Which TWO checks do the speakers think are most important?
A checking totals against bank statements B removing all refunds C confirming dates match invoices D changing the currency E ignoring small errors
Questions 23–27
Which comment do the speakers make about each account? Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A–G, next to Questions 23–27.
Comments A missing receipt numbers B duplicated payments C incorrect tax rate D unclear supplier name E mismatch in dates F correct as recorded G rounding errors
Questions 28–30 Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
28 Marcus says errors should be corrected A only at year end B as soon as they are found C after management approval
29 How do the speakers suggest marking suspicious items in the spreadsheet? A by colouring the rows B by adding extra columns C by printing the files
30 What will the final report include? A only corrected totals B a list of issues and actions C personal opinions
Keys
21 A 22 C 23 G 24 B 25 F 26 E 27 A 28 B 29 A 30 B
Transcripts
Part 3: You will hear two people discussing a project together.
MARCUS: Before we start reviewing the files, let’s remind ourselves why we are doing this. Today we’re checking financial data accuracy. Accuracy means the figures are correct and can be explained clearly. It is not enough to have neat spreadsheets or tidy layouts. We need solid evidence that supports every total and every figure we report. And we should remember that even a small error can cause bigger problems later on. So let’s take it slowly and make sure we can justify everything.
EVELYN: Exactly. The appearance of the spreadsheet can be misleading. Our first priority is checking totals against bank statements. If the totals do not match, then something is wrong, even if every individual line looks fine. That is usually the first sign of a hidden problem. It’s surprising how often the problem is just one misplaced entry. And once it’s in the system, it can be hard to spot later.
MARCUS: And we also need to confirm that dates match invoices. A small date error can move a payment into the wrong month, which changes the reports and can affect budgets, forecasts, and even staff decisions.
EVELYN: That’s why consistency is so important. So, let’s go through what we found in each account. It will help us see which areas need the most attention.
MARCUS: The travel account has rounding errors. They are small, but they happen often, so over time the totals slowly drift away from the real figure. Individually they look harmless, but together they make a noticeable difference.
EVELYN: I noticed that too. The supplies account shows duplicated payments. The same supplier was paid twice for one invoice number, which should never happen. That kind of error is serious because it wastes money.
MARCUS: The events account, on the other hand, looks correct as recorded. We checked several entries carefully and they matched the receipts, so there is no action needed there.
EVELYN: Unfortunately, the utilities account has a mismatch in dates between the bill date and the entry date. That could be a simple typing mistake, but it still needs to be corrected so that the figures appear in the right reporting period.
MARCUS: And the training account has missing receipt numbers. The amounts are there, but the receipt field is blank on several lines, which makes it difficult to verify where the money went.
EVELYN: When should we correct these kinds of errors? Do you think it is better to wait and fix everything at the end of the year?
MARCUS: No, definitely not. Errors should be corrected as soon as they are found. If we delay, the mistake spreads into later reports and becomes harder to trace and fix.
EVELYN: That makes sense. We also need a clear way to flag suspicious items so we can return to them later without losing track.
MARCUS: We can colour the rows. It’s a simple method, but it is fast and easy to spot when we scan the spreadsheet. Then we can filter those rows and deal with them one by one. That way we won’t miss anything when we review the sheet again.
EVELYN: Good idea. And what should our final report include once everything has been checked?
MARCUS: It should contain a list of issues and actions. We need to state what was wrong and what we did to correct it, without adding personal opinions. That makes the report transparent, professional, and easy for others to understand.
EVELYN: Perfect. That will help anyone reviewing our work see exactly what changes were made.
