens the Organization’s ability to demonstrate compliance with federal grant requirements and increases the likelihood of disallowed costs or questioned costs in future audits. Failure to adequately control disbursements may also expose the client to potential financial misstatements or fraud. Questions Costs In total, $141 of expenses could not be supported. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal control procedures to ensure that all disbursement transactions are properly supported by invoices or other appropriate documentation before they are recorded and paid. The client should implement a regular reconciliation process to ensure that recorded amounts agree with supporting documentation. Additionally, management should establish policies for the retention of documentation to ensure it is readily available for audit and compliance purposes. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization is in the process of updating its procedures to ensure that all disbursements are supported by invoices and that recorded amounts are regularly reconciled with supporting documentation. Additionally, the Organization will implement a formal policy for document retention to ensure audit readiness.
Finding #2023-003 – Significant Deficiency – Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Cost Principles 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Lack of Supporting Documentation for Disbursements Criteria Costs charged to federal grants must meet the provisions of the standards for documentation of expenses contained in 2 CFR 200.430(i)(1) which requires that charges to federal awards for disbursements must be based on records that accurately reflect actual costs incurred. These records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. This would include supporting invoices to be maintained and reviewed prior to payment. Condition During the audit, it was identified that supporting invoices could not be provided for three nonpayroll related disbursements. The population sampled was all nonpayroll related disbursements. Total number of selections tested was sixty-five, which comprised 2% of the total population. Cause This significant deficiency may have resulted from inadequate procedures for the retention of supporting documentation or a lack of oversight and reconciliation processes in the disbursement cycle. The failure to accurately reconcile recorded amounts to the supporting invoices further indicates a breakdown in internal controls. Effects The absence of supporting invoices and discrepancies between recorded amounts and invoice amounts create a risk of unauthorized or unsupported disbursements. This weakens the Organization’s ability to demonstrate compliance with federal grant requirements and increases the likelihood of disallowed costs or questioned costs in future audits. Failure to adequately control disbursements may also expose the client to potential financial misstatements or fraud. Questions Costs In total, $141 of expenses could not be supported. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal control procedures to ensure that all disbursement transactions are properly supported by invoices or other appropriate documentation before they are recorded and paid. The client should implement a regular reconciliation process to ensure that recorded amounts agree with supporting documentation. Additionally, management should establish policies for the retention of documentation to ensure it is readily available for audit and compliance purposes. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization is in the process of updating its procedures to ensure that all disbursements are supported by invoices and that recorded amounts are regularly reconciled with supporting documentation. Additionally, the Organization will implement a formal policy for document retention to ensure audit readiness.
Finding #2023-004 – Material Weakness – Reporting 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Untimely Submission of Required Reports Criteria Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), nonfederal entities are required to submit accurate and timely financial, performance, and other reports to federal awarding agencies as specified by the terms of the federal awards. Timely submission of these reports is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper monitoring of grant activities. Condition The Organization is required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports. The total population was eight reports and of those four were selected for testing. These financial and performance reports were not submitted to the granting agencies within the deadlines established by the terms and conditions of the federal awards. Cause The failure to submit reports on time may have been due to insufficient internal controls or inadequate procedures for tracking reporting deadlines. It may also indicate a lack of staffing resources or ineffective communication between departments responsible for preparing and submitting the reports. Effects The untimely submission of required reports can hinder the granting agencies’ ability to monitor the progress and financial management of federal awards. This increases the risk of noncompliance with federal regulations and may result in penalties, suspension of funding, or negative impacts on future funding opportunities. Questions Costs None. Perspective Four reports were selected for testing out of eight. The four reports were filed between two to six weeks late. As a result this audit finding is systemic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal controls to ensure that all required reports are submitted to granting agencies on time. Management should implement a centralized system to track reporting deadlines and designate responsible personnel to monitor and ensure compliance with these deadlines. Additionally, periodic reviews of the reporting process should be conducted to identify any potential issues and address them proactively. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization agrees with this finding and has begun implementing corrective actions to ensure timely submission of required reports. The Organization is in the process of developing a reporting schedule and assigning dedicated personnel to monitor deadlines.
Finding #2023-004 – Material Weakness – Reporting 93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Out of School Time Program 93.600 Head Start Untimely Submission of Required Reports Criteria Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), nonfederal entities are required to submit accurate and timely financial, performance, and other reports to federal awarding agencies as specified by the terms of the federal awards. Timely submission of these reports is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper monitoring of grant activities. Condition The Organization is required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports. The total population was eight reports and of those four were selected for testing. These financial and performance reports were not submitted to the granting agencies within the deadlines established by the terms and conditions of the federal awards. Cause The failure to submit reports on time may have been due to insufficient internal controls or inadequate procedures for tracking reporting deadlines. It may also indicate a lack of staffing resources or ineffective communication between departments responsible for preparing and submitting the reports. Effects The untimely submission of required reports can hinder the granting agencies’ ability to monitor the progress and financial management of federal awards. This increases the risk of noncompliance with federal regulations and may result in penalties, suspension of funding, or negative impacts on future funding opportunities. Questions Costs None. Perspective Four reports were selected for testing out of eight. The four reports were filed between two to six weeks late. As a result this audit finding is systemic. Statistical Sample The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding This audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal controls to ensure that all required reports are submitted to granting agencies on time. Management should implement a centralized system to track reporting deadlines and designate responsible personnel to monitor and ensure compliance with these deadlines. Additionally, periodic reviews of the reporting process should be conducted to identify any potential issues and address them proactively. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. The Organization agrees with this finding and has begun implementing corrective actions to ensure timely submission of required reports. The Organization is in the process of developing a reporting schedule and assigning dedicated personnel to monitor deadlines.