Finding 6902 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2023-12-29

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority overdrawn funds without proper vendor payments and lacked necessary documentation for 10 out of 11 sampled drawdowns.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with U.S. Treasury and HUD regulations regarding timely fund usage and documentation maintenance.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Enhance internal controls over grant reporting and provide targeted training for finance staff to address knowledge gaps.

Finding Text

Cash Management Public Housing Capital Fund - AL No. 14.872 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Other Matter to Reported Under the Uniform Control Condition: It was noted that funds were overdrawn during the year and never paid out to a vendor. Out of the 26 grant drawdowns during the year, 11 samples were tested and the following was noted:  6 drawdowns were missing invoice documentation.  4 drawdowns were missing payment documentation. Context: The auditor haphazardly selected 11 grant drawdowns from the population, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the drawdowns and supporting documentation to ensure proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements. Criteria: The U.S. Treasury per 2 CFR section 200.305 (2 CFR section 200.302(b)(6)) requires grant funds received by the Authority to be properly spent within 72 hours of receipt. HUD regulations require that proper documentation be maintained for all Capital Fund Program per 24 CFR 905.326. Cause: The Authority experienced staff turnover in the finance department as well as difficulty replacing personnel knowledgeable with HUD and grant reporting requirements. Effect: The Authority is unable to provide supporting documentation for the capital funds that were drawn during the year. Questioned Costs: $155,318 Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over grant reporting and provide training opportunities to staff. View of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

This finding is a result of a) staff changes that occurred throughout the year without an adequate training and transition strategy, b) a lack of sufficiently detailed written procedures, and c) a lack of resources to adequately review staff work and provide feedback. Status/timeline: This is amongst the first areas that will be addressed by our fee accountant. Enhanced policies and procedures to be written within 30 days of fee accountant start date. The Directof Finance and Accounting along with the fee accountant will help ensure procedures are being followed with proper supporting documentation provided for each draw.

Categories

Questioned Costs HUD Housing Programs Cash Management Reporting Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 583344 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $123.11M
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $3.47M
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $2.47M
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $2.38M
93.137 Community Programs to Improve Minority Health Grant Program $970,913
14.871 Emergency Housing Voucher - Housing Choice Voucher $731,834
14.241 Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids $628,257
14.238 Shelter Plus Care $490,955
17.274 Youthbuild $371,410
14.870 Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services - Service Coordinators $104,889