Finding 1158085 (2024-004)

Finding 2024-004 Lack of Internal Control over Cash Management Type of Finding: Material weakness in internal control over compliance and material noncompliance. Name of Contact: Adela Lane, Executive Director. Corrective Action Plan: 1. Strengthen the payment review process: • Action: Enforce and document a stricter segregation of duties in the payment process. This will ensure the individual requesting a payment is not the same person who authorizes the payment. • Details: All payment requests must be cross-referenced with a corresponding invoice or receipt and reviewed and approved by an authorized department head. This Department Head must not be the one who submitted the initial request. 2. Implement a two-tiered review for cash receipts: • Action: Establish a formal two-tiered cash receipts process to enhance accountability and accuracy. • Details: o Tier 1: The individual receiving and logging cash receipts will immediately perform a preliminary count and documentation. o Tier 2: A separate, authorized staff member will perform a second, independent review of the cash receipt records and verify the funds against the deposit slip before the funds are deposited. 3. Standardize training and onboarding for all staff: • Action: Develop a standardized training curriculum on financial management policies and procedures, including a dedicated section on cash management best practices. • Details: o All new permanent and staff members will undergo mandatory training on the updated policies. o Training will cover the importance of internal controls, specifically emphasizing segregation of duties in cash handling. o The Executive Director will meet with all new finance and administrative staff within their first two weeks to review proper protocols and emphasize the organization's commitment to financial controls. 4. Introduce periodic, surprise cash audits: • Action: Conduct unannounced cash counts and reconciliations to ensure compliance with procedures. • Details: An authorized, independent party will perform these surprise audits quarterly to check cash on hand and compare records against financial systems. 5. Enhance oversight and reporting: • Action: The Executive Director will provide regular updates on the implementation of these corrective actions to the Native Village of Point Hope Tribal Council. • Details: A formal report will be presented quarterly, outlining the progress of the corrective actions and any findings from the new oversight procedures. This provides a clear accountability mechanism. Proposed Completion Date: Ongoing, Starting Early 2026.