Finding 529423 (2024-003)

Material Weakness
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-23
Audit: 347428
Organization: Catholic Social Services, Inc. (AK)
Auditor: Moss Adams LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of written procedures and internal controls for requesting and reimbursing federal funds.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-federal entities must have approval processes in place before submitting reimbursement requests.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: CSS should implement proper procedures and controls to ensure accurate drawdown requests.

Finding Text

Criteria or specific requirement – Non-federal entities must establish written procedures and internal controls over the request for and reimbursement of federal funds. Condition – One individual prepares and processes the request for Federal funds. There is no approval of the reimbursement request prior to the amounts being submitted to the Federal or non-Federal agency for reimbursement. Context – Of the 11 drawdowns available, we randomly selected three drawdowns for testing. Our random sample was not, nor intended to be, statistically valid. For each drawdown selected, there was no documentation to support CSS had the proper controls in place to review and approve the drawdown before submitting the reimbursement request. Effect – Drawdown requests could be prepared incorrectly. Cause – CSS did not have the appropriate controls in place over the cash management process. Repeat finding – No. Recommendation – We recommend CSS establish written procedures and internal controls over the request for and reimbursement of federal funds. Views of Responsible Officials – Management agrees with the finding and recommendation.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Actions: 1. Segregation of Duties for Cash Management: o Align the RAIS policy to requiring that all reimbursement requests be reviewed and approved by a second staff member before submission as other programs. o Utilize electronic workflow approvals to track submission approvals. o Target completion date: By the end of Fiscal Year 2025. 2. Formalized Written Procedures for Federal Drawdowns: o Develop and distribute a written standard operating procedure (SOP) outlining the review and approval process. o Provide staff training on the SOP to ensure compliance. o Target completion date: SOP finalized within six months. 3. Quarterly Internal Audit of Reimbursement Requests: o The finance department will conduct a quarterly review of drawdowns to ensure compliance with federal guidelines. o Maintain documentation of all approvals and reconciliations in an audit-ready format. o Target completion date: First review within the next quarter. Responsible Staff: Senior Director of Grants in conjunction with Chief Financial Officer

Categories

Cash Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 529422 2024-002
    Material Weakness
  • 529424 2024-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1105864 2024-002
    Material Weakness
  • 1105865 2024-003
    Material Weakness
  • 1105866 2024-004
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.566 Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/replacement Designee Administered Programs $4.08M
64.033 Va Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program $1.16M
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $895,557
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $726,810
21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program $541,419
93.576 Refugee and Entrant Assistance Discretionary Grants $535,259
19.510 U.s. Refugee Admissions Program $367,850
21.019 Coronavirus Relief Fund $275,947
93.583 Refugee and Entrant Assistance Wilson/fish Program $239,231
10.443 Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers $209,424
10.935 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production $169,290
64.024 Va Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program $58,519
97.024 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program $27,524