Finding 1218165 (2024-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-06-22

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization submitted the Single Audit reporting package late, missing the nine-month deadline.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates Uniform Guidance, Section 200.512(a), leading to a significant deficiency in compliance controls.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Management should allocate resources and set a timeline to ensure timely submission of future audit reports.

Finding Text

Finding No. 2024-002 - Late Filing of Single Audit Reporting Package Criteria Uniform Guidance, Section 200.512(a), establishes that the audit must be completed, and the data collection form and reporting package must be submitted, within the earlier of 30 days after receipt of the auditors' reports or nine months after the end of the audit period, unless a longer period is agreed to in advance by the cognizant or oversight agency for audit, or unless restricted by law or regulation. Condition The Organization did not submit the Single Audit reporting package for the year ended December 31, 2024 within the required nine-month deadline. The reporting package was submitted after the regulatory due date. Cause The Organization had been carrying accumulated delays in the issuance of its audited financial statements and Single Audit reporting packages from prior years. During the current period, these pre-existing delays were compounded by health-related circumstances affecting the Executive Director and by a concurrent federal monitoring review of the program. As a small entity with limited administrative and financial personnel, the Organization had constrained capacity to dedicate the time necessary to attend to, prioritize, and complete the audit, which contributed to the late submission of the reporting package. Effect The accumulated backlog from prior years, together with the Executive Director's health situation and the demands of the concurrent federal monitoring, further delayed the preparation and issuance of the financial statements and the Single Audit reporting package. As a result, the Organization was unable to meet the Uniform Guidance deadline, resulting in a noncompliance finding. While no questioned costs were identified, the late filing exposes the Organization to additional oversight from federal agencies and increases the risk of reputational impact. This deficiency in internal control over compliance is considered a significant deficiency. Repeat Finding This condition was also identified in the prior year audit as Finding No. 2023-001 and remains uncorrected. Recommendation The data collection form and Single Audit reporting package should be submitted within the required due dates. Views of Responsible Officials (Management Response) Management acknowledges the late submission of the data collection form and Single Audit reporting package. The delay resulted from a backlog in the issuance of the audited financial statements carried over from prior years, which during the year was further aggravated by health issues affecting the Executive Director and by a concurrent federal monitoring of the program. As a small organization with limited staff, these circumstances reduced the time available to attend to and prioritize the completion of the audit. Management is committed to allocating the necessary resources and establishing a timeline to ensure that the audit is completed and the reporting package is submitted within the required due dates in future periods.

Corrective Action Plan

Management has implemented a formal procedure to ensure that future Single Audits are completed and submitted within the required timeframe. This procedure includes the following actions: First Quarter (January – March): The Purchasing Unit will initiate the procurement process for the independent auditors, in coordination with the Fiscal Manager, while year-end closing activities are being completed, to ensure timely engagement of audit services. Second Quarter (April – June): Once the auditor is engaged, the program will initiate the audit engagement and provide the required documentation in accordance with the established audit schedule.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Subrecipient Monitoring Reporting Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1218161 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1218162 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1218163 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1218164 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.600 HEAD START $1.03M
10.558 CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM $89,036
93.356 HEAD START DISASTER ASSISTANCE $59,100
93.356 HEAD START DISASTER RECOVERY $2,185