Finding 1159425 (2024-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-09-30

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The SEFA report did not accurately reflect federal expenditures for the Capital Readiness Program, leading to discrepancies with financial statements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR 200.510(b) was not met, as the SEFA was not reconciled to the underlying accounting records.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement stronger year-end closing procedures and establish a reconciliation process for the SEFA to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Finding Text

Finding Reference 2024-002: Inaccurate SEFA Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce Compliance Requirement: Reporting Federal Program: 11.034 - MBDA Business Center- Capital Readiness Program Grant Award: MB23OBD8020301 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Condition/Context: SEFA provided for audit did not accurately reflect federal expenditures for the Capital Readiness Program as of year-end. Specifically, the SEFA was not reconciled to the underlying financial statements, and differences were noted between reported federal expenditures, receivables, and deferred revenue balances. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.510(b), auditees must prepare a SEFA for the period being audited that accurately reflects federal award expenditures and is supported by the accounting records. The SEFA should reconcile to the financial statements. Cause: The SEFA was prepared using incomplete or inaccurate information and was not reconciled to the financial records prior to submission for audit. Effect: Failure to prepare an accurate SEFA increases the risk of audit adjustments, delays in completing the audit, and potential noncompliance with Uniform Guidance reporting requirements. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that CRMSDC implement stronger year-end closing and review procedures to ensure that grant revenue, deferred revenue, and receivables are accurately recorded. SEFA preparation should include a reconciliation process to the general ledger and supporting schedules to ensure completeness and accuracy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: See Corrective Action Plans section.

Corrective Action Plan

Management acknowledges the finding and concurs with the auditor’s recommendation. The challenges identified were primarily the result of a major transition in accounting personnel during 2024. In August 2024, CRMSDC’s long-serving in-house accountant of nine years resigned unexpectedly, leaving limited time for an adequate transfer of knowledge and responsibilities. To preserve continuity in financial operations, CRMSDC immediately engaged outsourced accounting support. Looking ahead, CRMSDC will undertake a full review of its financial management structure and secure a highly qualified accountant or financial professional with specialized expertise in nonprofit accounting and federal grant compliance. Combined with strengthened procedures and enhanced supervisory oversight, these actions will build organizational capacity, reinforce internal controls, and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Sharon R. Pinder, President, 301.593.5861 Planned completion date for corrective action plan: Assessment and Correction – 4th Quarter 2025

Categories

Reporting Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1159426 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
11.034 2023 Mbda Capital Readiness Program $511,916
11.805 Mbda Business Center $410,155