Internal audit tools and techniques Flashcards
Where is the recording of engagement information documented?
The recording of engagement information is documented on working papers
Finish the sentence.
Working papers keep a record of…
All actions by the internal auditor and document the engagement’s objectives, procedures, evidence and communications
Why should working paper be kept?
To provide evidence that the internal auditor performed the engagement and can serve as a useful information source in subsequent engagements.
True or false
Working papers form the basis of the internal auditor’s opinion by, apart from substantiating engagement findings, offering a systematic, logical representation of information associated with the engagement.
True
State the different types of working paper files.
- Current, annual or carry-forward working paper files
- Permanent or perpetual working paper files
What does current working paper represent?
A set of working papers related to specific engagements performed during the current year.
What does current working paper include?
The specific engagement’s objectives, programmes, procedures, evidence, results and communications.
True or False
Internal auditors can include virtually anything that related to an engagement in the current working paper file, including unnecessary documents
False
Internal auditors can include virtually anything that related to an engagement in the current working paper file, but should avoid cluttering the file with unnecessary documents
True or false
The content of the current working paper file is independent from the nature of the engagement
False
The content of the current working paper file depends on the nature of the engagement
What are the contents of current working paper?
- Documents relating to the planning of the engagement
- Internal control questionnaires, system descriptions, flowcharts, control matrices, notes of interviews performed and other information related to the engagement.
- The engagement work programme
- The investigation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control activities
- The engagement procedures performed according to the engagement work programmes; the information obtained and conclusions drawn; and proof of review by senior persons
- Reporting on results of the engagement; engagement client and management comments; and a list to whom communications were distributed after the engagement
- Details of follow-up planned or performed
State the characteristics of working paper
- Normally standardised, but tailored according to needs of IAA
– Heading including name of client/dep/function, title and descr of content,
objective of WP, date/period of audit engagement
– Each WP signed and dated by preparer and reviewer – Each WP have reference number – All tick marks and symbols/legends should be explained
– Sources of data clearly identified
What is permanent or perpetual working paper files?
- Are relevant to more than one engagement and more general in nature
What is included in the permanent working paper?
A description of major activities, products, locations and job descriptions for an engagement clients, usually through system description, organisational chart or similar tool.
Can copies of the engagement client’s procedures manuals and other permanent documentation may be included in the permanent working paper files?
Yes
True or False
Permanent working paper files should be kept updated should changes occur at the engagement client
True
What is the purpose of permanent working paper files?
To be a source of reference for the internal auditor when planning or performing engagements
True or false
Working papers are under the control of the internal auditor activity
False
Working papers are under the control of the internal auditor activity, but they remain the property of the organization and should only be accessed by authorised individuals
Which parties should the CAE consider requests for access to working papers?
- External auditors
- Organizational staff
If the relationship with the third party does not constitute a working relationship (external auditors or organization’s attorneys).
Who should the CAE first obtain approval from?
- Senior management
- Legal counsel
True or false
The CAE should set a policy in place for the retention period for working papers.
True
What is the common length period organization keep documentation (working paper files) on site?
At least 3 years
Define the walk through test
Internal auditors perform walk-through tests to obtain an understanding of the engagement client’s processes, systems, operations and activities.
What does the walk through test give internal auditors?
An idea of how the process flows or a transaction is recorded, indicating the flow of documentation and actions, as well as the control activities present.
Finish the sentence
Interviews and enquires are used throughout the engagement to…
Gain information and evidence
What does interview usually refer to?
A more formal action where the internal auditor asks the engagement client in person a number of questions related to the engagement.
True or False
Interviews are normally scheduled as part of planning the engagement to gain an understanding of the engagement client.
True
What are enquiry referred as?
To an enquiry directed to personnel or to third parties regarding the application of certain procedures, and need not necessarily be as formal as interview
True or False
Enquiry can done only orally?
False
Enquiry can done orally or in writing
True or False
The internal auditor may rely solely enquiry for audit evidence
False
The internal auditor may not rely solely on enquiry for audit evidence, but may use it as a secondary source of information to supplement other sources of evidence