What must a certifying officer confirm during the certification process?

During the certification process, a certifying officer must confirm that goods or services were received and that payments are accurate. This is a crucial responsibility as it ensures accountability and compliance with financial management standards. The certifying officer verifies that the goods or services delivered meet the specifications and that the associated costs align with what was agreed upon in the contract or purchase order.

Accurate confirmation of receipt and payment serves to prevent errors and fraud, safeguarding public funds. If there were discrepancies in this area, it could lead to significant financial mismanagement. Thus, it’s the certifying officer's role to ensure that not only has the service or product been received but also that the billing is correct and justifiable based on the terms of the purchase agreement.