Finding 544388 (2024-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-31
Audit: 351044
Organization: Seward County (NE)
Auditor: Gbe CPA

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of proper segregation of duties in the accounting function allows one person to manage all phases of a transaction.
  • Impacted Requirements: This situation increases the risk of material misstatements in financial statements due to inadequate internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The County should evaluate the cost-benefit of hiring additional accounting personnel to ensure proper segregation of duties.

Finding Text

Criteria: Good internal control over financial reporting requires entities have proper segregation of duties in the accounting function so that no one person can authorize a transaction, record the transaction in account, and be responsible for the custody of the asset resulting from the transaction. Condition: Though management demonstrates the capability of running a governmental organization, we noted a lack of segregation of duties as one person could handle all phases of a transaction from beginning to end. Effect: Without proper segregation of duties, there is an increased risk the financial statements may be materially misstated. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend the County weigh the cost benefit of hiring personnel with accounting function capabilities in order to properly segregate duties. Response: The County’s Board will consider the costs benefit of hiring additional personnel. Additionally, the Board takes an active interest in the finances of the County and provides additional oversight. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 544387 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1120829 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1120830 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $1.24M
21.016 Equitable Sharing $1.10M
20.509 Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program $140,647
93.563 Child Support Services $88,264
93.053 Nutrition Services Incentive Program $76,920
97.042 Emergency Management Performance Grants $29,963
16.922 Equitable Sharing Program $14,215
93.045 Special Programs for the Aging, Title Iii, Part C, Nutrition Services $9,135