What is the primary purpose of monitoring internal controls?

The primary purpose of monitoring internal controls is to detect and prevent fraud. Effective internal controls are designed to mitigate the risk of unauthorized activities and ensure that the organization's operations are not compromised by fraudulent behavior. When monitoring these controls, organizations can identify weaknesses or lapses that could allow fraud to occur, thereby taking corrective actions before any significant losses or damage can take place.

Monitoring also involves reviewing the implementation and operation of controls to ensure they are functioning as intended, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of financial reporting and safeguarding assets. While other options reflect important aspects of internal control monitoring, such as compliance, operational efficiency, and risk assessment, the detection and prevention of fraud is central to protecting the organization's resources and maintaining stakeholder trust.