Finding 599187 (2022-005)

Material Weakness
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-02-12
Audit: 22633
Organization: Safenet, Inc. (PA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Reimbursement requests for Crime Victim Assistance were made before expenses were incurred, violating federal cash management rules.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3) regarding the timing of costs and supporting documentation.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Strengthen internal controls to ensure reimbursement requests are based on actual incurred expenses and require independent reviews of requests against documentation.

Finding Text

FINDING 2022-005: CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE (16.575) ? CASH MANAGEMENT ? REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FINDING TYPE: Federal Awards ? Material Weakness/Noncompliance CRITERIA: 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3) states that a non-Federal entity must incur costs prior to the date of the reimbursement request when the reimbursement method is used. Supporting documentation must be maintained. CONDITION: The auditor noted, while testing a sample of reimbursement requests for Crime Victim Assistance for compliance and adherence to internal controls, that several reimbursement requests in excess of materiality were requested in advance of any expenses being incurred. The auditor noted, in particular, several large final drawdowns for a grant with a period ending on 9/30/21. The amounts requested were based off budgeted and estimated amounts. It was difficult for the auditor to determine that eligible costs were incurred before the close of the grant period. CAUSE: Turnover at the accounting position and override of controls lead to accidental and non-compliant reimbursement requests. EFFECT: Safenet, Inc. was not in compliance with cash management compliance requirements and internal controls were not functioning in a manner that would ensure proper reimbursement requests. Excess funds could have potentially been drawn and not expended. QUESTIONED COST: Undetermined RECOMMENDATION: Management should ensure internal controls are designed in a manner that ensures reimbursement requests are based off expenses that have been incurred prior to the date of the reimbursement request. Requests should be reviewed by someone other than the preparer and should agree to supporting documentation. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management agrees with the finding.

Categories

Cash Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 22745 2022-005
    Material Weakness
  • 22746 2022-006
    Material Weakness
  • 599188 2022-006
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
16.575 Crime Victim Assistance $406,274
93.550 Transitional Living for Homeless Youth $182,307
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $132,531
14.231 Covid-19 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $110,237
93.671 Family Violence Prevention and Services/domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive Services $60,368
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $52,260
93.667 Social Services Block Grant $41,339
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $27,360
93.671 Covid-19 Family Violence Prevention and Services/domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive Services $1,905