Finding Text
Finding 2024-003 Insufficient Documentation of Other Direct Expenses
Type of Finding:
Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance
Condition:
During testing of direct costs charged to the federal program, the Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation to fully support all expenditures claimed. In one instance, a receipt supporting a claimed expense was missing. In three additional cases, although the expenditures were generally supported, the documentation did not clearly reflect how the amounts allocated to the major federal program were determined. While these issues were isolated and the known and likely questioned costs were immaterial, the lack of complete documentation represents noncompliance with federal requirements for allowable costs.
Criteria:
According to Uniform Guidance 2 CFR §200.302(b)(3), the Organization's financial management system must maintain records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. All records must be supported by source documentation. Additionally, 2 CFR §200.403(g) requires that all costs charged to federal awards must be adequately documented.
Cause:
These exceptions appear to result from informal documentation practices and a lack of consistent application of procedures. Management is heavily involved in the Organization’s financial processes, including allocation of costs, which can limit opportunities for independent oversight or review. The absence of a standardized and consistently enforced process for documenting cost allocations contributes to inconsistent recordkeeping.
Possible of Known Effect:
Although the overall financial impact of these exceptions was not material, the missing documentation prevents the Organization from fully demonstrating compliance with 2 CFR 200.403 and 200.302. Overreliance on a single individual for documentation and procedural execution without accompanying review or monitoring controls can increase the risk of errors, omissions, or audit findings, even when expenditures are reasonable and allowable.
Questioned Costs:
Known questioned costs of $2,742 were identified.
Repeat Finding:
This is not a repeat finding.
Recommendation:
We recommend that the Organization implement a standardized procedure for documenting all direct and indirect cost allocations charged to federal programs, ensuring that each claim includes full supporting documentation such as receipts and annotated allocation details with consistent allocation methods. To strengthen internal controls, the Organization should consider establishing a review process for claims preparation that includes someone other than the individual preparing or allocating the expenditures. This will enhance accountability and help ensure compliance with federal documentation requirements.
Views of Responsible Officials:
The Organization will develop written guidelines specifying the required supporting documentation for each type of direct expense. Set up vendors in QuickBooks. We will hire and train Finance Manager to manage and track revenue and expenses, QuickBooks, grant reporting etc. All receipts and expenses will be scanned in and kept electronically. The Organization will provide training on documentation requirements, proper record submission, and compliance expectations.