Audit 358311

FY End
2024-09-30
Total Expended
$4.61M
Findings
4
Programs
4
Organization: Cohoes Housing Authority (NY)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-06-09

Organization Exclusion Status:

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Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
564146 2024-002 Significant Deficiency - L
564147 2024-002 Significant Deficiency - L
1140588 2024-002 Significant Deficiency - L
1140589 2024-002 Significant Deficiency - L

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $2.20M - 1
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $1.31M Yes 0
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $1.04M Yes 1
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $65,431 - 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
U9ZLG5VA1YL3 Matthew Ethier Auditee
5182354500 Andrew Fox, CPA Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Accounting Policies: The schedule of expenditures of federal awards is presented on the accrual basis of accounting. The information in this schedule 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 (Uniform Guidance). De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Indirect costs are included in the reported expenditures to the extent such costs are included in the federal financial reports used as the source for the data presented. The de minimis election allows the Authority to allocate 10% of indirect costs to grants with periods ending on or before September 30, 2024 and 15% of indirect costs to grants with periods after September 30, 2024. The Authority does not use the 10% de minimis election.

Finding Details

(2024-002) Reporting Criteria - The Uniform Financial Reporting Standards (24 CFR Section 5.801) related to both the Public Housing Operating Fund (14.850) and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program (14.871) require Public Housing Authorities to submit timely GAAP-based unaudited financial information to HUD annually, no later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year of the reporting period, and as otherwise provided by law (see also 24 CFR 903.33). Condition - The Authority failed to submit its unaudited Financial Data Schedule (FDS) to HUD by the prescribed due date. Cause - The delay in submission was primarily attributed to an oversight in the fee accountant and financial department's year-end closeout processes. Additionally, there was a lack of adequate monitoring and reminder systems for critical HUD reporting deadlines. Effect - The late submission of the unaudited FDS resulted in non-compliance with HUD's reporting requirements, potentially affecting Authority’s future funding allocations and its reputation with HUD. Questioned Costs - None identified. Statistical Sampling - The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation - We recommend that the Authority consider the following correct actions: 1) Review and strengthen internal controls related to the financial reporting process, ensuring all critical deadlines are met. 2) Provide additional training for finance department staff on HUD reporting requirements and the importance of adhering to submission deadlines. 3) Develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring system that alerts staff of upcoming HUD reporting deadlines well in advance. 4) Conduct a thorough review of the year-end closeout processes to identify and rectify inefficiencies that may lead to delays in financial reporting. Management’s Response - (d) Comments on the finding and recommendation - The Authority agrees with the finding. The Authority also agrees with the recommendation, please see below for action. (e) Action taken - The Authority will strengthen internal controls and training of staff to ensure reporting deadlines. The Authority has also engaged a new fee accountant to assist with the year-end closing procedures. (f) Planned Implementation Date - The Authority expects to complete the corrective action by September 30, 2025, at the time of its next required unaudited submission.
(2024-002) Reporting Criteria - The Uniform Financial Reporting Standards (24 CFR Section 5.801) related to both the Public Housing Operating Fund (14.850) and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program (14.871) require Public Housing Authorities to submit timely GAAP-based unaudited financial information to HUD annually, no later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year of the reporting period, and as otherwise provided by law (see also 24 CFR 903.33). Condition - The Authority failed to submit its unaudited Financial Data Schedule (FDS) to HUD by the prescribed due date. Cause - The delay in submission was primarily attributed to an oversight in the fee accountant and financial department's year-end closeout processes. Additionally, there was a lack of adequate monitoring and reminder systems for critical HUD reporting deadlines. Effect - The late submission of the unaudited FDS resulted in non-compliance with HUD's reporting requirements, potentially affecting Authority’s future funding allocations and its reputation with HUD. Questioned Costs - None identified. Statistical Sampling - The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation - We recommend that the Authority consider the following correct actions: 1) Review and strengthen internal controls related to the financial reporting process, ensuring all critical deadlines are met. 2) Provide additional training for finance department staff on HUD reporting requirements and the importance of adhering to submission deadlines. 3) Develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring system that alerts staff of upcoming HUD reporting deadlines well in advance. 4) Conduct a thorough review of the year-end closeout processes to identify and rectify inefficiencies that may lead to delays in financial reporting. Management’s Response - (d) Comments on the finding and recommendation - The Authority agrees with the finding. The Authority also agrees with the recommendation, please see below for action. (e) Action taken - The Authority will strengthen internal controls and training of staff to ensure reporting deadlines. The Authority has also engaged a new fee accountant to assist with the year-end closing procedures. (f) Planned Implementation Date - The Authority expects to complete the corrective action by September 30, 2025, at the time of its next required unaudited submission.
(2024-002) Reporting Criteria - The Uniform Financial Reporting Standards (24 CFR Section 5.801) related to both the Public Housing Operating Fund (14.850) and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program (14.871) require Public Housing Authorities to submit timely GAAP-based unaudited financial information to HUD annually, no later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year of the reporting period, and as otherwise provided by law (see also 24 CFR 903.33). Condition - The Authority failed to submit its unaudited Financial Data Schedule (FDS) to HUD by the prescribed due date. Cause - The delay in submission was primarily attributed to an oversight in the fee accountant and financial department's year-end closeout processes. Additionally, there was a lack of adequate monitoring and reminder systems for critical HUD reporting deadlines. Effect - The late submission of the unaudited FDS resulted in non-compliance with HUD's reporting requirements, potentially affecting Authority’s future funding allocations and its reputation with HUD. Questioned Costs - None identified. Statistical Sampling - The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation - We recommend that the Authority consider the following correct actions: 1) Review and strengthen internal controls related to the financial reporting process, ensuring all critical deadlines are met. 2) Provide additional training for finance department staff on HUD reporting requirements and the importance of adhering to submission deadlines. 3) Develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring system that alerts staff of upcoming HUD reporting deadlines well in advance. 4) Conduct a thorough review of the year-end closeout processes to identify and rectify inefficiencies that may lead to delays in financial reporting. Management’s Response - (d) Comments on the finding and recommendation - The Authority agrees with the finding. The Authority also agrees with the recommendation, please see below for action. (e) Action taken - The Authority will strengthen internal controls and training of staff to ensure reporting deadlines. The Authority has also engaged a new fee accountant to assist with the year-end closing procedures. (f) Planned Implementation Date - The Authority expects to complete the corrective action by September 30, 2025, at the time of its next required unaudited submission.
(2024-002) Reporting Criteria - The Uniform Financial Reporting Standards (24 CFR Section 5.801) related to both the Public Housing Operating Fund (14.850) and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program (14.871) require Public Housing Authorities to submit timely GAAP-based unaudited financial information to HUD annually, no later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year of the reporting period, and as otherwise provided by law (see also 24 CFR 903.33). Condition - The Authority failed to submit its unaudited Financial Data Schedule (FDS) to HUD by the prescribed due date. Cause - The delay in submission was primarily attributed to an oversight in the fee accountant and financial department's year-end closeout processes. Additionally, there was a lack of adequate monitoring and reminder systems for critical HUD reporting deadlines. Effect - The late submission of the unaudited FDS resulted in non-compliance with HUD's reporting requirements, potentially affecting Authority’s future funding allocations and its reputation with HUD. Questioned Costs - None identified. Statistical Sampling - The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation - We recommend that the Authority consider the following correct actions: 1) Review and strengthen internal controls related to the financial reporting process, ensuring all critical deadlines are met. 2) Provide additional training for finance department staff on HUD reporting requirements and the importance of adhering to submission deadlines. 3) Develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring system that alerts staff of upcoming HUD reporting deadlines well in advance. 4) Conduct a thorough review of the year-end closeout processes to identify and rectify inefficiencies that may lead to delays in financial reporting. Management’s Response - (d) Comments on the finding and recommendation - The Authority agrees with the finding. The Authority also agrees with the recommendation, please see below for action. (e) Action taken - The Authority will strengthen internal controls and training of staff to ensure reporting deadlines. The Authority has also engaged a new fee accountant to assist with the year-end closing procedures. (f) Planned Implementation Date - The Authority expects to complete the corrective action by September 30, 2025, at the time of its next required unaudited submission.