A new internal auditor is tasked with auditing the supply chain. The system owner stated that the last internal auditor was terminated because the auditor discovered too many deficient controls. The auditor reports this conversation to their manager. Which of the following audit integrity principles BEST applies to this situation?
When an auditor is confronted with a situation where there might be undue pressure or influence, the integrity principle that best applies is to perform professional duties with honesty, diligence, and responsibility. The auditor demonstrates responsibility and ethical conduct by reporting the conversation to their manager, thereby ensuring transparency and maintaining the integrity of the audit process. This action aligns with the ethical requirement to act with honesty and diligence in all professional activities.
D is there to trick you, it doesn't exist. The Answer is B: "1.1. Shall perform their work with honesty, diligence, and responsibility." https://www.theiia.org/en/standards/what-are-the-standards/mandatory-guidance/code-of-ethics/
Agree!
D is not one of the principles....B is, although D seems more appropriate for the situation. This is a poorly worded question
Agree.
I would have selected B but when the question specifically mentions what is applied to this particular instance, it has to be D.
D is correct
Responsibility and Honesty is characterized by reporting the comment and continuing with your audit.
Answer B) Perform professional duties with honesty, diligence, and responsibility. https://www.isc2.org/ethics
Auditors have to maintain objectivity and be aware of anything that might affect their judgement - personal bias, outside pressure, etc. "The system owner stated that the last internal auditor was terminated because the auditor discovered too many deficient controls. " which would be considered outside pressure. Answer is D. Be aware of any influences that may be exerted on professional judgement. Independence may be impaired, for example, by external pressure or influence on auditors; prejudices held by auditors about individuals, audited entities, projects or programmes; recent previous employment with the audited entity; or personal or financial dealings which might cause conflicts of loyalties or of interests. Auditors have an obligation to refrain from becoming involved in all matters in which they have a vested interest. pg 5 #20 https://www.oas.org/juridico/PDFs/mesicic4_blz_code_%20ag.pdf
B. This scenario involves an auditor being tasked with auditing an area where a previous auditor seemingly faced retaliation for properly doing their job and finding control deficiencies. By reporting this conversation, the new auditor is upholding the audit integrity principle to perform duties with honesty, diligence and responsibility. The auditor has a responsibility to disclose any pressures or barriers that may impede their work, rather than ignoring or covering up issues. The other principles do not directly apply: A) Demonstrating competence is important but not the focus here. C) Acting per company policy is secondary to ethical conduct. D) Being aware of influences is good but the auditor is going further by reporting the pressure.
D is what could have happened (bias in his audit due to internal pressure) if the auditor would have not revealed this threat to his manager, so B is the correct answer, he acted to preserve the integrity of the audit
Answer is B. D is not a principle. Good answer though, but not to this question.