Finding 528258 (2024-001)

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Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-16
Audit: 346292
Organization: Town of Arrowsic (ME)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There is inadequate segregation of duties among the General Fund accounting staff, increasing the risk of errors and fraud.
  • Impacted Requirements: Proper internal controls require distinct roles for asset custody, transaction authorization, and accounting record-keeping.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The Selectboard should enhance oversight and consider restructuring duties to improve segregation and reduce risk.

Finding Text

Item 2024 - 001: Segregation of Duties. Condition and Context: During our consideration of internal control, we noted that the assignment of responsibilities to the Town’s General Fund accounting staff did not provide for an optimum segregation of duties. Criteria: Proper segregation of duties between those responsible for the custody of assets, authorization of transactions, and recording of accounting transactions serves as a basic internal control to prevent error and fraud. Cause: During the year ended June 30, 2024, one person performed two or more of these functions in the normal course of performing their duties. Effect: Errors, omissions, and irregularities may be present and go undetected by management. Recommendation: We recommend the Selectboard remain involved in the financial affairs of the Town to provide oversight and independent review functions. A segregation of duties concern will exist as long as the size of the Town's financial staff and the assignment of duties remains the same. Management’s Response: The Selectboard has been made aware of the deficiency in segregation of duties and is willing to accept the risk associated with the current delegation of duties. The Treasurer reconciles the bank statements and prepares a financial report for review by the Selectboard at regular monthly meetings.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding: Segregation of Duties The assignment of responsibilities to the Town’s General Fund accounting staff did not provide for optimum segregation of duties between those responsible for the custody of assets, authorization of transactions, and recording of accounting transactions. Name of contact person responsible for corrective action: Eileen Bonine, Treasurer Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2025 Corrective Action Plan: The Selectboard has been made aware of the deficiency in segregation of duties and is willing to accept the risk associated with the current delegation of duties. The Treasurer reconciles the bank statements and prepares a financial report for review by the Selectboard at regular monthly meetings.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.029 Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund $998,112
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $42,973