Finding 1227622 (2025-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-08-24

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Several Federal grant drawdowns were processed without the necessary internal approvals, violating cash management policies.
  • Impacted Requirements: This situation breaches Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.305(b)), which mandates proper approval for cash drawdowns.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a checklist or automated workflow to ensure all drawdowns receive the required internal approvals before processing.

Finding Text

Finding 2025-003: Unallowable Costs / Cash Management (Material Weakness) Information on the Federal Programs: Assistance Listing Number 98.001 Criteria: According to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.305(b)), internal controls over cash management should ensure that all drawdowns are approved by designated personnel to prevent improper or premature use of Federal funds. Condition: During our review of Federal grant drawdowns, it was noted that several drawdowns were processed without obtaining the required internal approvals as outlined in Astraea's cash management policies and procedures. Cause: Astraea’s cash management procedures were not consistently followed, leading to missed approvals for certain drawdowns. Effect: Drawdowns without proper internal approval increase the risk of non-compliance with Federal cash management requirements and could result in unauthorized or inaccurate fund usage. Questioned Costs: None noted. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Finding 2024-004 Recommendation: Astraea should reinforce cash management controls by ensuring all Federal drawdowns obtain the appropriate internal approvals before processing. This can be achieved by implementing a checklist or automated workflow to verify compliance with approval requirements.

Corrective Action Plan

Views of Responsible Officials: Internal review and approval of the final (close out) funding request submission was provided verbally during an in-person management retreat; both the VPFinance and the Executive Director sat side-byside during review, approval and submission process. Management acknowledges the lack of written documentation and has implemented protocols to ensure all approvals are written approvals, including instances where initial approvals are verbal in nature. Management does not expect to see this finding upon completion of our FY2026 audit. Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2025

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Cash Management Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1227623 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
98.001 USAID FOREIGN ASSISTANCE FOR PROGRAMS OVERSEAS $2.70M
19.345 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND LABOR $413,922