Finding 529912 (2024-002)

Material Weakness
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-25
Audit: 347986
Auditor: Mike Estes PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There is inadequate oversight in tenant file checks, leading to potential compliance risks.
  • Impacted Requirements: Key processes like lease recertifications and annual inspections are not being properly documented or completed on time.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement timely quality control checks and ensure all inspections and verifications are documented for third-party review.

Finding Text

Low Rent Program-CDFA#14.850 Finding 2024-002-Internal Control Over Compliance Needs Improvement-Eligibility Criteria and Condition It appears that there was not a representative check of tenant file and waiting list functions by a qualified second party. Auditing Statement of Auditing Standards (SAS) #115 dictates that either “absent or inadequate segregation of duties within a significant account or process” are defined by the Standard as at least a significant deficiency, if not a material weakness. The lack of a documented check noted in the first sentence is considered an inadequate segregation of duties. Context We reviewed twenty-five Low Rent files. For two re-examinations we were unable to review an annual inspection checklist. For one re-examination, we were unable to review an EIV. For three re-examinations, the lease and annual re-certifications were past-due. Effect Lease recertification procedures were deficient in these instances. Cause Apparent oversight. Recommendation Quality control checks of the waiting list and all tenant file procedures should be timely made and documented. Annual inspections should be done, documented, and available for third party review. Enterprise Income Verification [EIV] should be done, documented and available for third party review. Leases should be redone at least annually. View of Responsible Official We will comply with the auditor’s recommendation.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2024-002-Internal Control Over Compliance Needs Improvement-Eligibility Condition It appears that there was not a representative check of tenant file and waiting list functions by a qualified second party. Auditing Statement of Auditing Standards (SAS) #115 dictates that either “absent or inadequate segregation of duties within a significant account or process” are defined by the Standard as at least a significant deficiency, if not a material weakness. The lack of a documented check noted in the first sentence is considered an inadequate segregation of duties. Corrective Action Planned: We will comply with the auditor’s recommendation. Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Rita Love, Executive Director Telephone: (580) 353-7392 Housing Authority of Lawton Fax: (580) 353-6111 609 SW F Avenue Lawton, OK 73501 Anticipated Completion Date- June 30, 2025

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Eligibility Material Weakness Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 529911 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 529913 2024-003
    Material Weakness
  • 1106353 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1106354 2024-002
    Material Weakness
  • 1106355 2024-003
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $1.43M
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $1.08M
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $841,673
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $178,783
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $11,075