Finding Text
2023.002 NEED FOR A FULL-TIME ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR/ CONTROLLER - REPEAT FINDING Condition: Criteria: Effect: Cause: For 2023, the City did not have an accounting supervisor/ controller with the necessary skill-set to provide the City with accurate and timely financial reports or over-sight of the accounting staff. The City did hire a full-time accounting supervisor in October 2024 which resulted in the audit for the year ended June 30, 2024 also being filed late. An accounting supervisor/ controller should be able to provide the City with I) accurate and timely financial reports; 2) oversight of the accounting staff including implementation and monitoring of the accounting control system; 3) timely in1plementation of new accounting standards; and 4) recommendations for any new accounting policies and procedures. The audit was significantly late in being issued due to the City not being able to implement a new accounting standard in a timely manner. The late issue date could cause compliance issues with granting agencies, including single audit submissions and the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. The City has not been able to hire a full-time accounting supervisor/ controller for the last two years. Recommendation: Management needs to hire a qualified / experienced controller for the City. View of responsible officials and planned corrective action: Management agrees with the finding. Management has attempted to hire an accounting supervisor/ controller with the skill set that would allow for the oversight and proper managing of the accounting department. The City did accomplish this task in October 2024.