Finding 573442 (2024-002)

Material Weakness
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-08-13
Audit: 364186
Organization: Corn Belt Power Cooperative (IA)
Auditor: Eide Bailly LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Cooperative failed to accurately report federal, state, and local shares in two quarterly reports, indicating a material weakness in internal controls.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR 200.303(a) is compromised due to ineffective internal controls over federal award management.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The Cooperative should enhance internal control procedures, ensure reported amounts match supporting documentation, and establish a formal approval process with retained evidence of reviews.

Finding Text

Department of Homeland Security, State of Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 97.039, 4483DRIAP00000005, 2024 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition: In two of two quarterly reports tested, we noted the Cooperative improperly reported the federal, state, and local shares incurred during the reporting period. Cause: The Cooperative’s independent review process over the quarterly performance reports did not identify the improperly excluded expenditures on the report. Effect: Lack of compliance with designed internal controls over reporting could result in the Cooperative reporting incorrect or incomplete information. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 2 out of 4 quarterly performance reports. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend the Cooperative review internal control procedures over reporting to ensure reported amounts agree to supporting documentation including a reconciliation to the general ledger. In addition, we suggest the Cooperative implement a formal approval process and retain documentation to support evidence of the review. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Federal Agency Name: Department of Homeland Security Pass-Through Entity: State of Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Assistance Listing Number: 97.039 Program Name: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Finding Summary: In two of two quarterly reports tested, the Cooperative improperly reported the federal, state, and local shares incurred during the reporting period. Corrective Action Plan: The Cooperative will coordinate with the Engineering Department via email to verify the type and extent of work completed, ensuring proper documentation is maintained. Reports generated from the work order accounting software will be printed and reviewed by the Accountant III responsible for preparing the quarterly report. The Vice President of Finance & Administration will also review the reports for accuracy. Both the Accountant III and the VP will sign off on the documentation. Upon approval, the quarterly report will be submitted to the appropriate authority. Responsible Individual(s): Faith Warden, VP, Finance & Administration, Sam Moore, Accountant III and Josie Ubben, Engineering and Operations Assistant. Anticipated Completion Date: July 2025

Categories

Material Weakness Reporting Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 573441 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 573443 2024-003
    Material Weakness
  • 1149883 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1149884 2024-002
    Material Weakness
  • 1149885 2024-003
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant $2.15M