To address the identified weaknesses and strengthen internal controls over the preparation of the SEFA, management has initiated the following actions: 1. Establishment of Formal Policies and Procedures: We have developed and implemented a formal, written policy for the preparation and review of t...
To address the identified weaknesses and strengthen internal controls over the preparation of the SEFA, management has initiated the following actions: 1. Establishment of Formal Policies and Procedures: We have developed and implemented a formal, written policy for the preparation and review of the SEFA. This policy outlines clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines for all departments involved in the process. 2. Centralization of Data Collection: We are centralizing the process of collecting expenditure data, which will be overseen by a designated team within the fiscal department. This will ensure consistency and accuracy in reporting across all departments. 3. Staff Training and Development: Key personnel involved in SEFA preparation are undergoing specialized training on federal, state, and city compliance requirements. This includes training on the proper classification of awards and expenditures. 4. Internal Review and Monitoring: A second layer of review has been introduced to verify the accuracy and completeness of the SEFA before it is submitted. A senior financial officer will perform this review, ensuring that any discrepancies are identified and corrected before submission. Management will implement ongoing monitoring to ensure adherence to the new policies and procedures. Quarterly reviews will be conducted to assess the accuracy of the data and the efficiency of the control measures. Management is committed to maintaining robust internal controls over the preparation of the SEFA to ensure the timely and accurate reporting of federal, state, and city awards. The actions outlined above are designed to prevent the recurrence of this deficiency and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.