Finding 7950 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-01-09
Audit: 10359
Organization: St. Mary's Residence, Inc. (MN)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There was a lack of control over cash management, specifically regarding the dating of a check that was changed in the general ledger after issuance.
  • Impacted Requirements: This deficiency can hinder the Organization's ability to accurately report financial data, potentially leading to misstatements.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure that all payments are recorded in the correct period and establish a review process for general ledger activity to prevent future discrepancies.

Finding Text

Condition: During the audit process, we noted an instance where there was a lack of control over cash management. The situation involved the dating and issuance of a check near year end. The check was written and dated on September 27, 2023 and was correctly included as an outstanding check on the September 30, 2023 bank reconciliation. This check date was later changed to October 1, 2023 in the Organization’s general ledger, which is after the Organization’s fiscal year end. Effect: A control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. This could affect the Organization’s ability to initiate, record, process, and report financial data consistent with the assertions of management in the financial statements. Cause: The management agent is unsure why the check date was changed in the general ledger after the check was originally written and issued. Criteria: The Organization should have procedures in place to make sure there is adequate review of general ledger activity, and these procedures must be followed to ensure all payments are recorded correctly. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization verifies that payments are recorded in the correct period and not changed in the general ledger after the checks are written. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Organization agrees with the finding and the auditor’s recommendations will be adopted.

Corrective Action Plan

Auditor Recommendation Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization verifies that payments are recorded in the correct period and not changed in the general ledger after the checks are written. Corrective Action Plan (CAP) 1. Explanation of Disagreement with Audit Finding There is no disagreement with the audit finding. 2. Action Planned in Response to Finding Sara Wohlers and Josh Warner (management agent) will establish a review process that will include making sure all payments are recorded within the proper period. 3. Official Responsible for Insuring CAP Sara Wohlers is the official responsible for insuring corrective action of the deficiency. 4. Planned Completion Date for CAP This plan will be implemented for the September 30, 2024 audit. 5. Plan to Monitor Completion of CAP Julie Baruch (board chair) and Sara Wohlers will be monitoring this plan.

Categories

Cash Management Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 7949 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 7951 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 584391 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 584392 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 584393 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.155 Mortgage Insurance for the Purchase Or Refinancing of Existing Multifamily Housing Projects $746,865
14.195 Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program $234,625