Finding 1227454 (2025-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-08-20
Audit: 409492
Organization: The Institute of World Politics (DC)
Auditor: RSM US LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Internal controls over compliance for the Student Financial Assistance Cluster are poorly documented, leading to potential noncompliance with federal regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Key compliance areas lacking documentation include cash management, reporting, eligibility, and various special tests related to student financial aid.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should conduct a thorough review of compliance requirements and create formal policies and procedures to strengthen documentation and control processes.

Finding Text

Finding 2025-002: Documentation of Internal Controls over Compliance Material Weakness Material Weakness Federal Program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Award Year: August 1, 2024–July 31, 2025 Criteria: In accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.303), nonfederal entities are required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal programs that provide reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. Effective internal control over compliance includes: • Documented policies and procedures addressing applicable compliance requirements; and • Control activities that are properly designed, implemented and documented, including evidence of review to demonstrate performance of controls. Condition: We noted that controls identified by management over all material compliance requirements lack sufficient documentation to conclude application of controls is in place. Cause: Employee turnover and lack of documented control policies around student financial aid compliance requirements. Effect or Potential Effect: Ineffective internal control procedures and no physical indication of review or an audit trail that indicates that the identified control took place could result in instances of noncompliance with Department of Education and federal regulations. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing of material compliance requirements under the student financial aid cluster, RSM could not sight any indication of controls in place for the following direct and material compliance requirements: • Cash management • Reporting • Eligibility • Special tests and provisions—disbursements to students • Special tests and provisions—credit balances • Special tests and provisions— National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) reporting • Special tests and provisions—Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) (Student Information Security) Repeat Finding: Yes—see Finding 2024-003. Recommendation: We recommend that management perform a comprehensive review of the Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster compliance requirements related to the Direct Loan Program and develop and implement formal, written policies and procedures addressing the processes and controls designed to ensure compliance with those requirements. Strengthening formal documentation and ensuring evidence of review will enhance the organization’s control environment and support the effective operation of internal controls over compliance, reducing the risk that noncompliance with Direct Loan requirements is not prevented or detected in a timely manner. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Identifying Number: 2025-002: Documentation of Internal Controls Over Compliance Finding: We noted that controls identified by management over all material compliance requirements lack sufficient documentation to conclude application of controls is in place. Corrective Actions Taken or Planned: Management agrees with the finding and has implemented, or is in the process of implementing, the following corrective actions: 1. Development of Written Policies and Procedures • The Institute will perform a comprehensive review of all applicable Student Financial Assistance compliance requirements and develop formal written policies and procedures documenting the processes and controls for each material compliance area. Procedures will include the individual responsible, required documentation, review requirements, and retention standards. 2. Documentation of Internal Controls • Management will establish standardized control documentation requirements for all compliance activities. Evidence of review and approval will be maintained through signatures, initials, electronic approvals, checklists, reconciliations, or other documented support sufficient to demonstrate that controls were performed and reviewed. 3. Compliance Monitoring Checklists • The Institute will implement compliance monitoring checklists covering all direct and material compliance requirements identified in the audit, including: o Cash Management o Reporting o Student Eligibility o Student Disbursements o Credit Balance Processing o NSLDS Reporting o Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Information Security Requirements • The checklists will be completed and reviewed periodically to provide evidence of compliance and supervisory oversight. 4. Training and Cross-Training • Financial Aid and Administrative personnel will receive training on federal student aid compliance requirements, documentation expectations, and internal control responsibilities. Cross training will be performed to mitigate risks associated with employee turnover and ensure continuity of operations. 5. Management Review and Oversight • Management will implement periodic supervisory reviews of compliance activities and supporting documentation to verify controls operating as designed. Results of compliance monitoring activities and any identified deficiencies will be reported to senior administration, and corrective actions will be tracked to completion. 6. Annual Compliance Review • The Institute will conduct an annual review of Student Financial Assistance policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure continued compliance with Department of Education regulations, Uniform Guidance requirements, and changes in federal program requirements. Identifying Number: 2025-002: Documentation of Internal Controls Over Compliance (Continued) Responsible Officials: • Executive Vice President – Ariane Sweeney • Director of Financial Aid – Dr Thelbert Snowden • Controller/Outsourced Accounting Partner – YPTC Associates Melissa McGuire & Samantha Glass • Compliance and Information Security Personnel, as applicable Anticipated completion date: The written policies and procedures, compliance monitoring tools, and documentation standards will be fully implemented by December 31, 2026. Ongoing monitoring, training, and annual reviews will continue thereafter.

Categories

Student Financial Aid Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions Cash Management Eligibility Material Weakness Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1227455 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1227456 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1227457 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1227458 2025-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1227459 2025-007
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $1.20M