8. While testing the effectiveness of inventory controls, the internal auditor makes a note in the working papers that most of the cycle count adjustments for the facility involved transactions of the machining department. The machining department also had generated an extraordinary number of cycle count adjustments in comparison with other departments last year. The internal auditor should
A. Interview management and other engagement procedures to determine whether transaction controls and procedures within the machining department are adequate.
B. Do no further work because the concern was not identified by the analytical procedures included in the engagement work program.
C. Notify internal auditing management that fraud is suspected.
D. Place a note in the working papers to review this matter in detail during the next engagement.
ANSWER (A) is correct.
REQUIRED: The internal auditor action when tests of controls reveal that most inventory count adjustments involve one department.
DISCUSSION: When analytical audit procedures identify unexpected results or relationships, the internal auditor evaluates such results or relationships. The auditor may ask management about the reasons for the difference and would corroborate management's explanation (PA 2320-1, para. 6).
Answer (B) is incorrect. The engagement work program is a guide that does not restrict the auditor from pursuing information unknown at the time that the program was written.
Answer (C) is incorrect. The facts do not yet support a conclusion that fraud has occurred.
Answer (D) is incorrect. The risk of a material misstatement of inventory should be addressed promptly.