Finding 1160892 (2024-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-10-17
Audit: 370963
Organization: Alive, Inc. (MO)
Auditor: Abdo

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There was a significant deficiency in internal controls, resulting in duplicate reimbursements of expenses totaling $13,019.
  • Impacted Requirements: The Organization failed to meet the compliance standards set by the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically § 200.303, which mandates effective internal controls over financial awards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Reassess the invoice submission and reimbursement review processes to prevent future duplicate reimbursements.

Finding Text

2024-001: Crime Victim Assistance - Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance Condition: While the Organization does have policies/controls in place to establish and maintain effective internal controls over allowable costs. It was noted while testing key controls over allowable costs that there were expenses reimbursed twice, leading to ineffective internal controls. Criteria: As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations the Organization must establish and maintain effective internal controls over the financial award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal Award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulation, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award per § 200.303. These requirements detail all the information that must be included in the Organization’s internal controls. Cause: Expenses were submitted and reimbursed twice due to an isolated instance of internal control failure. Effect: The deficiency of controls over allowable costs leads to an increase risk of errors, misstatements, or omissions in the financials statements which could misrepresent the Organization’s financial statements. Questioned costs of $13,019 were computed for duplicate expenses reimbursed. Context: During our audit procedures, we identified an isolated instance of expenses being submitted for reimbursement in July 2023. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization reassess the invoice submission process and reimbursement request review process to ensure duplicate reimbursements do not continue to happen. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. OTHER ISSUES The Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings is not included in this report because there were no prior audit findings related to federal award programs. See the following page for the Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Organization will revisit the internal control process around invoice submissions and reimbursement request review. The Organization has since hired an outsourced accountant to assist with record keeping and assisting with ensuring compliance with Uniform Guidance. The Organization strives to remain compliant with Uniform Guidance in all respects to present both accurate and transparent records. If the Missouri Department of Social Services or the U.S. Department of the Treasury have questions regarding this plan, please call Jennifer Gadsky, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director, at (314)-938-4414.

Categories

Questioned Costs Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Cash Management Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
16.575 Crime Victim Assistance $966,207
16.588 Violence Against Women Formula Grants $119,121
93.671 Family Violence Prevention and Services/domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive Services $20,852
93.497 Family Violence Prevention and Services/ Sexual Assault/rape Crisis Services and Supports $19,894
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $13,205
16.524 Legal Assistance for Victims $212