Recommendation The College should continue to work with the accounting department and accounting systems to assist its auditor to catch up its financial reporting and records to allow for the completion of future audits. Corrective Action Unfortunately, due to the untimely completion and release of ...
Recommendation The College should continue to work with the accounting department and accounting systems to assist its auditor to catch up its financial reporting and records to allow for the completion of future audits. Corrective Action Unfortunately, due to the untimely completion and release of the June 30, 2023 audit report (released on August 8, 2025 - over two years after the end of the June 30, 2023 fiscal year audit), the College did not have the opportunity to review and begin a timely process of addressing a majority of the audit findings until well after the end of the audit period. While the College is committed to corrective action, the delayed delivery of the June 30, 2023 audit limited the ability to implement corrective measures earlier. The College is working proactively to ensure that these issues are resolved going forward. It is important to note that Southeast New Mexico College was a newly established independent community college, having formally separated from New Mexico State University (NMSU) as of April 2022. During this transition period, many administrative processes, including federal grant compliance procedures, were in the process of being developed, transitioned, and implemented independently from NMSU systems. As a result, certain policies, procedures, and documentation processes were not yet fully established or operational at the time of the audit. To ensure timely future submissions, the following corrective actions have been implemented. Revised Timeline and Calendar Controls: • A compliance calendar has been developed and integrated into the Business Office workflow to monitor federal reporting deadlines, including the DCF due date. This calendar includes reminder notifications at 90, 60 and 30 days before the March deadline. Internal Review Process: • A designated compliance officer or fiscal services staff member has been assigned responsibility for tracking the DCF submission process and coordinating with the external auditors to ensure timely receipt of the final audit. Audit Planning Coordination: • Annual audit planning meetings now include a discussion of reporting deadlines, and the contract with the external audit firm will include a clause requiring delivery of the final audit in a timeframe that supports compliance with federal submission timelines. Training and Awareness: • Relevant staff will have completed training in Uniform Guidance reporting requirements, including DCF submission procedures and deadlines to ensure full understanding of the importance of timely compliance. Due of Completion: August 31, 2025 Responsible Party(ies) Vice President for Business and Finance (or appropriate official), Dean of Business and Finance, Director of Finance, Accounts Receivable Coordinator, Business Office Manager