Finding 372170 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-04
Audit: 293462
Organization: City of Walnut (CA)
Auditor: Eide Bailly LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The City failed to review its annual Project and Expenditure Report before submission, indicating a significant deficiency in internal controls.
  • Impacted Requirements: The City must comply with the reporting requirements set by the U.S. Department of Treasury for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement formal policies and procedures to ensure proper preparation, review, and approval of reports, enhancing internal controls for accurate and timely submissions.

Finding Text

Program: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Financial Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Award Year: 2021 Grant Award Number: N/A Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria: In accordance with the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance and Reporting Guidance, the City is required to submit an annual Project and Expenditure Report annually. The City is required to appropriately maintain accounting records for compiling and reporting accurate, compliance financial data, in accordance with appropriate accounting standards and principles. Condition: The City’s reporting requirements include submitting an annual Project and Expenditure Report. We noted no evidence of review prior to the submission of the report to the U.S. Treasury’s reporting portal. Cause: Management did not have established policies and procedures in place for the preparation and review of the Project and Expenditure. Questioned Costs: None Effect: The City’s internal control environment is not operating effectively. Context/Sampling: We noted that due to the City’s specific reporting requirements, only one (1) annual report is required to be submitted to the U.S. Treasury. As such, the entire population was tested. Repeat Finding from the Prior Year(s): No. Recommendation: We recommend the City implement formal policies and procedures for the reporting of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Internal controls should be established to create appropriate segregation of duties over the preparation and approval of reports to ensure the timely and accurate submission of all mandatory program reporting. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions: See separate corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-001 Program: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Financial Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Award Year: 2021 Grant Award Number: N/A Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Views of Responsible Officials: The City will revise its policies and procedures to incorporate an appropriate level of review prior to report submission. The Finance Manager will review all program reporting for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and the Director of finance will approve and submit all program reporting. Name of Responsible Person: Karen Ogawa, Director of Finance Implementation Date: February 21, 2024

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 372171 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 948612 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 948613 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Covid-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $1.32M
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $22,789