Publicly held companies' financial records must be audited by which type of entity?

• A. A certified professional accounting firm.
• B. The company's security department.
• C. A random blogger.
• D. A government inspector.

Answer: (A)

Publicly held companies’ financial statements must be audited by an independent certified public accounting firm. This external, independent audit provides credibility to investors by offering an objective opinion on whether the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with accounting standards. In most jurisdictions (such as the US), these audits are performed by CPA firms that are registered with the appropriate oversight body (like the PCAOB) and must maintain independence from the company. The other options don’t fit because internal security teams, random bloggers, or unfettered government inspectors do not provide the required independent, professional assurance on the company’s financial statements.