FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include proper segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by one employee without documentation to support an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for any of the information contained in the six reports submitted during the audit period. Ledgers and reimbursement requests were used to verify the information in three of the six reports; however, the other three reports could not be substantiated. The following errors were noted: The ESSER II, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 1 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the three reports noted above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records, were not accurate and complete, and were not mathematically accurate. Additionally, key line items were not supported by the records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include proper segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by one employee without documentation to support an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for any of the information contained in the six reports submitted during the audit period. Ledgers and reimbursement requests were used to verify the information in three of the six reports; however, the other three reports could not be substantiated. The following errors were noted: The ESSER II, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 1 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the three reports noted above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records, were not accurate and complete, and were not mathematically accurate. Additionally, key line items were not supported by the records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004 Subject: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers - Cash Management, Program Income and Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Assistance Listings Number: 84.287 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): A58-1-21DL-0153, A58-1-21DL-5176, A58-2-22DL-0018, A58-3-23DL-0027 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Program Income, and Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation utilized grant funds to operate an After School Care Safe Harbor Program. As part of the programs, the students were charged monthly fees to help cover the related costs. Per the grant guidelines, families cannot be turned away for nonpayment of fees, and any fees collected are to be reinvested into the programs. Reimbursement requests are to deduct the program income received from allowable costs prior to claiming reimbursement. During the audit period, the School Corporation collected fees for the Before School Care Program and the After School Care Safe Harbor Program in the same manner. Fees collected for both programs were collected and receipted into the After School fund. For the years ended June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the School Corporation receipted a total of $45,723 and $41,513, respectively, into the After School fund. Cash Management The School Corporation submitted 18 reimbursement requests in the audit period. Costs were paid prior to requesting reimbursement as required; however, due to the lack of adequate program income records the reimbursements were not reduced by the program income received. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Program Income Although the School Corporation received approval from the grantor agency to collect program income, the School Corporation did not properly track students' attendance and payments, both if paid and how much paid; therefore, we were unable to determine the amount of program income related to each program. Additionally, the School Corporation did not maintain program income in a separate fund but comingled it with other nongrant funded program revenues. Finally, the School Corporation did not deduct program income from allowable costs prior to claiming reimbursement. Reporting Reimbursement Requests The School Corporation submitted 18 reimbursement requests in the audit period. Of those, 3 reimbursement requests were selected for testing. Of the 3 reimbursement requests inspected, none were reduced by program income received, and 1 was not properly supported by School Corporation records. The reimbursement was overstated by $14,700 when compared to the ledger. Based on additional procedures performed, the total requested reimbursements for the audit period were understated by $32,605 when compared to the ledger. Year End Reports End of Year reports are to be submitted within 60 days of the contract end date. A total of four End of Year Reports were submitted in the audit period and two were selected for testing. Of the two End of Year reports selected for testing, neither properly included program income received during the year due to inadequate tracking of program income. The lack of controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b)(5) states in part: "To the extent available, the non-Federal entity must disburse funds available from program income (including repayments to a revolving fund), rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries, and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.307 states in part: "(a) General. Non-Federal entities are encouraged to earn income to defray program costs where appropriate. . . . (e) Use of program income. If the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award, or give prior approval for how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(1) of this section must apply. For Federal awards made to IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, if the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(2) of this section must apply. In specifying alternatives to paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, the Federal awarding agency may distinguish between income earned by the recipient and income earned by subrecipients and between the sources, kinds, or amounts of income. When the Federal awarding agency authorizes the approaches in paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section, program income in excess of any amounts specified must also be deducted from expenditures. (1) Deduction. Ordinarily program income must be deducted from total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs. Program income must be used for current costs unless the Federal awarding agency authorizes otherwise. Program income that the non- Federal entity did not anticipate at the time of the Federal award must be used to reduce the Federal award and non- Federal entity contributions rather than to increase the funds committed to the project. (2) Addition. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency (except for IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, as described in this paragraph (e)) program income may be added to the Federal award by the Federal agency and the non-Federal entity. The program income must be used for the purposes and under the conditions of the Federal award. (3) Cost sharing or matching. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency, program income may be used to meet the cost sharing or matching requirement of the Federal award. The amount of the Federal award remains the same. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, program income was not properly documented resulting in noncompliance with the Cash Management, Program Income, and Reporting compliance requirements. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding by the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure proper tracking of program income to ensure all activity and reports submitted on behalf of the Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers program funds are accurate. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004 Subject: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers - Cash Management, Program Income and Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Assistance Listings Number: 84.287 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): A58-1-21DL-0153, A58-1-21DL-5176, A58-2-22DL-0018, A58-3-23DL-0027 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Program Income, and Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation utilized grant funds to operate an After School Care Safe Harbor Program. As part of the programs, the students were charged monthly fees to help cover the related costs. Per the grant guidelines, families cannot be turned away for nonpayment of fees, and any fees collected are to be reinvested into the programs. Reimbursement requests are to deduct the program income received from allowable costs prior to claiming reimbursement. During the audit period, the School Corporation collected fees for the Before School Care Program and the After School Care Safe Harbor Program in the same manner. Fees collected for both programs were collected and receipted into the After School fund. For the years ended June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the School Corporation receipted a total of $45,723 and $41,513, respectively, into the After School fund. Cash Management The School Corporation submitted 18 reimbursement requests in the audit period. Costs were paid prior to requesting reimbursement as required; however, due to the lack of adequate program income records the reimbursements were not reduced by the program income received. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Program Income Although the School Corporation received approval from the grantor agency to collect program income, the School Corporation did not properly track students' attendance and payments, both if paid and how much paid; therefore, we were unable to determine the amount of program income related to each program. Additionally, the School Corporation did not maintain program income in a separate fund but comingled it with other nongrant funded program revenues. Finally, the School Corporation did not deduct program income from allowable costs prior to claiming reimbursement. Reporting Reimbursement Requests The School Corporation submitted 18 reimbursement requests in the audit period. Of those, 3 reimbursement requests were selected for testing. Of the 3 reimbursement requests inspected, none were reduced by program income received, and 1 was not properly supported by School Corporation records. The reimbursement was overstated by $14,700 when compared to the ledger. Based on additional procedures performed, the total requested reimbursements for the audit period were understated by $32,605 when compared to the ledger. Year End Reports End of Year reports are to be submitted within 60 days of the contract end date. A total of four End of Year Reports were submitted in the audit period and two were selected for testing. Of the two End of Year reports selected for testing, neither properly included program income received during the year due to inadequate tracking of program income. The lack of controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b)(5) states in part: "To the extent available, the non-Federal entity must disburse funds available from program income (including repayments to a revolving fund), rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries, and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.307 states in part: "(a) General. Non-Federal entities are encouraged to earn income to defray program costs where appropriate. . . . (e) Use of program income. If the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award, or give prior approval for how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(1) of this section must apply. For Federal awards made to IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, if the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(2) of this section must apply. In specifying alternatives to paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, the Federal awarding agency may distinguish between income earned by the recipient and income earned by subrecipients and between the sources, kinds, or amounts of income. When the Federal awarding agency authorizes the approaches in paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section, program income in excess of any amounts specified must also be deducted from expenditures. (1) Deduction. Ordinarily program income must be deducted from total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs. Program income must be used for current costs unless the Federal awarding agency authorizes otherwise. Program income that the non- Federal entity did not anticipate at the time of the Federal award must be used to reduce the Federal award and non- Federal entity contributions rather than to increase the funds committed to the project. (2) Addition. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency (except for IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, as described in this paragraph (e)) program income may be added to the Federal award by the Federal agency and the non-Federal entity. The program income must be used for the purposes and under the conditions of the Federal award. (3) Cost sharing or matching. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency, program income may be used to meet the cost sharing or matching requirement of the Federal award. The amount of the Federal award remains the same. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, program income was not properly documented resulting in noncompliance with the Cash Management, Program Income, and Reporting compliance requirements. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding by the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure proper tracking of program income to ensure all activity and reports submitted on behalf of the Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers program funds are accurate. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 5120S425U210013, S425U200013, S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. Two of the six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $4,608,835 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $4,560,160. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $118,103 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $317,536. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to these two reports. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records and were not accurate and complete. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 5120S425U210013, S425U200013, S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. Two of the six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $4,608,835 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $4,560,160. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $118,103 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $317,536. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to these two reports. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records and were not accurate and complete. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 5120S425U210013, S425U200013, S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. Two of the six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $4,608,835 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $4,560,160. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $118,103 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $317,536. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to these two reports. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records and were not accurate and complete. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 5120S425U210013, S425U200013, S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. Two of the six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $4,608,835 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $4,560,160. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $118,103 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $317,536. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to these two reports. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records and were not accurate and complete. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
Finding 2023-006 Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . . 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Management misinterpreted the instructions for the reporting requirements and believed that they did not need to fill in the expense information as an LEA. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit one Annual Data Report for each year in the audit period to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. Amounts reported on each ESSER I Annual Data Report did not agree to underlying detail for the ESSER I grant. ESSER I was overstated on the Year 3 report by $76,231. The finding is isolated to the S425D200013 award (ESSER I). Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Condition The required Annual Project and Expenditure (P & E) Report was submitted after its due date. The report was required for the annual period ended March 31, 2023 and was due on April 30, 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.328 and 31 CFR section 35.4(c) required financial and performance reporting information. The information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. Effect The Municipality did not comply with compliance requirements of the Program. It could affect the monitories of the Federal Awarding Agency assign the funds and affect the program outcomes. Cause The Municipality failed in submission of the required report on its due date due to the lack of knowledge of requisites and instructions about the completion of the report. Questioned Costs Not determined. Recommendation The Municipality should maintain the schedule of due dates of the required reports of each federal program in order to comply with the required submissions to the federal awarding agencies.
Condition The required Annual Project and Expenditure (P & E) Report was submitted after its due date. The report was required for the annual period ended March 31, 2023 and was due on April 30, 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.328 and 31 CFR section 35.4(c) required financial and performance reporting information. The information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. Effect The Municipality did not comply with compliance requirements of the Program. It could affect the monitories of the Federal Awarding Agency assign the funds and affect the program outcomes. Cause The Municipality failed in submission of the required report on its due date due to the lack of knowledge of requisites and instructions about the completion of the report. Questioned Costs Not determined. Recommendation The Municipality should maintain the schedule of due dates of the required reports of each federal program in order to comply with the required submissions to the federal awarding agencies.
Finding 2023-002 – Internal Controls Over Reporting (Material Weakness) Condition: The City did not report accurate expenditures during the year in its Project and Expenditure Quarterly Reports for the uses of ARPA funding. The reports contained incorrect project amounts and expenditure classifications due to internal control failures, including insufficient review by someone other than the preparer. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(3) and 2 CFR 200.328, recipients of federal funds are required to maintain accurate financial records and report expenditures in accordance with federal award terms. Specifically, recipients of ARPA funding are required to submit accurate quarterly Project and Expenditure Reports to provide transparency and ensure funds are used in compliance with allowable purposes. Cause: The inaccuracies resulted from a lack of sufficient internal controls over the reporting process. Specifically: No independent review was performed to validate the accuracy and completeness of the quarterly reports. Documentation of the expenditure allocation process was not consistently maintained to support the reported amounts. Effect: The lack of accurate reporting undermines compliance with the reporting requirements of the federal award. Although no unallowable costs were identified, the inaccuracies may necessitate correction of reported amounts in the future. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen its internal controls over the reporting process by: 1. Implementing a formal review process where quarterly reports are reviewed and approved by a designated individual other than the preparer. 2. Establishing a documented process for reconciling expenditures reported to the underlying accounting records and federal award guidelines. 3. Providing training to staff responsible for the preparation and review of federal compliance reports to ensure familiarity with reporting requirements. Management’s Response: See Corrective Action Plan.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: Department of the Treasury Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Program Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Award Year: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 Condition: During our audit, we noted that the Project and Expenditures Report was not submitted to the Department of the Treasury in a timely manner. Criteria: The City must fill out and submit the Project and Expenditures Report by April 30 of each fiscal year that they receive Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (2 CFR 200.328 & 31 CFR section35.4(c)). Effect: The City did not submit its required annual report for the fiscal year 2023. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The City had turnover in its upper management that handled this duty during the time that the report was due to be submitted and so it was never completed. Auditors’ Recommendation: We recommend that the City ensure that it has more than one position responsible for submitting these annual reports to the federal government to ensure that they are always completed even if one position is vacant. Agency’s Response: The City of acknowledges the audit finding regarding the untimely submission of the Project Expenditure Report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program. The report for fiscal year 2023 was not submitted due to turnover in upper management and the grants manager position, resulting in the report being neither completed nor submitted during that time. Since taking office in fiscal year 2024, the current Finance Director has prioritized compliance with federal reporting requirements. As of fiscal year 2025, all required project and expenditures reporting has been completed and submitted in accordance with U.S. Department of Treasury guidelines. To prevent future occurrences, the Finance Department has implemented internal controls ensuring multiple staff members are responsible for federal reporting. Specifically, both the Finance Director and the Financial Analyst now share the responsibility and authority to complete and submit these annual reports. This new process ensures continuity in reporting, even in the event of staff turnover, and strengthens the City’s commitment to compliance with federal funding requirements. In addition, The City’s Procurement officer now maintains responsibility for grants from award to reversion date. A tracking file is maintained for all active grants at the point it is awarded, expended, and reimbursement received to ensure this process is properly managed. Additionally, the Finance Director oversees this responsibility so there are now multiple controls to ensure timely completion. Responsible Parties: The Director of Finance. Timeline: June 30, 2025
FINDING 2023-011 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by the Director of Curriculum without oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. All six of the submitted reports were selected for testing. One of the reports, ESSER II, Year 2, was not supported by the School Corporation's records. The School Corporation had expenditures of $583,415 from the ESSER II grant which were not included in this report. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER II, Year 2 report. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by the School Corporation's management. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, a report submitted to the IDOE was not supported by the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are supported by the ledgers or reports used to complete the report. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36
FINDING 2023-011 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by the Director of Curriculum without oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. All six of the submitted reports were selected for testing. One of the reports, ESSER II, Year 2, was not supported by the School Corporation's records. The School Corporation had expenditures of $583,415 from the ESSER II grant which were not included in this report. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER II, Year 2 report. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by the School Corporation's management. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, a report submitted to the IDOE was not supported by the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are supported by the ledgers or reports used to complete the report. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36
FINDING 2023-011 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by the Director of Curriculum without oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. All six of the submitted reports were selected for testing. One of the reports, ESSER II, Year 2, was not supported by the School Corporation's records. The School Corporation had expenditures of $583,415 from the ESSER II grant which were not included in this report. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER II, Year 2 report. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by the School Corporation's management. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, a report submitted to the IDOE was not supported by the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are supported by the ledgers or reports used to complete the report. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36
FINDING 2023-011 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by the Director of Curriculum without oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. All six of the submitted reports were selected for testing. One of the reports, ESSER II, Year 2, was not supported by the School Corporation's records. The School Corporation had expenditures of $583,415 from the ESSER II grant which were not included in this report. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER II, Year 2 report. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by the School Corporation's management. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, a report submitted to the IDOE was not supported by the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are supported by the ledgers or reports used to complete the report. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36
Criteria: The CDBG program required monthly narrative reports as well as monthly beneficiary reports to be submitted. Financial reporting is required under 2 CFR 200.328 and program reporting is required under 2 CFR 200.329. 30 Condition: The required reporting requirements are not deemed to have been met. The reports cannot be located, and therefore it can not be determined if the reports were submitted as required. Cause: The YWCA New Hampshire has had significant turnover in management and administration in recent years. Whether or not such reports were submitted, the information could not be located for purposes of testing. Effect or potential effect: Internal control over the financial activities of the grants is weakened. A specific requirement for the grant was potentially not completed, which could result in required repayment of the grant funds or prevention of future awards. Questioned costs: Questioned costs are not applicable to this finding. Context: The YWCA New Hampshire expended in excess of $750,000 in federal awards and assistance during the year ending June 30, 2023 requiring a compliance audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. The organization has not required a compliance audit in previous years and management was not aware of the various requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: It is recommended that grant activity be maintained in a dedicated file for future references. We recommend that any documentation related to the grant, including the application, award, requests for reimbursement, quarterly and annual filings, closing report, etc. all be retained in a central location and accessible by management. Views of Responsible Officials: YWCA New Hampshire’s management concurs with this audit finding.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-029 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-001) FEDERAL PROGRAM (ALN – 10.542) PANDEMIC EBT FOOD BENEFITS (P-EBT) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AWARD NUMBERS 221PR456S9032; 2301PR456S9032 (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ACTIVITIES ALLOWED OR UNALLOWED // REPORTING TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. … (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our internal control procedures for the financial management system, allowable activities and reporting requirements, we found the following deficiencies: • Of ten (10) expenditure accounting transactions, three (3) were selected for documentation review. It was found that a transaction posted in August 2022 for $193,642,697.32 included $54,195,406.92, corresponding to benefit payrolls for May 2022, which had previously been claimed in June 2022. They subsequently adjusted the expenditure reported for this amount. • All expenditure transactions are coded under the ID number PANDEMICEBT-B22; although, in the SF-778 report for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, for the grant award period for 2023, expenditures in the amount of $29,606,939 were reported as incurred. This data does not agree with the accounting information of PRIFAS. QUESTIONED COSTS No questioned costs identified. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION This is a systematic deficiency. After conducting several interviews, we were able to identify the staff responsible for validating the benefit payrolls. This person told us these benefit payrolls were processed via email, which indicated that the information submitted was preliminary. However, the finance staff proceeded with the adjustment in the accounting system. We conducted interviews to determine if anything had been modified in the benefit payroll processing process. To prevent this situation from happening again, they told us it wasn't necessary because it hasn't happened again. Procedures and internal controls manuals should provide for and ensure the segregation of duties, and the reconciliation of financial information reported to federal agencies against the accounting records used to prepare financial statements and SEFA. ADSEF failure to support reported amounts with verifiable documentation and the absence of independent review increases the risk of inaccurate or misstated financial data being reported to the federal awarding agency. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF has not established an adequate control procedure to identify duplicate claims before they are filed and recorded. During our interviews and understanding of the internal controls over financial reporting, we noted that only one person prepares, submits and certifies the SF-425 reports. No proper segregation of duties exists, that allows for validation of all accounting data before submitting the reports. In addition, the procedures manual for preparing reports does not establish a clear process for obtaining information, validating it, recording it, preparing it, and reporting it, as well as the responsibilities and segregation of duties to ensure that the reported information is consistent with ADSEF's accounting records. ADSEF lacks internal controls that allow for the timely validation and reconciliation of financial information. Furthermore, they lack a written procedures manual detailing the processes to follow in obtaining accounting data and reporting it to the federal government, ensuring that the responsibility does not fall on a single individual. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The failure to have an internal control procedure that identifies standard documentation or forms, personnel responsible for validating the information included, and controls payroll and benefit expenses and other previously claimed expenses allowed for the recognition and claim of an expense incurred twice. ADSEF is not ensuring that the reports are accurate and traceable to the accounting database used to prepare their financial reports to the Federal Agencies and their financial statements. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish an adequate internal controls process that identifies documentation, personnel responsible, authorizations, and validations that can prevent this situation from recurring. In addition, we recommend management to establish written procedures and internal controls manuals to provide and document the segregation of duties related to the reporting compliance requirement.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-032 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-004) FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 10.566) NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (ALN – 93.558) TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) (ALN – 93.560) PAYMENT TO TERRITORIES – ADULT (ALN – 93.568) LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 211PR426S7003/4; 221PR426S7003/4; 231PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2021G996117; 2022G996117; 2023996117 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2022G9922PT; 2301PRTABD (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) 2201PRLIEA; 2301PRLIEA (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. See § 200.303. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures, we conducted an analysis of the process used to distribute administrative costs among the various programs administered by ADSEF. Administrative expenses are distributed based on a methodology called "Random Moment Sampling" (RMS). We identified the following deficiencies in the implementation and execution of this process: i. There is no written procedure that outlines the process for applying this formula for distributing administrative expenses. ii. There is no standardized monitoring or communication to ensure that employees who are required to complete this form are fully assigned to the roles subject to this process. In other words, the Human Resources Department or the Appointments Office do not communicate periodically or whenever a staff change occurs, in order to adjust the population subject to this questionnaire. iii. Among the options provided for responding to the RMS survey, three options are not assigned to a Federal program. These options include licenses; other types of work not directly tied to a Federal program function for which administrative expenses can be allocated. According to the State Plan, 3,300 questionnaires will be administered for functions performed by employees who are not at the central level, and 300 for employees who are at the central level. Two quarters of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 were observed, in which these three options represented between 33% and 22% for local offices and 29% at the central level. Because these options are not tied to a Federal program function, they reduce the percentage to zero and redistribute the percentage among Federal programs. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION We consider this deficiency a systemic problem. This allocation of administrative expenses is made quarterly; however, the adjustment in the accounting system (PRIFAS) is not necessarily made in the same period. The administrative expenses of each program contain the redistribution of expenses not assigned to a Federal program. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a written procedure establishing the process for implementing and monitoring the execution of this methodology. Additionally, among the responses regarding functions performed, time may be allocated to functions not related to Federal programs. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT They lack a standardized process that ensures that the methodology used allocates reasonable administrative costs among Federal programs, ensures that the distribution base is complete, and is periodically monitored. Furthermore, by redistributing the percentage of responses not directly related to a Federal program function, administrative costs could be claimed from Federal programs that should likely be allocated to state funds. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish a written internal control procedure that provides certainty, monitoring frequency, data validation, and responsibilities for those responsible for executing this process. Additionally, it should be considered that there are functions performed by the personnel in charge of answering the RMS that are not directly linked to a Federal program and should be assigned to state funds.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-032 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-004) FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 10.566) NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (ALN – 93.558) TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) (ALN – 93.560) PAYMENT TO TERRITORIES – ADULT (ALN – 93.568) LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 211PR426S7003/4; 221PR426S7003/4; 231PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2021G996117; 2022G996117; 2023996117 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2022G9922PT; 2301PRTABD (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) 2201PRLIEA; 2301PRLIEA (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. See § 200.303. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures, we conducted an analysis of the process used to distribute administrative costs among the various programs administered by ADSEF. Administrative expenses are distributed based on a methodology called "Random Moment Sampling" (RMS). We identified the following deficiencies in the implementation and execution of this process: i. There is no written procedure that outlines the process for applying this formula for distributing administrative expenses. ii. There is no standardized monitoring or communication to ensure that employees who are required to complete this form are fully assigned to the roles subject to this process. In other words, the Human Resources Department or the Appointments Office do not communicate periodically or whenever a staff change occurs, in order to adjust the population subject to this questionnaire. iii. Among the options provided for responding to the RMS survey, three options are not assigned to a Federal program. These options include licenses; other types of work not directly tied to a Federal program function for which administrative expenses can be allocated. According to the State Plan, 3,300 questionnaires will be administered for functions performed by employees who are not at the central level, and 300 for employees who are at the central level. Two quarters of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 were observed, in which these three options represented between 33% and 22% for local offices and 29% at the central level. Because these options are not tied to a Federal program function, they reduce the percentage to zero and redistribute the percentage among Federal programs. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION We consider this deficiency a systemic problem. This allocation of administrative expenses is made quarterly; however, the adjustment in the accounting system (PRIFAS) is not necessarily made in the same period. The administrative expenses of each program contain the redistribution of expenses not assigned to a Federal program. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a written procedure establishing the process for implementing and monitoring the execution of this methodology. Additionally, among the responses regarding functions performed, time may be allocated to functions not related to Federal programs. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT They lack a standardized process that ensures that the methodology used allocates reasonable administrative costs among Federal programs, ensures that the distribution base is complete, and is periodically monitored. Furthermore, by redistributing the percentage of responses not directly related to a Federal program function, administrative costs could be claimed from Federal programs that should likely be allocated to state funds. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish a written internal control procedure that provides certainty, monitoring frequency, data validation, and responsibilities for those responsible for executing this process. Additionally, it should be considered that there are functions performed by the personnel in charge of answering the RMS that are not directly linked to a Federal program and should be assigned to state funds.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-032 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-004) FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 10.566) NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (ALN – 93.558) TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) (ALN – 93.560) PAYMENT TO TERRITORIES – ADULT (ALN – 93.568) LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 211PR426S7003/4; 221PR426S7003/4; 231PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2021G996117; 2022G996117; 2023996117 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2022G9922PT; 2301PRTABD (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) 2201PRLIEA; 2301PRLIEA (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. See § 200.303. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures, we conducted an analysis of the process used to distribute administrative costs among the various programs administered by ADSEF. Administrative expenses are distributed based on a methodology called "Random Moment Sampling" (RMS). We identified the following deficiencies in the implementation and execution of this process: i. There is no written procedure that outlines the process for applying this formula for distributing administrative expenses. ii. There is no standardized monitoring or communication to ensure that employees who are required to complete this form are fully assigned to the roles subject to this process. In other words, the Human Resources Department or the Appointments Office do not communicate periodically or whenever a staff change occurs, in order to adjust the population subject to this questionnaire. iii. Among the options provided for responding to the RMS survey, three options are not assigned to a Federal program. These options include licenses; other types of work not directly tied to a Federal program function for which administrative expenses can be allocated. According to the State Plan, 3,300 questionnaires will be administered for functions performed by employees who are not at the central level, and 300 for employees who are at the central level. Two quarters of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 were observed, in which these three options represented between 33% and 22% for local offices and 29% at the central level. Because these options are not tied to a Federal program function, they reduce the percentage to zero and redistribute the percentage among Federal programs. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION We consider this deficiency a systemic problem. This allocation of administrative expenses is made quarterly; however, the adjustment in the accounting system (PRIFAS) is not necessarily made in the same period. The administrative expenses of each program contain the redistribution of expenses not assigned to a Federal program. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a written procedure establishing the process for implementing and monitoring the execution of this methodology. Additionally, among the responses regarding functions performed, time may be allocated to functions not related to Federal programs. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT They lack a standardized process that ensures that the methodology used allocates reasonable administrative costs among Federal programs, ensures that the distribution base is complete, and is periodically monitored. Furthermore, by redistributing the percentage of responses not directly related to a Federal program function, administrative costs could be claimed from Federal programs that should likely be allocated to state funds. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish a written internal control procedure that provides certainty, monitoring frequency, data validation, and responsibilities for those responsible for executing this process. Additionally, it should be considered that there are functions performed by the personnel in charge of answering the RMS that are not directly linked to a Federal program and should be assigned to state funds.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-032 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-004) FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 10.566) NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (ALN – 93.558) TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) (ALN – 93.560) PAYMENT TO TERRITORIES – ADULT (ALN – 93.568) LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 211PR426S7003/4; 221PR426S7003/4; 231PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2021G996117; 2022G996117; 2023996117 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2022G9922PT; 2301PRTABD (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) 2201PRLIEA; 2301PRLIEA (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. See § 200.303. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures, we conducted an analysis of the process used to distribute administrative costs among the various programs administered by ADSEF. Administrative expenses are distributed based on a methodology called "Random Moment Sampling" (RMS). We identified the following deficiencies in the implementation and execution of this process: i. There is no written procedure that outlines the process for applying this formula for distributing administrative expenses. ii. There is no standardized monitoring or communication to ensure that employees who are required to complete this form are fully assigned to the roles subject to this process. In other words, the Human Resources Department or the Appointments Office do not communicate periodically or whenever a staff change occurs, in order to adjust the population subject to this questionnaire. iii. Among the options provided for responding to the RMS survey, three options are not assigned to a Federal program. These options include licenses; other types of work not directly tied to a Federal program function for which administrative expenses can be allocated. According to the State Plan, 3,300 questionnaires will be administered for functions performed by employees who are not at the central level, and 300 for employees who are at the central level. Two quarters of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 were observed, in which these three options represented between 33% and 22% for local offices and 29% at the central level. Because these options are not tied to a Federal program function, they reduce the percentage to zero and redistribute the percentage among Federal programs. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION We consider this deficiency a systemic problem. This allocation of administrative expenses is made quarterly; however, the adjustment in the accounting system (PRIFAS) is not necessarily made in the same period. The administrative expenses of each program contain the redistribution of expenses not assigned to a Federal program. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a written procedure establishing the process for implementing and monitoring the execution of this methodology. Additionally, among the responses regarding functions performed, time may be allocated to functions not related to Federal programs. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT They lack a standardized process that ensures that the methodology used allocates reasonable administrative costs among Federal programs, ensures that the distribution base is complete, and is periodically monitored. Furthermore, by redistributing the percentage of responses not directly related to a Federal program function, administrative costs could be claimed from Federal programs that should likely be allocated to state funds. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish a written internal control procedure that provides certainty, monitoring frequency, data validation, and responsibilities for those responsible for executing this process. Additionally, it should be considered that there are functions performed by the personnel in charge of answering the RMS that are not directly linked to a Federal program and should be assigned to state funds.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-033 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-005) FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 10.566) NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (ALN – 93.558) TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 211PR426S7003/4; 221PR426S7003/4; 231PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2021G990229 (TANF – COVID-19) (Federal Award Year: 2021) 2022G996117; 2023996117 (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. … (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” In addition, 45 CFR 260.31 (b)(1), defines what non-recurrent, short-term (NRST) benefits are. In relation to Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF), the regulation establishes that: “NRST benefits, like all NRSTs under TANF, must: be designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need; not be intended to meet on-going needs; and not extend beyond four months; and (as explained in the instructions for reporting on line 15 of the ACF-196R) NRSTs paid for with PEAF funds: must only include expenditures such as emergency assistance and diversion payments, emergency housing and short-term homelessness assistance, emergency food aid, short-term utilities payments, burial assistance, clothing allowances, and back-to-school payments; and may not include tax credits, child care, transportation, or short-term education and training.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures over transactions related to emissions of benefits for the TANF program, we selected five (5) transactions, from a population of fifty-three (53) emissions made during the fiscal year. We noted the following deficiencies: i. An emission of benefits for $16,236,447.24 related to PEAF funding was made. We request evidence of an established manual or guide that defines or identifies the need that would be addressed with the issuance of these funds, and the subsequent monitoring of the usage. ii. An emission of benefits for $3,633,800 was made related to a bonus. The documentation for this issuance includes an authorization letter establishing a benefit of $800 per child between the ages of 5 and 17 years and 11 months, serving a population of 4,492 participants, for a total of $3,593,600. Later, another authorization letter added $37,000 but did not specify the number of children included in this amendment. The sum of both authorizations is $3,630,600; however, the amount reflected in PRIFAS is $3,633,800. According to the EBT document related to this issuance, the amount issued was $3,596,800 and indicates that the number of participants benefited was 4,974, giving an average benefit of $723.12. In this EBT document, beneficiaries are distributed by region; however, there are 5 beneficiaries who are not assigned to a region, for a total of $4,000. iii. An emission of $1,988,000 was made related to an incentive for some beneficiaries. In accordance with an authorization letter, the benefit included $3,500 per participants who worked or participated in an activity leading to employment for 3 months or more. In accordance with the State Plan, active recipients may receive a 6-months period Work Incentive Bonus payment. Per the authorization letter the benefit of $3,500 was issued to 522 participants, for a total of $1,827,000; another authorization letter increased $3,500 in funds. This amount does not agree with the PRIFAS amount of $1,988,000. ADSEF is allowed to claim 16.80% of indirect costs. As part of our audit procedures over the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico and TANF program, we selected some transactions to evaluate the compliance with the indirect costs claims. The TANF program reported four (4) transactions related to indirect costs, and for the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico five (5) transactions were reported. We requested evidence of two (2) transactions for the TANF program and one (1) for the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico, no evidence of class object was provided in order to ascertain that only allowable expenditure transactions were considered in the calculation and claim of indirect costs. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION We consider this deficiency a systemic problem. There are no processes to reconcile PRIFAS information with emissions reported in EBT, nor to claim indirect costs. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a process for validating EBT issuances with PRIFAS, and this reconciliation is not performed periodically to detect any errors or missing information when accounting for transactions. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRIFAS accounting system is not reconciled with EBT reports. This process is not stipulated as part of the internal controls required to ensure that the records used to prepare the financial statement, SEFA, and Federal reports are reconciled, and any discrepancies are identified. In addition, indirect costs calculation may include unallowable costs and not be detected timely. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish internal control processes to reconcile PRIFAS and the various sources of information used for reporting. Additionally, maintain clear records of indirect costs claimed and awarded.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-033 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-005) FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 10.566) NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (ALN – 93.558) TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 211PR426S7003/4; 221PR426S7003/4; 231PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 2021 through 2023) 2021G990229 (TANF – COVID-19) (Federal Award Year: 2021) 2022G996117; 2023996117 (Federal Award Years: 2022 through 2023) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. … (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” In addition, 45 CFR 260.31 (b)(1), defines what non-recurrent, short-term (NRST) benefits are. In relation to Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF), the regulation establishes that: “NRST benefits, like all NRSTs under TANF, must: be designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need; not be intended to meet on-going needs; and not extend beyond four months; and (as explained in the instructions for reporting on line 15 of the ACF-196R) NRSTs paid for with PEAF funds: must only include expenditures such as emergency assistance and diversion payments, emergency housing and short-term homelessness assistance, emergency food aid, short-term utilities payments, burial assistance, clothing allowances, and back-to-school payments; and may not include tax credits, child care, transportation, or short-term education and training.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures over transactions related to emissions of benefits for the TANF program, we selected five (5) transactions, from a population of fifty-three (53) emissions made during the fiscal year. We noted the following deficiencies: i. An emission of benefits for $16,236,447.24 related to PEAF funding was made. We request evidence of an established manual or guide that defines or identifies the need that would be addressed with the issuance of these funds, and the subsequent monitoring of the usage. ii. An emission of benefits for $3,633,800 was made related to a bonus. The documentation for this issuance includes an authorization letter establishing a benefit of $800 per child between the ages of 5 and 17 years and 11 months, serving a population of 4,492 participants, for a total of $3,593,600. Later, another authorization letter added $37,000 but did not specify the number of children included in this amendment. The sum of both authorizations is $3,630,600; however, the amount reflected in PRIFAS is $3,633,800. According to the EBT document related to this issuance, the amount issued was $3,596,800 and indicates that the number of participants benefited was 4,974, giving an average benefit of $723.12. In this EBT document, beneficiaries are distributed by region; however, there are 5 beneficiaries who are not assigned to a region, for a total of $4,000. iii. An emission of $1,988,000 was made related to an incentive for some beneficiaries. In accordance with an authorization letter, the benefit included $3,500 per participants who worked or participated in an activity leading to employment for 3 months or more. In accordance with the State Plan, active recipients may receive a 6-months period Work Incentive Bonus payment. Per the authorization letter the benefit of $3,500 was issued to 522 participants, for a total of $1,827,000; another authorization letter increased $3,500 in funds. This amount does not agree with the PRIFAS amount of $1,988,000. ADSEF is allowed to claim 16.80% of indirect costs. As part of our audit procedures over the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico and TANF program, we selected some transactions to evaluate the compliance with the indirect costs claims. The TANF program reported four (4) transactions related to indirect costs, and for the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico five (5) transactions were reported. We requested evidence of two (2) transactions for the TANF program and one (1) for the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico, no evidence of class object was provided in order to ascertain that only allowable expenditure transactions were considered in the calculation and claim of indirect costs. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION We consider this deficiency a systemic problem. There are no processes to reconcile PRIFAS information with emissions reported in EBT, nor to claim indirect costs. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a process for validating EBT issuances with PRIFAS, and this reconciliation is not performed periodically to detect any errors or missing information when accounting for transactions. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRIFAS accounting system is not reconciled with EBT reports. This process is not stipulated as part of the internal controls required to ensure that the records used to prepare the financial statement, SEFA, and Federal reports are reconciled, and any discrepancies are identified. In addition, indirect costs calculation may include unallowable costs and not be detected timely. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish internal control processes to reconcile PRIFAS and the various sources of information used for reporting. Additionally, maintain clear records of indirect costs claimed and awarded.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2023-046 (See Finding Reference Number 2023-018) FEDERAL PROGRAM ALL FEDERAL PROGRAMS ON THE SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS AWARD NUMBER ALL AWARDS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT REPORTING – FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTING RECORDS TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Section 302 and 45 CFR Part 75, Section 302- Financial management and standards for financial management systems state that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State's funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) Maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. STATEMENT OF CONDITION Internal controls for creating financial reports about state and Federal funds received and spent through the Puerto Rico Integrated Financial System (PRIFAS) have not been put in place by the PRDF. The PRDF lacks an adequate system of internal controls to stop, identify, and fix errors. There was no supervision or review procedure in place to identify and allow for the correction of errors before submission and before the financial data was entered into PRIFAS. There was a delay in getting timely and correct financial information for the year under audit, and the PRDF staff had difficulties preparing and presenting the cash receipt and disbursement report, which included the schedule of federal spending for the audit. The following weaknesses were discovered when the PRDF's initial Financial Statement was reviewed: • Transactions that weren't related to the fiscal year being reported were included in the initial financial data. • The Office of the Secretariat and the four Programmatic Administrations lack uniform policies and procedures to guarantee that the amounts and disclosures in the PRDF's financial reports, financial statement notes, and necessary supplemental information are correctly recognized and reported. • Reports for several significant programs were prepared informally and, in some instances, only by one person, which resulted in significant mistakes in some of the programs. As a result, errors in the reports across the programs were not investigated or fixed. Additionally, we saw that for various financial reports, the PRIFAS data was not considered in the reconciliation process. • Several significant transactions were not entered into the PRIFAS by the Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN, by its Spanish Acronym) Finance Department, they were recorded as encumbrances, and not actual expenditures. This led to an understatement of expenditures in the PRDF's general fund of about $52,300,494. Additionally, Federal spending in one of the major programs was understated by $6,886,156. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION The PRDF failed to properly registered in its accounting system all transactions needed to prepared the financial statement and to produce accurate financial reports for Federal grants that they received and expended during the fiscal year. No reconciliation procedures are performed regularly to identified errors in recording transactions in PRIFAS. This cause that when the PRDF prepared cash received and disbursement financial statement and the SEFA for audit purposes was incomplete and misstated (see Finding Reference Number 2023-017). STATEMENT OF CAUSE To make sure that all the PRDF's transactions had been accurately documented and reported, the PRDF did not thoroughly examine the financial data that was created and submitted in PRIFAS and used to prepare the financial statement and supplementary information. Due to lack of supervision or a review procedure to identify errors prior to submission, the ADFAN Finance Director recorded transactions as encumbrances, instead of actual expenditures. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDF is unable to provide accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive disclosure of state and Federal funds activities in compliance with the agreement's requirements due to inadequate and inconsistent financial accounting reporting methods. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING No reported as prior audit finding. RECOMMENDATIONS To comply with the requirements of state and local agreements and enable the PRDF to monitor trustworthy financial data for use within the agency and for upcoming audits, we recommend the PRDF update its accounting practices and policies to provide for an accurate, comprehensive, and timely financial reporting system. Implementing an accounting and financial management system that enables the creation of financial data and reports needed by the various oversight organizations. The process should involve defining precise procedures for the creation and evaluation of financial reports, with different roles allocated to various people.