Finding Text
2024 001 Accounting Policies and Procedures and Financial Review Federal program information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Title: Economic Development Initiative, Community Project Funding, and Miscellaneous Grants AL Number: 14.251 Award year and number: 01/01/2024 12/31/2024 B 22 CP WI 0969 Questioned Costs: None Condition: The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, Inc. does not have policies and procedures related to its financial management system. The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, Inc. is reliant upon an outsourced accountant for all accounting functions and reviewed financial information once during the year. Criteria: Uniform Guidance 200.302(b)(4) states each non federal entity must provide for "effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets." Effect: A fiscal procedures manual serves as the foundation for financial integrity, consistency, and compliance, establishing internal controls, standardizing processes, and clarifying roles and responsibilities. Fiscal procedures also should address the frequency and timing of processes. Financial information reviewed regularly means that errors and other problems may be recognized and resolved on a timely basis. Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, Inc. develop policies to allow for consistency in reporting as well as an understanding by management of how the financial statements are prepared. Some basic policies that should be included in the manual include: • Code of conduct and conflict of interest policy • Basis of accounting • Bank reconciliations • Documentation retention • Internal controls Lines of authority and/or segregation of duties Conflict of interest • Financial reporting (what reports need to be created and how often) • Revenue recognition Definitions for conditional and unconditional contributions Process for tracking conditional contributions and donor restrictions Timing of recognition of contribution and grant revenue Process for identifying uncollectible receivables and the accounting treatment • Expenses Purchases and procurement Invoice approval and processing Payroll • Year end closing procedures Financial information, such as bank reconciliations, journal entries, and financial statement balances, should be reviewed on a monthly basis by a member of the Board of Directors who can determine whether balances are reasonable. View of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.