Finding 384250 (2023-001)

Material Weakness
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-25
Audit: 297400
Organization: Manhattan School of Music (NY)
Auditor: Crowe LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Inadequate controls over the journal entry process led to inaccurate financial reporting.
  • Impacted Requirements: Several accounts required adjustments, including cash and accounts receivable, totaling $2,491,439.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Strengthen controls around financial reporting to prevent future discrepancies.

Finding Text

Condition: During the audit of several key transaction cycles, it was noted that management did not have adequate controls in place over financial reporting, specifically the journal entry process, to allow for timely and accurate financial reporting, resulting in an audit adjustment being posted by management. Context: As a result of audit procedures performed, several accounts had to be adjusted to recognize the appropriate balances at year-end. These accounts included cash with negative balances, accounts receivable with negative balances, accounts payable with positive balances. Also, the accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts balance was greater than the gross accounts receivable and the unearned revenue account had a positive balance. Total adjustment aggregated to $2,491,439.

Corrective Action Plan

Over the course of the past few fiscal years, the Finance Department experienced unprecedented turnover in critical positions including multiple CFOs and Controllers. That employee turnover even with accounting contractors challenged the School to maintain effective controls throughout its accounting and financial reporting functions. The accounting and financial reporting results were ultimately achieved; however, the manner to arrive at the outcome lacked sufficient control aspects. Absent a Bursar which will soon be searched, the Finance Department is now fully staffed with experienced professionals with an Interim SVP and CFO since October 2023; Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller since September 2023; Assistant Controller since November 2023, and a Senior Accountant since January 2024. The roles and responsibilities have been or will be designated and in such a way that the concept of preparer, detail reviewer, and final reviewer will be embedded within the culture of the Finance Department

Categories

Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 384247 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 384248 2023-004
    Material Weakness
  • 384249 2023-005
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 384251 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 960689 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 960690 2023-004
    Material Weakness
  • 960691 2023-005
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 960692 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 960693 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $9.16M
84.138 Federal Perkins Loan Program $488,846
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $330,097
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $97,909
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $75,195