What is a primary purpose of an operational audit?

An operational audit primarily focuses on evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization’s operations in achieving its goals and objectives. The goal is to provide insights into how well the organization is performing in various aspects of its operations, such as production processes, resource management, and adherence to established policies and procedures. By assessing managerial performance in relation to these goals, the audit can highlight areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, thus supporting better decision-making and strategic planning.

Other aspects mentioned in the alternatives play different roles within the audit framework. Reviewing financial compliance with tax laws is typically addressed in compliance audits. Assessing the effectiveness of internal controls, while important, is narrower in scope than an operational audit and does not encompass the broader evaluation of management performance. Finally, verifying the accuracy of financial statements aligns with financial audits rather than operational audits, which are more focused on operational efficiencies rather than financial disclosures.