Finding 561203 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-05-21

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to assess whether two entities, the Gladys Project and Rosario Projects, should be consolidated as Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) under U.S. GAAP.
  • Impacted Requirements: This noncompliance with ASC 810 led to financial statements that do not accurately reflect the Organization's financial position, resulting in a modified audit opinion.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish formal procedures for identifying and evaluating VIEs, and provide management with training and technical support on consolidation principles to ensure compliance.

Finding Text

Finding No. 2024-001 – NONCOMPLIANCE WITH US GAAP – VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIE) Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Pass-through the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority Federal Program Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery Assistance Listing Number 14.218 Category Internal Control Over Financial Statements Compliance Requirement None Criteria Per 2 CFR §200.302(b)(2), non-Federal entities must provide accurate, current, and complete disclosure of financial results in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Additionally, under U.S. GAAP, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810 – Consolidation requires that entities evaluate whether they hold a variable interest in another entity and, if so, determine whether that entity qualifies as a variable interest entity (VIE) and whether it should be consolidated. Failure to consolidate required VIEs results in a financial statement presentation that is not in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Condition During our audit, we noted that the Organization did not perform the required assessment under ASC 810 to determine whether two entities in which it holds variable interests, the Gladys Project and Rosario Projects, should be consolidated. As a result, the financial statements do not include the financial position and results of operations of these potentially required variable interest entities. Cause The Organization has not implemented adequate internal control procedures to ensure compliance with the accounting requirements for the identification and consolidation of VIEs as per ASC 810. Effect The failure to assess and potentially consolidate these VIEs represents a departure from U.S. GAAP and resulted in a modified (qualified) audit opinion. This may impair the users’ ability to fully understand the financial condition and results of operations of the Organization and may result in incomplete or inaccurate financial reporting to stakeholders, including federal agencies.Questioned Cost None Recommendation We recommend that the Organization establish formal procedures to identify and evaluate variable interest entities in accordance with ASC 810. Management should also obtain specialized training on consolidation principles and seek technical accounting support as needed to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and federal reporting requirements. Views of Responsible Officials The management of the Institution agrees with this finding. Responsible Person Ms. Ceciliana Cabrer President

Corrective Action Plan

Finding No. 2024-001 NONCOMPLIANCE WITH US GAAP – VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIE) We acknowledge the audit finding and appreciate the auditor’s diligence in identifying the issue. After evaluating the matter, we agree that the effect on the consolidated financial statements is immaterial and does not impact the fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Additionally, after assessing the costs and benefits of remediation, we have determined that the corrective action required to fully address this issue is not cost-effective at this time. The resources required would outweigh the potential benefits, particularly given the immaterial nature of the issue and the lack of impact on users of the financial statements. We, will continue to monitor this area as part of our internal controls framework and will reassess if conditions change or if the issue becomes material in future periods.

Categories

Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 561204 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1137645 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1137646 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.288 Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery $2.39M
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $575,565