Finding 2024-001 Segregation of Duties Condition: The Corporation’s offices are not large enough to permit an adequate segregation of duties for effective internal controls. Management has not separated incompatible activities of personnel, thereby creating risks related to the safeguarding of cash and the accuracy of the financial statements. Criteria: Proper controls over financial reporting include adequate segregation of duties. Cause: The concentration of closely related duties and responsibilities such as the recording and processing of cash receipts, preparing grant expenditure reports, preparing financial information for posting and analyzing financial information by a small staff makes it impossible to establish an adequate system of automatic internal checks on the accuracy and reliability of the accounting records. Effect: This deficiency results in a reasonable possibility that the Corporation would not be able to detect misstatements that would be material in relation to the financial statements and/or federal award program in a timely period by employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions. Recommendation: While we do recognize that the Corporation is not large enough to permit a segregation of duties for effective internal controls, we believe it is important the Corporation be aware that this condition does exist. Repeat Finding: Yes. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is cognizant of this limitation and will implement additional controls where possible.
Finding 2024-002 Preparation of Financial Statements Condition: The Corporation’s internal control system is designed to provide monthly cash basis financial statements; however, it does not allow for the preparation of the annual accrual financial statements including notes and disclosures as required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As auditors, we were requested to draft the financial statements and accompanying notes to the financial statements. Criteria: Proper controls over financial reporting include an adequate system for recording and processing entries material to the financial statements, as well as the ability to prepare financial statements and accompanying notes to the financial statements that are materially correct. Cause: The Corporation does not have an internal control system designed to provide for the preparation of the financial statements being audited. Effect: Inadequate controls over financial reporting of the Corporation results in the likelihood that the Corporation would not be able to draft the financial statements and accompanying notes to the financial statements that are materially correct without the assistance of the auditors. Recommendation: We realize that obtaining the expertise necessary to prepare the financial statements, including all necessary disclosures, in accordance with GAAP can be considered costly and ineffective. However, obtaining additional GAAP knowledge through reading relevant accounting literature and attending continuing education courses should help management improve in their ability to prepare internally and take responsibility for reliable GAAP financial statements. Repeat Finding: Yes. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We agree with the auditor and will take under advisement.
Finding 2024-003 Audit Adjustments Condition: The Corporation should have adequate procedures to provide for the accuracy and reliability of the trial balance given to the auditor. During the course of the audit, adjustments that had a material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements are needed to adjust the cash trial balance to accrual. Adjusting entries were proposed to the Corporation. Adjusting journal entries were then made by management to correct for the accrual entries. Although adjustments are not uncommon during the audit process, the independent auditor cannot be considered part of the Corporation’s internal control system. Criteria: Proper controls over financial reporting include an adequate system for recording and processing accrual entries material to the financial statements. Cause: Management has chosen to wait until after the audit to record accrual entries. Effect: Inadequate controls over financial reporting of the Corporation results in the likelihood that the Corporation would not be able to draft accrual financial statements that are materially correct without the assistance of the auditors. Recommendation: We recommend that management establish internal procedures to identify potential material misstatements and make adjustments if needed prior to providing the independent auditor with the trial balance for the period being audited. Repeat Finding: Yes. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Prior to closing out the year-end books, the accounts will be looked at and any needed adjustments will be made.
Finding 2024-001 Segregation of Duties Condition: The Corporation’s offices are not large enough to permit an adequate segregation of duties for effective internal controls. Management has not separated incompatible activities of personnel, thereby creating risks related to the safeguarding of cash and the accuracy of the financial statements. Criteria: Proper controls over financial reporting include adequate segregation of duties. Cause: The concentration of closely related duties and responsibilities such as the recording and processing of cash receipts, preparing grant expenditure reports, preparing financial information for posting and analyzing financial information by a small staff makes it impossible to establish an adequate system of automatic internal checks on the accuracy and reliability of the accounting records. Effect: This deficiency results in a reasonable possibility that the Corporation would not be able to detect misstatements that would be material in relation to the financial statements and/or federal award program in a timely period by employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions. Recommendation: While we do recognize that the Corporation is not large enough to permit a segregation of duties for effective internal controls, we believe it is important the Corporation be aware that this condition does exist. Repeat Finding: Yes. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is cognizant of this limitation and will implement additional controls where possible.
Finding 2024-002 Preparation of Financial Statements Condition: The Corporation’s internal control system is designed to provide monthly cash basis financial statements; however, it does not allow for the preparation of the annual accrual financial statements including notes and disclosures as required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As auditors, we were requested to draft the financial statements and accompanying notes to the financial statements. Criteria: Proper controls over financial reporting include an adequate system for recording and processing entries material to the financial statements, as well as the ability to prepare financial statements and accompanying notes to the financial statements that are materially correct. Cause: The Corporation does not have an internal control system designed to provide for the preparation of the financial statements being audited. Effect: Inadequate controls over financial reporting of the Corporation results in the likelihood that the Corporation would not be able to draft the financial statements and accompanying notes to the financial statements that are materially correct without the assistance of the auditors. Recommendation: We realize that obtaining the expertise necessary to prepare the financial statements, including all necessary disclosures, in accordance with GAAP can be considered costly and ineffective. However, obtaining additional GAAP knowledge through reading relevant accounting literature and attending continuing education courses should help management improve in their ability to prepare internally and take responsibility for reliable GAAP financial statements. Repeat Finding: Yes. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We agree with the auditor and will take under advisement.
Finding 2024-003 Audit Adjustments Condition: The Corporation should have adequate procedures to provide for the accuracy and reliability of the trial balance given to the auditor. During the course of the audit, adjustments that had a material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements are needed to adjust the cash trial balance to accrual. Adjusting entries were proposed to the Corporation. Adjusting journal entries were then made by management to correct for the accrual entries. Although adjustments are not uncommon during the audit process, the independent auditor cannot be considered part of the Corporation’s internal control system. Criteria: Proper controls over financial reporting include an adequate system for recording and processing accrual entries material to the financial statements. Cause: Management has chosen to wait until after the audit to record accrual entries. Effect: Inadequate controls over financial reporting of the Corporation results in the likelihood that the Corporation would not be able to draft accrual financial statements that are materially correct without the assistance of the auditors. Recommendation: We recommend that management establish internal procedures to identify potential material misstatements and make adjustments if needed prior to providing the independent auditor with the trial balance for the period being audited. Repeat Finding: Yes. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Prior to closing out the year-end books, the accounts will be looked at and any needed adjustments will be made.
Finding 2024-004 Delinquent Loan Payment Condition: The Corporation is required to make timely loan payments for the USDA mortgage. The December loan payment was delinquent, and the Corporation incurred a late fee. Criteria: The Corporation should ensure all loan payments are made timely. Cause: The rental assistance request was filed late which caused the loan payment to be late. Effect: The Corporation was in default of their loan agreement and incurred a late fee. Recommendation: All reports should be filed timely to ensure proper loan payments. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Corporation is aware of delinquency. There has been a change in personnel to help ensure that timely filed reports are made.
Finding 2024-004 Delinquent Loan Payment Condition: The Corporation is required to make timely loan payments for the USDA mortgage. The December loan payment was delinquent, and the Corporation incurred a late fee. Criteria: The Corporation should ensure all loan payments are made timely. Cause: The rental assistance request was filed late which caused the loan payment to be late. Effect: The Corporation was in default of their loan agreement and incurred a late fee. Recommendation: All reports should be filed timely to ensure proper loan payments. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Corporation is aware of delinquency. There has been a change in personnel to help ensure that timely filed reports are made.