16. The audit committee has raised a few issues that the internal audit activity will examine during an operational audit for the current year. When performing the preliminary survey, which of the following is not an appropriate technique?
A. Performing interviews.
B. Developing questionnaires.
C. Determining the largest risk of financial statement misstatement.
D. All of the answers are appropriate techniques.
Answer (C) is correct.
REQUIRED: The appropriate preliminary investigation techniques.
DISCUSSION: Determining potential misstatements is not the objective of an operational audit. Additionally, a final risk analysis is developed at a later time in the audit, not during the preliminary survey. A preliminary risk assessment is appropriate during this stage.
Answer (A) is incorrect. Performing interviews allows the auditor to explore objectives, goals, and standards of operation along with risks. The interview also allows the auditor to gain insights into management's style.
Answer (B) is incorrect. Questionnaires can trigger appropriate preparation for the auditor's arrival as well as give the auditor insight into the organization's operations.
Answer (D) is incorrect. The development and use of risk analysis to determine the largest risk of misstatement is not an appropriate preliminary survey technique.