Finding 1202944 (2025-004)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-30

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Payroll changes were not entered on time, risking inaccurate employee compensation.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR §200.303 for effective internal controls over payroll processing.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish procedures for timely entry and accuracy review of all approved payroll changes.

Finding Text

Finding 2025-004: Payroll Processing Controls Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR §200.303, management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over federal awards, including controls to ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely. Condition: During control testing over a major federal program, three instances were identified where payroll changes were not entered into the payroll system in a timely manner; however, the Organization subsequently processed appropriate retroactive adjustments. Cause: The Organization lacks procedures to ensure payroll changes are entered timely and reviewed for accuracy. Effect: Employees may not be compensated accurately or timely, and payroll expenses could be recorded in an incorrect period. Although corrections may be made, errors may not be identified or resolved in a timely manner. Recommendation: Management should implement procedures to ensure all approved payroll changes are entered timely into the payroll system and reviewed for accuracy.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2025-004: Payroll Processing Control Condition: During control testing over a major federal program, three instances were identified where payroll changes were not entered into the payroll system in a timely manner; however, the Organization subsequently processed appropriate retroactive adjustments. Corrective Actions 1. Formalize and strengthen payroll change procedures Create written procedures requiring that all Personnel Action Notices be entered into the payroll system within two business days of approval. Require preparer and reviewer signoffs on each change, documenting both data entry and verification steps. Completion Target: June 30, 2026 2. Implement payroll change review controls Before each payroll run, generate and review a “personnel change report” listing all recent pay rate, position, or status updates. Review to confirm accuracy against approved PANs, with evidence of review retained (e.g., initials and date on report). Completion Target: June 30, 2026 3. Enhance communication between HR and Payroll Require HR to transmit all approved PANs electronically to Payroll within a defined timeframe. Maintain a centralized shared log tracking each PAN’s status (“submitted,” “entered,” “verified”) to prevent omissions. Completion Target: June 30, 2026 4. Provide staff training on new procedures Conduct joint training for HR and Payroll personnel on updated workflows, timeliness expectations, documentation standards, and verification requirements. Include refresher training annually or when procedures are updated. Completion Target: June 30, 2026 5. Implement monitoring and periodic internal review The Payroll Manager will perform quarterly reviews of sample PANs to confirm timely and accurate system entry. Any discrepancies will be corrected immediately and reported to the Finance Director/CFO. Ongoing, beginning July 1, 2026 Responsible Party: HR Manager and Payroll Manager, under oversight of the Finance Director/CFO Monitoring and Verification: Payroll change log maintained and reviewed monthly. Quarterly internal review results documented and retained for audit.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1202942 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1202943 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.153 COORDINATED SERVICES AND ACCESS TO RESEARCH FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH $533,089
93.224 HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM (COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, MIGRANT HEALTH CENTERS, HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS, AND PUBLIC HOUSING PRIMARY CARE) $214,393
93.918 GRANTS TO PROVIDE OUTPATIENT EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES WITH RESPECT TO HIV DISEASE $141,996
93.526 GRANTS FOR CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN HEALTH CENTERS $61,077
93.527 GRANTS FOR NEW AND EXPANDED SERVICES UNDER THE HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM $57,646