Final answer:
The best way for a certifying official to verify payments is by reviewing documentation, performing reconciliations, and confirming with payees.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a certifying official, there are several ways to verify payments:
- Reviewing documentation: The certifying official should carefully examine relevant documents such as receipts, invoices, and bank statements to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the payments.
- Performing reconciliations: Reconciling financial records with bank statements can help identify any discrepancies and ensure that payments have been properly accounted for.
- Confirming with payees: Contacting the payees directly to confirm that they have received the payments can provide additional assurance.
By using these methods, a certifying official can effectively verify payments and ensure that they are accurate and legitimate.