Finding 1104 (2023-002)

Material Weakness
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2023-11-01
Audit: 2112
Organization: The Dearborn Academy (MI)

AI Summary

  • Answer: Drawdowns of about $184,000 were made before the actual costs were incurred.
  • Trend: This practice is a cash management issue, even though the Academy eventually incurred the costs.
  • List: Ensure future drawdowns align with actual expenditures to avoid similar findings.

Finding Text

Criteria – Grant drawdowns should be based on actual costs incurred and not requested in advance of the expenditure. Condition and Description – During our procedures we noted drawdowns of approximately $184,000 made in advance of the expenditure being incurred. The Academy did ultimately incur the costs and did not bill in excess of total costs but due to the timing of the drawdowns, this is reported as a cash management finding. Questioned Costs - None

Corrective Action Plan

View of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan – Upon receiving notification from the management company that the accounting department had inadvertently invoiced the academy for a duplicate amount dissimilar to an invoice provided in a previous month, the academy conducted a detailed review in collaboration with the finance team. 1. Root Cause Analysis: The academy conducted a root cause analysis to identify the underlying factors contributing to the finding. This analysis helped pinpoint that the management company was experiencing unexpected internal staffing issues throughout the conclusion of the fiscal year within their accounting department. 2 Action Plan: The issue has been reconciled as of August 30, 2023. The academy, in collaboration with the management company, has developed a comprehensive action plan outlining the specific steps that will be taken to prevent this issue from happening again. 3 Implementation: The management company has notified the academy that it has begun the implementation of the action plan, including process improvements and staff reconfigurations. 4. Monitoring and Oversight: The academy, along with the management company, has established an improved monitoring and oversight method to ensure internal audits and management reviews will be conducted periodically to ensure sustained compliance and effectiveness. 5. Preventive Measures: To prevent similar issues from arising in the future, additionally, the management company is implementing preventive measures, including additional staffing, staff training, process enhancements, and increased oversight. The academy is committed to resolving this finding promptly and effectively, and values the recommendations provided by the audit team and views this process as an opportunity to strengthen internal controls and enhance overall operations in collaboration with the management company.

Categories

Cash Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 577546 2023-002
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.287 Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers $600,000
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $310,712
10.553 School Breakfast Program $103,356
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $84,952
10.558 Child and Adult Care Food Program $37,815
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $35,667
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $33,280
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $28,295
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $25,209
10.555 National School Lunch Program $23,955
84.365 English Language Acquisition State Grants $5,374
10.649 Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs $628