AA – L2 – SA – Q2.4 – Auditor Roles

Internal and external auditors perform a variety of roles for companies.
For each of the below examples, select whether the service could be provided by external auditors only, internal auditors only, or by either.

  1.  Investigation into a material fraud committed in the entity
    A External auditors only
    B Internal auditors only
    C Either
  2.  Preparation of a report on the operating effectiveness of internal controls
    D External auditors only
    E Internal auditors only
    F Either

 C, F

Explanation:

  1. Fraud investigation (C) can be performed by either internal auditors (assessing internal processes) or external auditors (if engaged for forensic audit).
  2. Reporting on internal controls’ effectiveness (F) can be done by either, as internal auditors evaluate controls for management, and external auditors may report for assurance engagements. Thus, C and F are correct.