Submitted By
Donna M. Gayden, Interim CFO
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Motion to Accept the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Supporting Documents as Reviewed at the Regular Board meeting on September 3, 2024
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Overview
Overview
On September 3, 2024, a Board meeting was held to review and discuss the independent annual audit (ACFR) and related reports such as the management communication letter, for the year ending December 31, 2023. This action is the formal acceptance of the audit and related reports by the Village Board. Village staff must submit the audit to the State of Illinois and other interested parties by September 30, 2024, (or a future date with an approved extension).
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the motion
Background
Presented for the Board’s review and information is the Village’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR for short) for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. The audit was performed by Sikich LLP under the direction of Tom Siwicki as the partner-in-charge. Per standard practice, also presented are the Auditor Communication Letter and a separate report on Communication of Deficiencies in Internal Controls.
Pursuant to Section 2-6-3 of the Municipal Code, as soon as practicably possible after the close of the fiscal year, but no later than six months into the subsequent year, or a future date with an approved extension. There shall be an independent audit for all accounts of the Village conducted independently of the Village Manager and made by a competent person or firm authorized to serve as an auditor under State of Illinois licensure and law.
In addition, acceptance of the audit is required prior to its submission to the State which has a June 30 deadline (or a future date with an approved extension). The Single Audit must be filed with the Federal Clearinghouse within 30 days after receipt from the auditors or nine months after fiscal year end (September 30, 2024), whichever occurs first, (or a future date with an approved extension).
The overall purpose of the financial audit is to determine if the financial data of the Village is presented fairly in all material respects and whether the Village has complied with applicable laws and regulations. Per the audit opinion letter located within the ACFR document, Sikich LLP has conveyed that the financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, and are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Of primary importance is the unqualified opinion provided by Sikich to the Village, which is the highest level of confidence a municipality can receive on its financial information under an audit. In addition, staff will apply for the 2023 GFOA Certificate of Achievement Award for Financial Reporting Excellence as done in previous years.
In addition to the ACFR, the Auditor’s Communication to the Board report includes a description of the audit process and adjusting journal entries determined necessary under the audit. Included as well is the Management Letter intended to be a direct communication tool to report important findings from the auditor to top management and elected officials. The Management Letter generally identifies matters that the independent auditor believes may assist the organization going forward.
The Auditor also issued a Communication of Deficiencies report which identifies specific opportunities for strengthening internal controls and operating efficiencies within the Village. However, these issues or comments are not considered as significant as those communicated in the Management Letter report.
Fiscal Impact
None
DEI Impact
None
Alternatives
N/A
Previous Board Action
MOT 23-53 approved June 20, 2023
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A