To verify the proper value of costs charged to real property records for improvements to the property, the best source of information is
A. Inspection by the internal auditor of real property improvements.
B. A letter signed by the real property manager asserting the propriety of costs incurred.
C. Original invoices supporting entries into the accounting records.
D. Comparison of billed amounts with contract estimates.
Answer (C) is correct.
REQUIRED: The best source of evidence to verify costs charged to real property records for improvements.
DISCUSSION: To verify real property costs, the best method of obtaining engagement information is to examine records. Records originating outside the engagement client, such as original invoices, are much more reliable than internal documents or engagement client testimony. Also, these invoices support actual accounting record entries.
Answer (A) is incorrect. An inspection confirms that the improvements were made, not their cost.
Answer (B) is incorrect. Records or documents generated internally are less reliable than those produced externally.
Answer (D) is incorrect. A comparison of billed amounts with contract estimates measures the reasonableness of costs but is less persuasive than original invoices supporting entries into the accounting records.