Finding 480941 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-08-12

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of documented independent review for 1 out of 40 disbursements and all 7 journal entries tested.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with internal control policies under the Uniform Guidance for allowable costs.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure adherence to internal control policies by documenting independent reviews for all disbursements and journal entries.

Finding Text

Independent Review and Approval of Disbursements and Manual Journal Entries (Allowable Costs/Costs Principles). Finding Type. Immaterial Noncompliance/Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance (Allowable Costs/Cost Principles). Federal Program. Homeless Providers Grant; U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs; ALN 64.024; Award Number GINM268-1413-655-PD-21. Criteria. The Uniform Guidance requires the Organization to establish internal controls over disbursements and journal entries related to the compliance requirements applicable to allowable costs/cost provisions. The Organization's policies require an independent review of expenditures and journal entries. Condition. Evidence of an independent review was not documented for 1 of 40 disbursements and all 7 journal entries selected for testing. Cause. This condition appears to be the result of the Organization not adhering to established internal control policies and procedures. Effect. As a result of this condition, the Organization is exposed to increased risk that program funds could be used for unallowable purposes. Questioned Costs. No costs were questioned as a result of this finding. Recommendation. We recommend the Organization follow its internal control policies and procedures that require independent review of all disbursement transactions and journal entries. View of Responsible Officials. Management Concurs

Corrective Action Plan

Auditor Description of Criteria, Condition and Effect. The Uniform Guidance requires the Organization to establish internal controls over disbursements and journal entries related to the compliance requirements applicable to allowable costs/cost provisions. The Organization's policies require an independent review of expenditures and journal entries. Evidence of an independent review was not documented for 1 out of 40 disbursements and all 7 journal entries selected for testing. As a result of this condition, the Organization is exposed to increased risk that program funds could be used for unallowable purposes. Auditor Recommendation. We recommend the Organization follow its internal control policies and procedures that require independent review of all disbursement transactions and journal entries. Corrective Action. As of January 1, 2024, Goodwill of Northern Michigan switched accounting software to NetSuite, in which a reviewer is required to review and approve before any journal entry can be posted. A user cannot pass their own journal entry, a reviewer is required to post to the general ledger. Grant related expenses are approved prior to being assembled in the grant packages. All expenses are approved in SAP Concur by the department manager. Some of these expenses are pre-approved before the expense occurs. Additionally, the grant manager reviews the grant packages to be submitted and the corresponding amount to be invoiced. Approval of the grant package is communicated via email. This email will be included in the grant folder. Responsible Person. Annie Kerr, Controller. Anticipated Completion Date. January 1, 2024.

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1057383 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
64.024 Va Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program $385,478
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $54,208
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $28,830
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $18,692
97.024 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program $17,472
10.182 Local Food Purchase Assistance $13,458
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $8,209
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $7,878