Finding 1174724 (2024-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-02-20

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Turnover in the accounting department has led to poorly designed and inconsistently applied internal controls, risking inaccurate financial reporting.
  • Impacted Requirements: Key controls like timely reconciliations and proper documentation were not consistently followed, increasing the chance of material misstatements.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Provide thorough training and oversight for new financial staff, and establish structured guidance to strengthen internal controls and ensure consistent financial reporting.

Finding Text

Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting. Condition and Criteria: As a result of turnover in the accounting department and lack of consistency of accounting personnel, the Organization does not have sufficiently designed or consistently implemented internal controls to ensure accurate and complete financial reporting. Key controls, including timely reconciliations, review and approval of journal entries, and maintaining adequate documentation were not consistently performed throughout the year. Effective internal controls over financial reporting include documented policies, segregation of duties, timely reconciliations, and supervisory review to ensure accuracy and completeness. Prior year audit finding: N/A Cause and Effect: The lack of internal controls over financial reporting creates a reasonable possibility of material misstatement in the financial statements that may not be prevented or detected timely and have contributed to delays in year-end close and the audit process. Recommendation: The Organization has already taken an important step by engaging a contract accountant to assist with cleaning up the accounting records, reconciling financial information, and recording transactions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As the Organization transitions these responsibilities to the new financial staff member, we recommend providing thorough training, clear expectations, and appropriate oversight to ensure continuity and consistency in accounting and financial reporting. Establishing structured guidance and ongoing monitoring will help strengthen internal controls and promote a smooth and sustainable transition in the finance function. Management’s Response: Healing Transitions acknowledges the findings noted in the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Management reviewed the matters identified and addressed them during the audit process in coordination with the auditors. Corrective actions included updating accounting treatments and disclosures related to capital assets, contributed property, and supporting schedules, as well as strengthening internal review procedures around complex or non-routine transactions. All necessary adjustments have been recorded, and management believes these actions adequately address the items noted. Management does not believe the issues identified resulted in material misstatements of the financial statements and will continue to refine internal processes to support accurate and timely financial reporting.

Corrective Action Plan

2024-001 Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. Recommendation: The Organization has already taken an important step by engaging a contract accountant to assist with cleaning up the accounting records, reconciling financial information, and recording transactions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As the Organization transitions these responsibilities to the new financial staff member, we recommend providing thorough training, clear expectations, and appropriate oversight to ensure continuity and consistency in accounting and financial reporting. Establishing structured guidance and ongoing monitoring will help strengthen internal controls and promote a smooth and sustainable transition in the finance function. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: The Organization has contracted with Ascend Nonprofit Solutions to provide outsourced financial accounting services beginning November 1, 2025, through Ascend’s Finance Shared Services model. Certified Public Accountants from Ascend Nonprofit Solutions will review and provide guidance to Healing Transitions, Inc. regarding their internal control structure, adding an extra layer of expertise and credibility to financial statement reporting. Financial statements will be accounted for in accordance with GAAP, monthly, providing clear reporting for financial management, oversight, and governance. These reports will be distributed to management and the board of directors. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Chris Budnick, Executive Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2026

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Subrecipient Monitoring

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1174722 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174723 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174725 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174726 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174727 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174728 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174729 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174730 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174731 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174732 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1174733 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.959 BLOCK GRANTS FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE $311,038
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $247,123
14.231 EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM $81,399
97.024 EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL BOARD PROGRAM $78,139
14.218 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/ENTITLEMENT GRANTS $49,500