What is the best evidence of control effectiveness when reviewing exception reports?

The identification of a sample system-generated exception report with noted follow-up actions as the best evidence of control effectiveness is grounded in its ability to demonstrate not only the functioning of the control but also how any identified issues have been addressed. When a reviewer examines a specific exception report, they can see the anomalies or deviations that have been flagged by the control mechanism.

The critical factor here is the follow-up actions documented alongside the report. This evidence indicates that there is an established process for responding to exceptions, highlighting the control's role in the overall governance and risk management framework. It provides tangible proof that not only were exceptions identified, but also that they prompted appropriate responses, showcasing the control’s operational effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

The other options do provide some insights into control operations, but they lack the comprehensive evidence found in the sample report with follow-up actions. For instance, a walk-through of the control operation offers insights into the process but does not confirm effectiveness in practice. Similarly, system-generated exception reports with a reviewer’s sign-off demonstrate that reports have been looked at but do not indicate what actions were taken as a result. Lastly, management's confirmation can be important, but without accompanying evidence of actions or outcomes, it may not fully capture the control's effectiveness