Recommendation: Marshall Jones recommends that the Organization receive additional assistance in improving their financial reporting processes from individuals who are familiar with GAAP. Marshall Jones also recommends that management establish policies and procedures to ensure that management level reviews of monthly and annual financial information are performed on a timely basis.
Views of Responsible Officials: Management of BGCCG acknowledges the finding and concurs with the recommendation.
Response of Responsible Officials: To continuously improve BGCCG’s Accounting and Financial Reporting, workflow, and internal controls, BGCCG has begun the process to transition the back-office accounting providers from part-time status to full-time status to sufficiently accommodate the needs of the Organization. BGCCG will employ a full-time Chief Finance & Administrative Officer (CFAO), preferably with CPA/CGMA certification, and strong analytical and financial modeling and forecasting skills as well as deep knowledge of GAAP for nonprofits. This pivotal role will provide strategic direction to ensure the financial health of the Organization while driving innovative financial solutions. The CFAO will oversee all financial and accounting operations of the Organization, including the creation and execution of sound financial policies, procedures and internal controls, budgeting, accounting, cash and debt management, audits, investments, tax compliance, and weekly Accounting and Finance reporting to the CEO and Board Finance Chair. The CFAO will report directly to the CEO. This position will be employed on or before December 31, 2024.
BGCCG will also employ a full-time Finance Manager (FM) with commensurate experience that demonstrates exemplary strategic and financial acumen. The FM will be responsible for intermediate-level finance and accounting functions such as general ledger/account maintenance, timely account reconciliation, accounts payable, accounts receivables, data processing, payroll processing, and reporting to the CFAO. The FM will report directly to the CFAO. This position will be employed on or before December 31, 2024.
Upon the hiring and on-boarding of the CFAO and FM, BGCCG will immediately begin the process of updating its Financial Management & Accounting Control Policies & Procedures to further strengthen BGCCG’s internal controls.
Corrective Action Plan: Upon the hiring and on-boarding of the new full-time CFAO and FM, management of BGCCG will ensure the back-office finance and accounting providers seek and attend professional development trainings as often as possible, in addition to receiving additional assistance from the Board Finance Chair and Treasurer, and CEO to continue improving the financial reporting processes as recommended. Management of the Organization will begin to work closely with the CFAO and FM to conduct weekly, monthly, and semi-annual financial reviews to ensure operational compliance, accuracy, and timely reporting of financial matters.
Acknowledged,
Phillip Bryant
President & CEO