What is one responsibility of the Certifying Officer in the Governmentwide Commercial Purchase Card Program?

The responsibility of the Certifying Officer in the Governmentwide Commercial Purchase Card Program is to ensure the existence, accuracy, and legality of information on a Managing Account Billing Statement. This role is crucial because the Certifying Officer acts as a key authority who verifies that all transactions documented in the billing statement are based on legitimate purchases and that they comply with applicable laws and regulations. This level of scrutiny helps maintain financial integrity and accountability within the program.

The Certifying Officer must confirm that all expenses are valid, supported by proper documentation, and align with the intended purpose of the purchases made using the government card. This oversight prevents fraudulent or unauthorized use of government funds, thereby protecting government resources and ensuring operational compliance.

While reviewing purchase orders, authorizing purchases, and providing training are important functions within the program, these responsibilities do not fall specifically under the purview of the Certifying Officer. Instead, those tasks may be associated with other roles, such as Cardholders or Program Coordinators, reinforcing the distinct duty of the Certifying Officer to focus on the verification of financial documents and compliance.