Final answer:
A financial audit is conducted to verify an agency's financials and payments to suppliers, with the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Step-by-step explanation:
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is one of the primary institutions responsible for conducting these audits. The GAO serves as a nonpartisan organization that assists Congress by providing auditing, evaluation, and investigative services to offer transparency on how funds are being used by various government agencies.
The role of the GAO includes producing reports on budgetary issues related to numerous sectors such as defense, healthcare, and education, among others. These reports are typically generated at the request of Congress and help in maintaining oversight over federal expenditures.
By examining roughly nine hundred reports annually, the GAO informs Congress about how taxpayer money is spent and brings attention to any financial irregularities. Furthermore, the GAO also provides Congress with an annual performance and accountability report detailing their own achievements and any weaknesses within its operations.