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Microlesson · 5-min read

Performance Audit and Audit of Receipts (Government Audit)

## Performance Audit (Efficiency-cum-Performance Audit)

Performance audit is an objective examination of the financial and operational performance of an organisation, programme, authority, or function.

### Procedure for Conducting Performance Audit

StepActivity
1Identification of topic
2Preliminary study
3Planning
4Execution of audit
5Reporting

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## Audit of Receipts

The audit of receipts verifies the following:

1. Whether all revenues or other debts due to the government have been correctly assessed, realised, and credited to government account by designated authorities.

2. Whether adequate regulations and procedures have been framed to secure an effective check on assessment, collection, and proper allocation.

3. Whether such regulations and procedures are actually being carried out.

4. Whether adequate checks are imposed to ensure prompt detection and investigation of:

  • Irregularities
  • Double refunds
  • Fraudulent or forged refund vouchers
  • Loss of revenue through fraud, wilful omission, or negligence to levy/collect taxes or issue refunds.

5. Review of systems and procedures to ensure internal procedures adequately secure correct and regular accounting.

### Key Rule

> The extent and quantum of audit under each category is determined by the C&AG — this is not negotiable or questionable.

### Institutional Mechanism

  • Auditor → Primary check
  • Supervisor → Test check
  • Group Leader → Control and direction

Worked example

### Example 1

Q: What does audit of receipts verify?

Audit of receipts verifies: (1) correct assessment and realisation of all government dues; (2) adequacy of departmental regulations for collection; (3) actual compliance with those regulations; (4) controls to detect double refunds or fraudulent vouchers; (5) review of internal accounting systems. The C&AG determines the extent of audit — non-negotiable.

### Example 2

Q: State the procedure for conducting a performance audit.

The procedure is: (1) Identification of topic → (2) Preliminary study → (3) Planning → (4) Execution of audit → (5) Reporting. It is an objective examination of financial and operational performance of an organisation, programme, or function.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Confusing 'audit of receipts' with 'audit of expenditure' — receipts audit focuses on amounts DUE TO the government, not amounts paid out.
  • Thinking the C&AG's determination of audit quantum can be challenged — it is fixed and not negotiable.
  • Omitting the institutional hierarchy (auditor → supervisor → group leader) when describing the mechanism.
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