Finding 499487 (2023-003)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-09-30

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Management failed to maintain necessary documentation for certain payroll expenses related to federal awards.
  • Impacted Requirements: Internal controls over federal awards must ensure compliance with federal regulations and proper documentation of expenses.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should review and update procedures to ensure all expense transactions are supported by appropriate documentation.

Finding Text

Criteria or Specific Requirement – Management is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition – Evidence of certain payroll expenses transactions under the United States Department of Homeland Security program was not maintained by management. Context – For 4 out of 40 tested transactions, evidence of timecards and approved payrate documentation was not able to be provided. During the review of the payroll costs, we were unable to identify all the time and effort coded to the federal award. Documentation of payroll registers and evidence of payment was properly maintained. Cause – There was a payroll software conversion subsequent to the incurrence of such expenses and the District no longer has access to the prior payroll software. Effect or Potential Effect – The District’s was unable to provide supporting documentation for the payroll expense transactions. Recommendation – We recommend that management review procedures and change as necessary to ensure evidence is maintained to support expense transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – Management understands and agrees with this finding. Management noted this was due to the payroll software conversion and the timing of the federal award. Policies are being reviewed and new procedures put in place as needed to ensure documentation of proper compliance.

Corrective Action Plan

Condition - Evidence of certain payroll expenses transactions under the United States Department of Homeland Security program was not maintained by management. Recommendation -We recommend that management review procedures and change as necessary to ensure evidence is maintained to support the payroll expense transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - Management understands and agrees with this finding. Management noted this was due to the payroll software conversion and the timing of the federal award. Policies are being reviewed and new procedures put in place as needed to ensure documentation of proper compliance. Anticipated Date of Completion - In progress. Action Taken -We have reviewed the recommendations and will be discussing potential improvements in the near future. Person Responsible for Corrective Action Plan - Colette Martin, Chief Financial Officer.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 499485 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 499486 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1075927 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1075928 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1075929 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $837,578
93.155 Rural Health Research Centers $224,675