Finding Text
Internal Control over Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Segregation of Duties
Condition and criteria: During our audit of the Borough’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards, we noted that the Borough does not have adequate segregation of duties in place. Specifically, the same individual is responsible for initiating and recording journal entries and disbursements and reconciling the bank accounts. In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.303(a), the non-Federal entity must 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.
Cause and Effect: The Borough is a small entity with limited administrative and accounting staff, which makes it difficult to achieve a complete segregation of duties. Due to resource constraints, individual staff members are assigned multiple roles that overlap key financial processes. Without proper segregation of duties, there is an increased risk that errors or irregularities, including potential misappropriation of assets or fraud, could occur and remain undetected. This condition could lead to noncompliance with applicable federal requirements and inaccuracies in financial reporting.
Auditor’s Recommendations: We recommend that Eldred Borough assess the current structure and implement compensating controls where full segregation of duties is not feasible due to staffing limitations. These may include enhanced supervisory review, periodic oversight by the board or executive leadership, documentation of independent
reviews, and rotation of duties when possible.
Borough’s Response: Eldred Borough has board oversight and will continue to do so. The Borough employees do cover duties of the other employee when necessary and will continue to do so. Bank Reconciliations will be signed by Council. Pay Requisitions are signed by Council and will continue to do so.