Non-Compliance - Reporting Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.329 Requires certain program performance reports to be filed on a timely basis. Condition: Insufficient controls over performance reporting resulted in program performance reports not being timely filed by the Organization. Context/Cause: The Organization receives federal funding through a passthrough agency, the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In accordance with the contract with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, certain performance reports are required to be filed on a quarterly basis by the 10th of the month following the quarter end. Effects: Due to the resignation of the personnel responsible for filing the required reports, and management’s lack of control over the reporting process, the reports were not timely filed. Recommendation: We recommend that management and the board oversee the reporting function so that issues arising with personnel do not prevent the timely filing of the reports. Auditee’s Response: The Organization will cross train staff and create a schedule for the filing of reports on a timely basis and will monitor this more closely in future.
Non-Compliance - Reporting Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.329 Requires certain program performance reports to be filed on a timely basis. Condition: Insufficient controls over performance reporting resulted in program performance reports not being timely filed by the Organization. Context/Cause: The Organization receives federal funding through a passthrough agency, the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In accordance with the contract with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, certain performance reports are required to be filed on a quarterly basis by the 10th of the month following the quarter end. Effects: Due to the resignation of the personnel responsible for filing the required reports, and management’s lack of control over the reporting process, the reports were not timely filed. Recommendation: We recommend that management and the board oversee the reporting function so that issues arising with personnel do not prevent the timely filing of the reports. Auditee’s Response: The Organization will cross train staff and create a schedule for the filing of reports on a timely basis and will monitor this more closely in future.
Non-Compliance - Reporting Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.329 Requires certain program performance reports to be filed on a timely basis. Condition: Insufficient controls over performance reporting resulted in program performance reports not being timely filed by the Organization. Context/Cause: The Organization receives federal funding through a passthrough agency, the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In accordance with the contract with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, certain performance reports are required to be filed on a quarterly basis by the 10th of the month following the quarter end. Effects: Due to the resignation of the personnel responsible for filing the required reports, and management’s lack of control over the reporting process, the reports were not timely filed. Recommendation: We recommend that management and the board oversee the reporting function so that issues arising with personnel do not prevent the timely filing of the reports. Auditee’s Response: The Organization will cross train staff and create a schedule for the filing of reports on a timely basis and will monitor this more closely in future.
Program Affected Assistance Listing 93.566 Department of Health and Human Services - Direct Award Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs Award Year October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025 Criteria 2 CFR §200.329(a) specifies that "The recipient and subrecipient must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Monitoring by the recipient and subrecipient must cover each program, function, or activity." Condition and Context Management was notified by program staff that invoices for services rendered during the last quarter of the fiscal year were pending approval and were therefore not captured in the year end accrual. An internal control deficiency was identified related to monitoring of the subrecipient's programmatic activity which are only performed sporadically, and as such, review of such activity at year end was not completed in a timely manner. Cause and Effect The condition identified was caused by infrequent and informal review of program-related subrecipient costs, which were not reconciled as this process was not occurring on a regularly scheduled basis. This resulted in an understatement of program-related subrecipient expenses of $247,119. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards has been adjusted to include these expenses. Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform monthly reconciliations of programmatic accruals for its subrecipients and adjust general ledger accounts accordingly. Management's estimate should materially reflect the services rendered for which the Organization is responsible. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable Not applicable. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management agrees with the finding. See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Program Affected Assistance Listing 93.566 Department of Health and Human Services - Direct Award Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs Award Year October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025 Criteria 2 CFR §200.329(a) specifies that "The recipient and subrecipient must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Monitoring by the recipient and subrecipient must cover each program, function, or activity." Condition and Context Management was notified by program staff that invoices for services rendered during the last quarter of the fiscal year were pending approval and were therefore not captured in the year end accrual. An internal control deficiency was identified related to monitoring of the subrecipient's programmatic activity which are only performed sporadically, and as such, review of such activity at year end was not completed in a timely manner. Cause and Effect The condition identified was caused by infrequent and informal review of program-related subrecipient costs, which were not reconciled as this process was not occurring on a regularly scheduled basis. This resulted in an understatement of program-related subrecipient expenses of $247,119. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards has been adjusted to include these expenses. Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform monthly reconciliations of programmatic accruals for its subrecipients and adjust general ledger accounts accordingly. Management's estimate should materially reflect the services rendered for which the Organization is responsible. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable Not applicable. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management agrees with the finding. See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Program Affected Assistance Listing 93.566 Department of Health and Human Services - Direct Award Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs Award Year October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025 Criteria 2 CFR §200.329(a) specifies that "The recipient and subrecipient must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Monitoring by the recipient and subrecipient must cover each program, function, or activity." Condition and Context Management was notified by program staff that invoices for services rendered during the last quarter of the fiscal year were pending approval and were therefore not captured in the year end accrual. An internal control deficiency was identified related to monitoring of the subrecipient's programmatic activity which are only performed sporadically, and as such, review of such activity at year end was not completed in a timely manner. Cause and Effect The condition identified was caused by infrequent and informal review of program-related subrecipient costs, which were not reconciled as this process was not occurring on a regularly scheduled basis. This resulted in an understatement of program-related subrecipient expenses of $247,119. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards has been adjusted to include these expenses. Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform monthly reconciliations of programmatic accruals for its subrecipients and adjust general ledger accounts accordingly. Management's estimate should materially reflect the services rendered for which the Organization is responsible. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable Not applicable. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management agrees with the finding. See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Program Affected Assistance Listing 93.566 Department of Health and Human Services - Direct Award Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs Award Year October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025 Criteria 2 CFR §200.329(a) specifies that "The recipient and subrecipient must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Monitoring by the recipient and subrecipient must cover each program, function, or activity." Condition and Context Management was notified by program staff that invoices for services rendered during the last quarter of the fiscal year were pending approval and were therefore not captured in the year end accrual. An internal control deficiency was identified related to monitoring of the subrecipient's programmatic activity which are only performed sporadically, and as such, review of such activity at year end was not completed in a timely manner. Cause and Effect The condition identified was caused by infrequent and informal review of program-related subrecipient costs, which were not reconciled as this process was not occurring on a regularly scheduled basis. This resulted in an understatement of program-related subrecipient expenses of $247,119. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards has been adjusted to include these expenses. Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform monthly reconciliations of programmatic accruals for its subrecipients and adjust general ledger accounts accordingly. Management's estimate should materially reflect the services rendered for which the Organization is responsible. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable Not applicable. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management agrees with the finding. See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Reporting (Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance) Information on the federal program: U.S. Department of the Homeland Security, Assistance listing # 97.044 Assistance to Firefighters Criteria: CFR 200.329c requires that reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be filed no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Condition: We examined the two semiannual Programmatic Performance reports and the semiannual SF425 financial report required to be submitted during the City’s fiscal year. Two of these were not filed within 30 days of specified reporting period as required. Cause: The reports not submitted timely were due July 30. The City’s controls around reporting focus on fiscal and calendar year end. The calendar-year semiannual reporting period is not in the City’s normal reporting schedule and therefore was not addressed through the controls in place. Both reports were filed within 16 days of the due date. Effect: The City did not timely fulfill all the related reporting requirements. Repeat Finding: Yes. Questioned Costs: None reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City strengthen its policies and procedures surrounding grant reporting to include (at inception of each award) documentation of a schedule of reporting requirements, review, and approvals to ensure compliance and documentation of that compliance is retained to support applicable requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan included at the end of the report.
2024-002 U.S. Department of Treasury, Federal Financial Assistance Listing #21.027, COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) Matching, Level of Effort and Earmarking; Reporting Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: Recipients of CSLFRF can calculate lost revenue for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 based on the formula provided in the 2022 Final Rule to determine the amount of CSLFRF funds that can be used for the “provision of government services”. In calculating revenue loss, recipients can choose whether to use calendar or fiscal year dates but must be consistent throughout the period of performance. If calculating revenue loss, recipients must provide auditors with evidence supporting their revenue loss calculation. Non-federal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually but not more frequently than quarterly, except in unusual circumstances, using a form or format authorized by OMB (2 CFR section 200.329). Condition: During the testing over Earmarking, it was noted the County was not able to completely support the amounts used in the calculation. Further, there was no evidence of review of the calculation. Cause: The County’s controls were not sufficient to ensure someone other than the preparer of the revenue loss calculation reviewed the calculation prior to its submission on the County’s quarterly reports. Effect: The revenue loss number calculated by the County was incorrect. This incorrect number was reported to the Treasury as part of the County’s quarterly reporting requirement. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: Sampling was not used for the Earmarking compliance test as there was only 1 revenue loss calculation. A statistical sample of 2 reports were selected for testing out of a total population of 4. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): No Recommendation: Management should review the revenue loss calculation to ensure it is appropriately supported by underlying documentation. For all future reports submitted to the Treasury, the recalculated revenue loss amount should be used. Views of Responsible Officials: The County agrees with the auditor’s findings
Finding 2024-001: Preparation of Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) Program Name: Multiple federal programs Criteria 1. The code of federal regulations – 2 CFR 200.302 Financial management requires 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. 2. The code of federal regulations – 2 CFR 200.303 Internal controls requires that recipients and subrecipients must: (a) Establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should align with the 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). (b) Comply with the U.S. Constitution, Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (c) Evaluate and monitor the recipient’s or subrecipient’s compliance with statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of Federal awards. (d) Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified. Condition The following exceptions to the criteria were observed during the performance of the audit procedures: 1. After the completion of internal review and approval process that Amtrak has established for SEFA preparation and review, we have received multiple updated versions of the schedule with changes to FY24 expenditure amounts for three Assistance Listings included on the SEFA. Total expenditures increased by $80.2 million from version 1 to the final version received. 2. The starting point of the SEFA preparation for the current year was not the audited FY23 SEFA submitted to Federal Audit Clearinghouse, as we have identified that Amtrak subsequently made changes to the FY23 internal SEFA document without reconciling the changes to the audited FY23 SEFA, which resulted in the total cumulative expenditures as of 9/30/2023 to be updated and as such impacting the FY24 expenditures for the respective federal programs. One of the adjustments related to the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing project (HYCC-3) which initially incorrectly recorded $25.0 million of prepaid expenditures. 3. As Assistance Listing #20.314 has been obligated as of 9/27/2024, Amtrak has recorded expenditures related to the HYCC-3 project under this program for the established pre-award period, which dated from January 30, 2023 as part of the FY24 expenditures. Previously, a portion of the total expenditures was included within the FY23 SEFA under Assistance Listing #20.315, for the total amount of $15.6 million. This amount was not adjusted out of the cumulative expenditures for Assistance Listing #20.315 until 2025. Consequently, these expenditures were listed both within the FY23 SEFA under Assistance Listing #20.315 and under the FY24 SEFA as Assistance Listing #20.314 expenditures. 4. As part of SEFA preparation as it relates to allocation of operating expenditures across multiple funding sources, certain projects were incorrectly mapped to annual grants funding source, which resulted in approximately $0.3 million of operating expenses to be included within Assistance Listing #20.315 that were also reported under Assistance Listing #97.075. Cause Amtrak’s control procedures in place as it relates to the preparation of the SEFA were not operating in a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted. Additionally, Amtrak’s controls around allocation of federal funding to project codes were not designed in a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted. In reviewing management’s controls around the SEFA preparation, the design of key controls identified by management does not include an overarching review of the SEFA and reconciliation of what’s been reported on the SEFA from individual projects’ standpoint when such projects have multiple assistance listings as funding sources. We also noted that there was not a specific control that ensures timely updates of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) funding assignments and allocations when there is a change such as a new grant agreement signed. Effect Amtrak’s control procedures in place as it relates to the preparation of the SEFA were not designed in such a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted, which resulted in several versions of the SEFA that were erroneous and inclusion of expenditures that were double counted within the SEFA. This puts Amtrak at greater risk of non-compliance with its grant agreements with respect to questioned costs and an inaccurate SEFA. Questioned Costs None. Context The SEFA, as originally provided, had exceptions as described in the Condition section above noted for matters 1 and 2 in the Criteria section above, indicating that certain internal controls were not functioning as designed and others were not designed effectively. Identification as a Repeat Finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Amtrak to strengthen the SEFA oversight process to ensure appropriate preparation and review of the SEFA to validate its accuracy, including reconciliation with prior year audited SEFA. This should include having one reviewer take overall responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the final submitted SEFA. This robust review process should include appropriate procedures to confirm accuracy of the SEFA, which may include a protocol where representatives from various groups (both discretionary and non-discretionary federal programs) work collaboratively to review the SEFA and underlying details of expenditures, to ensure all the adjustments have been properly reflected as well as any projects that might have multiple fund sources are identified timely and reviewed for appropriate inclusion within the SEFA. Additionally, Amtrak should establish a process where any modifications of WBS funding assignments and allocations are updated in a timely manner. Views of Responsible Officials Amtrak recognizes the need to improve the preparation and review of the SEFA. The company has documented the steps for preparing and reviewing the SEFA within its process narrative. The company will update the narrative to address the preparation and review issues that led to the multiple versions of the SEFA being provided during the audit. The company will review and update the Grants Management Compliance Narrative and controls to improve timing of updates for modifications of WBS funding assignments. The company is in the process of updating the SEFA preparation documentation for FY2025, which will be used at the end of the year. The review procedures and controls are being enhanced to include a checklist to improve the review.
Finding 2024-001: Preparation of Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) Program Name: Multiple federal programs Criteria 1. The code of federal regulations – 2 CFR 200.302 Financial management requires 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. 2. The code of federal regulations – 2 CFR 200.303 Internal controls requires that recipients and subrecipients must: (a) Establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should align with the 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). (b) Comply with the U.S. Constitution, Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (c) Evaluate and monitor the recipient’s or subrecipient’s compliance with statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of Federal awards. (d) Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified. Condition The following exceptions to the criteria were observed during the performance of the audit procedures: 1. After the completion of internal review and approval process that Amtrak has established for SEFA preparation and review, we have received multiple updated versions of the schedule with changes to FY24 expenditure amounts for three Assistance Listings included on the SEFA. Total expenditures increased by $80.2 million from version 1 to the final version received. 2. The starting point of the SEFA preparation for the current year was not the audited FY23 SEFA submitted to Federal Audit Clearinghouse, as we have identified that Amtrak subsequently made changes to the FY23 internal SEFA document without reconciling the changes to the audited FY23 SEFA, which resulted in the total cumulative expenditures as of 9/30/2023 to be updated and as such impacting the FY24 expenditures for the respective federal programs. One of the adjustments related to the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing project (HYCC-3) which initially incorrectly recorded $25.0 million of prepaid expenditures. 3. As Assistance Listing #20.314 has been obligated as of 9/27/2024, Amtrak has recorded expenditures related to the HYCC-3 project under this program for the established pre-award period, which dated from January 30, 2023 as part of the FY24 expenditures. Previously, a portion of the total expenditures was included within the FY23 SEFA under Assistance Listing #20.315, for the total amount of $15.6 million. This amount was not adjusted out of the cumulative expenditures for Assistance Listing #20.315 until 2025. Consequently, these expenditures were listed both within the FY23 SEFA under Assistance Listing #20.315 and under the FY24 SEFA as Assistance Listing #20.314 expenditures. 4. As part of SEFA preparation as it relates to allocation of operating expenditures across multiple funding sources, certain projects were incorrectly mapped to annual grants funding source, which resulted in approximately $0.3 million of operating expenses to be included within Assistance Listing #20.315 that were also reported under Assistance Listing #97.075. Cause Amtrak’s control procedures in place as it relates to the preparation of the SEFA were not operating in a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted. Additionally, Amtrak’s controls around allocation of federal funding to project codes were not designed in a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted. In reviewing management’s controls around the SEFA preparation, the design of key controls identified by management does not include an overarching review of the SEFA and reconciliation of what’s been reported on the SEFA from individual projects’ standpoint when such projects have multiple assistance listings as funding sources. We also noted that there was not a specific control that ensures timely updates of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) funding assignments and allocations when there is a change such as a new grant agreement signed. Effect Amtrak’s control procedures in place as it relates to the preparation of the SEFA were not designed in such a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted, which resulted in several versions of the SEFA that were erroneous and inclusion of expenditures that were double counted within the SEFA. This puts Amtrak at greater risk of non-compliance with its grant agreements with respect to questioned costs and an inaccurate SEFA. Questioned Costs None. Context The SEFA, as originally provided, had exceptions as described in the Condition section above noted for matters 1 and 2 in the Criteria section above, indicating that certain internal controls were not functioning as designed and others were not designed effectively. Identification as a Repeat Finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Amtrak to strengthen the SEFA oversight process to ensure appropriate preparation and review of the SEFA to validate its accuracy, including reconciliation with prior year audited SEFA. This should include having one reviewer take overall responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the final submitted SEFA. This robust review process should include appropriate procedures to confirm accuracy of the SEFA, which may include a protocol where representatives from various groups (both discretionary and non-discretionary federal programs) work collaboratively to review the SEFA and underlying details of expenditures, to ensure all the adjustments have been properly reflected as well as any projects that might have multiple fund sources are identified timely and reviewed for appropriate inclusion within the SEFA. Additionally, Amtrak should establish a process where any modifications of WBS funding assignments and allocations are updated in a timely manner. Views of Responsible Officials Amtrak recognizes the need to improve the preparation and review of the SEFA. The company has documented the steps for preparing and reviewing the SEFA within its process narrative. The company will update the narrative to address the preparation and review issues that led to the multiple versions of the SEFA being provided during the audit. The company will review and update the Grants Management Compliance Narrative and controls to improve timing of updates for modifications of WBS funding assignments. The company is in the process of updating the SEFA preparation documentation for FY2025, which will be used at the end of the year. The review procedures and controls are being enhanced to include a checklist to improve the review.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Commerce NOAA Hatchery Genetic Mgmt – Assistance Listing #11.437 Award Number: NA18NMF4370324 Award Period: 7/01/2018 – 6/30/2024 Criteria: Reporting requirements are contained in the following: Monitoring and reporting program performance, 2 CFR Section 200.329. • Per the award documents, the grantee shall prepare and provide progress reports to Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC). These run January to June and July to December and are due 15 days after each period. Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Condition/Context: NWIFC could not provide support showing review and approval of the progress reports prior to submitting them to PSMFC. [ ] Compliance Finding [ X ] Significant Deficiency [ ] Material Weakness Cause: It appears the policies and procedures for reporting were not followed. Effect: Failing to comply with the grant award requirements, the program may be subject to higher risk status and a decreased amount of funding. Questioned Costs: Not applicable – The condition relates to the lack of review and approval of the required reports before submitting to the funding agency, which does not directly impact the allowability or support for costs charged to the program. No costs are being questioned as a result. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the NWIFC adhere to program policies and procedures as documented and supporting documentation is kept available for review. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Non-Compliance - Reporting Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.329 Requires certain program performance reports to be filed on a timely basis. Condition: Insufficient controls over performance reporting resulted in program performance reports not being timely filed by the Organization. Context/Cause: The Organization receives federal funding through a passthrough agency, the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In accordance with the contract with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, certain performance reports are required to be filed on a quarterly basis by the 10th of the month following the quarter end. Effects: Due to the resignation of the personnel responsible for filing the required reports, and management’s lack of control over the reporting process, the reports were not timely filed. Recommendation: We recommend that management and the board oversee the reporting function so that issues arising with personnel do not prevent the timely filing of the reports. Auditee’s Response: The Organization will cross train staff and create a schedule for the filing of reports on a timely basis and will monitor this more closely in future.
Non-Compliance - Reporting Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.329 Requires certain program performance reports to be filed on a timely basis. Condition: Insufficient controls over performance reporting resulted in program performance reports not being timely filed by the Organization. Context/Cause: The Organization receives federal funding through a passthrough agency, the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In accordance with the contract with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, certain performance reports are required to be filed on a quarterly basis by the 10th of the month following the quarter end. Effects: Due to the resignation of the personnel responsible for filing the required reports, and management’s lack of control over the reporting process, the reports were not timely filed. Recommendation: We recommend that management and the board oversee the reporting function so that issues arising with personnel do not prevent the timely filing of the reports. Auditee’s Response: The Organization will cross train staff and create a schedule for the filing of reports on a timely basis and will monitor this more closely in future.
Non-Compliance - Reporting Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.329 Requires certain program performance reports to be filed on a timely basis. Condition: Insufficient controls over performance reporting resulted in program performance reports not being timely filed by the Organization. Context/Cause: The Organization receives federal funding through a passthrough agency, the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In accordance with the contract with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, certain performance reports are required to be filed on a quarterly basis by the 10th of the month following the quarter end. Effects: Due to the resignation of the personnel responsible for filing the required reports, and management’s lack of control over the reporting process, the reports were not timely filed. Recommendation: We recommend that management and the board oversee the reporting function so that issues arising with personnel do not prevent the timely filing of the reports. Auditee’s Response: The Organization will cross train staff and create a schedule for the filing of reports on a timely basis and will monitor this more closely in future.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN Federal Award Finding September 30, 2024 Comment #2024-002 Repeat Comment #2023-001 AND #2022-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED LIHEAP FALN 93.568 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The close-out process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to properly present the financial statements and disclosures of the Council as of September 30, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, reports to various funding sources, etc.) Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely termination of key personnel and a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and 200.329 Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN Federal Award Finding September 30, 2024 Comment #2024-002 Repeat Comment #2023-001 AND #2022-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED LIHEAP FALN 93.568 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) (Continued) Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff and limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Council has hired a new fiscal officer and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. The Board of Directors should be adequately trained in the areas of understanding risk assessment and financial awareness in the community action industry. A finance and audit committee should be established and trained in understanding and oversight of financial reporting responsibilities of community action associations. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Council’s financial funding sources, the Council will provide additional training to support the new fiscal officer. The fiscal officer will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. All enhancements will be implemented by July 31, 2025.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program Title: Airport Improvement program ALN: 20.106 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2026 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT): Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that TXDOT 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). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of five SF-425, Federal Financial Reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the SF-425 report for the 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 grant award submitted on March 6, 2024, we noted TXDOT did not report the recipient share of expenditures required. The recipient share of expenditures was incurred for the project; however, they were inadvertently omitted from the report. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: TXDOT prepares financial reports based on expenditures reported in its Peoplesoft system. The project for grant 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 was set up as 100% federal as the match was being met by the subrecipient. As such, TXDOT was reimbursing the subrecipient at 100% while the subrecipient met the 10% match with local funds. Accordingly, the matching funds, as incurred by the subrecipient, were not considered when preparing and reviewing the SF-425 report. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend management enhance its internal controls over the review and approval of the SF-425 reports to include a review of the grant award to ensure the subrecipient share of expenditures are reported properly reported. Views of responsible officials: TxDOT AVN agrees with this finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program Title: Airport Improvement program ALN: 20.106 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2026 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT): Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that TXDOT 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). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of five SF-425, Federal Financial Reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the SF-425 report for the 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 grant award submitted on March 6, 2024, we noted TXDOT did not report the recipient share of expenditures required. The recipient share of expenditures was incurred for the project; however, they were inadvertently omitted from the report. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: TXDOT prepares financial reports based on expenditures reported in its Peoplesoft system. The project for grant 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 was set up as 100% federal as the match was being met by the subrecipient. As such, TXDOT was reimbursing the subrecipient at 100% while the subrecipient met the 10% match with local funds. Accordingly, the matching funds, as incurred by the subrecipient, were not considered when preparing and reviewing the SF-425 report. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend management enhance its internal controls over the review and approval of the SF-425 reports to include a review of the grant award to ensure the subrecipient share of expenditures are reported properly reported. Views of responsible officials: TxDOT AVN agrees with this finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program Title: Airport Improvement program ALN: 20.106 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2026 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT): Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that TXDOT 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). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of five SF-425, Federal Financial Reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the SF-425 report for the 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 grant award submitted on March 6, 2024, we noted TXDOT did not report the recipient share of expenditures required. The recipient share of expenditures was incurred for the project; however, they were inadvertently omitted from the report. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: TXDOT prepares financial reports based on expenditures reported in its Peoplesoft system. The project for grant 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 was set up as 100% federal as the match was being met by the subrecipient. As such, TXDOT was reimbursing the subrecipient at 100% while the subrecipient met the 10% match with local funds. Accordingly, the matching funds, as incurred by the subrecipient, were not considered when preparing and reviewing the SF-425 report. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend management enhance its internal controls over the review and approval of the SF-425 reports to include a review of the grant award to ensure the subrecipient share of expenditures are reported properly reported. Views of responsible officials: TxDOT AVN agrees with this finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program Title: Airport Improvement program ALN: 20.106 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2026 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT): Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that TXDOT 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). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of five SF-425, Federal Financial Reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the SF-425 report for the 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 grant award submitted on March 6, 2024, we noted TXDOT did not report the recipient share of expenditures required. The recipient share of expenditures was incurred for the project; however, they were inadvertently omitted from the report. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: TXDOT prepares financial reports based on expenditures reported in its Peoplesoft system. The project for grant 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 was set up as 100% federal as the match was being met by the subrecipient. As such, TXDOT was reimbursing the subrecipient at 100% while the subrecipient met the 10% match with local funds. Accordingly, the matching funds, as incurred by the subrecipient, were not considered when preparing and reviewing the SF-425 report. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend management enhance its internal controls over the review and approval of the SF-425 reports to include a review of the grant award to ensure the subrecipient share of expenditures are reported properly reported. Views of responsible officials: TxDOT AVN agrees with this finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Aging Cluster ALN: 93.044 93.045 93.053 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 2201TXOACM 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of six SF-425 reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the March 31, 2024, report for the 2201TXOACM award, audit procedures included comparing the reported amounts to the general ledger. We noted the following variances: See chart or table in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Amounts in the supporting general ledger documentation were accurate. However, the corresponding line items on the SF-425 report were not reported accurately. Management did not revise the March 31, 2024, report as the report is cumulative and the final report for the 2201TXOACM grant will include the corrected amounts. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management reconcile all amounts reported on the SF-425 reports to the general ledger or other supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to submission. Views of responsible officials: HHSC concurs with the finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program Title: Airport Improvement program ALN: 20.106 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2026 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT): Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that TXDOT 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). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of five SF-425, Federal Financial Reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the SF-425 report for the 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 grant award submitted on March 6, 2024, we noted TXDOT did not report the recipient share of expenditures required. The recipient share of expenditures was incurred for the project; however, they were inadvertently omitted from the report. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: TXDOT prepares financial reports based on expenditures reported in its Peoplesoft system. The project for grant 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 was set up as 100% federal as the match was being met by the subrecipient. As such, TXDOT was reimbursing the subrecipient at 100% while the subrecipient met the 10% match with local funds. Accordingly, the matching funds, as incurred by the subrecipient, were not considered when preparing and reviewing the SF-425 report. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend management enhance its internal controls over the review and approval of the SF-425 reports to include a review of the grant award to ensure the subrecipient share of expenditures are reported properly reported. Views of responsible officials: TxDOT AVN agrees with this finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program Title: Airport Improvement program ALN: 20.106 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2026 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT): Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that TXDOT 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). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of five SF-425, Federal Financial Reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the SF-425 report for the 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 grant award submitted on March 6, 2024, we noted TXDOT did not report the recipient share of expenditures required. The recipient share of expenditures was incurred for the project; however, they were inadvertently omitted from the report. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: TXDOT prepares financial reports based on expenditures reported in its Peoplesoft system. The project for grant 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 was set up as 100% federal as the match was being met by the subrecipient. As such, TXDOT was reimbursing the subrecipient at 100% while the subrecipient met the 10% match with local funds. Accordingly, the matching funds, as incurred by the subrecipient, were not considered when preparing and reviewing the SF-425 report. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend management enhance its internal controls over the review and approval of the SF-425 reports to include a review of the grant award to ensure the subrecipient share of expenditures are reported properly reported. Views of responsible officials: TxDOT AVN agrees with this finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program Title: Airport Improvement program ALN: 20.106 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2026 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT): Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that TXDOT 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). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of five SF-425, Federal Financial Reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the SF-425 report for the 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 grant award submitted on March 6, 2024, we noted TXDOT did not report the recipient share of expenditures required. The recipient share of expenditures was incurred for the project; however, they were inadvertently omitted from the report. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: TXDOT prepares financial reports based on expenditures reported in its Peoplesoft system. The project for grant 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 was set up as 100% federal as the match was being met by the subrecipient. As such, TXDOT was reimbursing the subrecipient at 100% while the subrecipient met the 10% match with local funds. Accordingly, the matching funds, as incurred by the subrecipient, were not considered when preparing and reviewing the SF-425 report. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend management enhance its internal controls over the review and approval of the SF-425 reports to include a review of the grant award to ensure the subrecipient share of expenditures are reported properly reported. Views of responsible officials: TxDOT AVN agrees with this finding.
Reporting – Financial Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program Title: Airport Improvement program ALN: 20.106 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2026 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT): Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that TXDOT 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). Per 2 CFR 200.328(c), the recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. Condition: Audit procedures included a sample of five SF-425, Federal Financial Reports submitted during the fiscal year. For the SF-425 report for the 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 grant award submitted on March 6, 2024, we noted TXDOT did not report the recipient share of expenditures required. The recipient share of expenditures was incurred for the project; however, they were inadvertently omitted from the report. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: TXDOT prepares financial reports based on expenditures reported in its Peoplesoft system. The project for grant 3-48-SBGP-147-2022 was set up as 100% federal as the match was being met by the subrecipient. As such, TXDOT was reimbursing the subrecipient at 100% while the subrecipient met the 10% match with local funds. Accordingly, the matching funds, as incurred by the subrecipient, were not considered when preparing and reviewing the SF-425 report. Effect: Improperly designed internal controls over reporting may result in a misstatement of amounts reported on federal reports. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend management enhance its internal controls over the review and approval of the SF-425 reports to include a review of the grant award to ensure the subrecipient share of expenditures are reported properly reported. Views of responsible officials: TxDOT AVN agrees with this finding.
Finding Reference: 2024-003 – Reporting Federal Agency: U.S Department of Agriculture Federal Program: Water and Waste Disposal System for Rural Communities - ALN# 10.760 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Criteria: The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually but not more frequently than quarterly, except in unusual circumstances, using a form or format authorized by OMB (2 CFR section 200.329). They also may be required to submit special reports as required by the terms and conditions of the federal award. The U.S Department of Agriculture requires the Authority to submit Quarterly Income and Expense Statements. The reports are to be signed by the appropriate borrower official and submitted within 30 days of each quarter’s end. Condition: The Authority has not submitted Quarterly Income and Expense Statements within 30 days of the fiscal quarter end. However, the Authority has submitted audited annual financial reports within 9 months of fiscal year end. This is a repeat finding from the prior year. Cause and Effect: The Authority was unacquainted with quarterly filing requirements as set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture per the loan agreement. Without filing quarterly Income and Expense Statements, USDA is unaware of how funding is spent throughout the year. Questioned Cost: None Identification of Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: The Authority should begin to submit quarterly reports in accordance with loan agreement. Views of Responsible Officials: The Authority is working towards submitting appropriate reports.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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 and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.