Being "effective" is best defined as a combination of design effectiveness and operating effectiveness. Design effectiveness refers to how well a control or process is structured to achieve its intended outcomes, while operating effectiveness assesses how well the control or process is functioning in practice. Together, these dimensions ensure that controls are not only well-designed but also effectively implemented and operational.References:
The parameters of an assessment include Scope, Criteria, and Nature of Testing. These elements define the boundaries and focus of the assessment:
Scope:Defines the areas, processes, and activities to be assessed.
Criteria:Specifies the standards, policies, and regulations against which the assessment will be conducted.
Nature of Testing:Describes the types and extent of testing procedures that will be employed to gather evidence and evaluate compliance and performance.
These parameters ensure that the assessment is well-structured, targeted, and aligned with the objectives and requirements of the organization.References:
ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems
To evaluate the operating effectiveness of controls, conducting control testing is essential. Control testing involves examining whether controls are operating as intended and are effective in mitigating risks. This type of testing assesses the design and implementation of controls to ensure they are functioning properly and achieving their intended purpose. Substantive testing, on the other hand, focuses on verifying the accuracy and validity of transactions and data, rather than the effectiveness of controls.References:
COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework
ISO 31000:2018 - Risk management – Guidelines
Question # 12
It is important to write the Assessment Report without the help of personnel who conduct the work being assessed
A.
True. Never involve those being assessed in anything.
B.
False. Always confirm observations and even recommendations because you might be mistaken.
It is important to confirm observations and recommendations with personnel who conduct the work being assessed. Engaging with them ensures accuracy and relevance in the findings and recommendations, as they provide context and insights that the assurance team might not have. This collaboration helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that the recommendations are practical and feasible for implementation.References:
ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems
COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework
Question # 13
A QUALIFIED assurance opinion or statement is
A.
An affirmative statement that subject matter conforms to the suitable criteria and is free from meaningful misunderstanding
B.
A statement that the assessment didn’t observe anything that makes us doubt whether subject matter conforms to the suitable criteria and is free from meaningful misunderstanding.
C.
A statement that the assessment encountered some limitations in what can be concluded and outside of those limitations a positive or negative statement can be offered.
A QUALIFIED assurance opinion or statement indicates that the assessment encountered some limitations, and outside of those limitations, a positive or negative statement can be offered. This type of opinion acknowledges that there are constraints that affected the scope or completeness of the assessment, but within the areas that could be reviewed, the assurance provider can still offer a conclusion. It is a way to communicate the assurance provider's findings while being transparent about any limitations that were encountered.References:
IIA Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing