Finding 585764 (2022-003)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2024-01-22

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of proper approvals for both non-payroll and payroll transactions, indicating a significant deficiency in internal controls.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with federal regulations requiring effective internal controls over federal awards, as outlined in Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200.303a.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Implement stricter adherence to approval processes and documentation to prevent unauthorized expenditures and potential repayment issues.

Finding Text

2022-003 – Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs over Non-payroll and Payroll Expenditures – Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Title: Headstart Cluster CFDA Number: 93.600 Federal Award Identification number: N/A Pass Through Entity: N/A Award Year: 2022 Condition: During our review of transactions, appropriate approval was not included in supporting documents. The following were noted: • In 40 of 40 nonpayroll transactions tested, there was no indication of review by the Fiscal Officer on the GL report now was there any indication of review and approval by the Headstart Director on the Check Register. • In 17 of 40 payroll transactions tested, the Fiscal Officer reviewed payroll hours and pay rates on the Payroll Review Form however this was dated on April 3rd or 4th of 2023 which is after the expenditure was paid out. • In 11 of 40 payroll transactions tested, there was no indication that the Fiscal Officer reviewed payroll hours and pay rates on the Payroll Review Form Criteria: Per Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200.303a, non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Questioned costs: None Effect: The Entity may unintentionally make a purchase with federal funds that does not qualify which could lead to questioned costs and/or repayment to the Grantor agency. Cause: The Entity is not following its policies and procedures to ensure the appropriate approvals are being conducted prior to expenditure and documented.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 9320 2022-001
    Material Weakness
  • 9321 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 9322 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 9323 2022-001
    Material Weakness
  • 9324 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 9325 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585762 2022-001
    Material Weakness
  • 585763 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585765 2022-001
    Material Weakness
  • 585766 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585767 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.600 Head Start $3.88M
10.558 Child and Adult Care Food Program $429,020
93.569 Community Service Block Grant $209,733
10.558 Covid-19: Child and Adult Care Food Program $37,866
93.569 Covid-19: Community Service Block Grant - Cares Act $29,512
93.600 Covid-19: Early Head Start/ Head Start $3,247