Finding 1159778 (2019-007)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
G
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2019
Accepted
2025-10-02
Audit: 370333
Organization: Program of Academic Exchange (NY)
Auditor: Sax CPAS LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: PAX failed to maintain adequate records to verify compliance with the matching cost requirement of at least $365,986 as per 2 CFR 200.306.
  • Impacted Requirements: The lack of documentation means PAX did not meet the terms of the award regarding cost sharing and internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a robust internal control system to track and record cost-sharing expenses accurately throughout the year.

Finding Text

Criteria: The requirements for matching are contained in 2 CFR Section 200.306, This states that any matching costs meet certain criteria including that they be verifiable from the entity’s records. Per the terms and conditions of the award, it is understood and agreed that PAX must provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the budget approved by the Grants Officer. PAX must maintain written records to support all allowable costs which are claimed as being its contribution to cost participation. Condition: Per the terms of the award, PAX agreed to expend an amount not less than $365,986 of the total program cost for financing by the PAX and/or others from non-federal funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200.306. PAX’s books and records did not contain the necessary information to verify whether this matching requirement was met. Citation: 2 CFR 200.306 Cause: PAX did not have an effective internal control system in place for monitoring that the cost sharing requirement was being met. Effect: The accounting team did not allocate the expenses related to the cost share in the books and records throughout the year. However, they provided schedules that detailed the expenses related to the cost share after year-end as part of the audit process. Questioned Costs: None. Context: This was a universal matter that impacted the entity as a whole. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend that an internal control system be established to monitor PAX’s share of the award costs. This system should include tracking these expenses in a separate cost center in the books and records and reconciles to the amount reported to the grantor as well as the budget. View of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan attached.

Corrective Action Plan

PAX will implement a dedicated cost center in the books and records specifically for tracking these expenses. This will allow for better transparency and accountability in reporting. Additionally, PAX will reconcile against this cost center to ensure that the expenses reported to the grantor and budgetary allocations align with the actual expenditures. Dije Kucana, Comptroller, effective immediately

Categories

Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1159776 2019-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1159777 2019-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1159779 2019-008
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
19.415 Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - Citizen Exchanges $1.63M