Free AGA CGFM Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 4

Role of the Independent Auditor in Financial Reporting:

Independent auditors evaluate internal controls as part of their audit procedures to support an opinion on the fair presentation of the financial statements. This includes assessing whether internal controls over financial reporting are designed and operating effectively.

This evaluation helps ensure that financial statements are free of material misstatements, whether due to error or fraud.

Why Management Does Not Do This:

Managementdesigns and implements internal controls but does not evaluate them to support the auditor’s opinion. Management’s responsibility is to certify the accuracy of the financial statements, while the auditor provides an independent opinion.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

C. The program office:This entity oversees operations but does not perform evaluations to support an audit opinion.

D. The audit committee:The committee provides oversight of the audit process but does not perform the evaluation itself.

References and Documents:

GAAS (Generally Accepted Auditing Standards):Outlines the responsibilities of independent auditors regarding internal control evaluation.

GAO Yellow Book:Specifies the role of external auditors in evaluating internal controls during financial audits.

What Is Inventory Control?

Inventory controlrefers to the processes and systems used to manage stock levels, including determining how much inventory to keep on hand, reordering stock, and maintaining optimal levels to meet operational needs while minimizing costs.

Determining stock levels is a central function of inventory control, ensuring the organization has the right amount of inventory to meet demand without overstocking or understocking.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Safeguard control:This refers to protecting inventory from theft, damage, or loss, not determining stock levels.

C. Management control:This is a broader term encompassing oversight and governance, not specific to inventory.

D. Supply control:This typically refers to managing supply chains and suppliers, not the internal control of inventory levels.

References and Documents:

GAO Inventory Management Guide:Defines inventory control as the process of determining and maintaining appropriate stock levels.

Best Practices in Government Inventory Management (AGA):Emphasizes the role of inventory control in balancing supply and demand.

Responsibilities in Resolving Single Audit Findings:

Single audits assess compliance with federal program requirements.

Findings often highlight deficiencies or noncompliance issues that must be resolved by the entity receiving the federal funds.

Explanation of Answer Choices:

A. Awarding agency: The agency provides oversight and guidance but does not directly resolve findings.

B. Recipient agency: Correct. The entity receiving the funds is responsible for addressing and resolving findings to comply with federal regulations.

C. Audit committee: May oversee the process but doesn’t take direct responsibility for resolving findings.

D. External auditors: Identify the findings but do not resolve them.

References:

Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200),Single Audit Requirements.

Association of Government Accountants (AGA),Government Auditing Standards.

Performance Audit Objectives:

Performance audits evaluate whether government entities are operating efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with applicable laws.

A critical aspect is assessing whether the entity has implementedcorrective actionsin response to prior audit findings and recommendations, as this demonstrates accountability and progress.

Explanation of Answer Choices:

A. Updated its vision and strategic mission statements: Incorrect. While strategic planning is important, it is not the primary focus of performance audit objectives.

B. Corrective actions to address prior findings and recommendations: Correct. Addressing prior findings is a key objective to ensure identified issues have been resolved.

C. Updated its financial reports’ MD&A: Incorrect. MD&A (Management’s Discussion and Analysis) is related to financial reporting, not performance audits.

D. Internal controls in place: Incorrect. While internal controls are reviewed, the focus here is on corrective actions to past findings.

References:

GAO,Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book).

GAO,Performance Auditing Guidance.