The audit determinations shall be final if not protested in writing to the Funding Commission within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. If a protest is filed, it shall be accompanied by a supporting statement setting forth the grounds upon which the protest is made. Upon written request, the Funding Commission may extend the time for filing the supporting statement if it appears the delay is necessary and unavoidable. The refusal of such extension may be reviewed in the same manner as a protested assessment.