Finding 32854 (2022-004)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-03-08
Audit: 33281
Organization: Felician University (NJ)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over cash management and reporting, as one individual handles both report creation and submission without independent review.
  • Impacted Requirements: Proper segregation of duties is not followed, increasing the risk of errors or fraud due to lack of oversight.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement formal review processes and reassess duty assignments to ensure adequate checks are in place before report submissions.

Finding Text

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Education Stabilization Fund ? Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund ? Institutional Portion, Student Portion, and Minority Serving Institutions Assistance Listing Number: 84.425F, 84.425E, 84.425L Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Award Period: July 01, 2021 - June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: An essential part of internal control is that procedures are properly segregated, and the results of their performance be adequately reviewed. This is normally accomplished by assigning duties to that 1) no one person handles a transaction from beginning to end, and 2) incompatible duties between functions are not handled by the same person. In addition, a review of these completed duties should be performed by an individual independent of those functions. Condition: While testing controls over cash management and reporting, we noted there is no process of review of the funds being drawn for cash management and the reports being submitted for reporting requirements. One individual performs the process of creating and submitting reports and reimbursement. Questioned costs: None. Context: While testing controls over cash management and reporting, we noted there is no formal process of review of the funds being drawn for cash management and the reports being submitted for reporting requirements. One individual performs the process of creating and submitting reports and reimbursement. It was noted a transposition error on the one Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund - Student Portion reporting which could have been caught and fixed if review processes were in place. Cause: The University does not have formal procedures in place for reviewing reports prior to submission. Effect: When separation of duties is inadequate, there is a resulting danger that intentional fraud or unintentional errors could occur and not be detected. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the University review the current assignment of duties for individuals and incorporate review processes for individuals where appropriate. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan.

Categories

Cash Management Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Reporting Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 32849 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 32850 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 32851 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 32852 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 32853 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 609291 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 609292 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 609293 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 609294 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 609295 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 609296 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $13.11M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $5.35M
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $391,617
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $190,011
47.076 Education and Human Resources $125,745
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $90,772
45.129 Promotion of the Humanities_federal/state Partnership $84,742
84.031 Higher Education_institutional Aid $63,259
16.017 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program $20,771