Finding Text
Control Environment and Lack of Segregation of Duties Year ended December 31, 2022 Condition and criteria: The Board of Directors did not meet during the year or provide adequate oversight and review of the Project?s operations and financial activity. An active Board of Directors that meets regularly and reviews operations and financial information is an important component of an Organization?s overall control environment. Also, we noted that during the year the Project underwent a leadership change and as a result one individual is now responsible for carrying out the duties of the Property Manager and the Managing Agent. A fundamental element of an effective internal control system is the proper segregation of duties. Proper segregation of duties provides for a system of checks and balances and entails assigning responsibilities of authorizing and recording transactions among different people in the Project. Cause: The Project is a small entity with limited number of personnel. In addition, the Board of Directors were unable to meet during the year. Effect: A lack of oversight from the governing board and lack of proper segregation of duties increases the exposure to potential risk of error or fraud. Auditor?s Recommendations: We recommend that the Board of Directors become more active in the oversight of the Project. The Board of Directors, should at a minimum, meet at least semi-annually and review monthly or quarterly financial statements of the Project. Also, the Project should consider splitting duties of the Property Manager and the Managing Agent between two individuals. This will mitigate the risk of error or fraud. Agency?s Response: During 2023, the Board of Directors will meet at least annually and designate an individual to perform the duties of the Property Manager separate from the Managing Agent.