Finding 1208291 (2024-006)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-04-21
Audit: 399315
Organization: Aurora Homes, Inc. (MD)
Auditor: SIKICH CPA LLC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Unauthorized disbursements from the replacement reserve indicate a significant deficiency in internal controls.
  • Impacted Requirements: The Project is not compliant with HUD requirements for special tests and provisions, risking inadequate reserves.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Reevaluate procedures and controls for compliance, and ensure unauthorized disbursements are returned to the reserve account.

Finding Text

Criteria: Internal controls are required to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed and the Project is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding disbursements from the replacement reserve. Condition: During the testing of the replacement reserve it was noted the Project made unauthorized disbursements from the replacement reserve. We consider the finding to be a significant deficiency with the Special Tests and Provisions compliance requirement. Effect: The Project is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding special tests and provisions which could result in inadequate reserves and unauthorized disbursements from the replacement reserve. Questioned Costs: $1,000 Cause: The Project experienced turnover resulting in inconsistent file management practices and ineffective internal control review procedures to ensure that all required eligibility documentation is obtained and retained. Recommendation: The Project should consider reevaluating their established procedures and controls currently in place to ensure full compliance regarding replacement reserve funding and disbursements. The Project should return the unauthorized disbursements to the replacement reserve account. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the findings and a response is included in the Corrective Action Plan. The unauthorized disbursements were deposited back to the replacement reserve account on March 3, 2026.

Corrective Action Plan

Fund Account - Deposit funds to reimburse account - October 16, 2025 Segregation & Monitoring - Transfer all new deposits immediately; perform monthly reconciliations - Effective immediately. Policies & Training - Update policies; train staff on deposit handling and monitoring - May/June 2026 Oversight & Reporting - CFO/Controller review monthly reconciliations; provide quarterly updates to Finance Committee - Ongoing

Categories

Special Tests & Provisions Eligibility HUD Housing Programs Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1208288 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1208289 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1208290 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.181 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES $762,900
14.856 LOWER INCOME HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION $72,256