Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Performance audits, as defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), primarily focus on the evaluation of evidence against predetermined criteria. This approach involves assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of an organization's operations or programs. The goal is to determine how well these programs are meeting their objectives and whether they are using resources effectively.

By evaluating performance against specific criteria, auditors can identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations to enhance operational outcomes. This focus on criteria allows stakeholders to understand the quality and effectiveness of government programs, thereby promoting accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

Other aspects like compliance with laws, financial reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency may be addressed in performance audits but are not the primary focus. Instead, they serve as additional elements that can be analyzed through the lens of performance metrics.