Question 700
A finance project reviews its control framework for: Group consolidation is run before a subsidiary posts its final bank revaluation and the consolidated cash figure is stale. Which ongoing review step is most appropriate?
Explanation
Correct Answer
Use a source-ledger completion gate for every consolidation cycle. This prevents recurrence of the identified mechanism: Consolidation results are snapshots of source ledger balances when processed, not automatic live totals. Validate the control by checking: The consolidated cash figure reflects the finalized source trial balances and reconciliation totals.
Incorrect Answers
Track close exceptions and restore normal period permissions promptly. That safeguard is aimed at a different risk: A close checklist requires revenue reclassification after period lock, but the posting period is closed to the assigned journal user. It does not most directly prevent recurrence of: Consolidation results are snapshots of source ledger balances when processed, not automatic live totals.
Review aged unresolved ledger items separately from settlement completion rates. That safeguard is aimed at a different risk: An operating account balance remains unreconciled because an unmatched ledger settlement was forced to close the period. It does not most directly prevent recurrence of: Consolidation results are snapshots of source ledger balances when processed, not automatic live totals.
Test symmetric intercompany entries and unmatched exceptions before consolidation. That safeguard is aimed at a different risk: Intercompany sales and purchases inflate group revenue and costs in consolidated statements. It does not most directly prevent recurrence of: Consolidation results are snapshots of source ledger balances when processed, not automatic live totals.