Finding 547739 (2024-002)

- Repeat Finding
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-31

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: 6 out of 46 tested transactions lacked necessary supporting documentation for expenses.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates 2 CFR section 200.403(g), which mandates adequate documentation for costs.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure all disbursements have receipts or invoices detailing date, amount, and purpose; establish a policy for missing receipts.

Finding Text

Expense Documentation - Condition: During testing of federal expenditures, we noted 2 out of 40 expense transactions tested that lacked supporting documentation to validate the expense. Additionally, during testing of cash management compliance, we noted 4 out of 6 reimbursement requests tested included expenditures that lacked supporting documentation. Criteria: Per 2 CRF section 200.403(g), costs must be adequately documented. Cause of Condition: This issue was caused by inadequate policies and weakened internal controls. Effect: Failure to retain proper supporting documentation could result in noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.403(g) and/or questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend all disbursements be supported with a receipt or invoice detailing the date, amount, and business purpose of the expenditure. This procedure will help ensure all expenditures are properly recorded and documented. Furthermore, all receipts should specify the purchase and, if for a meal purchase, the specific attendees who benefited from the expense in order to be in compliance with IRS expense guidelines. NCHE should also establish a policy regarding missing receipts. Management Response: Management accepts the finding and recommendation.

Corrective Action Plan

NCHE implemented a new policy in January 2025 regarding missing receipts. In January 2024, a new policy was instituted requiring receipt of vendor invoice before payment approval by the Accountant and Executive Director. All copies of approvals, receipts, and invoices, are now attached to each expense transaction in QuickBooks Online. In January 2025, NCHE required email documentation for any missing receipts, sent to the accountant for inclusion in QBO.

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Cash Management Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.422 American History and Civics Education $406,784
42.010 Teaching with Primary Sources $77,855
45.164 Promotion of the Humanities Public Programs $30,724
45.163 Promotion of the Humanities Professional Development $19,681