19. A questionnaire consists of a series of questions relating to controls normally required to prevent or detect errors and fraud that may occur for each type of transaction. Which of the following is not an advantage of a questionnaire?
A. A questionnaire provides a framework that minimizes the possibility of overlooking aspects of internal control.
B. A questionnaire can be easily completed.
C. A questionnaire is flexible in design and application
D. The completed questionnaire provides documentation that the internal auditor become familiar with internal control.
Answer (C) is correct.
REQUIRED: The statement not an advantage of a questionnaire.
DISCUSSION: Questionnaires are designed to be inflexible in that the responses to certain questions are expected. Questionnaires are not easily adapted to unique situations. The approach that offers the most flexibility is a narrative memorandum describing internal control. The next most flexible approach is a flowchart.
Answer (A) is incorrect. A questionnaire provides a framework to assure that control concerns are not overlooked.
Answer (B) is incorrect. A questionnaire is relatively easy to complete. For the most part, only yes/no responses are elicited from management and employees.
Answer (D) is incorrect. The completed questionnaire can become part of the working papers to document the internal auditor's becoming familiar with the engagement client’s activities, risks, and controls.