What might prompt an audit of an accounts payable department?

An audit of an accounts payable department may be prompted by evidence of irregularities or discrepancies because these can indicate potential errors, fraud, or inefficiencies within the process. When discrepancies arise, they can signal that processes are not being followed accurately, leading to financial misreporting, vendor overpayments, or other financial risks. Auditors will thoroughly examine transactions and processes to identify and assess the underlying issues and ensure that the department operates effectively and complies with applicable regulations.

The other options do not present a direct prompt for an audit. Increased vendor satisfaction could suggest that the department is functioning well, while high volume of payments might be a normal operational characteristic that doesn't necessarily indicate any issues. Improved accounts payable software, while beneficial, does not inherently trigger an audit unless it coincides with unusual accounting activity.