Finding 516468 (2020-006)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2020
Accepted
2024-12-20

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: CUAHSI lacks proper documentation and approval for cash drawdowns, impacting financial accuracy.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR Part 200, which mandates effective internal controls and proper record-keeping for federal awards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a robust review process for reimbursement requests to ensure compliance and accurate reporting moving forward.

Finding Text

MW2020-006 CASH MANAGEMENT (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019- 003) Condition The cash management process requires that cash draws be reviewed and approved to ensure the propriety of draw reimbursement requests. Management was unable to provide the auditor evidence documenting approval of the drawdowns for the year ended December 31, 2019. Criteria 2 CFR Part 200 states that entities expending federal grants must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. To comply with 2 CFR Part 200, it is required to submit monthly invoices for the funds received under the federal contract. These invoices will serve as a record of the services or goods provided during the specified period and will facilitate accurate tracking and reporting of the funds. In addition to the invoice, any supporting documentation, such as timesheets, should be maintained with the invoices. The cash management process should also be adjusted for the receipt of program income. These documents validate the services provided and ensure transparency and auditability of the invoiced amount. These amounts should be able to be traced to the general ledger in conjunction with the time in which they are billed. Effect Grant awards and reimbursements may not be recorded correctly and there is a higher risk of error or misappropriation of assets.Cause CUAHSI had no fiscal management team during the year ended December 31, 2019, and that all the books and records for that year had to be recreated from bank statements by and outside bookkeeping company years after the fact. Recommendation The auditor recommends CUAHSI develop and implement controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place for review of reimbursement requests submitted to granting agencies to ensure consistent reporting. Current Year Status This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the audit procedures, the auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper records and support to reconcile the federal award reimbursements and document their review and approval process for the year ended December 31, 2020. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Statement of Concurrence or Nonconcurrence: CUAHSI agrees with the finding and recommendation. CUAHSI Corrective Action: Action by CUAHSI impacting audit year 2020: CUAHSI was unable to produce any documentation substantiating specific expenses behind numerous cash draws from NSF during audit year 2020. Corrective actions to processes and responsibilities impacting subsequent years: As of June 15th, 2023, all CUAHSI draws from NSF awards include supporting documents for expenses and a certified SF-270. The SF-270 and documents are stored in a secure and organized document management system. Per CUAHSI’s updated policies, each draw follows segregation of duties and an internal review, approval, and certification process. CUAHSI’s Operations and Program Assistant reviews documents quarterly to ensure all certified draw requests are filed along with associated backup and reports status to Management and relevant CUAHSI Officers (e.g., Treasurer) to ensure policy adherence. Name of Contact Person: 􀁸 Maureen S. Ako, Director of Finance 􀁸 Telephone: (339)221-5400 􀁸 Email: msabino@cuahsi.org Projected Completion Date: NA; is complete

Categories

Cash Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 516467 2020-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516469 2020-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516470 2020-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516471 2020-009
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092909 2020-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092910 2020-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092911 2020-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092912 2020-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092913 2020-009
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
47.050 Geosciences $2.31M
47.080 Office of Cyberinfrastructure $127,911
47.070 Computer and Information Science and Engineering $70,695
47.083 Integrative Activities $14,635
47.079 Office of International Science and Engineering $3,306
10.652 Forestry Research $2,401