Finding 1163237 (2025-004)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2025-12-01

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: CAO reported inaccurate and late financial data for the Head Start Cluster, drawing funds without corresponding expenses.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 45 CFR Part 75.302(b) due to material discrepancies in SF-425 reports and late submissions (31-33 days).
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure future reports are based on actual expenditures, with draws made only after verifying expense accuracy.

Finding Text

Inaccurate and Late Reporting Material Weakness U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ALN #: 93.600 Head Start Cluster Federal Award Identification #: 02HP000535, 02CH012111, 02CH012104 Condition: During the audit of the Head Start Cluster major program, we tested CAO’s federal financial reporting (SF-425). During this testing and our testing of internal control over compliance for allowable activities, we had determined CAO had drawn funds in excess of expenditures by a material amount. This resulted in the SF-425 reports having material differences to the underlying support for cash receipts and disbursements and other differences including the recipient share of expenditures. Additionally, the SF-425 reports were submitted late. Criteria: 45 CFR Part 75.302(b) Questioned Costs: $0 Context: During the audit, the SF-425 reporting was tested for three grant agreements. For the agreements, we noted that the reported amount for cash disbursements was incorrect based on the support provided for the expenditures. These incorrect disbursements were due to CAO drawing funds that were listed as available to draw without corresponding expenses having been incurred, and because the funds were drawn CAO had reported them as disbursements. The three SF-425 reports were also submitted untimely, between 31-33 days late. Cause: Staff turnover Effect: Noncompliance with reporting requirements Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend reporting be prepared based on incurred expenditures and the related draws be made only after the incurred expenses have been reviewed for accuracy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Inaccurate and Late Reporting Planned Corrective Action: We will enhance our reporting process by reconciling grant expenditure on an accrual basis before each reporting cycle to ensure requested funds align with actual costs. Accuracy and timeliness will be confirmed through dual review by staff and management, with supporting documentation maintained for every transaction. Person Responsible for Corrective Action Plan: Sharada Briggs, Chief Financial Officer Anticipated Date of Completion: February 28, 2026

Categories

Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1163235 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1163236 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.600 HEAD START $2.09M
10.558 CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM $807,245
93.569 COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT $769,878
84.287 TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS $215,607
14.218 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/ENTITLEMENT GRANTS $26,839