Finding 576054 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-09-09
Audit: 365948
Organization: Public Defender Association (WA)
Auditor: Clark Nuber Ps

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over financial reporting related to lease accounting under U.S. GAAP.
  • Impacted Requirements: Leases were incorrectly recorded, leading to necessary adjustments totaling $82,368 to properly reflect lease expenses, liabilities, and assets.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement stronger internal controls to ensure lease modifications and new leases are recorded correctly per ASC 842.

Finding Text

Finding 2024-002 Significant deficiency in internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). Criteria Internal controls over financial reporting should ensure that leases are identified, evaluated, and recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, and appropriate classification and disclosure under ASC 842. Condition/Context For the year ended December 31, 2024, the modifications of two leases were incorrectly recorded as if the modifications were present at inception of the leases rather than as of the date of the modification, and one new lease was not recorded as required by ASC 842. Effect/Potential Effect As a result, an adjustment of $41,184 was needed to lease expense, a $40,690 adjustment was needed for lease liabilities, and a $494 adjustment was needed for the right-of-use asset to properly state the financial statements in accordance with US. GAAP. Cause The lease modifications were recorded incorrectly due to a misunderstanding of how the lease accounting software distinguishes between lease edits and lease modifications. Amendments resulting in term extensions are considered triggering events and are recorded as modifications effective on the amendment date. Instead, the original lease terms were edited directly, which prompted the lease accounting software to produce improper calculations. Additionally, a new lease signed during the audit year was initially treated as a short-term lease and not capitalized under ASC 842 based on the expectation that it would be canceled partway through its term. However, no formal amendment was executed to document the early termination. As a result, a right-of-use asset and lease liability were not recorded as required by ASC 842. Repeat Finding No Recommendation We recommend that PDA implement necessary internal controls and review to ensure that lease modifications and new leases are properly recorded in accordance with ASC 842 when executed. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding and has provided the corrective action plan following the Single Audit Report.

Corrective Action Plan

Significant deficiency in internal controls over financial reporting of leases in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). Management Response: We acknowledge the finding and provide the following corrective action plan. Corrective Action Plan: Review lease terms at inception of lease(s) and ensure accounted for correctly in the leasing software and general ledger; review all leases again at year end to ensure any changes to said leases were recorded properly. Anticipated Completion Date: End of 2025 Name(s) of the Contact Person(s) Responsible for Corrective Action: Barbara Donohue, Director of Finance Lisa Daugaard, Tara Moss, and Fe LopezGaetke Co-Executive Directors

Categories

Reporting Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 576053 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 576055 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 576056 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 576057 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 576058 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1152495 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1152496 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1152497 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1152498 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1152499 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1152500 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.493 Congressional Directives $1.50M