Which of the following is the BEST control to detect errors in an accounts payable system?
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A. B. C. D.D.
Among the options provided, the best control to detect errors in an accounts payable system is Input validation (option D).
Input validation is the process of ensuring that data entered into a system is valid, accurate, and complete. In an accounts payable system, input validation can help detect errors such as incorrect vendor names, wrong amounts, or duplicated payments. By validating the data inputted into the system, potential errors can be caught early, reducing the risk of downstream problems.
The other options, while important, do not address the specific need to detect errors in an accounts payable system.
Alignment of the process to business objectives (option A) is important in ensuring that the accounts payable system is aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. However, it does not directly address error detection.
Quality control review of new payments (option B) can help to identify errors in individual payments, but it may not detect systemic errors or issues with the overall process.
Management approval of payments (option C) is a control that helps to ensure that payments are authorized and appropriate, but it does not necessarily address the issue of errors in the data.
In conclusion, while all of these controls are important, input validation is the best control to detect errors in an accounts payable system as it focuses specifically on the accuracy and completeness of the data being entered into the system.