Finding 1182274 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-24
Audit: 393679
Organization: Illinois Wesleyan University (IL)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Material errors in prior-period financial statements led to a significant restatement of beginning net assets by $8,267,823.
  • Impacted Requirements: Accounting Standards and GAGAS require accurate financial reporting and timely detection of misstatements.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should enhance internal controls over financial reporting to prevent future errors.

Finding Text

2025 – 001: Material Prior Period Restatements – Correction of Errors Type of Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: Accounting Standards require that prior‑period financial statements be free from material misstatement and that errors be corrected through the restatement of beginning net assets when identified. Additionally, Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) require auditors to report material weaknesses in internal control when deficiencies create a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected in a timely manner. Condition: During our audit of the financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2025, material errors in previously issued financial statements were identified that required restatement. The restatements affected beginning net assets and corrected misstatements related to grants receivable, grant revenue, net asset without donor restrictions and net assets without donor restrictions. The cumulative effect of these corrections was material to the financial statements. Effect: As a result of the errors, previously issued financial statements were materially misstated. The University was required to restate beginning net assets by $8,267,823 and adjust multiple financial statement line items for the affected funds and activities. Cause: Inadequate controls over financial reporting resulted in material misstatements that required restatement of prior‑year financial statements. Recommendation: We recommend that management strengthen internal controls over financial reporting. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Material Prior Period Adjustments Recommendation: We recommend that the Institution strengthen internal controls over financial reporting There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: Management identified and recorded the prior period adjustment in coordination with the external auditors. The University has strengthened internal controls of financial reporting by enhancing management review of prior-year balances and significant accounts during the year-end close process to prevent similar issues in the future. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Craig Maynard, V.P. Finance and Administration Completed as of the fiscal year ended July 31, 2025, with ongoing monitoring.

Categories

Material Weakness Reporting Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1182268 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182269 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182270 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182271 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182272 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182273 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182275 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182276 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182277 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182278 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182279 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1182280 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $11.21M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $3.15M
93.364 NURSING STUDENT LOANS $1.87M
47.076 STEM EDUCATION (FORMERLY EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES) $762,347
84.038 FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM_FEDERAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $672,408
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $265,652
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $189,390
84.016 UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMS $142,506
59.037 SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS $115,000
93.243 SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROJECTS OF REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE $46,520