Finding 1224565 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-07-23

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to submit its audited financial statements on time to both the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and REAC.
  • Impacted Requirements: Submission deadlines were not met as outlined in 2 CFR Sections 200.512 and 902.33, which require timely reporting within 9 months of fiscal year-end.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The Authority should improve its policies and internal controls to ensure timely submission of financial reports in the future.

Finding Text

Finding 2025-001: Late Submission of Financial Statements to FAC and REAC (Significant Deficiency) Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Title: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Federal Assistance Listing Number: 14.871 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Criteria: Per 2 CFR Section 200.512, the Authority is required to submit the Data Collection Form and the rest of the reporting package within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor’s report or nine months after the end of the audit period. Per 2 CFR Section 902.33, the Authority is required to submit its audited Financial Data Schedule (FDS) and audited financial statements no later than 9 months after the PHA’s fiscal year end. Condition: The Authority did not submit its audited financial statements to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and to REAC by the required due dates. Context: PHAs are required to submit an audited FDS and audited financial statements to REAC within 9 months of year end, as well as submit audited financial statements and a Data Collection Form to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of auditor’s report or nine months after the end of the audit period. The Authority did not submit its audited FDS and financial statements by the required due dates. Effect: The Authority did not submit its audited financial statements to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse or to REAC by the required due date. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The Authority did not have the proper controls in place to ensure the audited financial statements were submitted on time. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The Authority should review and enhance its policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure the financial reporting package and audited financial statements are submitted by the required due date. Views of Responsible Officials: The Authority agrees with the finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan: The Lake County Housing Authority, in its administrative oversight of the North Chicago Housing Authority, acknowledges the finding related to the untimely submission of its audited financial statements to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC), as required under 2 CFR §200.512. The delay resulted from control deficiencies within the financial reporting and audit coordination process during a period of system transition and evolving staffing capacity. These conditions affected the timely preparation of audit-ready financial information and supporting schedules. Management has implemented corrective actions to strengthen internal controls and ensure timely submission of future audits. These actions include the establishment of a formal audit timeline with defined milestones and assigned responsibilities; enhanced year-end close and reconciliation procedures to ensure audit-ready financial data; and the implementation of routine audit status monitoring to track progress and address issues in real time. In addition, the Authority engaged BDO USA to provide technical assistance, system support, and audit readiness consulting to improve financial reporting accuracy and alignment with HUD requirements. These measures address the underlying control deficiencies and establish a sustainable framework to ensure compliance with federal reporting deadlines. Responsible Staff: Executive Director/CEO in coordination with Chief Financial Officer Expected Completion Date: Implemented August 1, 2026; ongoing compliance thereafter

Categories

HUD Housing Programs

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1224566 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1224567 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1224568 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1224569 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $3.91M
14.850 PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND $527,159
14.872 PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND $157,339