Easy2 marksMultiple Choice
Audit and AssuranceSection ASyllabus Area CInternal ControlsCash Wages

ACCA · Question 07 · Audit and Assurance

CASE 2: AGRIGROW TECH LTD

AgriGrow Tech Ltd develops automated drone-based irrigation systems. They employ 500 seasonal workers during peak harvest. The payroll master file is updated by the HR clerk, who also processes the weekly payroll run. Seasonal workers are paid in cash. The warehouse manager orders drone parts, receives the goods, and authorizes the purchase invoices for payment. AgriGrow recently implemented a new cloud-based inventory system, but the IT manager left, leaving the system with no password complexity requirements.

QUESTION:
Which of the following would be the MOST effective internal control to mitigate the risks associated with paying 500 seasonal workers in cash?

Answer options:

A.

The HR clerk should personally hand the cash to each worker to ensure they know who is being paid.

B.

Workers must present photographic identification to an independent supervisor who distributes the cash pay packets and requires a signature upon receipt.

C.

The total cash withdrawn from the bank should exactly match the net pay total on the payroll run.

D.

Cash should be left in individual envelopes in the staff breakroom for workers to collect at the end of their shift.

How to approach this question

Look for a control that provides physical security, verification of identity, and an audit trail, while maintaining segregation of duties.

Full Answer

B.Workers must present photographic identification to an independent supervisor who distributes the cash pay packets and requires a signature upon receipt.✓ Correct
Cash payouts are highly susceptible to theft and fraud (e.g., ghost employees or one worker taking another's pay). The most effective control is to have an independent person (not involved in payroll processing) distribute the cash, verify the identity of the recipient using photo ID, and obtain a signature as proof of receipt.

Common mistakes

Selecting option C; while reconciliation is important, it doesn't secure the physical distribution process.

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