Finding 393686 (2023-001)

Material Weakness
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-04-18
Audit: 303821
Organization: Essex North Supervisory Union (VT)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Union lacks consistent internal controls over program expenditures, risking unallowable costs.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR 200.303 is not being met, leading to potential improper federal reimbursements.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement robust internal control processes to ensure adherence to federal criteria and prevent future issues.

Finding Text

2023-001 – Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs Federal Program Information: Department of Education - ALN: - 84.425D/84.425U - Education Stabilization Fund Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act/ARP ESSER Criteria: The following CFR applies to this finding: 2 CFR 200.303 Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Union does not have consistently applied internal controls over program expenditures. Cause: The Union does not have the necessary internal controls over compliance. Effect: Insufficient controls could result in unallowable expenses being charged to the program and subsequently improperly reimbursed by federal funds. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: There were 41 cash disbursements and 59 payroll charges tested. It was found that 11 of the disbursements tested did not have purchase orders, 7 had purchase orders dated after the invoice and 1 did not have an invoice. Additionally, 5 employee contracts were not signed. This is not a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Union implements internal control processes and procedures to ensure that they are following the criteria above. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Client agrees with finding and the unabridged version of their response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan. Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Essex North Supervisory Union.

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 393682 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 393683 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 393684 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 393685 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 970124 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 970125 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 970126 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 970127 2023-001
    Material Weakness
  • 970128 2023-001
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $185,260
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $71,493
10.555 National School Lunch Program $53,434
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $29,126
93.959 Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse $24,782
10.553 School Breakfast Program $19,264
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $16,836
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $3,196
10.559 Summer Food Service Program for Children $2,844