Finding 634884 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-01-25

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The District lacks adequate segregation of duties in bookkeeping, with few individuals handling multiple critical functions.
  • Impacted Requirements: Internal controls are insufficient, increasing the risk of undetected errors or irregularities in financial processes.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The District should strive for greater separation of duties where possible and continue regular reviews of financial activities by management and the Board.

Finding Text

Lack of Segregation of Duties Condition: The responsibility for the District?s bookkeeping and accounting functions is assumed by a limited number of individuals. The Business Manager enters and approves journal entries and reconciles all bank accounts. Criteria: Internal controls should be in place that provide adequate segregation of duties and reduce overlapping accounting functions, especially in cash receipts and disbursements. In addition, those functions should be segregated from those overseeing overall finances. Cause: The District has determined that hiring additional staff to perform separate accounting duties would be too costly and not an effective use of resources. Effect: Because of the lack of segregation of duties, errors or irregularities could occur and not be detected on a timely basis. Recommendation: The District should be aware of the need for separation of duties and provide for as much separation of duties as feasible in the circumstances. Response: Management of the District is aware that the current number of accounting staff does not allow for full segregation of duties. Segregation of duties is enhanced whenever possible and the Board of Education and management assumes an active roll through monthly review of receipts and disbursements and monthly financial reports. The Superintendent and Business Manager are in constant communication regarding the District?s finances. The Superintendent is not involved in processing day to day financial transactions.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 58442 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 58443 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 634885 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.555 National School Lunch Program $389,700
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $190,934
93.778 Medical Assistance Program $90,592
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $74,736
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $28,977
32.009 Emergency Connectivity Fund Program $28,919
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $11,821
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants $7,990
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States $3,289
10.649 Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs $614