Finding 386910 (2023-003)

Material Weakness
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-28

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Payroll costs were charged to the grant before the effective date, violating grant terms.
  • Impacted Requirements: Only costs incurred during the grant period are eligible for reimbursement.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure future payroll requests are based on the incurred date, not the paid date, to avoid disallowed costs.

Finding Text

Condition: Payroll incurred prior to the effective date of the grant was charged to the program and requested for reimbursement. Criteria: Per the terms of the grant agreement, AACA is authorized to commence services and incur costs as of the beginning effective date of the grant. Cause: Payroll was requested for reimbursement based on the date it was paid, rather than the period it was incurred. Effect: The grant was billed for a non-allowable activity and a non- allowable cost, which may be disallowed. Context: A sample of 20 payroll expenditures charged to the grant totaling $166,000 were selected from a population totaling $175,472. The test found 1 expenditure that was not in compliance resulting in questioned costs of $8,300. Our sample was a statistically valid sample. Recommendation: Closer attention should be paid to the incurred date versus the paid date to ensure only activities and costs incurred in the grant period are charged to the program and requested for reimbursement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: AACA agrees with the finding and the recommendation will be implemented.

Corrective Action Plan

Action Taken: To address and correct the issue identified in finding 2023-003 regarding payroll incurred prior to the effective date of the grant, AACA will undertake the following corrective actions: Enhance Training and Awareness: Management will reinforce the importance of adhering to grant conditions and the necessity of charging costs to the correct grant periods. AACA will emphasize the distinction between the date costs are incurred and the date they are paid, ensuring expenses are allocated accurately in accordance with the grant's effective period. Documentation and Record Keeping: AACA will maintain supporting documentation for all expenses, including dates incurred and the purpose of the expense, to facilitate easy review and verification against grant terms. Communication with Grantors: In cases of ambiguity or uncertainty regarding allowable expenses, AACA will seek clarification from grantors to ensure compliance and prevent future discrepancies. Implementation Plan: AACA will develop a detailed implementation plan for these corrective actions, including specific tasks, responsible individuals, and timelines.

Categories

Questioned Costs Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Cash Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 386911 2023-004
    Material Weakness
  • 386912 2023-005
    Material Weakness
  • 386913 2023-006
    Material Weakness
  • 963352 2023-003
    Material Weakness
  • 963353 2023-004
    Material Weakness
  • 963354 2023-005
    Material Weakness
  • 963355 2023-006
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $312,314
11.307 Covid-19 - Economic Adjustment Assistance $195,154
17.259 Wia Youth Activities $164,521
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $121,450
21.008 Low Income Taxpayer Clinics $105,537
96.569 Community Services Block Grant $51,038
84.002 Adult Education - Basic Grants to States $46,021
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $28,560