If you’ve ever struggled to write a clear audit objective, you’re not alone. Even though “audit objectives” are mentioned over 100 times in the GAO Yellow Book, many auditors still find them vague, confusing, or overly broad.

This article breaks down what audit objectives really are, why they matter, and how to write ones that are specific, actionable, and aligned with standards. Learn the three essential elements every audit objective should include, how to avoid common mistakes, and what the GAO means by "performance aspects"—plus, see examples of bad vs. effective objectives in action.

Contracting out a performance audit can be a smart move for organizations seeking specialized expertise and enhanced efficiency. However, success hinges on careful planning and oversight. Start by defining the audit's scope and objectives clearly, ensuring alignment between expectations and deliverables. Select auditors with relevant qualifications and experience, and verify their independence to avoid conflicts of interest.

Rooted in psychology, behavioral economics, and social science, behavioral insights are about understanding how people make decisions in real life—decisions that are not always perfectly rational. Government managers can leverage this knowledge to better design policies and interactions that drive positive behavior.

The movie “War Dogs,” a 2016 film directed by Todd Phillips and based on a true story, provides an engaging narrative that can serve as a cautionary tale for auditors. It showcases the complexities of procurement fraud within the government contracting sector. The story follows two young arms dealers, David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who win a $300 million Pentagon contract to supply ammunition to Afghan forces. Their subsequent actions offer several key lessons for auditors about procurement fraud.

Explore the key updates in the 2024 exposure draft of the Green Book with insights from Parker CPE. Discover how new requirements for risk management, including improper payments and information security, enhance internal controls. Understand the importance of prioritizing preventive controls to avoid inefficiencies of the "pay and chase" model.

The Town of Dixon, Illinois, became infamous for one of the largest municipal frauds in U.S. history when Rita Crundwell, the town’s longtime comptroller, embezzled nearly $54 million over two decades.

Incorporating agile project management principles into how your office conducts its work allows you to issue products more quickly, be more adaptable to changes, and focus on the essential work required to issue products—all of which helps your office prevent and root out waste, fraud, and abuse.

The 2024 revisions to the Yellow Book, also known as Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), introduce significant updates to Chapter 5, focusing on quality management, engagement quality reviews, and peer review. These changes aim to enhance the quality and reliability of government audits, ensuring that audit organizations produce high-quality work that meets professional standards.

To help audit organizations navigate these updates, we’ve outlined a comprehensive plan for implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with the new standards. The plan includes key steps such as documenting the system, assigning roles, setting quality objectives, assessing and mitigating risks, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation processes.

We explore the critical role of Monitoring Activities in internal controls, focusing on their necessity for maintaining the effectiveness and adaptability of governance frameworks. Discover the principles and practices that ensure these activities help organizations meet their objectives and address potential risks effectively, highlighting the importance of continuous and independent evaluations within the internal control system. Join us as we conclude our series on the GAO Green Book, enhancing your understanding of essential internal control components.

This article examines the crucial role of Information & Communication in government entities, focusing on how effective management of information supports organizational objectives and enhances decision-making processes. We explore the principles guiding how information should be obtained, processed, and communicated, and the impact of these practices on internal and external stakeholder engagement.