Finding 1177673 (2024-011)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-03-10

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College lacks written procedures for financial management as required by federal regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR 200.302 regarding financial management and cost allowability.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Develop and implement written procedures to meet federal guidelines and avoid potential penalties.

Finding Text

2024-011 (2023-005) INADEQUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title and Assistance Listing Number: Higher Educational Institutional Aid, 84.031 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency Compliance Area: Other - Inadequate Policies and Procedures Federal Award Year: 2024 Questioned Costs: None Condition The College does not maintain written procedures as required by 2 CFR 200, Subparts D and E of the Uniform Guidance. Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(6), Financial Management, the financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide the following: Written procedures to implement the requirements of 200.305 Federal Payment. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(7), Financial Management, the financial management system of each nonfederal entity must provide the following: Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E – Cost Principles of this part and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Cause The College does not have written procedures for the federal program financial management requirements. Effect Not having written procedures for the aforementioned puts the College in direct violation of Federal requirements over Federal programs under the Uniform Guidance, which could result in a loss of programs, funds and/or repayment of federal monies already awarded back to the Federal government.

Corrective Action Plan

Recommendation We recommend the College establish the required written procedures for federal monies and have them available to all personnel who work with federal programs Management Response Corrective Action Unfortunately, due to the untimely completion and release of the June 30, 2023 audit report (released on August 8, 2025 - over two years after the end of the June 30, 2023 fiscal year audit), the College did not have the opportunity to review and begin a timely process of addressing a majority of the audit findings until well after the end of the audit period. While the College is committed to corrective action, the delayed delivery of the June 30, 2023 audit limited the ability to implement corrective measures earlier. The College is working proactively to ensure that these issues are resolved going forward. It is important to note that Southeast New Mexico College was a newly established independent community college, having formally separated from New Mexico State University (NMSU) as of April 2022. During this transition period, many administrative processes, including federal grant compliance procedures, were in the process of being developed, transitioned, and implemented independently from NMSU systems. As a result, certain policies, procedures, and documentation processes were not yet fully established or operational at the time of the audit. Corrective Action Taken / Planned: Policy Development • The institution will develop comprehensive written policies and procedures to address compliance requirements related to 2 CFR 200, Subparts D and E of the Uniform Guidance and approved by institutional leadership by July 31, 2025. Policy Review and Approval • Draft policies will be reviewed by VP of Business and Finance and approved by institutional leadership by August 31, 2025. Training • Relevant personnel will be trained on the new policies and procedures to ensure consistent understanding and compliance. Implementation • The institution will fully implement the new procedures by August 31, 2025, and will ensure all departments involved with federal awards are following them. Ongoing Review: • Policies and procedures will be reviewed annually, and updates will be made as necessary to ensure continued compliance with federal regulations. Date of Completion: August 31, 2025 Responsible Parties Vice President for Business and Finance (or appropriate official), Dean of Business and Finance, Director of Finance, Restricted Funds Manager

Categories

Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1177664 2024-011
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177665 2024-012
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177666 2024-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177667 2024-011
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177668 2024-012
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177669 2024-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177670 2024-011
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177671 2024-012
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177672 2024-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177674 2024-012
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177675 2024-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177676 2024-014
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177677 2024-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177678 2024-014
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177679 2024-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177680 2024-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177681 2024-013
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1177682 2024-015
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.031 HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONAL AID $1.01M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $830,018
81.104 ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION AND WASTE PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL $555,833
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $145,293
84.002A ADULT EDUCATION - BASIC GRANTS TO STATES $90,960