Which of the following statements is TRUE about Departmental Accountable Officials with regards to pecuniary liability?

The statement regarding Departmental Accountable Officials and pecuniary liability indicates that these officials do not carry a presumption of negligence. This means they can only be held liable for the specific dollar amount that corresponds to any erroneous payment directly linked to their actions. The principle operates on the premise that unless intentional misconduct or negligence can be established, they are responsible solely for the financial implications of their actions rather than a blanket liability for all erroneous payments. This places a requirement on the oversight of their specific duties and actions, promoting accountability while safeguarding against unfounded accusations of negligence.

The other responses discuss scenarios of negligence and liability that do not align with the established guidelines regarding the role of Departmental Accountable Officials. Therefore, the correct answer reflects a balanced approach to accountability and liability, emphasizing the importance of direct responsibility for specific actions rather than broader presumption of fault.