When a vacancy occurs in the office of the comptroller general, Congress establishes a commission to recommend individuals to the president.

[8] According to the GAO's current mission statement, the agency exists to support the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people.

Over the years, the GAO has been referred to as "The Congressional Watchdog" and "The Taxpayers' Best Friend" for its frequent audits and investigative reports that have uncovered waste and inefficiency in government.

News media often draw attention to the GAO's work by publishing stories on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of its reports.

Members of Congress also frequently cite the GAO's work in statements to the press, congressional hearings, and floor debates on proposed legislation.

The president selects a nominee from a list of at least three individuals recommended by an eight-member bipartisan, bicameral commission of congressional leaders.

During such a term, the comptroller general has standing to pursue litigation to compel access to federal agency information.

The analysts voted to affiliate with the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), a member union of the AFL–CIO.

In 1992, the GAO hosted the XIV INCOSAI, the fourteenth triennial convention of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).

The GAO often produces highlights of its reports that serve as a statement for the record for various subcommittees of the United States Congress.

[citation needed] The GAO also produces annual reports on key issues[17] such as Duplication and Cost savings[18] and High-Risk Update.

[21] The accompanying press release states that the GAO 'cannot render an opinion on the 2010 consolidated financial statements of the federal government, because of widespread material internal control weaknesses, significant uncertainties, and other limitations'.

[21] As part of its initiative to advocate sustainability, the GAO publishes a Federal Fiscal Outlook Report,[22] as well as data relating to the deficit.

[27] The GAO confirmed in 2014 that its jurisdiction includes investigation of protests raising allegations of agency violation of the Procurement Integrity Act.

This new operational role augments GAO's performance audits related to S&T issues, including effectiveness and efficiency of U.S. federal programs.