Finding 945502 (2023-002)

Material Weakness
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-02-14

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There are deficiencies in internal controls for documenting and approving allowable costs in the ESEA Title I Part A program.
  • Impacted Requirements: Ongoing monitoring of costs charged to the program is not being effectively implemented, risking non-compliance with grant guidelines.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: HR should verify employee credentials and schedules at the start of the year, and program directors should conduct biannual reviews and approvals of charges to the program.

Finding Text

Federal Program: ESEA Title I Part A Compliance Requirement: Allowable Cost Criteria: Ongoing monitoring of the general ledger, and activity in the federal program to ensure that the costs charged to the program are allowable according to the grant guidelines. Condition: We noted a deficiency in internal control procedures related to documentation of administrative review and approval of the allowable costs that were charged to the program, including employees' payroll. Cause: The cause of the deficiency appears to be a lack of regular administrative review procedures and a lack of communication between the program directors, the payroll administrator, and the Chief Financial Officer Effect: The lack of internal controls could result in a questioned cost. Recommendation: It is recommended that when setting up the payroll at the beginning of the year, HR needs to verify and document that the employees charged to the program have the correct credentials and that their schedules align with the program requirements. We also recommend the program director review and approve who is being charged to the program at least twice a year.

Categories

Subrecipient Monitoring Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 369060 2023-002
    Material Weakness
  • 369061 2023-003
    Material Weakness
  • 369062 2023-003
    Material Weakness
  • 945503 2023-003
    Material Weakness
  • 945504 2023-003
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $682,934
16.710 Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants $500,000
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $297,148
10.553 School Breakfast Program $91,408
10.565 Commodity Supplemental Food Program $58,551
10.555 National School Lunch Program $56,994
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $38,152
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $33,128
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States $18,962
45.310 Grants to States $8,979
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants $6,382
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $1,277