Summary Report on Recipient Audit Performed on Yekooche First Nation
Name: Yekooche First Nation
Location: British Columbia
Population: 93 on reserve; 231 total registered
Default status at time of audit: Not in default
Current default status: Not in default
Current Chief: Allan Joseph
Time period covered by audit: April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013
Amount of AANDC funding audited: $3,433,394
Background
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), formally known as Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), selected the Yekooche First Nation in British Columbia for a recipient audit based on their 2012-2013 risk assessment score and other risk factors.
The objective of the recipient audit was to provide assurance that funding provided to the recipient by INAC was spent for its intended purposes and is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 Funding Agreements. The objective was achieved through:
- Examination of the effectiveness of the operations of the Financial Management Control Framework in place at the Yekooche First Nation; and
- Conduct of audit procedures on the eligibility of the expenditures claimed under the terms and conditions of the Funding Agreements with INAC.
Samson & Associates, an independent audit firm, was commissioned by INAC to undertake the recipient audit. The audit procedures were performed from February 24, 2014 to February 28, 2014. The audited amounts detailed in the audit report present fairly, in all material respects, the costs eligible for the period of April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013 under the financial terms and conditions of the Funding Agreement and its amendments.
Findings
The procedures performed identified that internal financial control processes are in place and well managed. This enables the recipient to properly manage their expenditures according to the Agreement. The following are some key findings and key recommendations identified in the audit report.
Governance by Chief and Council
The procedures performed identified areas where there are opportunities to improve governance and administration in support of programs funded by INAC. At the time of the audit, the Director of Finance was also responsible Operations and Maintenance activities. It was recommended that the recipient should consider hiring an Operations and Maintenance Manager and that the roles and responsibilities of this new position be clearly identified.
Band Management
The procedures performed identified the following areas for improvement with respect to Band financial management procedures. In cases where consultants and contractors claim travel expenses on their invoices they should provide the Recipient a detailed travel claim with a description of expenditures and supporting documentation that occurred while on travel status. The Recipient should also ensure that all employee timesheets are authorized by a supervisor.
Current Status
A copy of the final report has been sent to the recipient. INAC and the recipient are working together to address the findings.
Disclaimer: This audit summary was prepared based on information contained in a Recipient Audit Report on Yekooche First Nation for INAC. The report produced for INAC is intended solely for the information and use of the Recipient and INAC Management. The audit summary only presents limited information on the general findings based on the audit procedures performed and does not provide information on the detailed procedures of findings. Consequently, this summary may not be appropriate for the purpose and use of the reader.