An internal auditor has recently received an offer from the manager of the marketing department of a weekend’s free use of his beachfront condominium. No engagement is currently being conducted in the marking department, and none is scheduled. The internal auditor
A. Should reject the offer and report it to the appropriate supervisor.
B. May accept the offer because its value id immaterial.
C. May accept the offer because no engagement is being conducted or planned.
D. May accept the offer if approved by the appropriate supervisor.
Answer (A) is correct.
REQUIRED: The true statement about the offer of a gift by a non-client member of the organization.
DISCUSSION: An internal auditor is not to accept fees, gifts, or entertainment from an employee, client, customer, supplier, or business associate. Accepting a fee or gift may imply that the auditor’s objectivity has been impaired. Even though an engagement is not being conducted in the appearance of impairment of objectivity. Thus, no consideration should be given to the engagement status as justification for receiving fees or gifts. The receipt to promotional items (such as pens, calendars, or samples) that are available to the general public and have minimal value do not hinder internal auditors professional judgments (PA 1130-1, para.4) Impairment of independence or objectivity, in fact or appearance, must be disclosed to appropriate parties (Atrr. Std. 1130)
Answer (B) is incorrect. The value of a weekend vacation is not immaterial.
Answer (C) is incorrect. The status of engagement is not a justification for receiving fees or gifts.
Answer (D) is incorrect. A supervisor may not approve unethical behavior.