Finding 370656 (2023-001)

Criteria: Generally, a system of internal control includes the ability to understand and prepare the Cooperative’s financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Condition: Due to the limited size of the Cooperative’s business staff and related resources available, the Cooperative has utilized the auditor to post adjusting journal entries and prepare the financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Questioned Costs: None. Context: The Cooperative has informed us that the small size and qualifications of its business office staff precludes the Cooperative from posting adjusting journal entries and preparing its own financial statements. Effect: The Cooperative utilizes the auditor to prepare GAAP based financial statements. Cause: Limited number of staff and hours available preclude the Cooperative from preparing the GAAP based financial statements. Repeat Finding: This finding was reported in the prior year as finding 2022-002. Recommendation: We recommend that the Cooperative continue to review the auditor prepared adjusting journal entries and financial statements with the intention of understanding and acceptance of responsibility for reporting under generally accepted accounting principles. Current Status: Unresolved, the number of staff and qualifications of staff have not changed. The Cooperative is continuing to review the auditor prepared adjusting journal entries and financial statements. Action Taken: The Cooperative will continue to review the auditor prepared adjusting journal entries and financial statements with the intention of understanding and acceptance of responsibility for reporting under generally accepted accounting principles. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Cooperative agrees with this finding and will adhere to the corrective action plan.