Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) Practice Exam

Under GAGAS, what elements are necessary for a complete finding when addressing future financing plans for an agency?

1. Condition and effect

2. Condition only

3. Condition, cause, criteria, and effect

4. Cause and condition

The correct answer is: Condition only

A complete finding under the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) requires a detailed and comprehensive approach in reporting, especially when it comes to future financing plans for an agency. The correct answer identifies the essential elements needed for a thorough understanding of the issues being reported. A finding typically consists of several components: condition, cause, criteria, and effect. Each of these elements contributes valuable insights that help stakeholders comprehend the situation fully. Specifically, "condition" refers to the current state or situation that has been observed, while "effect" outlines the implications or consequences of that condition. By addressing both elements, auditors can convey a clear picture of the financial state and the potential future risks or costs. In the context of GAGAS, specifying not just the condition but also the potential effects on future financing plans provides the necessary depth for decision-makers to take informed actions. Omitting any of these elements would result in an incomplete understanding of the issues at hand. The other options do not encompass all the necessary elements required for a complete finding. For instance, focusing on condition alone neglects the broader implications of that condition, and excluding criteria or cause would fail to provide the context needed to understand why the situation exists and what standards or benchmarks are being referenced