Finding 1143349 (2023-006)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
LN
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2025-06-24
Audit: 359774
Organization: City of Compton (CA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Significant management turnover led to insufficient oversight of federal programs, risking non-compliance with federal award requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Lack of effective internal controls and oversight as mandated by 2 CFR §200.303, resulting in gaps in compliance monitoring and reporting.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a formal succession plan, implement interim oversight measures, and provide timely training for new management on compliance responsibilities by September 2025.

Finding Text

2023-006 – Lack of Oversight Due to Management Turnover (SD) Federal Program Title: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Assistance Listing Number: 14.871 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Category of Finding: Reporting/Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: Under 2 CFR §200.303 of the Uniform Guidance, non-federal entities are required to establish and maintain effective internal control over compliance, including appropriate oversight of federal programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards. Effective internal controls rely on strong management oversight to ensure that compliance responsibilities are met, even during periods of organizational change. Condition: We noted that the entity experienced significant turnover in key management positions responsible for overseeing compliance with federal awards during FY 2023. As a result, there was insufficient oversight of federal programs and internal controls. Critical duties related to compliance monitoring, reporting, and financial management were not performed adequately during the transition period, and there was a lack of continuity in management practices. Cause: The entity did not have adequate processes in place to ensure continuity of oversight and management responsibilities during periods of turnover. There were no succession plans or interim measures to ensure that compliance duties were properly transitioned and maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of oversight during the management turnover period increases the risk of non-compliance with federal award requirements. It can lead to gaps in monitoring, failure to meet reporting deadlines, inaccurate financial management, and the potential for disallowed costs or other negative consequences. Questioned Cost: None. Context: The deficiency was found during our testing of reporting and special tests and provisions. Statistical Sampling Validity: Not applicable. No sampling was performed. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: 2022-007. Recommendation: The entity should establish policies and procedures to ensure continuity of oversight and compliance monitoring during management transitions. This should include: 1. Developing a formal succession plan for key management positions responsible for overseeing federal programs. 2. Implementing interim oversight measures, such as assigning temporary leadership or redistributing compliance responsibilities during periods of transition. 3. Ensuring that new management receives timely training on compliance responsibilities and internal controls related to federal awards. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: The City concurs with the recommendation. Corrective Action Plan: The recommendations are included in the new grants policy. The City Manager shall review and approve it for implementation by September 2025. Planned Implementation Date: September 2025 Responsible Person(s): City Manager

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions Subrecipient Monitoring Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 566905 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 566906 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 566907 2023-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1143347 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1143348 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $1.52M
14.248 Community Development Block Grants Section 108 Loan Guarantees $505,936
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $73,252
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $67,067
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $675
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $508