Review notes are a tool used by engagement supervisors to ensure that audit workpapers and related documents are accurate, complete, and in line with auditing standards. According to the IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, these notes are part of the supervisory process, designed to improve the quality of the audit engagement.
Detailed Explanation:
IIA Standard 2340 - Engagement Supervision:
This standard emphasizes that audit engagements must be properly supervised to ensure that objectives are achieved, work is performed according to appropriate standards, and the results are supported by sufficient evidence. Review notes are part of this supervisory process.
Clearing Review Notes:
Once the concerns raised by the engagement supervisor are addressed, review notes serve their purpose and can be removed from the final documentation. This is standard practice, as the final workpapers should reflect only the resolved and agreed-upon findings and conclusions.
Documentation and Record Retention:
According to the IIA's standards, while it's essential to document that supervision took place, the specific review notes themselves do not need to be retained once the issues are resolved. The documentation should reflect the final outcome of the review process, ensuring that the audit work is thoroughly vetted.
IIA Practice Advisory 2330.A1-1:
This advisory highlights that workpapers should be complete, and clearing review notes helps in maintaining clarity and reducing unnecessary clutter in the final audit documentation.
Why Not Other Options?
Option B: This option suggests that management must address the review notes, which is incorrect. The engagement supervisor's notes are meant for the audit team, not management.
Option C: This option implies that the chief audit executive must sign the review notes, which is not a requirement by the IIA standards. The CAE ensures overall supervision but does not need to sign each review note.
Option D: While review notes do demonstrate supervision, they do not need to be retained after the concerns have been addressed.
Conclusion: Option A is correct because it reflects the best practice of clearing review notes once they have fulfilled their purpose during the audit process, aligning with IIA guidelines.