Finding 1179531 (2024-006)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-03-16

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization lacks formal written financial policies and procedures, risking noncompliance with key Uniform Guidance requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Essential areas include allowable costs, procurement, cash management, travel costs, and conflict of interest.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Develop and implement formal financial policies, ensure management approval, and regularly review for compliance.

Finding Text

ALN 14.251 and ALN 21.027 Finding #2024‐006 Financial Policies and Procedures Repeat Finding: No Condition: The Organization did not have formalized, written financial policies and procedures that address key Uniform Guidance requirements. Criteria: Under 2 CFR 200.302(b), non‐federal entities must establish and maintain effective financial management systems that provide accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award. Uniform Guidance further requires that entities implement written policies and procedures governing: · Allowable costs (2 CFR 200.302(b)(7) and 200.403–200.405), · Procurement (2 CFR 200.317–200.327), · Cash management (2 CFR 200.305), · Travel costs (2 CFR 200.475), and · Conflict of interest (2 CFR 200.318(c)(1)). Written policies serve as the framework for consistent compliance with federal requirements. Cause: The Organization had not developed or adopted written financial policies, relying instead on informal practices and staff knowledge to manage federal awards. Effect: The absence of formalized financial policies increases the risk of noncompliance with Uniform Guidance, inconsistent application of requirements, and potential misuse of federal funds. The lack of a documented framework also limits accountability and makes it difficult to train new staff or demonstrate compliance to oversight agencies. Questioned Costs: None noted. Perspective Information: This condition applied to the Organization’s overall financial management system and impacted all federal programs administered during the year ended December 31, 2024. As such, the lack of formalized financial policies represents a systemic issue and a material weakness in internal control over compliance. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization adopt formal, written financial policies and procedures that address all Uniform Guidance requirements applicable to federal awards. These policies should be approved by management and the governing body, disseminated to staff, and reviewed periodically to ensure continued compliance. Reporting Views of Responsible Officials: The Organization agrees with the finding. The Organization will establish formalized accounting policies and procedures that adhere to the requirements of the Uniform Guidance.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding Number: 2024-006 Finding Title: Financial Policies and Procedures Federal Program Information: • Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development; Department of the Treasury • Assistance Listing Numbers (ALN): 14.251 and 21.027 • Federal Program Names: Economic Development Initiatives—Special Project, Neighborhood Initiative and Neighborhood Stabilization Program; Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance Requirement: Financial Management and Standards of Financial Management Systems (2 CFR §200.302(b)); Allowable Costs (2 CFR §200.403-405); Procurement (2 CFR §200.317-327); Cash Management (2 CFR §200.305); Travel Costs (2 CFR §200.475) Note: Organization has existing Conflict of Interest policy in compliance with 2 CFR §200.318(c)(1). Questioned Costs: $0 Repeat Finding: No Management's Response: The Board of Directors of Restoration Christian Ministries agrees with the finding. The Organization will establish formalized accounting policies and procedures that adhere to the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Corrective Action Plan: Corrective Action #1: Comprehensive Policy Manual Development • Action: Engage consultant or work with Contract Accountant to develop comprehensive written financial policies and procedures manual addressing all Uniform Guidance requirements, including: (a) Allowable costs (2 CFR §200.403-405); (b) Procurement (2 CFR §200.317-327); (c) Cash management (2 CFR §200.305); (d) Travel costs (2 CFR §200.475); (e) Time and effort documentation; (f) Equipment management; (g) Subrecipient monitoring; (h) Financial reporting; and (i) Record retention. Ensure policies address financial management system requirements under 2 CFR §200.302. Tailor policies to Organization's all-volunteer structure. [Note: Organization already has Conflict of Interest policy complying with 2 CFR §200.318(c)(1).] • Responsible Person/Title: Board Treasurer with Contract Accountant • Anticipated Completion Date: April 30, 2026 Corrective Action #2: Board Approval and Adoption • Action: Present draft policies to full Board of Directors for review and input. Board will formally adopt policies by resolution. Document approval in Board meeting minutes. • Responsible Person/Title: Board President • Anticipated Completion Date: May 31, 2026 Corrective Action #3: Dissemination and Training • Action: Distribute approved policies to all Board members and Contract Accountant. Conduct training session for Board members and Contract Accountant on new policies and procedures. Board members and Contract Accountant will sign acknowledgment of receipt and understanding. Make policies readily accessible (e.g., shared drive, Board portal). • Responsible Person/Title: Board President • Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2026 Corrective Action #4: Implementation Tools and Support • Action: Develop templates, forms, and tools to support policy implementation. Create workflow diagrams and checklists for common transactions. Establish Board Treasurer as primary resource for policy implementation questions. • Responsible Person/Title: Board Treasurer and Contract Accountant • Anticipated Completion Date: July 31, 2026 Corrective Action #5: Annual Policy Review Process • Action: Schedule annual review of policies to ensure continued Uniform Guidance compliance. Update policies as needed for regulatory or organizational changes. Submit material policy changes to full Board for approval. • Responsible Person/Title: Board Treasurer • Anticipated Completion Date: Annually, beginning June 2027 Corrective Action #6: Governance Structure Assessment • Action: Board will evaluate establishing Audit Committee or combined Finance/Audit Committee to provide enhanced oversight of financial management, internal controls, and federal compliance. If Board size prohibits separate committee, designate at least two Board members with specific oversight responsibilities. • Responsible Person/Title: Board President • Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2026

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Cash Management Material Weakness Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1179524 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179525 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179526 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179527 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179528 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179529 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179530 2024-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179532 2024-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179533 2024-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179534 2024-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179535 2024-009
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.251 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING, AND MISCELLANEOUS GRANTS $1.53M
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $1.05M