Finding 485981 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
BCH
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-09-06
Audit: 318700
Organization: Northwest Compass (IL)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Reimbursement requests lack proper documentation, violating 2 CFR Section 200.305(b)(3).
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with cash management rules under Uniform Grant Guidance is at risk, potentially leading to cash flow problems.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure reimbursement requests are based on actual expenses and properly documented through the accounting system.

Finding Text

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 2023-002 (repeat finding of 2022-001) Continuum of Care Program, ALN #14.267 Condition and Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.305(b)(3) all reimbursement requests should be based on supporting documentation that shows the cost was incurred before the request for payment and that the payment to vendor was made. All the cash drawdown reports did not have adequate supporting documentation for the drawdown request. Cause: The reason for the lack of support in the drawdowns is due to using budgeted or estimated grant amounts as a basis for the request instead of actual expenses. Effect: The effect is that the Organization could have either requested funds before actual expenses and not be in compliance with the cash management requirements under Uniform Grant Guidance or the Organization could be shorting themselves funds during the grant period and causing cash flow issues. Context: In reviewing all the cash drawdown requests, we could not find the supporting documentation to support the expense was incurred before the drawdown request. We also could not determine that the cash payment was made to the vendor before the Organization requested it from the vendor. Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend that when a check is paid, the expense is allocated through the accounting system. At the time a grant voucher is prepared, only actual expenses should be requested. We recommend that each reimbursement request agrees to what is allocated through the accounting system by grant or program for actual expenses. This will help support the request and, if needed, a method to provide the actual invoice for the expense being requested. Management response: Supportive Strategies has set up cost centers in our accounting software so all grant vouchers/expenses are allocated to the proper grant.

Corrective Action Plan

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 2023-002 (repeat finding of 2022-001) Continuum of Care Program, ALN #14.267 Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend that when a check is paid, the expense is allocated through the accounting system. At the time a grant voucher is prepared, only actual expenses should be requested. We recommend that each reimbursement request agrees to what is allocated through the accounting system by grant or program for actual expenses. This will help support the request and, if needed, a method to provide the actual invoice for the expense being requested. Action Taken: Supportive Strategies has set up cost centers so all Grant vouchers/expenses are allocated to the proper Grant.

Categories

Cash Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1062423 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $246,173
97.024 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program $125,304
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $35,534
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $5,021
10.569 Emergency Food Assistance Program (food Commodities) $143