Audit trail is a chronological record the sequence of events connected to a given transaction, such as a purchase of raw materials, payroll disbursements, or a detailed financial statement. The record includes all the source documents connected to the transaction, providing context and clarity in the event a review is required.
The more comprehensive the documentation, the more effective the audit trail is when used to create financial reports, verify information, and ensure compliance while eliminating fraud.
In the scenario, the procurement team gets the quotation from phone calls and emails which have weak audit trails and lack of transparency. One solution may be increasing the use of e-procurement system.
Reference:
- What is an audit trail?
- CIPS study guide page 6-7
LO 1, AC 1.1