Finding 1173699 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-02-16
Audit: 387413
Organization: Hope's Door, INC (NY)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization lacks formal, written policies for key compliance areas under Uniform Guidance, specifically regarding compensation and fringe benefits.
  • Impacted Requirements: This deficiency affects the Organization's ability to ensure compliance with Federal requirements as outlined in 2 CFR §200.303.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Update the accounting policy manual to include comprehensive written policies for compensation and fringe benefits to align with Uniform Guidance.

Finding Text

Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Compliance Requirement: Internal Controls (2 CFR §200.303) Criteria: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.303) requires non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal awards, including policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable Federal requirements. Condition: The Organization does not maintain formal, written policies and procedures addressing key Uniform Guidance compliance areas, including compensation and fringe benefits (2 CFR §200.430-§200.431). While certain procedures are performed in practice, controls are informal and not documented. Cause: Due to the Organization’s size and reliance on informal processes, management has not formalized compliance procedures into written policies. Effect: The absence of written policies increases the risk that Uniform Guidance requirements may be applied inconsistently, particularly in the event of staff turnover, and increases the likelihood that noncompliance may occur and not be detected timely. Questioned Costs: None. Statistical Sampling: Not applicable. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization update the accounting policy manual to include written policies surrounding compensation and fringe benefits in accordance with Uniform Guidance. Organization’s Response: The Organization’s response is included in their corrective plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Management engaged an external HR consultant to assist with revising the Accounting Policy Manual to formally document written policies and procedures related to compensation and fringe benefits. Draft policies have been developed and are currently under management review for accuracy and alignment with existing practices. The finalized policies will be presented for Board approval and implemented by March 18, 2026, and responsibility for ongoing monitoring and periodic review has been assigned to the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration to ensure continued compliance. Training will be provided to applicable staff, and compliance with the updated policies will be incorporated into management’s periodic internal reviews.

Categories

Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
16.575 CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE $856,473
16.590 GRANTS TO ENCOURAGE ARREST POLICIES AND ENFORCEMENT OF PROTECTION ORDERS PROGRAM $184,937
16.524 LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS $163,476
93.592 FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES/DISCRETIONARY $77,399
93.667 SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT $52,519
16.588 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN FORMULA GRANTS $47,675
93.671 FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES $12,000