When should a physical inventory be performed?

When should a physical inventory be performed?

• A. On a scheduled basis (e.g., annually) and whenever there are discrepancies or changes in accountability.
• B. Only when new property arrives.
• C. Only during audits.
• D. Whenever the property is moved to another location.

Answer: (A)

Physical inventory is the process of verifying that the items on hand match the property records, ensuring accurate accountability. It helps catch shortages, overages, misplacement, and record errors so readiness and financial reporting stay reliable. Because accuracy needs to be maintained regularly and whenever accountability changes, inventories are performed on a scheduled basis (for example annually) and whenever there are discrepancies or changes in accountability such as transfers, disposals, or receipt of new property. This is why the option describing both regular cadence and trigger events is the best fit. Doing inventories only when new property arrives misses the routine checks that keep records trustworthy. Doing them only during audits or only when property moves also misses other times when mismatches can occur.

Physical inventory is the process of verifying that the items on hand match the property records, ensuring accurate accountability. It helps catch shortages, overages, misplacement, and record errors so readiness and financial reporting stay reliable. Because accuracy needs to be maintained regularly and whenever accountability changes, inventories are performed on a scheduled basis (for example annually) and whenever there are discrepancies or changes in accountability such as transfers, disposals, or receipt of new property. This is why the option describing both regular cadence and trigger events is the best fit.

Doing inventories only when new property arrives misses the routine checks that keep records trustworthy. Doing them only during audits or only when property moves also misses other times when mismatches can occur.