16. The internal auditor prepares working papers primarily for the benefit of
A. The external auditor.
B. The internal audit activity.
C. The engagement client.
D. Senior management.
ANSWER (B) is correct.
REQUIRED: The primary beneficiary of the internal auditor's working papers.
DISCUSSION: Engagement working papers generally (1) aid in planning, performance, and review of engagements; (2) provide the principal support for engagement results, (3) document whether engagement objectives were achieved: (4) support the accuracy and completeness of the work performed; (5) provide a basis for the internal audit activity's quality assurance and improvement program; and (6) facilitate review (PA 2330-1, para. 2). Hence, they primarily benefit internal auditors.