Finding Text
Finding 2022-002: Improper HEERF Student and Institutional Aid Reporting Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund - Student and Institutional Aid Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Not applicable Assistance Listing Number: 84.425E, 84.425F Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criterion: The U.S. Department of Education (the Department) has issued guidance for the Education Stabilization Funds (ESF) Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) for quarterly reporting for all Sections (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3) and (a)(4) that requires that institutions to prepare a report for each quarter for funds that are drawn down and disbursed/spent. The reports are to be posted on the institution?s website within 10 days of the calendar quarter end. Additionally, institutions are required to prepare an annual report and submit to the Department summarizing the uses of the HEERF funds for the calendar year. Condition and Context: The College reported an inaccurate amount of institutional expenses on the quarterly report for the quarter ending September 30, 2021. There was also no evidence maintained of timely reporting for the student or institutional reports for the quarters ending September 30, 2021, December 31, 2021, March 31, 2022, and June 30, 2022. Cause and Effect: The College did not have an adequate control to ensure that the institutional expenses were accurately reported on the quarterly report, and as a result, the quarterly report contained inaccurate information. The College also did not have sufficient documentary controls in place to maintain records of timely submission of the quarterly reports for the year. Recommendation: The College should implement a process and related control to ensure that HEERF reporting requirements are accurately met in a timely manner. Management Response: Management agrees with the finding. The Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration will ensure the implementation of procedures and controls in 2023 to ensure timely and accurate submission of HEERF student and institutional quarterly reports as well as evidence of their timely submission.