audit

(noun)

An independent review and examination of records and activities to assess the adequacy of system controls, to ensure compliance with established policies and operational procedures, and to recommend necessary changes in controls, policies, or procedures

Examples of audit in the following topics:

  • Making Agencies Accountable

    • The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of the United States Congress.
    • The GAO's auditors conduct not only financial audits, but also engage in a wide assortment of performance audits.
    • These standards, often referred to as Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), must be followed by auditors and audit organizations when required by law, regulation, agreement, contract, or policy.
    • These standards pertain to auditors' professional qualifications, the quality of audit effort, and the characteristics of professional and meaningful audit reports.
    • The GAO is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of the United States Congress.

  • Regulatory Commissions

    • Agencies may carry out investigations or audits to determine if organizations are adhering to federal regulations.

  • Lobbying Scandals and the Reforms of 2007

    • Requires the Government Accountability Office to audit annually lobbyist compliance with disclosure rules.