Finding 569374 (2024-003)

-
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-06-30

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: One of 24 tested grant drawdowns was made before vendor invoices were paid, violating the 72-hour requirement.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with U.S. Treasury regulations (2 CFR section 200.305) and HUD documentation standards (24 CFR 905.326).
  • Recommended Follow-up: Strengthen internal controls for grant management to ensure timely coordination of fund draws and invoice payments.

Finding Text

Condition: Out of the 72 grant drawdowns during the year, 24 drawdowns were tested and it was noted that 1 of the drawdowns was made in advance of the supporting invoices being paid to the vendors and subsequently the invoices were not paid within the 72-hours, as required. Context: The auditor haphazardly selected 24 grant drawdowns from the population, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the drawdowns and supporting documentation to ensure proper procedures are being followed and that the Agency is in compliance with HUD requirements. Criteria: The U.S. Treasury per 2 CFR section 200.305 (2 CFR section 200.302(b)(6)) requires grant funds received by the Authority to be properly spent within 72 hours of receipt. HUD regulations require that proper documentation be maintained for all Capital Fund Program per 24 CFR 905.326. Cause: The Agency experienced staff turnover in the finance department as well as difficulty replacing personnel knowledgeable with HUD and grant reporting requirements. Effect: The Agency did not disburse the capital funds in a timely manner for one of the draws made during the year. Questioned Costs: $40,500 Auditor’s Recommendations: The Agency should continue to develop and implement internal controls over grant management to coordinate capital fund draws with the timing of invoice payments. View of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan

Action: Set Fridays as a standard recurring day to pay invoices. Date completed: May 2025 Responsible Person: Accounting Technician, Kary Smith Action: Set Monday as the day to make capital grant drawdowns. HUD deposits the draws via ACH on Wednesdays. The PHA releases the payment on Friday Date completed: May 2025 Responsible Person: Senior Accounting Technician, Stacy Verrinder Action: At the time of the request for capital grant transfers from the Moving to Work account to the operating account, include the Accounts Payable tech in the email distribution and include information about which invoice A/P must pay by Friday Date completed: May 2025 Responsible Person: Senior Accounting Technician, Stacy Verrinder

Categories

Questioned Costs HUD Housing Programs Cash Management Reporting Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.881 Moving to Work Demonstration Program $32.69M
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $2.35M
14.871 Ehv Emergency Housing Voucher $2.34M
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $2.04M
10.415 Rural Rental Housing Loans $1.99M
81.042 Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons $1.20M
93.568 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance $878,351
14.238 Shelter Plus Care $810,666
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $671,838
14.103 Interest Reduction Payments Rental and Cooperative Housing for Lower Income Families $383,589
14.182 Section 8 New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation $324,578
21.027 Emergency Rental Assistance Program $266,243
10.427 Rural Rental Assistance Payments $256,144
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $236,671
62.024 Va Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program $145,973
14.870 Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services - Service Coordinators $83,476