Finding 1181383 (2023-007)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2026-03-18

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of documented review and approval for cash and payroll disbursements, leading to a material weakness in internal controls.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.403(a), which mandates that costs must be necessary, reasonable, and properly allocated.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Update internal control policies to ensure proper review and approval processes for allowable costs are in place.

Finding Text

2023-007 – Department of the Interior Federal Program Name: Natural Resource Stewardship - Pass-Through Agency: N/A Assistance Listing Number: 15.944 Federal Award Identification Year: 2023 Award Period: 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2023 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria: 2 CFR 200.403(a) - Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. Condition: Regarding cash and payroll related disbursements, there was not documented review and approval of cash disbursements and payroll allocations and disbursements by management. Condition: Known: $672,870 Likely: $672,870 Context: Internal controls need to be formally documented as well as have support and authorization. With no authorization or proof that the internal control was completed, we cannot rely on the controls. Effect: Not having internal controls formalized and documented can lead to higher risk of noncompliance and misreporting. Cause: Internal controls are not formalized or documented. Repeat Finding: The finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that CIES modifies its internal control policies for general review and approval of the allowable costs set forth by the criteria listed above. Management’s Views: See separate corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-007 Cash Disbursements and Payroll Allocations and Disbursements Recommendation: Auditors recommend that CIES modifies its internal control policies for general review and approval of the reporting requirements set forth by the criteria listed. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.403(a) – Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria to be allowed under Federal awards: Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action planned in response to finding: CIES will implement a review and approval process for cash disbursements and payroll allocations and disbursements. Payroll allocations and disbursements will be reviewed and approved by either the Chief Operations Officer or Executive Director. Documentation of review and approval process will be maintained within CIES electronic files. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Michael Parker, Executive Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: March 2026

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1181379 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1181380 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1181381 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1181382 2023-006
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
12.005 CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS $85,246
15.944 NATURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP $23,300
15.637 MIGRATORY BIRD JOINT VENTURES $15,000