Management requested that the chief audit executive (CAE) include an audit of the organization's health and safety program in next year's annual audit plan. However, the internal audit activity has no expertise in this are
a. Which of the following would be the most appropriate actions for the CAE?
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:
Reference to IIA Standards:
Standard 1210 - Proficiency: The internal audit activity must possess or obtain the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to perform its responsibilities effectively.
If internal expertise is lacking, external resources or subject matter experts should be engaged.
Reasoning:
Option A is correct because collaborating with an internal expert ensures that the audit is performed competently while addressing the health and safety risks comprehensively.
Option B (amending the scope) avoids addressing critical risks, which may undermine the value of the audit.
Option C (relying on management's risk assessment) is inappropriate, as the internal audit function must independently evaluate the area.
Mitigating Lack of Expertise:
Leveraging subject matter experts ensures compliance with professional standards and the integrity of the audit process.
Which of the following best describes a compliance audit engagement?
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:
Reference to Compliance Auditing:
Definition: Compliance audits assess adherence to external laws, regulations, or internal policies and procedures.
Standard 2130 - Control: Internal audit must evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of controls to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Reasoning:
Option A is correct because assessing adherence to safety regulations is a compliance activity focused on legal and regulatory conformity.
Option B (analyzing economic activity) relates more to financial auditing or accounting standards compliance, not regulatory compliance.
Option C (reviewing an external service provider's risk management process) aligns with a risk or assurance engagement, not compliance.
Impact of Compliance Audits:
Ensuring adherence to legal requirements protects the organization from regulatory penalties and enhances operational integrity.
Which of the following is most likely to be considered an internal audit assurance service?
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:
Reference to IIA Standards:
Definition of Assurance Services: Assurance services involve the objective examination of evidence to provide an independent assessment of governance, risk management, and control processes.
Compliance engagements align with assurance services by verifying adherence to laws, regulations, or internal policies.
Reasoning:
Option C qualifies as assurance because it involves assessing whether compliance requirements are met.
Option A (process design) and Option B (facilitation) are advisory in nature and fall under consulting services, not assurance.
Impact on the Organization:
Compliance assurance engagements provide critical oversight, helping organizations maintain accountability and avoid regulatory penalties.
Which of the following statements is appropriate to include in a high-quality internal audit engagement communication?
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:
Reference to IIA Standards:
Standard 2420 - Quality of Communications: Reports should be accurate, objective, clear, concise, constructive, and complete.
Findings must be presented factually and free from assumptions or bias.
Reasoning:
Option A is correct because it presents the purpose, timing, and findings in a clear and professional manner, allowing management to take informed action.
Option B lacks balance and shifts responsibility for identifying root causes to management without actionable recommendations.
Option C includes a biased assumption, undermining the report's objectivity and professionalism.
Impact of Quality Communication:
High-quality communications support decision-making by presenting findings and recommendations constructively.
Which of the following best ensures that the internal audit activity is free from undue interference from management?
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:
Reference to IIA Standards:
Standard 1110 - Organizational Independence: The chief audit executive (CAE) must report functionally to the board to ensure independence.
The audit charter must define the CAE's functional reporting line to the board, securing protection from undue management influence.
Reasoning:
Option C addresses the foundational document---the audit charter---that establishes the CAE's authority and independence.
Option A refers to operational standards, but they do not directly safeguard against interference.
Option B strengthens governance but is secondary to the audit charter in securing independence.
Impact:
A robust audit charter formalizes the CAE's reporting relationship and ensures organizational independence, empowering internal audit.
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