On behalf of Bebashi – Transition to Hope, I am submitting this corrective action plan in response to the material weakness finding identified in our recent federal audit. The finding noted a lack of effective internal controls over the maintenance of accurate accounting records, including the trial...
On behalf of Bebashi – Transition to Hope, I am submitting this corrective action plan in response to the material weakness finding identified in our recent federal audit. The finding noted a lack of effective internal controls over the maintenance of accurate accounting records, including the trial balance, general ledger, and the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and state financial assistance. These deficiencies resulted in material audit adjustments to the current year’s financial statements, multiple versions of the trial balance due to reconciling issues, and audit delays related to unreconciled supporting documentation. We take these findings with the utmost seriousness. As stewards of federal funds, it is our fiduciary duty to maintain strict compliance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200), as well as applicable state financial requirements. Corrective Action Plan 1. Strengthening Internal Controls o We are implementing enhanced internal control procedures to ensure timely reconciliation of the trial balance and general ledger. o Monthly reconciliations will now be prepared by the Finance Department, reviewed by the Chief Operating Officer, and formally approved by the President & Chief Executive Officer prior to closing. o Quarterly oversight reporting will also be provided to the Bebashi Board of Directors. 2. Accounting System Improvements o We will establish a standardized process to ensure one official version of the trial balance is maintained, with all adjustments tracked and documented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). o We are upgrading our financial reporting system to include automated reconciliation checks, audit trails, and controls that will minimize the risk of discrepancies. 3. Staff Training and Accountability o Finance staff will undergo mandatory annual training on federal compliance, SEFA preparation, and reconciliation best practices. o Roles and responsibilities will be clearly defined, with a segregation of duties to prevent misstatements and errors. 4. Audit Readiness and Documentation o A comprehensive audit binder will be prepared and maintained to ensure that supporting documentation reconciles with the trial balance prior to submission. o A compliance calendar will be developed to track critical deadlines, reconciliation reviews, and reporting requirements. 5. Board and Executive Oversight o The Bebashi Board of Directors, through its Finance and Audit Committees, along with the President & CEO, will provide governance oversight of this corrective action plan. o Quarterly progress reports will be submitted to the Board, and the CEO and Board will formally document oversight in meeting minutes to ensure accountability and compliance. Responsible Party: The Finance Director, in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer and with final accountability to the President & CEO as well as the Bebashi Board of Directors, will be responsible for implementing and monitoring this corrective action plan. Anticipated Completion Date: All corrective measures will be completed within ninety (90) days of the date of this letter, with ongoing monitoring and governance oversight by the CEO and Board of Directors to ensure sustainability. We regret the deficiencies that led to this finding and are committed to taking the corrective actions necessary to strengthen our financial management systems. Bebashi – Transition to Hope is dedicated to full compliance with federal and state requirements and to safeguarding the integrity of public funds entrusted to us. Respectfully submitted, Sincerely, Sebrina Tate President & Chief Executive Officer Bebashi – Transition to Hope On behalf of the Bebashi Board of Directors