Finding 499291 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-09-29

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of documented management review and approval for a $530,096 cash disbursement.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR § 200.303 regarding internal controls over federal awards.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Implement a process to ensure all cash disbursements receive proper management review and approval before payment.

Finding Text

Criteria Per 2 CFR § 200.303, non-Federal entities are required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition Our internal control testing revealed one instance in which the voucher package for one cash disbursement in the amount of $530,096 did not include documented review and approval by management prior to issuance of payment to the vendor. Effect Without proper review and approval by management prior to issuance of payment to vendors, the Corporation cannot provide reasonable assurance that the federal award has been managed in compliance with all applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan: The Corporation will enhance internal control procedures to ensure that all cash disbursements are reviewed and approved by management before issuance. The procedure will involve: 1. Voucher Review Protocol: A checklist will be created to ensure that all disbursements are accompanied by documented approvals. This checklist will include verification of the approval by both management and legal counsel when necessary. 2. Management Approval: Disbursements, particularly those over $500,000, will require formal sign-off from the Chief Executive Officer and review by the Legal Department. 3. Training & Compliance: Staff will be trained on the updated process, and compliance will be regularly reviewed by the internal audit team. A report on adherence to these new procedures will be made available to the Board quarterly. 4. Verification of Prior Disbursement: Regarding the specific instance cited, management will review the process followed to verify that the review by Albanese and LDC counsel, as referenced in the email, was correctly documented. If this was indeed the case, a follow-up with the auditors will be initiated to clarify the discrepancy. Responsible Individual: Joseph Ninomiya - Chief Executive Officer Planned Date of Implementation: October 15, 2024

Categories

Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $868,091