Audit 364557

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$18.20M
Findings
62
Programs
21
Organization: Sicangu Oyate Ho, INC (SD)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-08-19
Auditor: Blue Arrow

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
573907 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573908 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573909 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - P
573910 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
573911 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573912 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573913 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - P
573914 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
573915 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573916 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573917 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - P
573918 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
573919 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573920 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573921 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - P
573922 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
573923 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573924 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573925 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
573926 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573927 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573928 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
573929 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573930 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573931 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
573932 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573933 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573934 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
573935 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
573936 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
573937 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150349 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150350 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150351 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - P
1150352 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150353 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150354 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150355 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - P
1150356 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150357 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150358 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150359 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - P
1150360 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150361 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150362 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150363 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - P
1150364 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150365 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150366 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150367 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150368 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150369 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150370 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150371 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150372 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150373 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150374 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150375 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150376 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1150377 2024-001 Material Weakness Yes P
1150378 2024-002 Significant Deficiency Yes P
1150379 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N

Contacts

Name Title Type
VHF9G87MG5Z5 Maria Walking Eagle Auditee
6057472299 Albert Hwu Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: The significant accounting policies used in preparing the SEFA follow the modified accrual basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Not applicable The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal grant activity of Sicangu Oyate Ho, Inc. (St. Francis Indian School) (the "School") under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in the 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 School, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net position, or cash flows of the School.
Title: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies: The significant accounting policies used in preparing the SEFA follow the modified accrual basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Not applicable Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the applicable Uniform Guidance cost principles, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Pass-through entity identifying numbers are presented where available.
Title: Indirect Cost Rate Accounting Policies: The significant accounting policies used in preparing the SEFA follow the modified accrual basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Not applicable The School did not elect to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance.
Title: Subrecipients Accounting Policies: The significant accounting policies used in preparing the SEFA follow the modified accrual basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Not applicable The School provided no federal awards to sub-recipients during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
Title: Reconciliation of Federal Expenditures to Financial Statement Accounting Policies: The significant accounting policies used in preparing the SEFA follow the modified accrual basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Not applicable The following is a reconciliation of total federal expenditures reported in the Schedule of Expenditure of Federal Awards (SEFA) to the total expenditures reported in the School's statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances-governmental funds for the year ending June 30, 2024: Reported federal expenditures per SEFA $ 18,199,630 Expenditures funded by nonfederal sources 78,651 Total expenditures per governmental fund financial statements $ 18,278,281

Finding Details

2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-003 Internal Controls over Payroll – (Significant Deficiency) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirements: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and § 200.430(i), recipients of federal funds must maintain documentation that supports the allowability and allocability of compensation costs. Personnel expenses must be supported by records that accurately reflect the work performed, and documentation must be maintained for each employee, including executed contracts, offer letters, pay rate approvals, timesheets, and separation documentation. Adequate support is necessary to demonstrate that federal funds were used in compliance with award conditions. Condition: During our review of internal controls over payroll processing, we selected 102 payroll transactions across four major programs. The School did not fully comply with its own adopted policies or applicable federal regulations concerning payroll documentation and processing. The following exceptions were identified:  Termination letters were not provided for 5 samples.  Adequate supporting document was not provided for 1 sample.  Timesheet was not provided for 1 sample. Cause: The deficiencies appear to be due to a lack of consistent personnel file maintenance and insufficient internal controls over payroll documentation, record retention, and post-hiring compliance reviews. Effect: The lack of complete personnel documentation increases the risk of charging unallowable or unsupported costs to federal awards. It also affects the ability to verify employee eligibility, compensation accuracy, and the proper use of federal funds, potentially resulting in questioned costs and potential repayment obligations to granting agencies. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement enhanced internal controls and standardized procedures to ensure complete and accurate personnel records are maintained. This should include routine documentation checks to ensure that all required items, such as offer letters, contracts, paystubs, pay rate verifications, timesheets, and termination letters, are present and properly filed. Management should also provide training to relevant staff on federal compliance requirements related to payroll and personnel documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-003 Internal Controls over Payroll – (Significant Deficiency) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirements: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and § 200.430(i), recipients of federal funds must maintain documentation that supports the allowability and allocability of compensation costs. Personnel expenses must be supported by records that accurately reflect the work performed, and documentation must be maintained for each employee, including executed contracts, offer letters, pay rate approvals, timesheets, and separation documentation. Adequate support is necessary to demonstrate that federal funds were used in compliance with award conditions. Condition: During our review of internal controls over payroll processing, we selected 102 payroll transactions across four major programs. The School did not fully comply with its own adopted policies or applicable federal regulations concerning payroll documentation and processing. The following exceptions were identified:  Termination letters were not provided for 5 samples.  Adequate supporting document was not provided for 1 sample.  Timesheet was not provided for 1 sample. Cause: The deficiencies appear to be due to a lack of consistent personnel file maintenance and insufficient internal controls over payroll documentation, record retention, and post-hiring compliance reviews. Effect: The lack of complete personnel documentation increases the risk of charging unallowable or unsupported costs to federal awards. It also affects the ability to verify employee eligibility, compensation accuracy, and the proper use of federal funds, potentially resulting in questioned costs and potential repayment obligations to granting agencies. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement enhanced internal controls and standardized procedures to ensure complete and accurate personnel records are maintained. This should include routine documentation checks to ensure that all required items, such as offer letters, contracts, paystubs, pay rate verifications, timesheets, and termination letters, are present and properly filed. Management should also provide training to relevant staff on federal compliance requirements related to payroll and personnel documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-003 Internal Controls over Payroll – (Significant Deficiency) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirements: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and § 200.430(i), recipients of federal funds must maintain documentation that supports the allowability and allocability of compensation costs. Personnel expenses must be supported by records that accurately reflect the work performed, and documentation must be maintained for each employee, including executed contracts, offer letters, pay rate approvals, timesheets, and separation documentation. Adequate support is necessary to demonstrate that federal funds were used in compliance with award conditions. Condition: During our review of internal controls over payroll processing, we selected 102 payroll transactions across four major programs. The School did not fully comply with its own adopted policies or applicable federal regulations concerning payroll documentation and processing. The following exceptions were identified:  Termination letters were not provided for 5 samples.  Adequate supporting document was not provided for 1 sample.  Timesheet was not provided for 1 sample. Cause: The deficiencies appear to be due to a lack of consistent personnel file maintenance and insufficient internal controls over payroll documentation, record retention, and post-hiring compliance reviews. Effect: The lack of complete personnel documentation increases the risk of charging unallowable or unsupported costs to federal awards. It also affects the ability to verify employee eligibility, compensation accuracy, and the proper use of federal funds, potentially resulting in questioned costs and potential repayment obligations to granting agencies. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement enhanced internal controls and standardized procedures to ensure complete and accurate personnel records are maintained. This should include routine documentation checks to ensure that all required items, such as offer letters, contracts, paystubs, pay rate verifications, timesheets, and termination letters, are present and properly filed. Management should also provide training to relevant staff on federal compliance requirements related to payroll and personnel documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-003 Internal Controls over Payroll – (Significant Deficiency) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirements: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and § 200.430(i), recipients of federal funds must maintain documentation that supports the allowability and allocability of compensation costs. Personnel expenses must be supported by records that accurately reflect the work performed, and documentation must be maintained for each employee, including executed contracts, offer letters, pay rate approvals, timesheets, and separation documentation. Adequate support is necessary to demonstrate that federal funds were used in compliance with award conditions. Condition: During our review of internal controls over payroll processing, we selected 102 payroll transactions across four major programs. The School did not fully comply with its own adopted policies or applicable federal regulations concerning payroll documentation and processing. The following exceptions were identified:  Termination letters were not provided for 5 samples.  Adequate supporting document was not provided for 1 sample.  Timesheet was not provided for 1 sample. Cause: The deficiencies appear to be due to a lack of consistent personnel file maintenance and insufficient internal controls over payroll documentation, record retention, and post-hiring compliance reviews. Effect: The lack of complete personnel documentation increases the risk of charging unallowable or unsupported costs to federal awards. It also affects the ability to verify employee eligibility, compensation accuracy, and the proper use of federal funds, potentially resulting in questioned costs and potential repayment obligations to granting agencies. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement enhanced internal controls and standardized procedures to ensure complete and accurate personnel records are maintained. This should include routine documentation checks to ensure that all required items, such as offer letters, contracts, paystubs, pay rate verifications, timesheets, and termination letters, are present and properly filed. Management should also provide training to relevant staff on federal compliance requirements related to payroll and personnel documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-003 Internal Controls over Payroll – (Significant Deficiency) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirements: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and § 200.430(i), recipients of federal funds must maintain documentation that supports the allowability and allocability of compensation costs. Personnel expenses must be supported by records that accurately reflect the work performed, and documentation must be maintained for each employee, including executed contracts, offer letters, pay rate approvals, timesheets, and separation documentation. Adequate support is necessary to demonstrate that federal funds were used in compliance with award conditions. Condition: During our review of internal controls over payroll processing, we selected 102 payroll transactions across four major programs. The School did not fully comply with its own adopted policies or applicable federal regulations concerning payroll documentation and processing. The following exceptions were identified:  Termination letters were not provided for 5 samples.  Adequate supporting document was not provided for 1 sample.  Timesheet was not provided for 1 sample. Cause: The deficiencies appear to be due to a lack of consistent personnel file maintenance and insufficient internal controls over payroll documentation, record retention, and post-hiring compliance reviews. Effect: The lack of complete personnel documentation increases the risk of charging unallowable or unsupported costs to federal awards. It also affects the ability to verify employee eligibility, compensation accuracy, and the proper use of federal funds, potentially resulting in questioned costs and potential repayment obligations to granting agencies. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement enhanced internal controls and standardized procedures to ensure complete and accurate personnel records are maintained. This should include routine documentation checks to ensure that all required items, such as offer letters, contracts, paystubs, pay rate verifications, timesheets, and termination letters, are present and properly filed. Management should also provide training to relevant staff on federal compliance requirements related to payroll and personnel documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-003 Internal Controls over Payroll – (Significant Deficiency) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirements: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and § 200.430(i), recipients of federal funds must maintain documentation that supports the allowability and allocability of compensation costs. Personnel expenses must be supported by records that accurately reflect the work performed, and documentation must be maintained for each employee, including executed contracts, offer letters, pay rate approvals, timesheets, and separation documentation. Adequate support is necessary to demonstrate that federal funds were used in compliance with award conditions. Condition: During our review of internal controls over payroll processing, we selected 102 payroll transactions across four major programs. The School did not fully comply with its own adopted policies or applicable federal regulations concerning payroll documentation and processing. The following exceptions were identified:  Termination letters were not provided for 5 samples.  Adequate supporting document was not provided for 1 sample.  Timesheet was not provided for 1 sample. Cause: The deficiencies appear to be due to a lack of consistent personnel file maintenance and insufficient internal controls over payroll documentation, record retention, and post-hiring compliance reviews. Effect: The lack of complete personnel documentation increases the risk of charging unallowable or unsupported costs to federal awards. It also affects the ability to verify employee eligibility, compensation accuracy, and the proper use of federal funds, potentially resulting in questioned costs and potential repayment obligations to granting agencies. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement enhanced internal controls and standardized procedures to ensure complete and accurate personnel records are maintained. This should include routine documentation checks to ensure that all required items, such as offer letters, contracts, paystubs, pay rate verifications, timesheets, and termination letters, are present and properly filed. Management should also provide training to relevant staff on federal compliance requirements related to payroll and personnel documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-003 Internal Controls over Payroll – (Significant Deficiency) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirements: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and § 200.430(i), recipients of federal funds must maintain documentation that supports the allowability and allocability of compensation costs. Personnel expenses must be supported by records that accurately reflect the work performed, and documentation must be maintained for each employee, including executed contracts, offer letters, pay rate approvals, timesheets, and separation documentation. Adequate support is necessary to demonstrate that federal funds were used in compliance with award conditions. Condition: During our review of internal controls over payroll processing, we selected 102 payroll transactions across four major programs. The School did not fully comply with its own adopted policies or applicable federal regulations concerning payroll documentation and processing. The following exceptions were identified:  Termination letters were not provided for 5 samples.  Adequate supporting document was not provided for 1 sample.  Timesheet was not provided for 1 sample. Cause: The deficiencies appear to be due to a lack of consistent personnel file maintenance and insufficient internal controls over payroll documentation, record retention, and post-hiring compliance reviews. Effect: The lack of complete personnel documentation increases the risk of charging unallowable or unsupported costs to federal awards. It also affects the ability to verify employee eligibility, compensation accuracy, and the proper use of federal funds, potentially resulting in questioned costs and potential repayment obligations to granting agencies. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement enhanced internal controls and standardized procedures to ensure complete and accurate personnel records are maintained. This should include routine documentation checks to ensure that all required items, such as offer letters, contracts, paystubs, pay rate verifications, timesheets, and termination letters, are present and properly filed. Management should also provide training to relevant staff on federal compliance requirements related to payroll and personnel documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-003 Internal Controls over Payroll – (Significant Deficiency) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirements: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and § 200.430(i), recipients of federal funds must maintain documentation that supports the allowability and allocability of compensation costs. Personnel expenses must be supported by records that accurately reflect the work performed, and documentation must be maintained for each employee, including executed contracts, offer letters, pay rate approvals, timesheets, and separation documentation. Adequate support is necessary to demonstrate that federal funds were used in compliance with award conditions. Condition: During our review of internal controls over payroll processing, we selected 102 payroll transactions across four major programs. The School did not fully comply with its own adopted policies or applicable federal regulations concerning payroll documentation and processing. The following exceptions were identified:  Termination letters were not provided for 5 samples.  Adequate supporting document was not provided for 1 sample.  Timesheet was not provided for 1 sample. Cause: The deficiencies appear to be due to a lack of consistent personnel file maintenance and insufficient internal controls over payroll documentation, record retention, and post-hiring compliance reviews. Effect: The lack of complete personnel documentation increases the risk of charging unallowable or unsupported costs to federal awards. It also affects the ability to verify employee eligibility, compensation accuracy, and the proper use of federal funds, potentially resulting in questioned costs and potential repayment obligations to granting agencies. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement enhanced internal controls and standardized procedures to ensure complete and accurate personnel records are maintained. This should include routine documentation checks to ensure that all required items, such as offer letters, contracts, paystubs, pay rate verifications, timesheets, and termination letters, are present and properly filed. Management should also provide training to relevant staff on federal compliance requirements related to payroll and personnel documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
2024-001 Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Accounting Records (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-001) Criteria or Specific Requirements: According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The School’s systems of internal controls must extend beyond the cash basis general ledger and the supporting schedules prepared by the School; rather, it must also include controls over the GAAP basis financial statements to ensure that a material misstatement would be prevented and/or detected. The School's management is responsible for the design and implementation of internal controls over the recording of activity in the accounting records, account balances, and financial statement disclosures. This internal control structure is established to ensure misstatements in the financial statements are prevented and/or detected. Maintenance of adequate supporting documentation is an integral part of a sound internal control system to safeguard assets and accomplish timely preparation and submission of financial reports. Good accounting and internal control practices require that all transactions must originate with authorizing documents and be supported by properly approved documents such as purchase orders, bills, petty cash reimbursement forms, payroll and time records, contracts, or other supporting documents. Additionally, regular and timely reconciliation of general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documents is essential to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information. Condition: During our review of the School’s accounting records and internal control processes, we identified that internal controls over financial reporting were not adequately designed or effectively implemented. The School lacks an effective internal control structure over its year-end financial close and reporting process, including controls over the timely and accurate recording and reconciliation of unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable. The following exceptions were noted:  Bank reconciliations were not reviewed or cleared on a timely basis throughout the fiscal year.  For 15 search for unrecorded liabilities samples reviewed, it was observed that the cut-off procedure for 4 samples was not followed, leading to the inaccurate recording of current fiscal year expenses.  Audit adjustments were recorded for unearned revenue, grant revenue, and accounts receivable to correct material misstatements identified during testing. Cause: The School’s policies and procedures related to financial reporting were not adequately established or implemented to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. There was a lack of established internal controls and procedures over accounting records. The School staff did not ensure that all of the required documentation and procedures were in place. Effect: The lack of implementing adequate policies and procedures over accounting records may result in nonauthorized or incorrect calculation of invoices. Also, the probability that fraud or material errors will occur and go undetected generally increases. Without established and adequate internal controls over financial reporting and year-end reconciliation procedures, the School's balances lack certainty about accuracy of the balances. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend management to design and implement effective internal control procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and financial statements. Management should ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations to effectively monitor cash balances. We recommend that the management reaffirm adherence to approved policies and procedures regarding the process of journal entries.
2024-002 Late Single Audit Submission (Significant Deficiency) - Repeated (Prior Year Finding 2023- 002) Criteria or Specific Requirements: Section 200.512(a)(1) Report Submission of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance outlines the following requirement: “The audit must be completed, and the data collection form must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.” Condition: The School did not submit the single audit reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months following their fiscal year-end as required (deadline of March 31, 2025). Cause: The School was unable to provide necessary audit documentation timely due to improper record retention. Effect: Noncompliance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. Potential reduction or delay in federal and state funding as well as the effects of being placed on high-risk status by a federal and/or state agency. Auditor's Recommendation: Management should develop and implement policies regarding the retention of records and audit documentation.
2024-004 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Material Weakness) - Repeated and Modified (Prior Year Finding 2023-003) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency Title Federal Assistance Listing Number(s) Award Year and Number U.S. Department of Interior Indian School Equalization Program 15.042 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Schools Student Transportation 15.044 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools 15.046 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Interior Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance 15.047 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 84.010 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Special Education Grants to States 84.027 2023; A23AV00801 U.S. Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund 84.425 2023; A23AV00801 Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. The individual should be re-investigated every five years. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: The School was unable to locate records indicating character investigations had been performed for all employees in positions that involve regular contact with children. Cause: The School did not adhere to written policy regarding the storage of character investigation. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed and documentation is maintained in a timely manner to achieve full compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.