Finding 45824 (2022-002)

Material Weakness
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-06-15
Audit: 41506
Organization: Project Safeguard (CO)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization lacks adequate internal controls for preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP, relying too heavily on external auditors.
  • Impacted Requirements: Financial statements, disclosures, and supplementary information are not consistently presented in compliance with GAAP, leading to potential errors and misstatements.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement internal controls to ensure all material adjustments are made before audits and assess the cost-effectiveness of auditor assistance in financial statement preparation.

Finding Text

Criteria: The preparation of the financial statements and the related notes are the responsibility of management. Condition: Auditor is required to report on whether the Organization is able to prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires internal controls over both 1) recording, processing, and summarizing accounting data, and 2) the presentation of the organization?s financial statements, disclosures, supplementary information, schedule of federal and state financial assistance in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of the United States. Internal control system does not include a process for preparing the annual financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP. The Organization?s ability to prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP is based, in part, on its reliance on its external auditors, who cannot by definition be considered part of the Organization?s internal controls. Material adjustments were required to present the statements in accordance with GAAP. Cause: There are a limited number of office employees and resources available to allow for adequate preparation of the financial statements. Effect or Potential Effect: Potential for undetected errors, or material misstatements. Specifically adjustments related to investments, in-kind contributions and the recording of right to use assets in accordance with 842, were posted in order to present the statements in accordance with GAAP. Completeness of the financial statement disclosures and accuracy of the overall financial presentation are negatively impacted as outside auditors do not have the same comprehensive understanding of the Organization as its internal financial staff.Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Organization should implement controls to ensure material adjustments are posted prior to the audit. Additionally, the Organization should continue to review the cost/benefit of utilizing the auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial statements. Views of Responsible Official: The Organization will implement controls to ensure material adjustments are posted prior to the audit. Additionally, the Organization will utilize the auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial statements prior to the audit. Any adjustments necessary for 2022 have been corrected as of the time of the audit completion with guidance from the auditors.

Corrective Action Plan

Planned Corrective Action: The Organization will implement controls to ensure material adjustments are posted prior to the audit. Additionally, the Organization will utilize the auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial statements prior to the audit. Any adjustments necessary for 2022 have been corrected as of the time of the audit completion with guidance from the auditors. Name of Contact Person: BethAnne O?keefe, Finance Director Anticipated completion date: 12/31/2023

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 45821 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 45822 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 45823 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 45825 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 622263 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 622264 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 622265 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 622266 2022-002
    Material Weakness
  • 622267 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
16.575 Crime Victim Assistance $669,390
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $89,649
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $16,838
93.671 Family Violence Prevention and Services/domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive Services $2,174