EIN: 581020547
UEI: UW1YKBMHRLU8
Data as of August 26, 2026
Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization
The FAC accepted this audit on April 30, 2026. Under 2 CFR 200.521(d), a pass-through entity that provided federal funds to this organization for this audit period must issue a management decision on these findings by October 30, 2026 (64 days from today).
What is a management decision? →As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The close-out process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. While there has been improvements, we noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and other close-out procedures accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2025. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over payroll and recording various journal entries related to payroll transactions and fringe benefits. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). The systemic cause appears to be the change in the accounting staff and continuing education and training in grant accounting. Policies and procedures are not up-dated and followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.328 Financial reporting and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency's chief financial officer (CFO) should require the grant accountant and a general ledger accountant to receive annual training by professionals in the field of grant accounting and reporting. The payroll clerk should receive proper training in processing journal entries for all areas of payroll. All accounting staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will require additional specialize training for fiscal staff and improve in the segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The CFO will take lead in financial reporting to ensure that all reporting meet GAAP and GAS requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by June 30, 2026.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2025 Comment #2025-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE-OUT, AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The close-out process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. While there has been improvements, we noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and other close-out procedures accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2025. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over payroll and recording various journal entries related to payroll transactions and fringe benefits. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). The systemic cause appears to be the change in the accounting staff and continuing education and training in grant accounting. Policies and procedures are not up-dated and followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.328 Financial reporting and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency's chief financial officer (CFO) should require the grant accountant and a general ledger accountant to receive annual training by professionals in the field of grant accounting and reporting. The payroll clerk should receive proper training in processing journal entries for all areas of payroll. All accounting staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will require additional specialize training for fiscal staff and improve in the segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The CFO will take lead in financial reporting to ensure that all reporting meet GAAP and GAS requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by June 30, 2026.
March 10, 2026 To: Clausell & Associates, P.C. From: Tabirus Lockhart, Chief Financial Officer of Enrichment Services Programs, Inc. Below is the Agency’s corrective action plan as it relates to the findings for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2024, Single Audit Act audit. Comment #2024-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE-OUT, AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat) Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We concur with this finding - Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure, capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2024. Concerning preparation of external reports required by various funding sources (i.e., SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, LIHWAP, etc.), the Agency will ensure adequate training is performed to improve the skills and knowledge of key personnel. Policies and procedures will also be revised to support external reporting. Implementation Date: The plan correction date will be completed no later than December 31, 2025. Responsible Person: Tabirus Lockhart, CFO, will be responsible for the corrective action. Comment #2025-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE-OUT, AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP, and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - None) Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We concur with the finding. Management and staff are in the process of assessing and updating the policies and procedures over the accounting and reporting of federal and state grants and contracts. In connection with training staff on the new and updated accounting system, we are providing ongoing training on the requirements of the Uniform Guidance and the specific requirements for each individual grant award as outlined in each applicable Compliance Supplement issued by Office of Management and Budget (OMB). We are currently reconciling all cash accounts and completing and amending, where necessary, all SF-425 reports and other external reports required by each funding source (state and federal). We anticipate completing this corrective action by June 30, 2026. See also the response to Comment #2025-001. Implementation Date: The plan correction date will be completed no later than June 30, 2026. Responsible Person: Tabirus Lockhart, CFO, will be responsible for the corrective action.
2024-002
FAC accepted this audit on August 28, 2025 — management decision was due February 28, 2026.
As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.328 Financial reporting and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2024 Comment # 2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP and CSLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2024. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.). Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e. SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, etc.). Accordingly, the Agency is not in compliance with federal and state reporting as specified by grants and contracts and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.328 Financial reporting and §200.329. (Continued) Effect: Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR §200.302(b)(2)]. Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency as determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Accounting policies and procedures must be updated and implemented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
August 15, 2025 To: Clausell & Associates, P.C. From: Tabirus Lockhart, Chief Financial Officer of Enrichment Services Programs, Inc. Below is the Agency’s corrective action plan as it relates to the findings for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2024, Single Audit Act audit. Comment #2024-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE-OUT, AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat) Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We concur with this finding - Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure, capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2024. Concerning preparation of external reports required by various funding sources (i.e., SF-425, DHS’s reports for LIHEAP, LIHWAP, etc.), the Agency will ensure adequate training is performed to improve the skills and knowledge of key personnel. Policies and procedures will also be revised to support external reporting. Implementation Date: The plan correction date will be completed no later than December 31, 2025. Responsible Person: Tabirus Lockhart, CFO, will be responsible for the corrective action. Comment #2024-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE-OUT, AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO, CACFP, and SLFRF FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185, 10.558, 21.027 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We concur with the finding. Management and staff are in the process of assessing and updating the policies and procedures over the accounting and reporting of federal and state grants and contracts. In connection with training staff on the new and updated accounting system, we are providing ongoing training on the requirements of the Uniform Guidance and the specific requirements for each individual grant award as outlined in each applicable Compliance Supplement issued by Office of Management and Budget (OMB). We are currently reconciling all cash accounts and completing and amending, where necessary, all SF-425 reports and other external reports required by each funding source (state and federal). We anticipate completing this corrective action by December 31, 2025. See also the response to Comment #2024-001. Implementation Date: The plan correction date will be completed no later than December 31, 2025. Responsible Person: Tabirus Lockhart, CFO, will be responsible for the corrective action.
2023-002
FAC accepted this audit on October 10, 2024 — management decision was due April 10, 2025.
See comment # 2023-001. Context: See comment # 2023-001. Criteria: See comment # 2023-001. Effect: See comment # 2023-001. Cause: See comment # 2023-001. Recommendation: See comment # 2023-001. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: See comment # 2023-001
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs July 31, 2023 Comment # 2023-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: See comment # 2023-001. Context: See comment # 2023-001. Criteria: See comment # 2023-001. Effect: See comment # 2023-001. Cause: See comment # 2023-001. Recommendation: See comment # 2023-001. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: See comment # 2023-001
August 31, 2024 To: Clausell & Associates, P.C. From: Tabirus Lockhart, Chief Financial Officer of Enrichment Services Programs, Inc. Below is the Agency’s corrective action plan as it relates to the findings for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2023, Single Audit Act audit. Comment #2023-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE-OUT, AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat) Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We concur with this finding - Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure, capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the Agency’s financial funding sources, the Agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst’s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and Uniform Guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2024. Implementation Date: The plan correction date will be completed no later than December 31, 2024. Responsible Person: Tabirus Lockhart, CFO, will be responsible for the corrective action. Comment #2023-002 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE-OUT, AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, ASTHO FAL # 93.600, 93.568, 93.499, 93.569, 93.185 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We concur with the finding. Management and staff are in the process of assessing and updating the policies and procedures over the accounting and reporting of federal and state grants and contracts. In connection with training staff on the new and updated accounting system, we are providing on-going training on the requirements of the Uniform Guidance and the specific requirements for each individual grant award as outlined in each applicable Compliance Supplement issued by Office of Management and Budget (OMB). We are currently reconciling all cash accounts, completing and amending, were necessary, all SF-425 reports and other external reports required by each funding source (state and federal). We anticipate completing this corrective action by December 31, 2024. See also the response to Comment #2023-01. Implementation Date: The plan correction date will be completed no later than December 31, 2024. Responsible Person: Tabirus Lockhart, CFO, will be responsible for the corrective action.
2022-002
FAC accepted this audit on September 14, 2023 — management decision was due March 14, 2024.
As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards state in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The close out process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff do not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to properly present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2022. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.) Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e., SF-425, LIHEAP reporting, etc.). The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR ?200.510(a) and (b)] Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ??200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR ?200.302(b)(2)]. Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close out of the old system was determined to be the systemic cause. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountants and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant?s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statement close out process is achieved each month and annually. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the agency?s financial funding sources, the agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst?s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and uniform guidance regulations. The new automated financial system, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2023.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards state in summary that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The close out process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity and experience of the current staff do not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to properly present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2022. We also noted significant weaknesses in internal controls over personnel payroll and the processing, maintaining and reconciling payroll activity to the general ledger and external regulatory reporting (IRS Form 941's, state filings, etc.) Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources in a timely manner (i.e., SF-425, LIHEAP reporting, etc.). The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of key personnel, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR ?200.510(a) and (b)] Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ??200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR ?200.302(b)(2)]. Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turnover of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close out of the old system was determined to be the systemic cause. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountants and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant?s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statement close out process is achieved each month and annually. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the agency?s financial funding sources, the agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst?s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and uniform guidance regulations. The new automated financial system, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2023.
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, GRANT CLOSE OUT AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY and WATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CFDA # 93.600, 93.568 and 93.499 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure and capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the agency?s financial funding sources, the agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst?s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and uniform guidance regulations. The new automated financial system, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by December 31, 2023.
2021-003
FAC accepted this audit on September 28, 2022 — management decision was due March 28, 2023.
The compliance requirements of the Community Services Block Grant program (including funds provided under the CARES Act) specify that internal controls should exist to reasonably ensure that applicants applying for assistance have complete, accurate and timely applications maintained in accordance with state and federal laws. During our audit of 25 applicants which included applicants under the CARES Act, we noted the following exceptions: a. Three files did not have a social security card for all members of the household, as applicable. b. Three applicants did not have evidence in the file demonstrating or calculating the amount of annual income, zero declaration of income and that the applicant met the income poverty guidelines. c. Five files did not have adequate supporting documentation in the file to support the payment made for assistance requested (i.e., executed rent/lease agreements, utility bill, etc.) Context: The sample of 25 files selected was haphazardly determined based on auditor?s judgment and risk assessment. Criteria: Internal policy of the Agency, generally accepted accounting principles, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services CSBG Policy Manual, Government Auditing Standards and the Uniform Guidance for activities allowed and special test and provisions Effect: The Agency may award federal funds to applicants that may not meet the requirements promulgated by federal and state requirement and laws governing the CSBG programs. Cause: Inconsistent processing of applicants and failure to have an independent review of files prior to finalizing the applications. Recommendation: We recommend that the Agency review its current internal controls policies and procedures governing the process of obtaining all required documents needed to meet the applicable state and federal eligibility guidelines. All files should be reviewed by the director of the CSBG program or a designated responsible person to ensure compliance with such guidelines prior to approving payments to applicable vendor. All invoices or other support for payments should be maintain in each applicant file. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We are currently revising the policies and procedures governing the internal controls over the processing of CSBG applicants. The director of the program will be responsible for ensuring that all staff working with the CSBG applicants will be throughly familiar with the new policy. We have also established a compliance oversight position in the Agency that will perform periodic audits of files to determine that we are achieving the overall compliance requirements of the state and federal government for eligible applicants. We will maintain all supporting documents for each applicant in each file. Accounts and program numbers will be referenced given evidence of the program charged. For the exceptions noted by the auditor, we will revisit each file to determine what is needed to correct the deficiencies noted. This corrective action will be completed by October 31, 2022. Jamie Thomas, Director of CSBG will be responsible for the corrective action.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER THE PROCESSING OF COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOCK GRANT APPLICANTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT CFDA # 93.569 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: The compliance requirements of the Community Services Block Grant program (including funds provided under the CARES Act) specify that internal controls should exist to reasonably ensure that applicants applying for assistance have complete, accurate and timely applications maintained in accordance with state and federal laws. During our audit of 25 applicants which included applicants under the CARES Act, we noted the following exceptions: a. Three files did not have a social security card for all members of the household, as applicable. b. Three applicants did not have evidence in the file demonstrating or calculating the amount of annual income, zero declaration of income and that the applicant met the income poverty guidelines. c. Five files did not have adequate supporting documentation in the file to support the payment made for assistance requested (i.e., executed rent/lease agreements, utility bill, etc.) Context: The sample of 25 files selected was haphazardly determined based on auditor?s judgment and risk assessment. Criteria: Internal policy of the Agency, generally accepted accounting principles, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services CSBG Policy Manual, Government Auditing Standards and the Uniform Guidance for activities allowed and special test and provisions Effect: The Agency may award federal funds to applicants that may not meet the requirements promulgated by federal and state requirement and laws governing the CSBG programs. Cause: Inconsistent processing of applicants and failure to have an independent review of files prior to finalizing the applications. Recommendation: We recommend that the Agency review its current internal controls policies and procedures governing the process of obtaining all required documents needed to meet the applicable state and federal eligibility guidelines. All files should be reviewed by the director of the CSBG program or a designated responsible person to ensure compliance with such guidelines prior to approving payments to applicable vendor. All invoices or other support for payments should be maintain in each applicant file. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We are currently revising the policies and procedures governing the internal controls over the processing of CSBG applicants. The director of the program will be responsible for ensuring that all staff working with the CSBG applicants will be throughly familiar with the new policy. We have also established a compliance oversight position in the Agency that will perform periodic audits of files to determine that we are achieving the overall compliance requirements of the state and federal government for eligible applicants. We will maintain all supporting documents for each applicant in each file. Accounts and program numbers will be referenced given evidence of the program charged. For the exceptions noted by the auditor, we will revisit each file to determine what is needed to correct the deficiencies noted. This corrective action will be completed by October 31, 2022. Jamie Thomas, Director of CSBG will be responsible for the corrective action.
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER THE PROCESSING OF COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOCK GRANT APPLICANTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT CFDA # 93.569 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) We are currently revising the policies and procedures governing the internal controls over the processing of CSBG applicants. The director of the program will be responsible for ensuring that all staff working with the CSBG applicants will be thoroughly familiar with the new policy. We have also established a compliance oversight position in the Agency that will perform periodic audits of files to determine that we are achieving the overall compliance requirements of the state and federal government for eligible applicants. We will maintain all supporting documents for each applicant in each file. Accounts and program numbers will be referenced given evidence of the program charged. For the exceptions noted by the auditor, we will revisit each file to determine what is needed to correct the deficiencies noted. Implementation Date: This corrective action will be completed by October 31, 2022. Responsible Person: This corrective action will be completed by October 31, 2022. Jamie Thomas, Director of CSBG will be responsible for the corrective action.
As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to properly present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2021. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of the former CFO, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR ?200.510(a) and (b)] Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ??200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR ?200.302(b)(2)]. Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turn over of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close-out of the old system. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant?s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure, capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the agency?s financial funding sources, the agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst?s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and uniform guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by September 30, 2022.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM CFDA # 93.600 AND 93.569 (Questioned Costs - None) Condition: As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Agency. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards states in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, proper allocations of shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. This resulted in adjustments necessary to properly present the financial statements and disclosures of the Agency as of July 31, 2021. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually). This condition also makes it difficult to prepare accurate external reports required by the various funding sources. The systemic cause appears to be the untimely resignation of the former CFO, a change in the accounting system, a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of internal accounting controls and monitoring. Policies and procedures are not followed consistently throughout the year. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR ?200.510(a) and (b)] Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ??200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance [2 CFR ?200.302(b)(2)]. Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Turn over of key staff, change in the accounting system, limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close-out of the old system. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Agency has hired a new fiscal officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. New staff should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. Policies and procedures should be updated to adequately address the challenges and dynamics of the community action agency. We believe that the CFO with the supporting staff and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant?s basic responsibilities. Program directors should be involved in the closing process. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocations and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure, capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the agency?s financial funding sources, the agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst?s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and uniform guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by September 30, 2022.
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH RELATED PROVISIONS OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM CFDA # 93.600 AND 93.569 (Questioned Costs - None) Management is in the process of assessing the organizational structure, capacity to provide adequate financial reporting. With Board review and approval of the agency?s financial funding sources, the agency will hire additional fiscal clerk to further support financial requirements and segregation of duties to ensure adequate internal controls are fully implemented. The CFO will have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules will be an integral part of the grant accountant analyst?s basic responsibilities. The fiscal policies and procedures will be updated with the enhancements implemented within the fiscal department. Staff will be trained on revised policies and procedures and uniform guidance regulations. The new automated financial systems, will support financial reporting to meet GAAP requirements and to provide informative reports for Board and Management. All enhancements will be implemented by September 30, 2022. Implementation Date: The plan correction date will be no later than September 30, 2022. Responsible Person: This corrective action will be completed by October 31, 2022. Jannina Marion, CFO, will be responsible for the corrective action.
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