Finding 59178 (2022-002)

Finding 2022-002 - Significant Deficiency over Internal Controls over Cash Disbursements for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing #21.027 Criteria: National Museum of African American Music ("NMAAM") is responsible for establishing controls and procedures to ensure internal controls are adequate and being properly implemented. Condition: Established controls related to cash disbursements include a requirement that vendor invoices be reviewed and approved by department heads prior to payment by the accounting department. Such was not followed for the entire year, with certain vendor payments being made without review and approval by department heads. Cause: NMAAM experienced a change in its accounting system and complete turnover in its accounting staff. Effect: The lack of segregation of duties between vendor payment approval and check processing and issuance allows for the possibility of intentional or unintentional unauthorized disbursements. Recommendation: NMAAM management should require the established controls be followed in all circumstances. Management?s Response: We agree with the finding and have implemented procedures to ensure established controls are being followed.