In the context of accounting information systems, enforcing referential integrity assures that:

• A. relationships between tables remain consistent, preventing orphaned records
• B. financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP
• C. only authorized users can access sensitive accounting data
• D. all financial transactions are recorded using double-entry bookkeeping

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of referential integrity: Referential integrity is a principle in database management systems that ensures relationships between tables remain consistent. It prevents orphaned records, which are records in a child table that do not have a corresponding record in the parent table.
2. Identify the role of referential integrity in accounting information systems: In accounting systems, referential integrity ensures that data relationships are maintained accurately, such as linking invoices to customers or transactions to accounts.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Review the provided choices and determine which ones do not relate to referential integrity. For example, preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP, controlling access to sensitive data, and recording transactions using double-entry bookkeeping are important but unrelated to referential integrity.
4. Focus on the correct option: The correct answer is the one that directly addresses the purpose of referential integrity, which is maintaining consistent relationships between tables and preventing orphaned records.
5. Conclude with the importance of referential integrity: Highlight that enforcing referential integrity is crucial for ensuring data accuracy and reliability in accounting systems, which supports effective decision-making and compliance.