Finding 42208 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-02-15
Audit: 39746
Auditor: Aprio LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There are significant deficiencies in internal controls over payroll, specifically inconsistent supervisor reviews of timesheets.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR 200.430(i) is at risk, as payroll charges lack adequate internal controls for accuracy and allocation.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a formal written policy requiring documented supervisor approval of timesheets to enhance internal controls and compliance.

Finding Text

Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Federal Program: Immunization Research, Demonstration, Public Information and Education Training and Clinical Skills Improvement Projects Assistance Listing: 93.185 Grant Identification Numbers: NH231P922569 and NH231P922569C5 ? COVID-19 Grant Period: 2022 Finding 2022-001: Significant Deficiency - Internal Controls Over Payroll Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.430(i), payroll charges must ?be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated?. Condition: There were deficiencies found when testing internal controls over payroll, impacting internal controls over financial reporting and internal controls over compliance. Documentation of review of timesheets by an appropriate level of supervisor was not consistent. Context: Statistical sampling was not utilized, however, sampling methods were applied using AICPA guidelines. Finding 2021-002 noted that AIM employees do maintain timesheets; however, documentation of a review of the time allocation by a supervisor was not consistent. We noted this issue continued at the beginning of the 2022 fiscal year. After policy changes as a result of addressing finding 2021-002, approval by a supervisor was documented consistently. Cause: A formal policy was not in place for the full year that would require approval of timesheets by a supervisor knowledgeable about the activity of the personnel. Effect: Internal controls were not in line with best practices and the lack of approval could result in an inaccurate charge to grants. Questioned costs: There were no questioned costs related to this finding. Repeat finding: This is a repeat finding of 2021-002. Auditor?s recommendation: We recommended that AIM adopt a policy in writing that would require all timesheets be approved by an appropriate level of supervisor. This approval must be documented and retained on file as part of the Organization?s records to support grant activity. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan (unaudited): See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding Number 2022-001 Planned Corrective Action - Significant Deficiency ? Internal Controls Over Payroll (Documentation of review of timesheets by an appropriate level of supervisor was not consistent) This finding was originally communicated to AIM after last year?s audit. AIM has included a policy in both its Financial Policies and Procedures and its Employee Manual that requires that timesheets be submitted to and approved by the employee?s supervisor. Compliance has been consistent since mid-October 2021. Anticipated Completion Date - October 15, 2021, Responsible Contact Person - Virginia Moss, CPA, Chief Financial Officer

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Reporting Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 42209 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 42210 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 42211 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 618650 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 618651 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 618652 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 618653 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.185 Covid-19 Immunization Research, Demonstration, Public Information and Education_training and Clinical Skills Improvement Projects $1.84M
93.185 Immunization Research, Demonstration, Public Information and Education_training and Clinical Skills Improvement Projects $730,596
93.462 Strengthening the Technical Advancement & Readiness of Public Health Via Health Information Exchange Program $244,058