Finding 501033 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-09-30
Audit: 323279
Organization: Seattle Jobs Initiative (WA)
Auditor: Clark Nuber P S

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There are significant weaknesses in internal controls over compliance with allowable costs for federal awards.
  • Impacted Requirements: Only allowable and allocable indirect costs should be charged to federal awards, but documentation for these costs was insufficient.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should establish clear internal controls for documenting and reviewing indirect cost allocations to ensure compliance.

Finding Text

Finding 2023-001 Significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance related to allowable costs. All Federal award programs Criteria A nonfederal entity may charge only allowable and allocable indirect costs to a federal award. Condition/Context for Evaluation During the audit for the year ending December 31, 2023, we experienced difficulties when obtaining documentation supporting the automated allocations of indirect costs directly allocated to the major program. In addition, we observed delayed reviews of the allocated indirect cost portion of grant billings. Questioned Costs Not determinable Cause The Organization’s lack of a consistent operation of internal controls was caused primarily by turnover of staff members during the period under audit. Effect or Potential Effect Unallowable indirect costs could be charged to the grant. Repeat Finding Not Applicable. Recommendation We recommend that management develop internal controls that require the documentation of the methods used and support for the directly allocated indirect costs. We also recommend a timely and thorough review of indirect costs and methods used to allocate those costs directly to Federal awards, Views of Responsible Officials of Auditee Management concurs with the finding and has provided the accompanying management corrective action.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan Seattle Jobs Initiative Report Period: YE 2023 Date: 09/30/2024 Auditor Findings: A significant deficiency was identified in internal controls related to the allocation of indirect costs for federal awards. Specifically, the timely documentation and review of indirect cost allocation methods were not adequately maintained. Corrective Action Plan: 1. Finding: o Description: A deficiency related to internal controls over the allocation of indirect costs for federal awards. The review process for the documentation of indirect costs was not timely, leading to potential discrepancies in allocation. 2. Cause: o Lack of timely documentation and review of indirect cost allocation methods. 3. Corrective Action: o Enhance Internal Control Procedures: Seattle Jobs Initiative will revise the internal control procedures surrounding the allocation of indirect costs. This will involve:  Establishing a structured timeline for regular and timely documentation of indirect cost allocations.  Implementing a quarterly review process by a designated financial manager to ensure compliance and accuracy in cost allocation.  Providing training to finance staff on the updated procedures and documentation requirements to ensure clarity and consistency in the process. o Documentation Improvements: All indirect cost allocation documentation will be maintained in a centralized system to ensure that all records are up to date, easily accessible, and subject to regular review. o Review and Approval: A secondary review process will be implemented, where the VP of Finance or another designated individual reviews and approves the allocation methodology before submission to external stakeholders or auditors. 4. Responsible Personnel: o VP of Finance: Karthik Mohan o Accounts Receivable Accountant: Oka Kencanawati 5. Implementation Timeline: o November 1, 2024: Initial training for finance staff on revised internal controls and allocation methods. o November 15, 2024: Completion of the first quarterly review of indirect cost allocations under the new control procedures. o December 1, 2024: Full implementation of the updated documentation and review system for ongoing compliance. 6. Monitoring and Reporting: o The Finance team will monitor the effectiveness of the corrective actions through quarterly internal audits, ensuring the controls are being followed and addressing any further issues promptly. The findings from these audits will be reported to the executive team for review. Conclusion: Seattle Jobs Initiative is committed to resolving this significant deficiency and enhancing our internal control processes to prevent future occurrences. We expect full resolution of the issue by the end of 2024, with no further noncompliance anticipated moving forward. ________________________________________ Submitted by: Karthik Mohan VP of Finance Seattle Jobs Initiative 09/30/2024

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 501034 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501035 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501036 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501037 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501038 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501039 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501040 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501041 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077475 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077476 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077477 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077478 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077479 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077480 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077481 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077482 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1077483 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.561 State Administrative Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program $93,051
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $91,627
17.259 Wioa Youth Activities $72,412
17.278 Wioa Dislocated Worker Formula Grants $52,839
17.258 Wioa Adult Program $42,539