Finding 58928 (2022-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-05-16
Audit: 56334
Organization: Child-Parent Centers, Inc. (AZ)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Timesheets were not approved by supervisors, violating internal control requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Internal controls must ensure timesheet approval before payroll processing.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Enforce timesheet approval policies and consider extending the time allowed for supervisor signoff.

Finding Text

As discussed at Finding 2022-001, internal controls should be in place to provide reasonable assurance that employee timesheets are appropriately approved by supervisors at the end of the pay period. We found two instances where time sheets were not approved by an appropriate supervisor. We recommend the Organization adhere to its policies and procedures for approving timesheets, reevaluate if more time should be provided for supervisor signoff, and require supervisor response as appropriate to emails to ensure compliance with the controls. Criteria: Internal controls should be in place to provide reasonable assurance that employee timesheets are appropriately approved by supervisors at the end of the pay period and prior to the time file transfer for payroll processing. Condition: In our sample of payroll transactions, timesheets were missing approval by an appropriate supervisor for one or more days in the pay period. Cause: The Organization has controls in place requiring appropriate supervisor approval; however, there appears to be inadequate time provided to supervisors to effectively and consistently approve timesheets at the end of the pay period. Effect: Without proper authorization of timesheets, information on the timesheets may not be complete and accurate, employees may be incorrectly compensated, and benefit accrual balances may be over or understated. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization adhere to its policies and procedures for approving timesheets and reevaluate if more time should be provided for supervisor signoff. Auditee response: Child-Parent Centers acknowledges and agrees with this finding. We are in communication with our staff regarding the importance of supervisor approvals, and leadership is making it a priority to improve existing controls and identifying any areas where new controls may be required.

Corrective Action Plan

2022-002 Timesheets Recommendation: We recommend the Organization adhere to its policies and procedures for approving timesheets and reevaluate if more time should be provided for supervisor signoff. Auditee response: Child-Parent Centers acknowledges and agrees with this finding. Immediately after the finding, we implemented the following review measures to ensure that this issue is resolved. The Time and Leave manager runs a "Timecard Approval" report, during the biweekly timesheet processing before payroll processing. This report indicates any missing approvals. Any identified employee and their supervisor are contacted to review and approve timesheets. In the event that a supervisor has failed to approve the timesheet, the Time and Leave Manager retains all documentation of contact and approves the timesheet. A timesheet correction form is also completed, if necessary, so as to not over/ under pay an employee. Announcements are posted in our HRIS to remind employees and supervisors of the need for approvals. During multi-department meetings, announcements are made to approve timesheets.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 635370 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.600 Head Start $37.06M
10.558 Child and Adult Care Food Program $954,320
93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant $69,240
21.019 Coronavirus Relief Fund $58,628
93.596 Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund $44,269