Finding 1160362 (2023-004)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
CG
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2025-10-13

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization lacks consistent internal control procedures over cash management and matching for multiple WRAPS grants.
  • Impacted Requirements: Four out of twelve grants showed inadequate controls, risking improper reporting of expenses.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Develop a written policy for internal reviews of matching expenses and ensure proper segregation of duties for oversight.

Finding Text

2023-004 Internal Control over Cash Management and Matching U.S. Environment Protection Agency Pass-Through from Kansas Department of Health and Environment No. 66.460 - 319 Program: Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants John Redmond Reservoir WRAPS Implementation 2022-2025, Fall River/Toronto WRAPS Implementation 2022-2025, R Michael Rhoades Community Wetlands Project, and Land and Water Preservation Through Conservation Easements Grant Period Year Ended December 31, 2023 Type of Finding: Internal Control Criteria: The Organization lacked consistent use of internal control procedures over cash management and matching. Condition and Context: The Organization had ten different WRAPS grants included in the major program during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Organization files Financial Status Reports quarterly for each grant. Two of the four quarterly WRAPS reports were tested for each grant open during the year. Of the ten WRAPS grants, two grants were not reviewed prior to submission to the granting agency for the third quarter. Two additional grants under the assistance listing number had no control over matching. Cause: Internal control procedures were not documented and applied consistently to ensure accurate reporting. Effect: Internal controls were lacking on four of the twelve grants, which could lead to improper reporting of grant expenses. Recommendation: The Organization should develop a written policy that includes an internal review of grant matching expenses and reports filed along with the related supporting documentation. Proper segregation of duties includes a person performing the process with oversight from another person. We recommend that another person review the expenses being claimed as matching expenses and review the reports prior to being filed with the state. Management Response: Management agrees with finding. Procedures are being implemented to ensure an appropriate review process, see attached corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-004: Internal Control over Cash Management and Matching Responsible Party: Libby Albers, Executive Director Implementation Date: 1/21/2025 The KAWS Executive Director sends drafts of every affidavit to six of the staff funded by EPA 31 grants. As additional grant projects came onboard, this effective review approach was not carried over through the new grants. This oversight was discussed during the audit and the same affidavit review process was applied to the other EPA 319 grant.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1160359 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1160360 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1160361 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
15.611 Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety $123,420
10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program $82,149
66.460 Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants $57,325
15.623 North American Wetlands Conservation Fund $38,000
10.932 Regional Conservation Partnership Program $30,447
20.219 Recreational Trails Program $5,708