20. Working papers contain a record of engagement work performed and much confidential information. They are the property of the organization and remain under control of the internal audit activity, which is responsible for their security. Which of the following is the most important control requirement for working papers?
A. Allow access to working papers only to internal audit activity personnel.
B. Provide for the protection of working papers at all times and to the extent appropriate.
C. Make the administrative section of the internal audit activity responsible for the security of working papers.
D. Purge working papers periodically of materials that are considered confidential.
ANSWER (B) is correct.
REQUIRED: The most important control requirement for working papers.
DISCUSSION: Working papers should always be properly protected. During the field work, they should be in the internal auditor's physical possession or control or otherwise protected against fire, theft, or other disaster. For example, the internal auditor may use the engagement client's safe or security facilities. In the internal auditing office, they should be kept in locked files and should be formally signed out when removed from the files. When others (government auditors, the external audit firm, etc.) review the working papers, the reviews should take place in the internal auditing office. Secure files should be provided for long-term storage, and itemized records of their location should be maintained. When electronic working papers are placed online, computer system security measures should be similar to those used for other highly sensitive information of the organization.
Answer (A) is incorrect. Working papers may be shown to engagement clients or others if engagement objectives will not be compromised.
Answer (C) is incorrect. This arrangement is awkward for working papers needed at the engagement site.
Answer (D) is incorrect. Lack of relevance to future needs, not confidentiality, is the criterion for destruction of working papers.