Finding 390371 (2023-010)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-29
Audit: 301192
Organization: City of Amsterdam, New York (NY)
Auditor: Rbt CPAS LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The City lacks a procedure to review and approve payroll before processing, risking illegitimate checks.
  • Impacted Requirements: Federal regulations require strong internal controls to prevent misuse of funds.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a review and approval process for payroll entries prior to processing.

Finding Text

Finding 2023-010 Payroll Review 21.027 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed and Unallowed Type of Finding: Internal Control Deficiency Condition: The City does not have a procedure in place to review and approve payroll after it is entered but before the payroll is processed. Criteria: Federal expenditures require internal controls over processes to ensure federal funds are not misused. Cause: The City has a tight turnaround time for payroll which makes a pre-issuance review difficult. Effect: The City may process checks that are not legitimate. Perspective: RBT noted that out of 5 payroll reports tested, 5 were not reviewed and approved prior to being processed. Repeat Finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: RBT recommends that the City implement a procedure to review and approve payroll after it is entered but before the payroll is processed. Auditee's Response: See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The City is transitioning to a new financial software program that will soon resolve this issue. An electronic approval level is being programmed so that payroll cannot be processed until the department heads and the Controller review and approve pre-payroll reports. Louise Biron will be responsible for this finding and the anticipated completion date is June 30, 2024.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 390368 2023-007
    Material Weakness
  • 390369 2023-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 390370 2023-009
    Significant Deficiency
  • 966810 2023-007
    Material Weakness
  • 966811 2023-008
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 966812 2023-009
    Significant Deficiency
  • 966813 2023-010
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.228 Community Development Block Grants/state's Program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii $843,349
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $433,587
20.205 Highway Planning and Construction $269,603
97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant $91,765
16.607 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program $990