Finding 194833 (2022-004)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-03-07
Audit: 178615
Organization: West County Community Services (CA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Reports submitted by the Organization contained inaccurate total expenditures due to a formula error, despite accurate monthly claims for reimbursement.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR 200.303 and FFATA reporting requirements was compromised due to ineffective internal controls over report preparation.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a robust reporting system that includes a secondary review and approval process to ensure accuracy before submission.

Finding Text

Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a non-federal entity must ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? Condition: All Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) grantees must submit monthly and quarterly reports. Monthly reports capture details specific to that month while quarterly reports contain several cumulative fields covering all activity from the date of the grant award through the quarter close. These reports provide financial and performance data regarding grantee administration of their ERA projects and capture program design in addition to program status data elements. Quarterly reports are intended to capture standard financial and performance data, as well as detailed information on qualifying direct and indirect expenditures pursuant to the government-wide Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting requirements and in accordance with Section 15011 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, as amended and interpreted in the U.S. Department of Treasury?s reporting and compliance guidance on Treasury.gov. The reports submitted by the Organization to the Sonoma County Community Development Commission inaccurately reported total expenditures to date due to a formula error. However, monthly expenditures reported and claimed for reimbursement were determined to be accurate. Cause: Internal controls over preparation of complete and accurate reporting were not properly implemented. Effect: The Organization reflected inaccurate information in the report submitted to the Sonoma County Community Development Commission. Questioned Cost: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization develop and implement a more robust system for the preparation and submission of reporting data. The process should include a secondary review and approval of the report and underlying data by someone other than the preparer. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan

Finding Number: 2022-004 Finding: Emergency Rental Assistance Program Reporting. All Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) grantees must submit monthly and quarterly reports. Monthly reports capture details specific to that month while quarterly reports contain several cumulative fields covering all activity from the date of the grant award through the quarter close. These reports provide financial and performance data regarding grantee administration of their ERA projects and capture program design in addition to program status data elements. Quarterly reports are intended to capture standard financial and performance data, as well as detailed information on qualifying direct and indirect expenditures pursuant to the government-wide Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting requirements and in accordance with Section 15011 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, as amended and interpreted in the U.S. Department of Treasury?s reporting and compliance guidance on Treasury.gov. The reports submitted by the Organization to the Sonoma County Community Development Commission inaccurately reported total expenditures to date due to a formula error. However, monthly expenditures reported and claimed for reimbursement were determined to be accurate. Planned Corrective Actions: The Finance Director will review and check for clerical errors on all claim forms prior to submission to the funder. A spreadsheet will be maintained which will track signoffs that indicate the review was performed. Anticipated Completion Date: Completed. Responsible Contact Person: David France, Director of Finance

Categories

Cash Management Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 194834 2022-005
    Material Weakness
  • 194835 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 194836 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 771275 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 771276 2022-005
    Material Weakness
  • 771277 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 771278 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program $7.68M
20.513 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities $135,507
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $96,255
93.044 Special Programs for the Aging_title Iii, Part B_grants for Supportive Services and Senior Centers $37,489
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $34,825