Ecotrust is strengthening its controls over federal financial reporting to ensure required SF‑425 Federal Financial Reports are submitted (in a timely manner) in accordance with 2 CFR 200.328 and applicable award terms. Approximately three years ago, following turnover, Ecotrust shifted grantee and ...
Ecotrust is strengthening its controls over federal financial reporting to ensure required SF‑425 Federal Financial Reports are submitted (in a timely manner) in accordance with 2 CFR 200.328 and applicable award terms. Approximately three years ago, following turnover, Ecotrust shifted grantee and sub‑grantee management from a centralized model to a distributed model in which program managers assumed responsibilities for which tools and training were insufficient. To correct the underlying deficiency, Ecotrust is taking the following specific actions: • Assigning clear, documented responsibility for the preparation and timely submission of all federal financial reports (including the SF‑425), with a designated primary preparer and a backup to ensure continuity of reporting during staff absences or turnover. • Establishing a federal reporting calendar that tracks all federal financial report due dates, with proactive advance reminders shared across the finance and program teams. • Providing periodic training to finance and program staff to reinforce awareness of federal financial reporting requirements and deadlines. • Engaging an outside consultant, Jennifer Hutton, who has grantee‑management experience gained at Mercy Corps and other non‑profits, to work with the finance team and program managers to develop the supporting processes, tools, and accountability measures.