The correct answer is that a segregation of duties violation occurs when the finance officer approves invoices and also reconciles the bank statements. This scenario breaks the fundamental security principle of separation of duties because it combines the authorization function (approving payments) with the review and reconciliation function (verifying those payments against bank records), creating a single point where fraud or error could go undetected. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to prevent fraud by ensuring no single individual controls an entire critical transaction process, a core topic in access controls and risk management. A common trap is confusing two-level approval with proper segregation—two people approving is not enough if one of them also performs the reconciliation. Remember the memory tip: “Authorize and Reconcile must never be the same file.”
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company has a policy requiring segregation of duties (SoD) for financial transactions. Which scenario represents a violation of this principle?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The finance officer approves invoices and also reconciles the bank statements
Option C is correct because the same person both approves invoices and reconciles bank statements, combining authorization and review functions. Option A is wrong because separate individuals handle procurement and accounting. Option B is wrong because the separation is maintained. Option D is wrong because two-level approval still involves separate individuals.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The system administrator performs backups, and the security officer reviews audit logs
Why it's wrong here
Different roles performing independent tasks.
✓
The finance officer approves invoices and also reconciles the bank statements
Why this is correct
This combines authorization with verification, a SoD violation.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Two managers must each approve any expenditure over $10,000
Why it's wrong here
This is a control, not a violation.
✗
The purchasing manager creates purchase orders, and the accounts payable clerk processes payments
Why it's wrong here
Duties are properly separated.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The finance officer approves invoices and also reconciles the bank statements — Option C is correct because the same person both approves invoices and reconciles bank statements, combining authorization and review functions. Option A is wrong because separate individuals handle procurement and accounting. Option B is wrong because the separation is maintained. Option D is wrong because two-level approval still involves separate individuals.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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