Free CMCA Knowledge Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When the financial reports show that money was received when it was due and that costs were paid when they were due, on what basis is the community organization reporting its finances?
- Accrued basis
- Cash basis (Correct answer)
- Modified cash basis
- Modified accrual basis
Correct answer: Cash basis
Under the cash basis of accounting, revenues are recognized and recorded only when cash is actually received, and expenses are recognized and recorded only when cash is actually paid out. This method provides a straightforward view of the association's cash flow, showing exactly when money comes in and goes out. It's often used by smaller organizations due to its simplicity, directly reflecting the physical movement of money.
Question 2: A ____________ includes examining the governing papers, current rules and regulations, the property's state, owner and resident satisfaction, and financial operations.
- management plan
- employment agreement
- management contract
- management audit (Correct answer)
Correct answer: management audit
A management audit is a comprehensive, systematic evaluation of an organization's overall performance, including its operational efficiency, adherence to governing documents, financial health, and effectiveness in meeting its objectives. It involves examining various aspects like governing papers, rules, property condition, owner satisfaction, and financial operations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This process helps ensure the association is well-managed and operating effectively.
Question 3: Which two important financial documents should the board of directors look at to see how much money is available for an expense that wasn't planned for?
- Statement of cash flows and check registers
- Replacement reserve report and general ledger
- Balance sheet and statement of revenue and expenses (Correct answer)
- Statement of cash flows and accounts receivable report
Correct answer: Balance sheet and statement of revenue and expenses
The balance sheet provides a snapshot of the association's financial position at a specific point in time, showing its assets, liabilities, and equity. The statement of revenue and expenses summarizes the association's income and expenditures over a period, indicating its profitability or net gain/loss. Together, these documents reveal available cash, accumulated reserves, and overall financial health, which are essential for determining if funds are available for unplanned expenses.
Question 4: What is a Management Letter used for?
- To serve as an audit engagement letter after selection of the auditor by the board.
- To note problem areas in an associations financial operation and recommend modifications and improvements. (Correct answer)
- To serve as a cover letter to an audit report distributed to association members
- To outline the nature and scope of the propose audit
Correct answer: To note problem areas in an associations financial operation and recommend modifications and improvements.
A management letter is typically issued by an auditor to the board of directors or management after completing an audit. It is not part of the formal audit report but serves as a separate communication to highlight internal control weaknesses, operational inefficiencies, or other non-material findings discovered during the audit. The letter often includes recommendations for improving financial operations, internal controls, and overall management practices.
Question 5: At a minimum, the interim financial report should contain:
- Statements of reserve funding, investment results, and accounts receivable.
- Statement of cash flow, balance, and bank statements.
- Statement of changes in members equity, cash flow analysis, and notes to financial statements.
- Statement of income and expenses, account balances, and a balance sheet. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Statement of income and expenses, account balances, and a balance sheet.
Interim financial reports provide a periodic snapshot of an association's financial health between annual audits. At a minimum, these reports should include a statement of income and expenses (showing revenues and costs over a period), current account balances (like bank accounts and investments), and a balance sheet (showing assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point). These components offer essential insights into the association's financial performance and position.
Question 6: Why are there special membership meetings?
- To conduct specific business. (Correct answer)
- As a means to communicate to membership.
- To elect members to the board.
- To vote on a new budget.
Correct answer: To conduct specific business.
Special membership meetings are called outside of the regular annual meeting schedule to address urgent or specific matters that require member input or a vote. These matters are typically too important to wait for the next annual meeting and are explicitly stated in the meeting notice. Examples include voting on a major special assessment, amending governing documents, or addressing a significant community crisis.
Question 7: Which of the following should be in the minutes of a board meeting?
- summary of owner comments
- exact wording of each motion (Correct answer)
- names of all the members present
- summary of board remarks
Correct answer: exact wording of each motion
The minutes of a board meeting serve as the official legal record of the proceedings and decisions made. To ensure accuracy and avoid future disputes, it is crucial to record the exact wording of every motion proposed, who made the motion, who seconded it, and the outcome of the vote (whether it passed or failed). Summaries of comments or remarks are less critical than the precise actions taken by the board.
Question 8: What should the board take into account while reviewing the proposed budget for approval?
- The physical condition of the association members
- The economic impact on tenants
- The financial effect on the owners
- The financial position of the association (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The financial position of the association
When reviewing a proposed budget, the board of directors must primarily consider the overall financial position of the association. This involves assessing current assets, liabilities, reserves, and projected income and expenses to ensure the budget is realistic, sustainable, and adequately funds the association's operational and reserve needs. The budget's impact on individual owners is a consequence of the association's financial health, not the primary consideration for the budget itself.
Question 9: Which of the following is a typical management control that guarantees maintenance work is completed on schedule?
- A work order/response form (Correct answer)
- A contractor's invoice
- A purchase order system
- An equipment warranties
Correct answer: A work order/response form
A work order/response form is a fundamental management control system for tracking and ensuring the timely completion of maintenance tasks. It initiates the maintenance process, documents the request, assigns responsibility, and allows for tracking the progress and completion of the work. This system provides accountability and helps managers monitor maintenance schedules and performance effectively.
Question 10: This is the main management control tool for figuring out if the association needs to maintain a certain property element:
- Community asset inventory
- Maintenance responsibility chart (Correct answer)
- Physical inspections
- Association bylaws
Correct answer: Maintenance responsibility chart
A maintenance responsibility chart is a critical management tool for community associations. It clearly outlines which party—whether the association, individual homeowners, or another entity—is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of specific common elements and individual property components. This chart helps prevent confusion, ensures proper upkeep, and serves as a primary reference for determining maintenance obligations.
Question 11: What contract would recommend a lien waiver?
- Repair of the pool pump
- Repair of the HVAC system
- Annual tree pruning
- Re-roofing the buildings (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Re-roofing the buildings
A lien waiver is a document signed by a contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier relinquishing their right to place a lien on the property for payment. This is particularly important for large projects like re-roofing, where multiple contractors and suppliers are involved, and the cost is substantial. Obtaining lien waivers protects the association from potential financial claims if a contractor fails to pay their subcontractors or suppliers.
Free CMCA Knowledge Questions and Answers
When the financial reports show that money was received when it was due and that costs were paid when they were due, on what basis is the community organization reporting its finances?