17. Engagement working papers are indexed by means of reference numbers. The primary purpose of indexing is to
A. Permit cross-referencing and simplify supervisory review.
B. Support the final engagement communication.
C. Eliminate the need for follow-up reviews.
D. Determine that working papers adequately support observations, conclusions, and recommendations.
ANSWER (A) is correct.
REQUIRED: The primary purpose of indexing.
DISCUSSION: Indexing permits cross-referencing.
It is important because it simplifies supervisory review either during the engagement or subsequently by creating a trail of related items through the working papers. It thus facilitates preparation of final engagement communications, later engagements the same engagement client, and internal and external assessments of the internal audit activity.
Answer (B) is incorrect. The working papers as a whole should support the final engagement communication.
Answer (C) is incorrect. Follow-up is necessitated by engagement client conditions, not the state of working papers.
Answer (D) is incorrect. The purpose of supervisory review of working papers is to determine that working papers adequately support observations, conclusions, and recommendations.