Finding 1164330 (2023-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2025-12-10
Audit: 373772
Organization: JXN Water (MS)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Invoices lacked proper approval, indicating weak internal controls.
  • Impacted Requirements: OMB Circular A-123 mandates effective internal controls, which are currently not in place.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Management should establish a robust internal control system to ensure all expenditures are properly approved.

Finding Text

FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS - MAJOR FEDERAL AWARDS PROGRAMS ALN 66.489 Response to Emergency Situations Affecting Public Water Systems (SDWA 1442b) FINDING #2023-001 MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR INTERNAL CONTROL CRITERIA: OMB Circular A-123 Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control - Management is responsible for developing and maintaining effective internal controls. CAUSE OF CONDITION: While performing our test of expenditures, we noted multiple invoices that did not have the proper approval. JXN Water, Inc. has a limited number of administrative staff, therefore this does not allow the organization to have the proper segregation of duties. EFFECT OR POSSIBLE EFFECT OF THE CONDITION: Improper or unauthorized expenditures. We identified all material accounts, once the material accounts were identified, we selected all material transactions from each account based on transaction materiality. We requested supporting documentation for each of our selections. While reviewing the supporting documentation, we noted there was no approver sign off. We also reviewed the audit trail in the Bill.com software and we noted many invoices that were paid that did not have an approver. RECOMMENDATION: Management should work to create a system of internal controls as required by OMB Circular A-123.

Corrective Action Plan

JXN Water, Inc. hired Horne LLP to assist with grant management in May 2024. Additionally, EPA instituted new procedures in March 2024, requiring all grant funded invoices be submitted and approved by EPA prior to releasing funds from the two grants. Going forward JXN Water, Inc. is looking to hire a construction contract manager to review and approve all construction related invoices prior to payment. Non construction invoices will be approved by the JXN Water, Inc. Administrative Manager prior to payment in BILL.COM. These changes should be in place by December 31, 2024.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
66.489 RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AFFECTING PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS (SDWA 1442B) $60.13M