CLIENT: US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE CENSUS BUREAU
Country: USA
Sector: State, Local and Federal Government
Service: Financial Management/Management Consulting
Project: Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Programs
Project Description: To meet its fiscal, operational, and public service objectives, U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) contracted to provide reviews of the internal controls over financial reporting (ICOFR) within the USCB, as well as the effectiveness of the business processes on USCB’s Internal Use Software (IUS) reporting, and assist in external audits needs over the period of performance of this contract (i.e. IUS reporting, Digital Accountability and Transparency reporting (DATA Act), other administrative reviews required by U.S. Congress and partner Federal agencies, implementation of the findings, etc.). IBS worked in collaboration with the Finance Division (FIN) and Administrative Customer Service Division (ACSD) to ensure that all internal controls are being performed properly. The objective of the requirements is to:
- Evaluate existing ICOFR and programs, as well as other internal and external reviews.
- Recommend improvements to ICOFR and business processes.
- Assist with other internal and external audits.
- Assist in implementation of recommended improvements.
- Ensure knowledge transfer to internal Census employees.
On this project we evaluated processes to identify key activities that impact IUS accounting and reporting. The IUS busines process review involved identifying Projects’ scope of services between USCB’s staff and contractors and ensuring proper segregation of responsibilities between them. We also evaluated existing internal controls over financial reporting, compliance and programs. Assisted with the implementation of recommended improvements -FY2017 Audit Findings (NFRs). Completed Draft and Final Audit Scoping Memorandum by identifying and mapping program offices, branches, and divisions that are responsible for the 35 Decennial operations; developed questionniare, and obtained data call from program offices/managers, and identified key process cyles that are financial related activities. Recommend improvements over business processes on OMB Circular A-123, Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control. Developed Kick-Off Meeting Presentation - communicated purpose, scope, approach of the program review; processes to identify key activities that impact financial, identify key program offices; engagement period; and key personnel to support the engagement.