Finding 1169543 (2024-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
ACELN
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-01-17
Audit: 382495
Organization: The Institute of World Politics (DC)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Internal controls over compliance for Federal Student Financial Aid lack proper documentation, making it unclear if they are effectively applied.
  • Impacted Requirements: This finding violates the requirements set by 2 CFR Part 200.303 regarding the establishment of effective internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Ensure all internal control procedures are documented to demonstrate their application and effectiveness.

Finding Text

Finding No. 2024-003 – Documentation of Internal Controls over Compliance Material Weakness Federal Program – Student Financial Aid Cluster – Federal Direct Student Loans (ALN 84.268), U.S. Department of Education Criteria – Auditee requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart D – Post Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.303 – Internal Controls, requires the auditee to establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with a framework such as the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Condition – We noted that controls identified by management over material compliance requirements lacked sufficient documentation to conclude application of controls is in place. Cause – The cause is due to ineffective internal control procedures with no physical indication of review or an audit trail that indicates that the identified control took place. Effect – Ineffective internal control procedures resulted in compliance findings. See Finding No. 2024-002. Reportable Questioned Costs: None Context – Internal controls in place over material compliance requirements identified by management had no documentation in place to demonstrate application of controls. Repeat Finding – This is a repeat finding of 2023-003. Recommendation – We recommend the Institute ensures all internal control procedures in place include documentation that demonstrates application of controls. Views of Responsible Officials – Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding No. 2024-003 – Documentation of Internal Controls over Compliance Material Weakness Finding: Audit procedures noted controls identified by management over material compliance requirements lacked sufficient documentation to conclude application of controls in place. Corrective Actions Taken or Planned: Management will identify and document all internal controls necessary to ensure compliance with federal requirements for the Student Financial Aid program. These controls will be formally implemented and include clear evidence of execution, such as manual or electronic sign-offs, timestamps, and retention of supporting documentation. The process will align with the COSO Internal Control Integrated Framework and will be monitored regularly to confirm effectiveness.

Categories

Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1169542 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $1.06M