25. The internal audit activity has concluded a fraud investigation that revealed a previously undiscovered materially adverse impact on the financial position and results of operations for 2 years on which financial statements have already been issued. The chief audit executive should immediately inform
A. The external auditing firm responsible for the financial statements affected by the discovery
B. The appropriate governmental or regulatory agency.
C. Senior management and the board
D. The internal accounting functions ultimately responsible for making corrective journal entries.
Answer (C) is correct.
REQUIRED: The parties informed of the results of a fraud investigation.
DISCUSSION: The CAE is responsible for timely reporting of any incident of significant fraud or erosion of trust to senior management and the board. This includes a previously undiscovered materially adverse effect on the financial position and results of operations of an organization for 1 or more years on which financial statements have already been issued.
Answer (A) is incorrect. Management should communicate with the external auditors.
Answer (B) is incorrect. Management should communicate with the governmental agencies.
Answer (D) is incorrect. Management should communicate with the accounting function.