AGA Updated GFMC Exam Questions and Answers by jeremiah

 What Does the Single Audit Act Require?

TheSingle Audit Actrequires non-federal entities (e.g., state and local governments, nonprofit organizations) that receive significant federal funds to undergo a single, organization-wide audit.

The audit focuses on both the entity’s financial statements and its compliance with federal program requirements.

 Why Is Option A Correct?

The Single Audit Act ensures accountability and transparency in the use of federal funds by requiring financial statement audits and compliance testing for grant recipients.

 Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Using audits to manage acquisition risks:This relates to procurement and contract management, not the Single Audit Act.

C. Single audits of federal financial management systems:The act applies to non-federal entities, not federal agencies.

D. Establishing internal controls related to audits:While internal controls are assessed during a single audit, the act does not mandate their establishment.

 References and Documents:

Single Audit Act of 1984 (Amended 1996):Specifies the requirements for audits of non-federal entities receiving federal funds.

OMB Circular A-133 (Superseded by Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR Part 200):Provides detailed guidance on single audit requirements.

 How to Prioritize Controls Based on Cost and Risk:

The priority of a control is based on its cost-effectiveness. Controls that protect assets with higher risk exposure relative to the cost of the control should be prioritized. The formula to calculate cost-effectiveness is: Cost-Effectiveness=Cost of ControlAsset Amount at Risk\text{Cost-Effectiveness} = \frac{\text{Cost of Control}}{\text{Asset Amount at Risk}}Cost-Effectiveness=Asset Amount at RiskCost of Control​

Lower ratios indicate more cost-effective controls.

 Calculations:

Asset A:$15,000 / $150,000 = 0.10 (10%)

Asset B:$2,500 / $6,000 = 0.42 (42%)

Asset C:$50,000 / $2,000,000 = 0.025 (2.5%)

Asset D:$20,000 / $500,000 = 0.04 (4%)

 Lowest Priority:

Asset Bhas the highest ratio (42%), meaning it is the least cost-effective and should be the lowest priority for controls.

 References and Documents:

COSO Internal Control Framework:Discusses cost-benefit analysis for prioritizing controls.

GAO Risk Management Guide:Emphasizes evaluating control cost-effectiveness relative to asset risk.

 Why Measure Performance Based on Cost per Ton of Trash Collected?

Costper ton of trash collectedis a direct, objective, and quantifiable measure of the contractor’s performance. It reflects how efficiently the contractor is operating relative to the amount of trash being managed.

This measure aligns with the principle of output-based performance evaluation, which focuses on results (e.g., tons of trash collected) rather than inputs or unrelated factors.

 Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Per mile traveled:Mileage is not directly tied to performance; it depends on the route structure and geography, not the quantity of trash collected.

C. Comparison with closest comparable jurisdiction:While this may provide context, it is not a specific performance measure.

D. Per employee:Employee count does not directly measure performance or efficiency in trash collection operations.

 References and Documents:

GAO Guide on Contract Performance Evaluation:Recommends using measurable and outcome-based metrics like cost per ton collected for performance reviews.

Best Practices in Local Government Contracting (AGA):Highlights output-based measures for evaluating contractor performance.

 Why Should Management Consider the Cost of Internal Controls in Relation to Benefits?

Thecost-benefit principlestates that the cost of implementing and maintaining internal controls should not exceed the benefits derived from those controls. Effective internal controls help mitigate risks, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance, but their implementation comes with costs (e.g., time, resources, systems).

Management must evaluate whether the benefits of preventing or detecting potential issues (e.g., fraud, errors) justify the associated costs.

 Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. The available budget:While the budget is important, internal controls are not solely dictated by budget constraints; their effectiveness and benefit-to-cost ratio are key considerations.

B. Inherent risks:While inherent risks are a factor in determining control needs, the relationship between cost and benefit remains the primary consideration.

D. Risk of collusion:Controls address collusion risks, but management does not prioritize collusion specifically when assessing cost versus benefit.

 References and Documents:

COSO Internal Control Framework:Highlights the cost-benefit principle when implementing controls.

GAO Standards for Internal Control (Green Book):Emphasizes balancing costs with benefits when designing internal control systems.