Based on FY2022 findings, Higher Horizons implemented internal control policies and procedures, effective May 1, 2023. The procedures address all the segregation of duties from journal entries to posting, reconciliation to reporting, and access to the accounting software. The implementation of the i...
Based on FY2022 findings, Higher Horizons implemented internal control policies and procedures, effective May 1, 2023. The procedures address all the segregation of duties from journal entries to posting, reconciliation to reporting, and access to the accounting software. The implementation of the internal control policies and procedures were initiated in May and June of 2023 (the last two months of FY 2023). During FY2024, these procedures were enforced to mitigate risks due to lack of sound internal control. To further strengthen the internal control system, Higher Horizons changed the requisition and accounts payable paper-based to paperless (electronic) process effective July 1, 2023.
The electronic requisition system (Microix) is integrated with the accounting software (Abila), which has noticeably enhanced the internal control system.The Microix electronic requisition system eliminates the need to monitor the flow of paper documents, eliminates the risk of losing documents, and disallows purchases without approval. Microix features also require allowability of requisitions to be determined, all changes & communications to be captured, eliminates re-keying the information into Abila, minimizes manual interventions in entering & posting transactions, and much more.
Higher Horizons will continue assessing & monitoring the effectiveness of our internal control, review the outcomes, and as needed, will further strengthen the process. Higher Horizons will monitor individual access to general ledger, subsidiary ledger, assets of the organization, accounting software, and Paycom. Access control procedures will be developed and implemented before the end of May 2024.
As indicated in FY2023 audit findings, one of the causes for inadequate segregation of duties is the small number of staff in the Finance Department. Higher Horizons will contract with a finance consultant to review the current finance department staffing structure. The consultant will provide feedback and recommendation for adequately staffing the finance department to ensure segregation of duties. The finance management staff will conduct a comprehensive study of accounting and financial tasks, policies and procedures, and standard operating procedures by contracting the financial consultant before the end of June 2024. The study will be presented to the Board for approval, and OFC and OHS for funding.