Audit 368378

Criteria or Specific Requirement: Per 2 CFR §200.302, nonfederal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. • Cash Management requirements under 2 CFR §200.305 require that drawdowns be based on allowable costs incurred, supported by documentation, and reviewed for accuracy prior to submission. • Matching requirements under 2 CFR §200.306 require that cost sharing or matching contributions be verifiable from the entity’s records and documented in accordance with the cost principles. Entities must retain written documentation of the review and approval process before submission of reimbursement requests to ensure accuracy and compliance. Condition: The Organization maintained a written cash management policy; however, the policy did not specify that documentation of review and approval of reimbursement requests must be retained. As a result, the Organization was unable to provide written evidence of review and approval prior to submission of certain reimbursement requests. In addition, the Organization did not have a formal written policy addressing the review, approval, and documentation of matching contributions to ensure they are allowable, verifiable, and in compliance with federal requirements. While management indicated that a review process occurs, the lack of documented approval reduces the audit trail and does not provide adequate evidence that costs included in the requests were reviewed for accuracy, allowability, and compliance with both cash management and matching requirements. Cause: The lack of specificity in the cash management policy regarding retention of documented approvals, combined with the absence of a written matching policy, resulted in a lack of written documentation of the review and approval process that could be verified. Effect or Potential Effect: Without documented approval for reimbursement requests or a formal policy over matching, there is an increased risk that unallowable or unsupported costs could be included in reimbursement requests or that matching contributions could be inaccurately reported, potentially resulting in noncompliance with federal requirements. Questioned Costs: Not applicable as there were no questioned costs related to noncompliance. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization strengthen its internal controls over cash management and matching by implementing the following: 1. Update the cash management policy to require documented review and approval of reimbursement requests, with such documentation retained as part of the grant record. 2. Develop and implement a formal written matching policy that includes procedures for review, approval, and documentation of matching contributions to ensure compliance with 2 CFR §200.306. Repeat finding from prior year: No – this is the Organization’s first single audit. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See attached corrective action plan.