Finding 1075275 (2023-001)

Finding #2023-001- Segregation of Duties Criteria: Segregation of duties is an aspect of internal control intended to prevent or decrease opportunities of intentional and unintentional errors and fraud. Duties and responsibilities are properly segregated if no single individual either has control over all phases of a transaction or can both make and conceal an error, whether such error is intentional or unintentional. Condition: A properly designed system of internal control includes adequate staffing, policies, and procedures to properly segregate duties. All internal control duties can be classified into four broad categories: authorization, custody, recordkeeping, and reconciliation. No one person should have control of two or more of these four categories for any one cycle. There are key controls related to significant transaction cycles that are important in reducing the risk of errors or irregularities. Currently, there are the following overlapping duties: - Both Accounting Specialists have the authority to enter invoices into the system, print checks, and have access to the electronic signatures. Preferably, the check cutting process would separate the entering of payment information into the system and the ability to print signed checks. - One Accounting Specialist creates deposits and makes deposits with the bank. Although not the standard procedure, the Accounting Specialist has the authority to collect cash receipts. Ideally, separate individuals would collect cash and make deposits. - The Housing Authority Executive Director opens the mail, creates deposits and takes deposits to the bank. The Executive Director also enters invoices into the system and prints checks. The Board of Commissioners approves disbursements and all checks require dual signatures. Effect: Errors or intentional fraud could occur and not be detected timely by other employees in the normal course of their responsibilities because of the lack of segregation of duties. Cause: Limited number of personnel. Recommendation: We recommend that the City consider the benefits of implementing additional policies and procedures to address key controls related to its significant transaction cycles as noted. Response: We agree with this finding but do not believe it is cost effective to increase personnel to bring about a more effective segregation of duties.