Finding 389582 (2023-002)

Material Weakness
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-29
Audit: 300501
Organization: Pierce County (NE)
Auditor: Gbe CPA

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There is a lack of segregation of duties in the accounting function, allowing one person to manage all aspects of a transaction.
  • Impacted Requirements: This situation increases the risk of material misstatements in financial statements due to inadequate internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The County should evaluate the cost-benefit of hiring additional accounting personnel to ensure proper segregation of duties.

Finding Text

Finding 2023-2 Segregation of Duties Criteria: Good internal control over financial reporting requires entities have proper segregation of duties in the accounting function so that no one person can authorize a transaction, record the transaction in account, and be responsible for the custody of the asset resulting from the transaction. Condition: Though management demonstrates the capability of running a governmental organization, we noted a lack of segregation of duties as one person could handle all phases of a transaction from beginning to end. Effect: Without proper segregation of duties, there is an increased risk the financial statements may be materially misstated. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend the County weigh the cost benefit of hiring personnel with accounting function capabilities in order to properly segregate duties. Response: The County’s Board will consider the costs benefit of hiring additional personnel. Additionally, the Board takes an active interest in the finances of the County and provides additional oversight.

Corrective Action Plan

Response: The County’s Board will consider the costs benefit of hiring additional personnel. Additionally, the Board takes an active interest in the finances of the County and provides additional oversight.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 389581 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 966023 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 966024 2023-002
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $2.84M
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $461,239